Last fall, Ellen mentioned something about what the side effects of the medications were doing to her face and she felt conscientious about her appearance.  It broke my heart that she would feel that way and I was inspired to write the following poem for her.  She said she loved it and it warmed my heart to know that.  She was such a beautiful person. 

The beauty of a friend
Is not seen through outward appearances
Beauty is seen through caring eyes
And felt through unconditional love.

The beauty of a friend
Is shown through the touch
Of a caring hand in a time of need
To feel the compassion and understanding.

The beauty of a friend
Is proven by unselfishly giving
Of their self, even in their troubled times,
Always helping and never judging.

The beauty of a friend
Is given through a kind comment
And words of encouragement
When one needs it the most.

A beauty of a friend
Is defined many ways
But the most simple way
Is to say, it’s you.

-- KJR
28 November 2006 

Rest in peace, sweet Ellen.  You were such an inspiration to me; not giving up even when the news was grim.  You were a true friend and shared my tears and listened when my cat Ashley was ill and then when she died.  Sending love and hugs to you in Heaven. 

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! 

I submitted my "Yellow Rose of Utah" photo to pictures.com and they're having a contest.  I'm being a vote whore because I want to win a prize.  Would you mind going HERE to rate my photo?  Thanks!! 

This little girl, the Doodlebug, as I call her (my niece E), has me by the heart strings, actually, all my niece and nephews do but I must admit I haven't been tortured and horrified by anything like this before. 

When my nephew Travis was little, I used to take him to all the He-Man movies, watch the cartoons, watch Rainbow Bright, and other shows.  With my nephew Adam, it was Winnie the Pooh (he claims it was I that I watched it more than he did, which may have some truth to it) and he remembers that we used to watch the movie, Dirty Dancing, and Adam would pretend to be Johnny and dance on the tree log.  Ah, good times. 

Now, here is the contrast and shows how much I love her... and perhaps how nuts I am.  I've been DVRing Barney & Friends for her every day and then taping the eps on a videotape so she can watch one episode after another.  I'm wondering why on earth I don't just go out and buy some DVDs of Barney so I won't be tormented so.  For two straight hours while I was reading my textbooks for school this past weekend, I was subjected to Barney.  I found myself reading ahead to the listening music exercises just so I could tune out Barney.

There is one song that caught my attention and I agree with it, Everybody Needs a Nap, and I wonder why nap times aren't set aside for adults too.  It's pure discrimination... perhaps I'll start a petition because it needs to be a law that everyone gets a nap every day. 

Tomorrow my sister Susie is having knee surgery and I will take care of her and stay with her until Wednesday.  I'm taking my laptop with me for work but unfortunately, there is no internet connections so I'll be cut off from the world.  I intend to take some good DVDs with me to keep us well entertained.

I spent the majority of the weekend doing homework but at least I'm not so stressed as I was (I cannot stand being behind!). I enjoyed a total PJ day yesterday, rested my knee, and pottered around getting some things done.  I watched my DVD of Wild Hogs and snorted and giggled just as much as I did in the theatres. 

No news on the kitty yet, I am pissed the animal officer never came back with a trap and the kitty is still here.  I cannot stand to see her waste away so I'm still feeding her.  My dad said he would call this morning and take care of it for me because he knows how hard it is for me.  I want this kitty to find a good home with someone that can help her behavioral issues or if she is lost, that her owners find her again. 

A dear lady and friend, Merle, gave me the Inspirational Blogger Award last week and I'm completely honored to be among all those who are inspirational.  Now, it's my turn to give the award to five deserving people. There are more than five who inspire me so this was difficult to narrow the awards down.

The first award is to the Sweet and Sassy, Vickie.  She inspires me in many ways each and every day.  She fights MS (Missy) with such strength, even when she does not feel that she as the strength to fight.  She is always there for me no matter how she feels and makes me laugh and feel better about what I'm going through.  She listens to me ramble on and on; never complaining.  She is a true and dear friend and sister of my heart.  I am blessed to have her in my life and I do not know what I'd do without her.  She's one of the few that really understands when I say I'm "tired," which is more than being tired at the end of the day; it's bone tired and exhaustion.  I'm sorry that she understands because she goes through the same thing.  If I had one wish for her, it would be that she could tell Missy where to go and be rid of her. 

The second award goes to the incredible Raggedy.  She inspires me because she deals with so much pain but doesn't let anything get her down.  She's a wonderful friend and has a wonderful sense of humor.  She cares deeply for others and I feel her presence wherever she is. I wish strength for Raggedy and keep her in my prayers so she can rise above all she deals with. 

The third award goes to Monica, who calls herself "The Good One," but I really know what that means.  ;-)  Monica has a strong driving force to fight for any injustice.  She is a talented writer and has an incredible way of expressing herself.  She puts others before herself, especially those she loves.  She gets through rough times on faith and will.  She too is a good friend to me and is a sister of my heart.  I wish happiness for Monica; peace, health, and love.  She's fought long and hard for others and now someone special wants to fight for her. 

The fourth award goes to Eve, who struggles with health issues too but regardless of what she goes through, she's always worried about me.  She's a special lady who has so much love within her and I pray that life will go her way and she won't have to fight such adversity on a regular basis.  She is also a sister of my heart and she deserves to be happy, healthy, and live in harmony. 

The fifth award goes to my dear friend and a sister of my heart, Emma.  She was my first true friend who I met through the internet, over eight years ago.  Emma and her husband Pete encouraged me to begin blogging over six years ago and I am grateful to them.  Emma is a wonderful writer, she has such a special heart, and I love her dearly.  She understands me without me having to explain; which is the kind of connection we have always had.  Although she has tough times, she's always concerned about me and she inspires me to keep going just as she does.  She's got a brilliant sense of humor and is a talented gardner.  I enjoy listening to her Alternative Kitchen Garden podcast as well as the Emma & Pete Show. Pete is an inspiration to me as well; he's a man of many talents and isn't afraid to try new ventures.  My wish for them is to have the world appreciate them as much as I do and for them to be successes in their personal businesses and truly love what they do. 

I want to mention two more ladies who are an inspiration to me.  The first is someone who used to have a blog and I feel she deserves this award as well.  My sweet friend, Dawn (also a sister of my heart) also deals with health problems and it seems as if it's one thing after another but she doesn't let it get her down for too long.  She writes me daily to see how I'm doing and she is always there for me whether I need a giggle or to vent.  She has such a giving heart and thinks of others and hates to see anyone in misery.  My wish for Dawn is for good health for her and her husband so they can enjoy life together.

Lastly, but certainly not least, is Ellen.  A kind, loving, incredible woman who fought valiantly against cancer.  She passed away last Thursday.  She inspired me to fight no matter the odds just as she did.  Her husband Curtis never left her side and their love will never die.  Thank you, Ellen, for enriching my life and I pray you are at peace.  I will keep Curtis and your family and friends in my prayers that they will be comforted. 

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 not sure what happened to everyone, but the party didn't happen because no one showed up.  I know life happens and gets in the way - believe me, I know.  I've enjoyed all the slumber parties we've had in the past.  I would also like to join in again, however, someone else needs to plan them.  If you'd like to plan one, please do so.  

Having said that, I am going to take some time off from posting for a while - even though I'm out of school, I'm wearing myself out with all I have going on and if I don't take a break from something, I'm going to crash and burn. 

Take care of yourselves and don't do anything I wouldn't ;-).   

Gee whiz, what a week; I am exhausted and it's only Thursday. 

1.  Monday night, I bought a new car.  I traded my 2004 Niss*n S*ntra in because it was becoming the gutless wonder.  The last three times I took it in for the normal maintenance and the 30,000 maintenance, they told me nothing was wrong.  That's when the trust issue broke with them because it just happened to be that the warranty was about up on it.  I had more than that reason though; I am taking my parents to more places now and need something a little bigger so Mom is comfortable in the back seat, I wanted a V6 - no more 4 cylinder for this woman, AND I wanted a lower interest rate.  I got a Chevy Impala and it drives really nice - not like a boat at all. ;-) (click photos to EMBIGGEN )

The gee whiz part of this whole thing is, I initially named her Penelope but Tuesday night, after I cleaned her to my specifications, Mom and I rearranged some things in the garage to get her to fit because.... she was too long to fit.  It occurred to me that she should not be a she but a HE since HE is long.  *snortle*  I know - p*nis on the brain.  Impala has nothing to do with limpness either.  I think I will call him Max, Max Length (that will fit in the garage).  Gee whiz, I just crack myself up sometimes (I must be getting ready for the SLUMBER PARTY on Saturday night).

2.  I got an email from my Geology teacher (online course) on Monday asking the class if we had any concerns about our grades.  I popped over to the online class site and looked at my grade and about blew a fuse.  I did not ace the final (TOLD YOU!) and ended up with a 89.6% and a B.  Just imagine steam escaping from my ears as I fired back an email because, if the instructor had answered my email reporting an issue with the Week 6 quiz, he would have fixed it, and I would have got 25/25 on that, instead, 18/25 (there was no way to find out how many we got right/wrong to fix it - as it was term).  So - those additional 7 points would put me over the edge for the A.  I also pointed out the awesome work I did on my field trip reports - going over and beyond.  Then....guess what?  I got an email back two minutes later that said, "OK, done."  YES!  *doing a happy dance* I got an A!!!  Sometimes we have to fight for ourselves because no one else will. 

I also got an A in Study of Family but I wasn't worried about that class - I'd aced all my papers and tests. Yesterday, I went onto the main University page, logged in, and got my official grades and my accumulated grade point average.  I got my 3.8!  *shaking my bootay*  Next step:  ace my next two classes and I'll be one happy camper.   

3.  Yesterday, being the good day it was, I videotaped students' speeches for a workshop (one of my fav things to do), it was going so well, the teachers asked me to pitch in and give feedback on the students' speeches and it felt great - I didn't make a goof of myself or anything.  I should know - these days that go so well, there has to be something wrong. 

After three hours of videotaping, I happened to look in the mirror at myself and thought, "Wow, you look really tired today."  I looked closer and closer.  I forgot my makeup.  Gah - I hate it when I do that!  However, this gee whiz isn't about how lovely Iook without eyeshadow, mascara, and eye liner, it's about what I found while digging around in a drawer in my desk.  I found my pig!  Cute little fella, isn't he??  Now this pig is mighty special, he's a poopin' pig!  I squeezed him and he pooped then it went back in after I stopped. 

I could say he's "prairie doggin' it," in fact, I will.   The poop sticks it's head out then crawls back in.  Needless to say, he's sitting on my desk again, I shit you not.  *snortle*  I probably should have warned you all that I'm a bit punchy, aye?  I get my gee whizzes anywhere I can. 

4.  OK, enough about poopin' pigs.  I went to physical therapy yesterday and after I finished the heat, shock, and ultrasound therapy and rode the bike and did the total gym, I got into the pool.  I almost had the pool to myself - save for one lady.  She was a bit odd, (I know - look who is talking) or at least that's the vibe I got.  She had her grandson (probably about 10) with her and he sat in a chair and didn't get in the pool - fine with me - it's not a kids' pool anyway.  She was doing her exercises and I did mine, both of us enjoying our little corner of the pool. 

Then she caught my attention when she got one of those noodles (long, round tube - uh oh, here we go again) from the side of the pool.  Now, this lady did not bend it around her shoulders to use as a flotation device BUT she did take one end and shoved it under the water and went right between her legs.  Zoinks!

I had to turn around, face the window, and try to keep my and giggles from escaping and pray there was something outside to get rid of the image I just saw out of my head.  Gee whiz, I about lost it.  Then I hear the boys ask, "What are you doing, Grandma?!"  She replied, "Just adding something extra for a better workout."  My bottom lip is almost bleeding at this point and the only way I could quiet my snortles and giggles was by coughing - a lot, getting out of the pool, and putting my face in my towel. 

As I composed myself, I removed the towel from my face, I attempted to get a drink from the fountain then got back in the pool and said, "Wow, that was some tickle in my throat!"   She replied, "Goodness, it sure was!" as she was floating around on the noodle, then continued, "And thought I gagged easily." 

"Drown me... and drown me now,"  went through my mind but I was saved by her needing to get out of the pool in a hurry - she claimed it was a weak bladder.  I was happy to see her come out of the pool fully clothed and she put her noodle away, said goodbye, and tugged her grandson out of the chair.  I was sorry to see them go... but part of me wonders why I didn't think of riding the ol' noodle like she did.  Oh yeah... gee whiz beats a noodle.