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...

Much happened to me and to those I love recently; some was rough, however, most made me smile.  I'm grateful for the good things and for everyone in my life.

My dear friend, Emma, finished a huge project that she began in December; she wrote a bookazine for children on gardening.  I am immensely proud of her and praise her for all her good and hard work. Congratulations, Emma!  You deserve a huge celebration because you worked so hard and you are an amazing lady. 

A few weeks ago, my dad's neurologist prescribed Aricept for Dad's memory and confusion (it's mostly used for Alzheimer's but also works for Lewy Body Dementia).  The past two weeks, MY DAD, the man I love with all my heart, began to reappear after 18 months of slowly disappearing.  I can see him coming back just by the look on his face as well as his sense of humor. 

Dad cracked me up Saturday night when we got home from my nephew Adam's wedding.  I brought the mail into the house, sorted it, and handed his mail.  Dad got an advertisement from a hearing aid company and he told me to "Trash that," then he waited a couple of seconds then asked me, "Say what?!"  He and I busted out laughing and Mom came in to see what we were laughing so hard about.  He's such a hoot.

My nephew Adam got married on Saturday to a lovely young lady, Shalise.  I'm so happy for them and they're such a beautiful couple.  I'm so proud... my little buddy grew up to be such an incredible young man.  Shalise is sweet and I know she loves Adam very much and he's in good hands.  (click on photos to EMBIGGEN)

They didn't have a traditional reception (YAY - Utah receptions are grueling), instead they had a big dinner for family and close friends.  It was perfect and everyone had a great time.  Taking photos outside was freezing, especially for Shalise!  Here is a photo of Adam, Shalise, my brother J Dee, SIL Patti, all their children, grandchildren, and my parents. 

Besides the wedding, there was exciting news to celebrate.  My cousin Teria and her husband are expecting their second child in September, her little sister, Lindsay, is getting married in August, and my nephew Jason is getting married in September.  Jason is J Dee and Patti's last child at home... at last, they'll have a honeymoon period.  It's great to see them so much in love still.  Patti asked me to take a photo of her and J Dee in front of the Bountiful Temple yesterday and I was honored to.

I got to see and hold cute little Eli and while my hands were full of her, my sister, Susie grabbed my camera and took a photo of Eli and me.  Geez.  That's the last time I leave my camera within her reach!  LOL  I might be persuaded to post it for Wordless Wednesday this week  ;-). 

My friend and partner-in-crime, Linda, is moving to my building at work!  We're both so excited.  We worked in the same building for almost 10 years before my organization moved to our current building, which is across the base (Hill AFB).  We used to play jokes constantly... especially the remote-controlled fart machine.  Ah, those were the days...  and NO - we'll never grow up.  We bring the best out in each other, that's for sure! 

I went spending when I got my tax return and bought a DVD-Recorder/VCR combination and a new camera lens.  The DVD Recorder, I used for dubbing a VHS tape of my family in 1990 and 1991.  I cracked up at most of it but there definitely treasures on the tape.  My late grandma and late SIL, Lisa were in parts... it took me back to that time and it felt as if they're not gone but when the tape was over, it hit me again that they are gone.  BUT - the great things are their memories and the fact that their memories are brought to life again.  I am excited to share them with my family.  I chatted with my niece, Morgan, Saturday, who was only 5 years old when her mom died.  This will be a chance for Morgan to see her mom in action and to hear her voice; she has all sorts of photos but nothing like a video.  It made me feel really good to see the look on Morgan's face when I told her. 

The video that cracked me up royally was my nephew Adam when he was 5, singing a naughty/kids version of the "Popeye the Sailor Man" and the camp song, "Scab Salad,"  while hanging upside down, eyes covered, and a pair of eyes and a nose painted on his chin.  I need to splice it and post it one of these days...............  Adam actually remembers doing it and how much fun we had.  There are more videos to be found and put on DVDs... now to find them! 

The camera lens I bought is a Olympus Zuiko 50mm Macro Telephoto lens and it is ooooo so lovely.  Here are photos of a mini purple calla lily, black jelly beans, tiny water droplets on foil.  I SO love this new lens!!   Now, if the snow would melt off the lawn and flower gardens so the lovely spring flowers can grow.  (The calla lily is in my house)

     

I got through my first time of "teaching" The Leadership Challenge Workshop last week.  My co-teacher said I did well but need to work on my confidence level.  He's right and next time, I should do better.  This week is Interviewing Skills and the Mock Interview is my section and I always have so much fun with it.  I appreciate all your good thoughts my way - it's great having my own cheer leading squad. 

The last thing is a bit sad.  My sexy man hurt his leg (at work - injured it twice) and had surgery on Saturday to reattach the thigh muscle to the bone.  I told him that I was kidding about both of us needing wheelchairs...  Sheesh.  *snicker*  Let your mind go where it will... it made him laugh.  He should be back to work in ten days and will have to wear a brace for a few weeks.  Hmmm... that means behaving.... at work, I mean.   

Warning: This video is not child nor work safe... no porno just hard laughs. *snicker*



P.S. Thanks, Dawn! and Phhhht to Photobucket! ;-)

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!

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. 

My family's Thanksgiving was a lot of fun - mainly thanks to my two nephews, Travis and Adam.  I don't remember much about what they were talking about, just that I was laughing.  My brother has a very nice big-screen TV and it's the gathering place for the men on Thanksgiving; it's the football den.  This is the first year in so long that they have not stayed downstairs to watch football and they admitted it was one of the most fun Thanksgivings they could remember.  Nephew Jason got squished by Travis and Adam when he came up from the football den to get some food.  Perhaps this is some of what goes on in the den... at least when I am not down there.  ;-)  (Click photos to EMBIGGEN)

They posed for me trying to be super models or something...  my sister Susie got wet-willied when she left but she didn't seem to mind, which has me a bit worried, but I digress.  

 

We had a lot of family there and Elyssa made a new friend who let her play with her hair.  She is my SIL Patti's niece and I tried to warn her about what she was getting into because of my past hair trauma, but she managed to escape unscathed and with all her hair. 

Then there was sweet baby Eli who has grown in the three weeks since I've seen her.  I held her for about half an hour while she slept, despite all the chaos that surrounded her.  Then mommy, Sara, came to get her and since she's the mommy, she's the boss.  When my brother J Dee came to see if my arms needed a rest, I told him no.  ;-)   

J Dee got his turn though, he got Eli and his other granddaughter, Katelyn at the same time.   He is such a good grandpa and it does my heart good to see him glow with love when he's holding any of his grandchildren. 

My niece, Nichole, was there too.  Really there - she's gone through some rough times the last couple of years or so but she's back.  She's got two adorable kids and a great husband and it's so great to have her back.  The caring, fun, and sweet person has returned and we had a good talk.

I do, indeed, have much to be thankful for and family is just the tip of it.  

Today, I head back to work!  I have to say the past three weeks has gone by quickly and I'm a little excited about going back to work.  No, I don't have a fever... but am excited to get back into my life again.

© KJR

I should have been suspicious when my friend Linda entered the restaurant with a big box under her arm.  She's a sneaky one (but I must admit, she's my partner-in-crime).  Then a card was passed to everyone at the table except for me - my friends Jackie, Renate, and Sandi kept me entertained so I wouldn't ask to sign the card too or inquire what it was for.  I quickly surmised that the card and the gift were for me, for getting my degree. 

After the waitress took our order and returned with our drinks, Linda handed me the plain-paper wrapped box with a lovely orange ribbon and a white card.  I removed the card and Linda pointed out there was something missing wrapping paper and I looked and there was a large "8 inch" staring me in the face.  The waitress saw it and began to giggle as I turned beet-red.  Having memories of past gifts from my friends flash in my mind, I thought I was in for it again.  We were not at the NCO club as in years past where all sorts of naughty goodies were given for birthday and big occasions, so I hoped that being in a restaurant where families came, my friends would surely not pull another vibrating gift on me.  

After the blood left my face, I grabbed my camera for a photo while I was laughing, then took my chances of opening the gift.  I was pleasantly surprised that it did not vibrate, however, it needed electricity.  They gave me a 8 inch Video Photo Frame!  I could hardly believe my eyes; I'm spoiled. 

Speaking of being spoiled, my friends at work gave me a beautiful jewelry box, which is perfect for two other gifts I received.  Dawn gave me some gorgeous gold and amethyst earrings and Pam (Southernblog) gave me a beautiful silver and black bracelet with a silver heart with initial on it. 

The gifts mean the world to me and I will always treasure them.  I also treasure all the congratulations from all of you too.  I'm not "walking" until June, but I have my official transcripts and my company verified my degree.  My family is waiting until June for the festivities - or so I've been told.  Yesterday, at a family gathering, my aunt told me that someone should throw me a party and I laughed and said, "I'm off the party planning committee, someone else will have to take over." 

Yes, indeed.  The Party Planner Karen is off duty after the two big parties I planned this past year.  Now is MY turn to party! 

It's incredible how much laughter and joy that comes from one moment in time.  Yesterday, my coworkers had a little celebration for my graduation and they gave me a bouquet of balloons.  I brought them home and shared two with my niece, Elyssa.  You would have thought I gave her all the balloons in the world. 

She jumped and squealed with joy as she pulled the balloons down then watched them go up again.  My heart soared with each giggle and smile and I'm not likely to forget how much fun I had with her.  

As I wrote earlier this week about miracles, Elyssa is a big miracle.  Despite developmental delays from an unknown cause (still no diagnosis), she remains happy and loving.  The doctors first said that she may never walk, then it was that she would not learn her alphabet, numbers, or normal things for her age but they were wrong.  She is a little behind in her gross motor skills still, but she keeps progressing.

She's going to school in a special program and LOVES it.  She loves to ride the bus to and from school and she loves her teachers and classmates.  She cannot express her feelings in many words but she's got the most expressive eyes and smile.   

Once she begins to speak more, whether it's vocal or through signing, I envision her soaring like those balloons.  Up, up, and away. 

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! 

the WORLD SERIES, Colorado Rockies versus Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park tonight, 6pm Mountain Time and I am ready.  I love both teams so it will be a little difficult to choose sides.  

Today is "wear your favorite team's baseball jersey" at work and a co-worker who is a die-hard *cough, cough* Y*nk**s fan told me I needed to wear my Colorado t-shirt and leave my Red Sox jersey at home.  Like I'm falling for that.

This is the same man that I harassed teased the day after the Y*nk**s lost the World Series to the Red Sox in 2004.  He was teaching a class and I walked passed the door to the classroom, wearing my Red Sox jersey proudly, and lingered a bit to catch his eye.  He stopped talking, grabbed his chest, and said, "Oh Karen, you're killin' me!"  The entire class looked back and me and cheered me on and a few voices yelled, "YEAH RED SOX!"  He has not forgiven me for that day yet *evil grin*.

Would it be too much if I wore my Red Sox jersey open with my Colorado t-shirt underneath?   

The third day, Saturday, was overcast and had threats of rain but it didn't keep us from going out on a couple of drives. Dad stayed at the cabin since he was still recovering from the negative affects of gallivanting with us in West Yellowstone the day before.

Mom, Lou Jean, and I decided to go for a drive up Black Rock Canyon, which was near the cabin, first. The fall colors were stunning against the green of the pines and evergreens.

We drove quite high up the canyon and saw the valley below.

We had to go potty by the time we made our way back down so we stopped at the cabin and fixed a sandwich before going around Henry's Lake.

It was raining quite a bit by then but we still pressed on. I hoped to get closer to the lake but we went on the wrong road to get close to it (as we found out!). It was a beautiful drive though.

Along the way, I saw a road sign that I thought said, "Spotted Potty" and just past the road was an outhouse.

I had to turn around to take a photo of this sign and when I did, I cracked up because it actually said, "Spotted Pony Road." Mom and Lou Jean laughed too and said, "Only you, Karen." Why thank you! LOL

We continued along the road and the north end of Mount Sawtell was in front of us - as if we were looking right up his nose. Again, Mom and Lou Jean laughed and said that only I would think of that. Aren't they sweet?!

We ended up on the main road again and stopped at the Mack's Inn area where I got out of the car - in the rain - and took some photos of the Snake River.

There is a lot of history of Mack's Inn, originally there was a large lodge, grocery store, gift shop, motel, etc., but unfortunately, it all burned down a few years ago. They still call the area Mack's Inn but the lodge was never rebuilt. There are small businesses, a post office, and fishing still but it's far from being the Mack's Inn I remember.

After we got back to the cabin, everyone laid down for a nap. I got up after a few minutes and went outside before I fixed dinner. I walked back towards the river and noticed some moose prints, which is nothing new. However, I did see some bear tracks! They were a small black bear, I'm guessing; they weren't big enough for a grizzly. They weren't fresh tracks but had come through some time that day because the rain hadn't washed them away completely. Needless to say, I headed back into the cabin. I stood on the back deck and listened to the wind through the trees and the river flow - it was so beautiful. I shot this video:

I made a yummy dinner then we sat at the kitchen table and played dominoes for a while then decided to watch a movie. Lou Jean hadn't seen Wild Hogs yet so we watched that. About five minutes before the end, all of the sudden, hell broke loose, in the form of a bat flying out of the fireplace! It flew over me first and I screamed and hid my face under my pillow. The bat proceeded to fly around the room, over Mom, Dad, and Lou Jean's heads then it disappeared.

We turned on every light in the cabin and we each had a flashlight to find the darn thing. *shivers* We moved everything on the walls but didn't find it. Finally, about 45 minutes later, we were looking in the back bedroom, where we were sure it was, and voila, there is was on a wall facing the living room. Mom handed me the broom and said, "go for it." Thanks Mom................

I swung, hit it, but not hard enough to kill it. It flew over my head and down to the other side of the room above my aunt's bed. I swung and hit it again, but again, not hard enough to kill it. It then went behind the bed and we had to pull the bed out to get to it. I crawled on the bed and I located it and it was just hanging there on the log.

EWW. UGLY, UGLY! However, that didn't prevent me from getting my camera and taking a photo (actually, I was keeping it there with the flash! LOL) and besides, I wanted proof of what I was about to do. My third strike was here... I had to get it.

I didn't have enough leverage on my knees so I had to stand up on the bed. My aunt yelled "Tuwanda!" (From the movie, Fried Green Tomatoes) as I was about to swing, and I yelled it as I took my swing. Smack. I got it and had it trapped. I needed to get it to a flat surface because the logs were too rounded and I couldn't get it good enough. I hurt it enough that it finally dropped to the floor and I stomped on it with the bottom of the broom.

Feet under the broom... not moving. Success! The bat was finally dead!

Tuwanda!! GO ME!

We needed to be buried but it was raining out and we ran the risk of running into more bats and bigger critters so Lou Jean had the good idea of burning it in the kitchen stove. We giggled and went forward with the plan. I swept the bat into a big paper bag and handed it off to Lou Jean. Lou Jean carried it through the living room and my parents followed her, and I trailed behind with my camera in hand. Mom and Lou Jean stuffed it into the stove and waited for the bag to begin to burn. Burn, baby, burn.

Nasty bats. We had a nice cremation ceremony which consisted of lots of WOOHOOs, Tuwandas, and giggles.

With sweet relief, we went back into the bedroom to put the bed back in its place and were greeted by the awful stench that the bat left behind. I didn't notice before because I was high on adrenalin, but oh - it was BAD. Lou Jean and I sprayed air freshener while gagging and giggling. We ended up cracking the back door to get the smell to vacate.

We went back into the living room once we got everything cleared out and finished the movie. Lou Jean asked, "What should we watch next?" I piped up and asked, "Do you have Batman up here?" That got us all laughing again. We started watching a movie but didn't finish it; it was nearly about midnight and we were tired. Most the heebiegeebies had gone away (thanks to Xanax for me!) by then.

Here is a video that shows the lay of the land, so to speak, and takes you through the adventure without the bat flying around. It didn't start out to be about said flying things, so sit back and enjoy the sound of the rain.



I also decided to make myself a bat killing license with a Flickr Toy:

Tomorrow, I'll write about day four; the downhill end of my trip.

The ride we took went over the bridge where we fed the fish earlier that morning (Big Springs, Idaho) and we parked in the parking lot where our cabin was built and have a look around. Here are some photos looking down at the river, where we once had a view and a dock.

I used to sit on that log in the river as a kid

Then we drove about a mile down the river to the old railroad bridge and boat landing. Everything to the west of the boat landing (up river) is protected area. No boats, fishing, or people are allowed in the river. Which is why we cannot have a dock where the cabin is now and one of the reasons we had to move the cabin 22 years ago.

Lou Jean stayed in her car in the parking lot of the landing which was a short walk to the landing. Lou Jean was going to be on the lookout for bears and moose and if she saw any, she was supposed to honk the horn.

Mom and I walked down a boarded sidewalk, through some brush to get there. We heard some rustling but were pretty sure it was a small animal or a bird, but it gave us the creeps. We made it to the boat landing and the bridge safely and had a great time.

I found myself obsessed with photographing the railroad bridge. I got some great angles and it seemed as if I was looking at it for the first time in my life.

This is a view from under the bridge

This is looking down river.

As I was taking photos of the trees around the boat landing, all of the sudden, I heard Lou Jean start her car. I looked past the brush and saw her lights were on. I started to freak a bit and told Mom that Lou Jean started her car. Mom just looked at me with the deer in the headlights type of look. I'm used to freaking out but not Mom! Animals usually don't bother her... but this year was different; probably because there have been grizzly sightings.

We stood still and listened but couldn't hear any rustling. Then we started talking really loud and then Mom said she heard Lou Jean honk her horn. "Oh shit," I thought, the only way out was through the brush or around the brush next to the forest. We started yelling to Lou Jean and waving our arms to tell us to come get us! She finally got the message and drove down.

We climbed into her car so quickly, in a panic, and we asked her, "What did you see? Where is it?!" She did not know what we were talking about. She started her car because she needed to charge her cell phone while talking to her daughter and she never did honk. Thanks, Mom! We laughed and laughed about that. I got out of the car and took a few more photos but I had the creeps still so I decided I had enough.

I wanted to stop at the springs again to get some photos at sunset and that is when we encountered the big bull moose in the river. Lou Jean pulled off the side of the road and I snapped the photos.

I used my telephoto lens and was about 100 feet away, unlike the idiots who were standing on the side of the road with children (babies and toddlers) when their cars were way up in the parking lot - a heck of a run! Luckily it wasn't bothered by them.

It was such a gorgeous night but was too dark to go anywhere else so we decided to settle in at the cabin and watch a movie. Another early night... but it was a fun-filled day! The biggest adventure will be posted tomorrow, so stand by! :-)

I had a busy but nice weekend; on Friday, I increased on everything at physical therapy (GO ME!). I'm now up to 3 miles (12 minutes) on the bike, 7 minutes on the Total Gym, doubled my leg/hip exercises, then spent an hour in the pool and tried new exercises in there. The rest of Friday, I don't recall exactly what I did, but I do know I did something. I remember that evening, I designed the invitations for my parent's anniversary party. I printed them out Saturday and yesterday, I cut them. I have two lists made for assignments and things I need to do this week (get addresses, etc.) I'm beginning to see why my siblings let me be the planner; they're still punishing me for being the youngest ;-).

My doctor appointments went well - the Remicade helps my RA so much now that I'm past the "fluish" feeling, it does an excellent job easing my joint pain. I got some relieving news at the foot doctor; the pain I've had in my right foot (the one I broke last Dec) is not from the break but it's from neuromas, just like I have on my left foot. They're basically growths on the nerves and I feel as if I'm walking on big marbles and pain shoots up through my second and third toes. Two options: surgery to remove the nerves or alcohol shots to kill the nerves - of course, I chose the shots.

Monica felt bad for me when I told her about the shots so I sent her a photo of my bruised feet in jest. She was going to show them to her daughter, the Force of Nature, to show that it's OK to get shots. I will spare you all the photo unless you're curious in a sick way *snortle*, I will email it to you. I will say that I didn't bruise as badly as I usually do so it's not all that exciting to see.

It wouldn't be a weekend if I didn't go outside and take photos, now would it? I was happy to see the first bloom of Ashley's Peace rose:


Then there were many blooms on Ashley's purple rose (that Dawn gave me):


I've also made a new little friend; he belongs to one of my neighbors (don't be getting any ideas!) and every time I am in the backyard taking photos, he comes to find me. He's such a sweetie and I've had fun petting him.


Now, to the nuts...while out taking photos of my poppies, I noticed some furry little buds and took a couple of shots. When I offloaded the photos to my computer and examined them on my computer, I'll be darned if they didn't look like nuts *snortle* and not the crunchy type.


Am I wrong? ;-) I even shot them in RAW. Oh gee whiz, I crack myself up.

I hope you all had a great weekend!

Since it's Monday, we all need some smiles.

Since it is Andrea's birthday, I have a surprise for her. One of her birthday wishes was for The Pickle *snortle* (it's her favorite radio station) to play Yummy, Yummy, Yummy by Ohio Express. Just in case they don't, here's this version. Even if they do play it, this is a hoot. Happy birthday, Andrea!!



Saturday evening, I took a break from all my homework because I could hear my niece E, squealing outside. I took my new camera along and snapped away while she was playing in a small swimming pool. Have I mentioned how much I love my new camera?!! SLR's rock!



I managed to get my Geology mid-term done in about 8 hours on Friday then Saturday I read five chapters (between Geology and Study of Family). Then I read through my research docs and books then wrote the intro of my term paper, which isn't all I wanted to get done but it's all I could do. I'm also reading another book for extra credit (I'm a glutton for punishment!) and am making notes for a book report (two pages for 100 points!). I managed to watch the Texas Rangers vs. Boston Red Sox games Saturday night and Sunday afternoon; I do have my priorities ;-) Yesterday was a ME ME ME day. I slept in until 10:30 (which I rarely do!) and was a complete bum all day (by my standards... I did do a couple of constructive things).

Have a wonderful day and I hope everyone had a great weekend!!

P.S. Ohhhhhhhhhh it's a short week for the 4th of July!

1. Gee whiz, it's Thursday again already, which isn't a bad thing since it means time is flying by. It's been a busy week with 1.5 days of training at work for a new system which means new opportunities *grin* School is taking the other chunk of my time; I was wrong to think the online geology class wouldn't be too much work. Ha. I have to find a place to go on a "field trip" to find igneous rocks and explain the history. Sure, there's igneous rocks all over but they're not marked with history signs. If I cannot find a place in Ogden, I may have to go to south Salt Lake to the Little Cottonwood canyon granite mine trail. That wouldn't be too bad but travel time would be about three hours total.

2. My niece Sara texted me yesterday to tell me she and Travis found an apartment. They almost got a house but it fell through so they'll have to live in an apartment for a while. I'd like to find some time to help them settle in this weekend. I can't help them move but I can unpack boxes and organize; if they need help there.

3. The funniest thing happened with my dad over the weekend. You'll notice the little tear in his eye in the photo; it's not from crying, it's from laughing. Dad went into the kitchen for a little snack and as he left, Mom noticed a round brown spot on his jeans. She said, "J.R., what do you have on your pants?!!!" (thinking it was poo!) He said, "I don't know dear, what do I have on my pants?" She looked to see what it really was and she started laughing; it was a tootsie roll. He thought for a minute then remembered what he did, he was eating a small tootsie roll (the size bigger than the midgey) and it was a little hard so he put it under his leg to warm and soften it but then forgot about it so it stuck on his pants. He was laughing so hard, he could barely tell me what happened. No poo here, just a tootsie roll!

4. Referring back to last week's Gee Whiz Thursday post, I sent my online geology teacher an email regarding a missing section of the lecture. Pulling a Karen, basically, but really not intending said email to sound dirty. My teacher wrote me back finally, and I can't say I knew quite how to take his response - you know, with my mind and how sensitive I was to the email I wrote. Here is his response:

Sorry--that lecture not quite completed--just a "stub" there.

How do I respond - "Oh dear, sorry about your luck?" or what I chose to do - not respond at all.

5. Your's truly made the Spring 2007 Dean's List (W00T)! Gee whiz, this is #8 of 8 times possible for the Dean's List. *patting myself on the back, doing the cha, cha, cha dance, and chewing gum at the same time*

6. The biggest GEE WHIZ this week is my new camera! It arrived Tuesday night. WOOOOOHOOOOO! Isn't it puuurdy!?


I haven't had time to play with it yet since it takes a weird battery pack and it came with a rechargeable battery and a charger and the battery took over five hours to charge. Drats. I turned it on yesterday morning before work to make sure it worked and it's clear I'll need to read the instructions to operate it. Instructions, gee whiz, what a novel idea.

Yesterday, I stayed home from work because my cough/bronchitis was worse; probably due to being out in the cold Saturday night and all the partying. Sunday I felt like complete . I used the old family remedy of a mustard plaster on my chest (a natural inflammatory and draws junk out of the body) and fell asleep with it on. Not a good thing. It burned my chest and looked and feel like I've got a lovely sunburn. Ooops.

Now, to the buzz. Yesterday morning I was drifting in/out of sleep between coughs and blowing my nose when I kept hearing a buzzing/vibrating sound coming from my pillow or in close proximity of my pillow. I thought my phone was vibrating but I checked that and it was on "ring" and showed no signs of vibrating. NO, it wasn't the G-Whiz, there were breaks between buzzes; it wasn't constant and no fun was being had *snicker* .

I figured it would stop eventually, whatever it was, and I went to sleep. Later when I woke up, I figured out what it was. It was ME that was buzzing - or a better word would be wheezing. It's a good thing the doc gave me an inhaler; two puffs and the wheezing pretty much stopped.

I managed to drag my to Management class last night. Not out of dedication but because I *thought* we were supposed to work on a case study and there is no way I could make up the work. BUT we got half way through the class and he told us the case study will be Wednesday night. That was my cue to leave; I warned him that I may be leaving early.

This morning, I still feel like but feeling more like I belong among the living so I'm going to work this afternoon to video tape the Presentation Skills Workshop. That is dedication... or stupidity... have not decided which. It is fun to video tape, actually, so perhaps it's that.

I hope everyone had a great weekend and have a great day today!

Wanted: your old, your down- trodden, thread bare, your holey Jockey Tank Tops.  Just not any fabric will do, they must be the ribbed cotton. 

My mother needs your help for a worthy cause.  As the photo shows, this is what she is reduced to using.  Her daughter (who is probably ME) has not been satisfactorily donating her tanks to her cause. Mom has been reduced to sewing this holey tank top four times but still refuses to give it up until she can have a replacement. 

By helping her, you will be helping me.  I beg you to help.  The coveted look in Mom's eyes when she sees one of my tanks is beginning to scare me.  I'm afraid I'll come home one day to find all my tanks have been cut up for dusting rags. 

Yes, I said dusting rags.  She swears these are the only dusting rags that pick up 99.99999999999% of dust. 

In many ways, I am becoming my mother, but this, I swear, I will never do.  I draw the line at clipping coupons and washing and reusing the ziplock slide lock bags.  Oh no... I just realized something.  I do like cut up old towels for cleaning and won't use anything else, but I will use old t-shirts for dusting, any type will do.  Whew, there is hope for me.    I think.