This is a photo I took about two years ago of a tomato my mother grew in her garden. Of course, she didn't see the naughty side but it was the first thing I noticed.

Since the next two weeks are going to be crazy with finals, presentations and papers, and homework, I am taking a short "writing" break for the next two weeks. I will, however, share some favorite and funny photos each day. I will write on Thursdays, if there is anything gee-whizzable to write about and knowing my life, there will be *snicker*

To start off, here is a photo of me to prove that I am, indeed, a Harley woman (in my dreams!).

Click on image to embiggen

I took these photos Monday morning after a snow storm. Can you see why I love snow? It's so beautiful. It's snowing again now and I hope we get a lot, not only for the beauty but because we need the water.

I got up early this morning and got my Auditing homework done. Next is management studying and writing, UGH. See you Monday; I hope you all have a great weekend!

1. After deciding to take Monday off as a holiday, I pretty much stayed in bed all day long.  I watched The Lakehouse and although it was different than I thought it would be, I loved it.  I'm such a sucker for romance.  I was in bed (again) at 4pm and asleep shortly after that.  I slept 12 hours.. ahhh... gee whiz. 

2. Last week my nephew Travis sent me a text message telling me that he and his fiance', Sara, moved their wedding from June 14 to May 11.  I didn't think much of it and told him I was more excited for their big day.  When I got home, I told my parents about the reschedule and they acted strange and said, "You know then?"  OK, so I'm clue less.  It turns out that Sara is six weeks pregnant (HOORAY).  The family is a bit freaked out but I couldn't be happier for them. Yesterday, Travis told me and of course, I started to cry, gee whiz, I'm such a boob.  I told him since he's like a son to me, that I want to be a big part of this child's life.  He got a little choked up and said, "It's not even a question."  Geez... I'm crying again. 

Travis graduates (Bachelor's) on May 4 too and Sara graduated about six months ago and just got a good job at the dept of family services.  Both are psychology majors and they will do well. She wants to go into children's counseling (she has such a gift with children) and Travis wants to go into family psychology and hopes to work towards his masters and Ph.D.  The baby will be a big adjustment, but both are committed to make a good home and will take one step at a time. 

3. Gee whiz, I found out I have one more week for my management paper before I have to turn it in.  I gave my "draft" to my teacher yesterday to see if it's what he's expecting.  I do, however, have a final on Wednesday, a presentation the last week of the term and if I have time, I will work on it this weekend.  I have an Auditing test tonight plus homework for the weekend.  Gah.  Is it March 8 yet?!  

4. The lovely Hula called me this evening and asked me to blog for her, to let everyone know her computer is in the shop.  Hmmm, me thinks its quite a coincidence that her PC decided to take a dive when she was supposed to be answering our "questions" to her.  Gee whiz, I'm only kidding.  I believe her that her PC is in the shop. 

5. Speaking of Hula, just over two weeks and I'll be flying to Denver to stay with her and meet the lovely Monica.  I'm looking forward to a weekend full of FUN.  I'm also looking forward to seeing Andrew from the Gunsmoke Files and his wife, Skunkfeathers, the Genuines, Cyndy, and hopefully FTS at our blogger meet/dinner.  Gee whiz, this will be so much fun! 

6. There's been a little monster come out of me this week; I'm not sure what the cause is or if there is a single cause.  I'm tired, I'm stressed, I feel off, and I feel as if I have to take xanax to be around myself.  Thank you, dear Vickie, for listening and for being you. Gee whiz, you are such a special part of my life and you always make me feel better, even when you're not feeling well, you're always there.  I love you, girl friend.

7. I am blessed to have so many wonderful friends in my life;  gee whiz, you know who you are... thank you all too.

8. Gee whiz, it's been a week since I tortured a certain Cyrano about the rose I received in class last week for Valentine's day.  My teacher gave all the ladies a rose, so Cyrano, there are still no men to chase after in my classesl  NO, not the teacher, he's at least 30 years older than me and he's married; don't go there.  ;-) 

 

These are photos of my mom; the first taken when she was a teenager and the second one taken in her early 20's. When my brother J Dee was helping me assemble the center pieces for Mom's party a couple of weeks ago, these were among the photos I printed to us. J Dee held these two photos up to me and asked me,

"Who do these look like?" with a big grin on his face.
I told him "I give up, who? You?"
Then we laughed, but then he asked, "No, seriously... who?
He was looking at me intently, and I guessed, "Me?"
"You got it," he replied.

I knew I resembled her a little but didn't realize how much. It's a good feeling, knowing that I resemble someone I respect and love so much.



Imagine that... as my siblings always teased me about when I was little; being the youngest and the only toe-head blonde; they said I was adopted. But now, it looks as if I wasn't adopted after all.

Saturday morning, I was primed (as much as one can be) to work on my term paper but before I could get started, I had to go outside and take a photo of Ben Lomond Peak when I saw how beautiful it was as the sun was rising. I never tire of seeing this mountain; every time I see it, the beauty is renewed and it amazes me. In fact, the next time I am frazzled, I should remember to look at the beauty that surrounds me.


I finished my first draft of my term paper Saturday evening and finished my Auditing homework and study guide Friday night. Yesterday, was MY day and it was fabulous. I am taking today as my floating holiday, I decided I needed one more ME day.

For those who are having a holiday, enjoy it and for those who don't have a great day!

This image resembles me these days; cute, huh? I'm feeling frazzled today because I have so much homework to do, prep for an Auditing test, and to write a 15-page paper for Management class this weekend. Then the next two weekends I will be studying for finals. I am on the down-hill end as far as time but not as far as the work. I'm trying not to be a stress-monkey but it goes with the territory. ;-)

Just about the only thing keeping me sane these days is the thoughts of escaping to Denver in three weeks! Hula... are you ready to be invaded?

Today is a special day; it's my dear friend Emma's birthday. Please go over to her blog and wish her a great day. Happy birthday, Emma!! *HUUUGS*

1. Gee whiz, it's finally Thursday and week #5 of this 8-week term is almost over.  I have two weekends to write my load of BS term paper for management class.  This weekend, I will do the bulk of the work then next weekend, I'll do the proofing and study for the final. 

2. The mid-term that I slaved over last Friday; 10 pages for 6 questions is graded.  I looked online to find my score and... drum roll please... gee whiz... 145/150!  WOOHOO!  I was the 2nd highest in the class; my friend Marilyn got 150/150 and I'm happy for her.  Now, the final is on Feb 28 but I won't have 9 hours to work on it; probably only 2.5 hours.   

3. If there was ever a gee whiz, it was Saturday night at my "toy" party.  I invited 15 people and each could bring a friend so I made enough food for 30 people (finger foods).  My soon-to-be niece, Sara, arrived first, then second, a lady from work.  That was it.  TWO.  We waited 45 minutes and I tried to call my other guests but they were avoiding me, I guess.  Why can't people say "no, I can't make it" instead of saying yes then not coming?  I was pissed, hurt, and embarrassed that the hostess went to all the trouble too.  But, despite the party poopers, Sara and I had fun and I enjoyed getting to know her better.  She is going to have a Slumber Party bridal shower in May.  That will be SO much fun!  She's buying the naughty cake pans already in preparation.  The hostess was kind enough to extend my party until tomorrow so people who want things can still order and I'll get credit for it.  Gee whiz, I'm excited to see what I am going to buy. 

4. Gee whiz, lookee what I got in management class last night...  as for who gave it to me, my lips are sealed.  Mostly to drive a certain "Cyrano" crazy... *snortle*

5. The events at Trolley Square in Salt Lake this week has shook everyone up, understandably.  I am grateful I was not there or anyone I know and love.  My heart breaks for all the victims' families that are mourning.  My heart goes out to the victims that survived and I pray they will recover and can move on.  There were so many heroes that night, but one stands out.  The off-duty Ogden police officer and his wife, a police dispatcher.  Officer Hammond risked heard the first shots, told his wife to go back to the restaurant, call 911, and lock everything down.  He had his gun with him with 8 bullets.  He engaged the shooter, shooting six shots.  With two shots left, he was flat on the floor dodging bullets when a SLC police officer arrived on the scene and distracted the shooter so Officer Hammond could shoot the shooter.  

 The shooter died; his name was Sulejmen Talovic and he was 18 years old.  His family is baffled; he was a quiet young man but didn't show any signs of violence.  My heart goes out to his family; not only do they have to deal with what he did but they also lost him.  They have no idea why he would want to kill so many people.  He and his family fled Bosnia nine years ago and made a life for themselves in Salt Lake. 

I hope everyone had a great Valentine's Day; to me, everyone special to me is a Valentine.  You all are special to me and my life wouldn't be as wonderful as it is.  I need to apologize again for not getting around to visit everyone.  Classes this term are so difficult and I haven't had many breaks at work to visit on occasion.  BUT you are all in my thoughts and I miss you all.  Thank you to all of you who continue to come here, read, and comment.  *HUUGS* to you all!

We never know from one second to the next if an event could end your life or change it forever. Last night about 6:45, a single shooter let loose at Trolley Square Mall in Salt Lake. He had a backpack full of ammunition and killed at least three (and up to ten) and injured a few more. The mall employees did a great job in getting their customers to safety, hiding behind counters, dressing rooms, and stock rooms/offices.

When I saw the news report last night before I went to bed, the police evacuated the mall and the police were still inside trying to sort out what happened and interviewing witnesses. The shooter moved about on the lower level of the mall, not targeting just one spot so they're not sure what the motive was.

One man saw the shooter from the upstairs with a clear shot, and was about to toss a stool down on the shooter but then an Ogden City police officer (off duty) signaled him to back off. When this man first heard the shots and saw the shooter, he ran around telling everyone to get in the stores and hide. In the interview, he said, "I wish I could have done more." I think he is a hero; not many people would warn others and endanger their lives.

The last report from the police representative was that the shooter is dead. Local news will have more firm details today.

It's scary; what this world is coming to. There were families with small children, teenagers, parents, grandparents, and others in the mall who thought they were just going to the mall and but their night was completely different.

Out of the mists
I see his face
Out of the cold
Is his warm embrace

Out of the darkness
I see the light in his eyes
Out of the storm
His heart is only mine

Out of the rain
He shelters my heart
Out of the shadows
His hand and mine never part

Out of the tornado
Is a love that stands
Out of the wind
Is a love that never ends

KJR
January 13, 2007

It's funny, what a movie can do to take me back in time. I was flipping through the channels this morning and saw that Pretty in Pink was on. I've seen this movie countless times, I had the VHS then had to buy the DVD, but I was immediately drawn to watch it, even with the commercials.

I absolutely love John Hughe's movies of that time period; Sixteen Candles and The Breakfast Club, then the Brat Pack movies such as St. Elmo's Fire.

The first meeting outside gets me filled with hope, even though I know how it ends. At the end, at the prom, the second I hear the song, "If You Leave," it draws me in further. I get wrapped up in the romantic ending that my heart races and tears fill my eyes when he tells her he loves her... always, then walks away. Then and I cannot wait until to see "the kiss" in the misty parking lot. With tears in my eyes and a smile on my face, I want to rewind it and watch it again. I am such a hopeless romantic...

**********
I worked from 9am to 6pm on my mid-term yesterday; for six questions, it ended up being ten pages of single-spaced typing. It's a novel. LOL If I don't get an A on this, I'm going to be pissed. Then I worked on my Auditing homework until 8pm or so. My mind was wired so I read the chapters I needed to. That brought me to 11:30 and I was still wired, despite taking trazadone (which usually knocks me out!). I fiddled around with my iPod, adding new songs and taking off songs I don't want on it. Then, I fiddled with my two new 2GB thumb/flash drives and my older 1GB drive. I finally fell asleep between 1:30 and 2:00am.

I just finished preparing the veggie tray, pickle tray, and baked some brownies for the party tonight. I also have chips and salsa so there will be plenty of food. Now, I deserve a nap.

I hope everyone has a great weekend!

If you ask me how not having class last night, climbing in bed at 5pm, and not doing squat on my mid-term are, I would say, "Gee whiz... it all was fabulous."

I would also say that gee whiz, the blast from the past was all the gee whiz I could think of handle for this week. AND since I rested procrastinated working on my mid-term, it will be a busier weekend.

I do have one final gee whiz for the week; the Slumber Party I'm having Saturday night will be fun and I'm hoping my friends will buy enough to keep me in G-Whiz supplies.

If you want to visit the website and see something that tickles your fancy, order it through my hostess; call it Karen's G-Whiz Fund.

SophMom is asking for prayers for her son's best friend. This is taken from her blog:

Her son's oldest's dear friend, Sean, is extremely ill in a Chapel Hill hospital, suffering from complications that arose as he was preparing for a bone marrow transplant. Sean was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer just a year ago, less than a month after his graduation from UNCW and has been undergoing treatment since. The Oldest is heading up there tomorrow, at the recommendation of Sean's father, picking up another friend in Charlotte on the way, expecting that they are going to say good-bye. A bright and beautiful light is flickering and my heart is so heavy. I went a long time through a great deal of difficulty during the collapse of my marriage without being able to cry. Now I don't seem to be able to stop. Please, those of you who are inclined to pray, please remember our dear Sean and his family in your prayers.

He's been given last rites and his brother had to leave to return to Iraq. Please visit SophMom and give them some support. Thanks!

Saturday night I had a weird dream about an ex-boyfriend (going back to May 2003), let's call him J.  I was in a long-distance relationship with him; but I use the term relationship loosely because I did most the work.  After 2.5 years, I finally met him on a long, planned layover (great play on words there) on my way to Boston on a business trip and to see my dear friends Colin & the Lovely D

It was great meeting him and there was a lot of chemistry, etc., but we decided it was too hard to do the long distance thing anymore, really it was him that decided he didn't want to put the extra work into it. I told him good-bye that weekend, which shocked him, but I wasn't going to keep putting all the work into even a friendship.

The following month, June of 2003 is when I had my DVT (blood clot in my leg) then in August, is when I decided I was taking control of my life and going back to school. He wrote me in September of that year and apologized for "treating me like shit" and added, "you treated me better than anyone ever has and I blew it." Yes, he blew it, but I told him that if it were meant to be, then it would have happened. I wasn't angry any more, my views of life changed. We kept in contact about once a month for a couple of years but then we stopped; mostly due to my schedule, I wasn't online much.

So - back to the dream. I don't remember many details now, but my overall feeling was that I needed to contact him to see if he was OK. Sunday night, I IM'd him via Yahoo and explained why I was contacting him. I asked him to email me to my phone and yesterday morning around 7am, he sent me a message. He was happy to hear from me and said that he sent me an IM a few days ago (I never got it). He said he wanted to talk again and to see what's going on with me.

We chatted a bit and it was really nice. He said he missed talking to me and that made me feel good. We always had a lot to talk about and made each other laugh a lot. He told me he was proud of me for getting my degree. He wants to but isn't quite ready and is worried about finances, which is understandable. He was also impressed that I am into photography and writing poetry and have the K&M website.

I know there won't be any romance develop but talking to him again feels good. He asked if I was "married off" and I had to laugh at that and I told him, "I don't have time for that serious of a relationship." I also don't know what will happen when I get my degree, I will have to go to where the jobs are if my company doesn't have anything for me locally. A lot is up in the air but I'm looking forward to what is in store for me.

I ran out of time to talk to him but look forward to hearing about his boys and more of what he's been up to.

************
I spoke with Vickie last night and she said her mom is settled in the nursing home and is doing well there. She appreciates all your thoughts and prayers and asked me to thank you all since she won't be able to herself at this time. She's exhausted but sounded a lot better than she has been.

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I got another fun gift from Annie yesterday; a set of DVDs of the English show, "Waiting for God" which I love; it's so funny. There was also a sweet book on friendship that made me cry (good tears). Thank you, Sweetie! You're the best! Also, if you don't mind, drop by Annie's site and give her some hugs, she's having a hard time right now.

My new flash for my camera arrived too. (click to embiggen) I wish I had time to play with it but I needed sleep since I have to work today. Sometimes it sucks being a grown-up.

Today is my monthly Remicade treatment and I'm looking forward to watching a movie napping while I'm getting the treatment while sitting in a big, comfy recliner. The only thing missing is my PJ's.

Have a great day!

Turning 40. Thank you for all the birthday wishes; it was really a nice day. It started on Thursday with a lovely story written by Monica that made me cry but also smile and laugh. It was beautiful and I'll treasure it always.

Thursday night after I got home from class, I got a email greeting card from "The Dude," who I had no clue who it was. See the card HERE. I about died laughing when I saw it and heard what it said... then it kind of freaked me out a bit because I had no clue who it was from. Then I looked at the email and looked at the "more options" and there was the culprit's email address. Thank you DAWN. I laughed more after I found out it was her. Good one, Dawn. She also sent me some nice cards and a goody from Amazon.com *grin*

I actually was a good girl and waited until Friday morning to open all my gifts. I had three boxes from Amazon and one from Vickie (who had been anxious for me to open it), and one from a good friend. The first box I opened was Dawn's gift, then I got two volumes of Mr. Ed DVDs from Emma and Pete, and the third box was Remington Steele, season 2 that was from Colin & D.

I started to be a bit suspicious about Vickie's anxiousness to open her gift, wonder what she was up to, but I was pleasantly surprised to find a lovely bracelet with faith words and charms. Another friend gave me a cool cat calendar and sent me some photos.

I found out that my parents and two sisters went in on the lovely external flash I really wanted but it won't arrive until this week. YAY! I got some gift cards from my brothers. Susie took me out for prime rib YUM that will feed me for three meals; it was a huge slab, then we went to "Pursuing Happyness." It was such a great movie. Susie also gave me a t-shirt that says, "Vintage 1967" on it and it was in a gift bag that said:

Life begins at 40!
Unfortunately,
Everything else
Wears out,
Spreads out,
and Falls out

.
Isn't that a hoot?! That was the most I was picked on, actually.

When my siblings turned 40, I gave them all a bad time, especially J Dee. I gave him an apparatus to help an old man aim to pee. *snortle* I sort of ducked when he handed me a card thinking I was in for it, but it was the sweetest card about me being "his little sister." My plot of getting everyone wrapped up in Mom's 70th birthday that my 40th just slid by. *evil grin*

Kathy told me last night that she ordered me something else; something to find guardian angels with so I'm looking forward to getting that (whatever it is). She asked that I use it on her and my niece E, which I think is really cool.

My friends took me out to lunch on Friday and we were at the restaurant for about 2 hours, then we went to the mall and snooped around for a while. We all had a great time and a lot of laughs, not enough to get us thrown out.

After my family left Friday night, I stayed up until 1:30am doing homework then I got up early and did more. I had to meet my study group Saturday afternoon to work on our case study. It was an idiotic case study about two college roommates baking and selling cookies out of their apartment. We had to figure out all sorts of things but they left too many "unknown's" out so it bothered all three of us. We probably went a little overboard in explaining what an idiotic venture it would be, but we were thorough. Dr. O is going to love us...

I've got my mid-term this weekend; I can't believe this is the 4th week already. Time flies when I'm going nuts...and growing older. But wait; I'm told that life is just beginning, I just have to watch for the wearing, spreading, and falling outs.

On a side note, congrats to the Colts for winning the Superbowl and playing such a fantastic game.

I heard from Vickie last night and she told me her mom is doing a little better as far as communicating; her speech is slurred but she knows what is going on.  Due to the circumstances, her mom was moved to a nursing home.  Although it wasn't what anyone wanted, it's what needed to be done.  If you get a minute, drop by Vickie's blog and give her some hugs; she needs them.