Happy Thursday!  Gee whiz, it's almost the weekend!

1. I had a major gee whiz moment when I was in the restroom washing my hands at school .  My purse fell off the counter and the middle compartment, which just has a snap not a zipper, spilled out onto the women's restroom floor.  I picked everything up (and wiped it all off!) but  I noticed one of my pens that had a plastic dick on the end of it (from one of the Slumber Parties I attended) was missing the dick.  I was alone in the restroom, which was a good thing.  I could imagine me telling someone, "I lost my dick!" or asking "Have you seen my dick?"  Yeah, that would go over well.  I looked all over but couldn't find my dick.  Some people carry Bics in their purses but I carry dicks. 

2. I am photographer of the week for the Collages Group on Flickr, for this collage, Spring Sunrise. Gee whiz, what an honor!


3. My left hip decided to flare on me so after missing a day of work, I decided to go ahead and get a cortisone shot. Worked like a charm; after missing another day of work as well as my two classes last night, I'm going to have to miss another day because sitting in this chair is aggravating it again... so it's back to bed for me. Gee whiz, those shots hurt like the dickens but they're worth it in the long run.

Gee whiz... have a great weekend!!

Forsythia bush from this spring.

The past week, my parents went through a box of papers and photos that my late uncle's daughter gave us.  The box once belonged to my dad's parents and is filled with old letters, personal history, photos, and other memorabilia.  One of the first photos found was a photo of my grandpa's mother, Martha Brady (lower right corner) (click on photos for larger images).  Mary Lovina and Jordan Brady were the proud parents of twelve children, which beats the Brady Bunch by double and they were only married once.  I always wondered why I love to watch the Brady Bunch and now I see, it's in my blood. 

The photo to the right  is from 1923 just after my grandparents married (they married in Oct 1923).  My grandma is on the left in the back, my grandpa is in front of her and his brother Warren is to Grandpa's (Jordan) right (they're facing one another).  I believe this photo was taken outside of the Veterinary school in Colorado; both Grandpa and Uncle Warren went to Veterinary school. My grandpa went on to be a veterinarian for the US Government and was one of the country's leading experts in Hoof and Mouth disease.  As a family, they moved all over the US through the years and even lived in Mexico city for two years when my dad was a teenager.  Warren practiced privately, mostly in Ogden, Utah.

In 1935, my great grandparents, Arthur and Martha, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary;  we found a newspaper article about  their anniversary and this is the photo they used for the article.  He was a judge and they resided in Manassa, CO., and were instrumental in building the town and area.  I am anxious to read more of their history and perhaps find photos of my grandpa when he was younger - if there are any to be found. 

We found some photos of grandma though, when she was small.  They're incredible photos and we were excited to find them.  This first one, in this incredible buggy, is her as an infant (born in 1903).  Her mother died two hours after grandma's birth.  Grandma's given name was Mary Jane, but she went by Mamie.  She was raised by her maternal grandparents since her father could not raise her alone.  Grandpa Sowards also felt that he needed to serve  missions for the church after his wife died.  He didn't abandon Mamie though, the Jacksons were capable of raising Mamie and he often visited her.  Grandpa Sowards married again and had other children (I'm not sure when), but he lived to be over 100.  I saw him often when I was young. 
 This photo is of Mamie and her cousin, Glen Jackson, when she was about 3 years old.  Neither look happy, but it's probably because they had to stand still for so long.  Isn't she adorable?  

This photo is my grandma's cousin Chloe and her (on the right ) in 1920, on the day of their 8th grade graduation, they were 16 years old.  It is amazing to me, to think of being in that time, getting lost in thought about what it would be like back then.  I remember many stories she told me of learning to cook, clean, and to be a good wife and mother.  There was more to her than that though, she was a giving, loving, and gentle soul.  She had a delightful sense of humor and  always made anyone feel at home and that they were loved.

As a point of interest, we found three post card photos.  This postcard is a photo of a young man giving an electrical treatment to a neighbor boy who was a cripple.  If you look closely, you can see his special shoe on the right.  On the back of the postcard, this is written but we don't know who the boys are.  It was just cool that these photos were put in postcard form and mailed out.

On this postcard,  we don't know who the women are but what we found most interesting was the stamp; it's a 1-cent stamp with Benjamin Franklin on it from 1909.  The street address was familiar to my dad but in 1909, his parents still lived in Manassa, Colorado, so it may have belonged to a relative or a friend of the family. 

Once I got started on scanning these newly found photos in, I had a hard time stopping.  Just as Nikki-Ann can attest to, searching for ancestors and learning about their lives is addicting. 

Here are three items that are HUGE on my wish list right now.

Olympus Evolt E-510 Camera

Canon PIXMA Pro9000 

Canon CanoScan® LiDE 600F

I really really really want them.  I'm thinking I really really really need them.  If I'm going to sell photos and get better at taking them, I need a really, really, really nice camera that is an SLR (shoots fast!) and a nicer printer than I currently have that is small in size but will print the larger photos (13x19).  

The scanner would be icing on the cake, so to speak, but would actually be great to have since it scans film negatives.  I have oodles of negatives but don't know where the pictures are.  I also like the way this scanner opens; my current scanner opens on the width but this one opens on the length.  Perfect for my desk set-up. 

The question is... how would I find time for a second or third job to pay for these?  Forget the G-Wiz fund (ohhh, did I really just stay that?)  I need a Photography fund; that shows how bad I want these things.  That and the fact that I keep the camera page open on my computer just so I can look at it.  Ooooo. 

1. I know I'm tired and it's way too early in the morning (5am) when I see a personalized license plate "STURD" and laugh until I realize it's not meant to be S. Turd but Sturdy. I like S. Turd better, actually, because the dude cut me off. Gee whiz, some drivers are rude.

2. My two new classes are going good so far and being a zombie on Tuesdays and Thursdays is nothing new. I am in class from 4:30pm to 10:15pm with a few minutes break between classes. My Senior in Seminar Management will be more of a study of leadership rather than management and my Intro to Language will be interesting. I have a lot of writing to do; but that's OK, the pages are smaller. The two "core" papers will require a lot of research but it will be interesting, which makes a big difference. There are three people in each class that I know from other classes and they're a lot of fun so the classes will be lively. Gee whiz, I hope this term goes quickly.

3.  The schedule was out for Summer Term and I registered for Family Studies with one of my fav teachers (Film & Lit class, etc.) and then I have to take an online course and I chose Intro to Geology.  I love rocks and I want to find out more about them since I don't remember much about the geology that I learned in my regular schooling.  I'm working on a plan for July to visit the Hula Family and I spoke with Hula on Tuesday and she said her kids love rocks so gee whiz, maybe they can do my homework for me while I'm there. 

4.  Gee whiz, my mom had a hole in her retina that is getting bigger so she has to have surgery on April 5.  The recovery is 2-4 weeks of being flat on her face 23/24 hours of the days.  I spent a lot of Tuesday trying to sort out schedules and enlisting the help of my siblings.  We still have some "shifts" to cover but I'm afraid the brunt of it falls on me.  Not that it is a bad thing but I was hoping I could work from home three days a week but there are problems with one contract I work on, that I can't do the work from home so I'll have to take those days off (without pay).  I could rant about it but I won't. I will have to work Mondays at my main job in that office but the rest of the week, will work from home.  I should be OK to attend classes and I will be thankful for the breaks.  Although it will be busy with taking care of Mom and Dad, I think it will work out.  I will get organized and get meals prepared ahead of time and my siblings will help out; Kathy and Susie have committed to a couple hours each day and my brothers and their families will need to help out on weekends.  

5.  Just a bit more yard work to do this weekend in the back yard.  Mom shouldn't be bending over since it could cause her retina to tear.  I really don't mind; and now that my muscles are "broken in" I shouldn't have the pain I had last weekend.  Gee whiz; it actually got rid of all the pain I was having in my left hip before the yard work.  My Rheumologist will be amazed since he thought he would have to do a cortisone injection. 

6.  This is one of the coolest gee whizzes... my dear friend Annie found a GEE WHIZ font!  How cool is that??!!  Thanks, Annie!  Gee whiz... a gee whiz font...

7.  A point of interest and jocularity (on my part) that I forgot to post a couple of weeks ago.  Did you know that elephant dung is used to make paper?  Gee whiz...just think of that next time you lick an envelope.  Check out the website, it's actually interesting what they make.  The link is in bold.   

I found this over at Nate's place.

As many of you know, spring cleaning is more than cleaning the inside of the house, it refers to the outside as well.  For 39 years of my life, I had a black thumb but in the past year, the black is turning green around the edges.  It started last fall when I rescued the Angel Trumpets from my back yard and brought them inside.  During the winter, they've doubled in size and continued to blossom.  Who knew?

Last fall, I also decided to buy some tulips, daffodils, and crocuses for the front flower beds.  Dad was in the hospital then and things looked grim.  I needed something to add some hope of life and rebirth after the winter my family were going through.  Now, this spring, there are signs of life.  

Saturday, I spent 3.5 agonizing hours outside helping Mom clean up the side of the house, front flowerbeds, and lawn.  What a joy this was.  Within 45 minutes, I completed the side of the house, filling three large garbage bags packed full of rubbish, leaves, tumble weeds, and whatever else was among all of it.  It seems the side of the house is a trap for crap when the wind blows.  Then I started on the flower beds and Mom joined me.  I had all the leaves and sticks picked out but she asked me to removed some ground cover so it didn't choke out her irises.  She said, "You can't hurt that ground cover."  Cool - perfect for me then!  It felt odd to be ripping it out but I took her word for it.  I uncovered about eight irises that were about five inches high - so you can imagine how much ground cover I removed.  

I moved on to the flowerbed next to the house and Mom tended to her roses.  I was tossing out Forget-me-not dead leaves and stems when all of the sudden I heard my mom yell, "STOP!!!  What are you doing?!!"  Hmmm, there went the trust factor.  She told me I had to be really careful not to toss out the green leaves.  I thought, "Ummm... ya think??"  She practically ran over to where I was and started looking to see what I was doing.  I wasn't touching the green stuff and what I was tossing out was not attached to anything.  She breathed a big sigh of relief.  Then she proceeded to tell me what not to touch... all of them duh factors.  It didn't take long for her to decide to finish that flowerbed and for me to decide to try and start the lawn mower to pick up the debris on the lawn. 

The lawn mower start was a success!  Dad walked out back when he heard it roar and was happy to see that I got it started.  It wasn't difficult - I knew where the primer button was and I filled it up with gas and the oil was good.  I mowed the front lawn and although not green, the lawn looked so much better.  Dad was happy and he offered me the job of mowing it this season LOL  He's such a character... I asked him how much he was going to pay me and he responded, "How about I don't raise your rent this year?"  Deal! 

After the lawn was mowed and the flowerbeds were done, Mom asked if I'd fertilize everything.  "Sure... as long as it isn't cow dung," I replied, jokingly.  She laughed and showed me where the fertilizer and the spreader was.  This job, she didn't hassle me at all about.  It's great to know I'm good for something and that something is fertilizing.  Should I be offended??

After the 3.5 hours, my hips, knees, feet, hands, and lower back were killing me (mostly Rheumatoid Arthritis).  I took a hot shower and some pain pills and muscle relaxant then I crashed.  By Saturday night, most the pain was gone but when I woke up yesterday?  Muscle pain - everywhere.  After some more pain pills so I could move around some, I started to feel better.  I was ambitious enough to go outside and take some photos for the Flickr 26 Things and to see how my "promise of life and rebirth" flowers were growing."  Of course to my mom's horror, I went outside in my night shirt but I did put shorts on.  As if I really care about what my neighbors think. 

One of the first things I noticed were some mini Dutch Irises that I gave my mom two years ago for Christmas that she planted. On Saturday, these were not even close to blooming so I was really surprised to see that they had bloomed, virtually over night.

Oh, how I love spring...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For those of you who have followed Hula's posts about the five children she rescued from an abusive mother, there is some heart-wrenching news.  The baby, Alex, was  hospitalized with RSV and he died Wednesday night.  I could go on and rant about his circumstances but I won't, this is about a sweet little boy who died.

I share Hula's tears  and heartache, as well as all those who mourn this innocent child.   May he now know true love and joy and be free from his illness and environment.

 Rest in peace, sweet Alex.

(photo is from at www.unseenwings.com)

1.  There is a certain organization that takes it upon themselves to go through baggage which is for my protection; I'm not complaining about that.  However, going through bags and moving things around gets on this OCD person's nerves.  I put my purse in a bag that I checked with my wallet and things I'd need on the plane in my backpack, which was my carry-on.  As I was unpacking and chatting with Hula Friday afternoon, I was putting things back in my purse when I noticed my pain pills were missing.  I take responsibility for forgetting to take them out and put them in my backpack but the bottle is hidden in a corner of my purse.  I noticed the pills were gone.  40 pain pills gone.  I was livid.  I picked up the little "your bags may have been inspected" paper that was placed inside my bag and dialed the number to lodge a HUGE complaint and report the theft.  Gee whiz, I was pissed.  A good 15 minutes of waiting on "hold" or should I say, "ignore," with this organization, when I discovered the bottle of pain pills in another pocket of my purse along with some lotion that was also out of place.  I'm glad I found the pills before I ripped someone a new *uh hum* I made a fool of myself.  I breathed a big sigh of relief.

In the name of security, I don't mind people going through my things,  honestly.  It was that things were gone through and things not put back where they were.  After talking to Hula about it and joking around that it may have given someone a cheap thrill if I brought the G-Wiz along.  We giggled about that for a few seconds then we got the idea to find something *naughty* and put it in my purse for my return flight.  

On Saturday, Hula and I were out and about when she pointed a "toy" store out to me and told me, "One day, I'll have to take you in there."  I responded, "No time like the present!"  

We entered the "toy" store and had fun gawking drooling hmmming wowing snickering oooing aaawwing feeling poking browsing at all the goodies.  I wanted to find something small and inexpensive that would fit in my purse and give someone a cheap thrill if they were lucky enough to go through my bags again.  *evil grin*  I found a small finger vibe that was perfect. 

I planted it in my purse next to my coin purse where I keep my nail clippers so they would definitely look there.  *evil grin*  When I got home and unpacked, I found the "Your bags may have been checked" slip of paper right by my finger vibe.  Too bad it was after 11:00 or I would have called Hula to tell her.  I was cracking myself up thinking that I would keep that in my purse all the time for other opportunities of giving someone a thrill.  

2. Some poor sod emailed me on Friday from my blog: 

"I see you have a referance to the gwiz board on your site, what are the chances of you having a copy of the installation instructions for this board? I have a used one but no way to install it.. Thanks in advance." 

Boy, does he have the wrong G-Wiz!  There's nothing to be "board" about my G-Wiz!  My reply:

Gee whiz, I'm afraid you are mistaken, the G-Wiz I refer to in my blog has nothing to do with a board, however, the installation is very easy; just make sure you have plenty of AA's on hand.  I wouldn't have thought a man would enjoy the G-Wiz, but there's a first time for everything.

Good luck,
Karen

(aren't I bad??)

3. Gee whiz, lookee what I found in the mall!  I forget why we didn't eat there... 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. The blogger meet was fun; Cyndy from Common Sense Beauty, Andrew (Gunsmoke Files) and his lovely wife Karen, Hula and her hubby, and me were there.  Six was a good size group although we were disappointed that FTS and Skunkfeathers weren't able to join us.  It was nice to be able to relax and have a conversation among us all instead of just who was within ear shot.  There were a lot of laughs and I think we all had a great time.  Hula told Karen the story about last summer when I had to stop and take photos of everything so we decided that I go to the Denver Botanical Gardens alone.  Karen said she'd love to go with me next time I go - how cool is she?!  Hopefully we can make our schedules mesh in July. Gee whiz, Denver be warned; two Karens on the loose!

The Hula children's birthday party is on July 14 so I'll be going to Denver again then but don't know for how long, depending on my summer school schedule. 

Have a great day! 

(2006 flower photos)

I had a fantastic time in Denver and as always, Hula and her family were excellent hosts and made me feel at home and part of the family.  Hula was on the run all of last week (and the two weeks before) but she always makes room for me.  It was a relaxing weekend, although we got out and had fun, it wasn't constantly "on the go" which was great.  It was a perfect weekend - but if I could change one thing: it wouldn't have ended so soon.  Hula Boy kept telling me he wanted me to stay until Tuesday and I really wished I could have.

My flight was good Sunday night and on time so I got home around 10pm.  I stayed up until midnight unpacking (yes I HAD to unpack... OCD strikes again LOL).  Then the next thing I knew, it was 9:15am yesterday.  Sweet sleep!  I told my office not to expect me until 11 or so but I made it in about 10:45.  I didn't have time to write yesterday and I couldn't decide where to start.  But I'm thinking more clearly now.  I will cover a little bit at a time BUT just wait until Gee Whiz Thursday because there is definitely a gee whiz thing that happened with the baggage "inspectors."  I'm not going to use their organization name on here.   

I arrived on time and so did Hula but we missed each other by about two minutes and waited around for each other in different spots for almost 30 minutes (oops)!!  I told Hula I was bringing a small suitcase and I kept my word.  I think she was surprised not to see the monster suitcase I usually bring.  When we got to her house, we chatted while I unpacked and got settled in.  I gave her the gift I brought her; something that vibrates, multiple uses, if everyone had one in their car, it could end road rage, and was something her kids could see.  What is it?  A vibrating hairbrush!  It feels so good on scalps and promotes hair growth.  It can also be used as a massager on the back of the neck (or where ever you choose LOL). She was quite nervous about what I was bringing her from the clues I gave her.  *evil grin*

After giggling about that, we watched the Blue Collar: One for the Road in the afternoon while Hula Boy was taking a nap.  Then later on, we picked up Hula Girl and her friend from school. Hula Girl got a great report card so we went to Cold Stone ice cream to celebrate.    I'd never had that before and it is SO yummy.  I had cake batter flavor with white chocolate chips and almonds.  Pure heaven in a bowl!  Hula had Strawberry Cheesecake and that was good (I had a bite) then the kids all had chocolate with their favorite fillings.  Of course, when Hula and I get together, it's all about being silly.  We decided to play chew and show.  Here we are... me (it's a bad bad bad photo but what the heck, I'll share it) feel free to laugh.  The second is Hula and Hula Girl:

 

Friday night I watched Hula's volleyball game and that was fun, in fact, it makes me want to play volleyball again myself!  After the game, her and I went to see the movie, Wild Hogs.  Ignore what the critics say because they don't know a GOOD movie when they see one.  My stomach muscles hurt from laughing so much.

We got home about midnight and I crashed.  I woke up about 8am Saturday and no one was up yet so I put on my sweats and got on the bed with a blanket over me and next thing I knew, it was 10am.  More on Saturday and Sunday on Thursday and Friday.
 

When you're high on altitude. I'm off to Denver! W00T!

1. Countdown to Denver!


2. I scored 200/200 on my management final. The jury is still out on my paper and my presentation. Gee whiz, as of last night, that class is over (which I skipped since I was done). However, I still have the top level management to take next term. Boo.

3. After I take my Auditing final tonight, I will have SIX classes left. Gee whiz, it's getting close. Is it October yet?!

4. Gee whiz, I am a klutz and I proved it once again last week. I went into the bathroom and as I was going into the stall and pulling the door shut, I tripped over my own foot and pulled the door closed with my hand still between the door and the hinge. I have a lovely big green bruise on the top of my hand. It hurt like a bugger.

5. Last week, Hula told her son, Hula Boy, that I was coming out for a visit. He was so excited and asked, "Oh boy, is it my birthday?" Isn't that the cutest? I've been out for the last two birthday parties (in July) and he thought since I was visiting, it was his birthday. Let's just call this a bonus. But I will make plans to come out for the birthday party for Hula Boy and Hula Girl. It's always a big event with loads of fun. Gee whiz, I should call this trip a belated birthday present to myself. That's it!

6. This one is dedicated to Andrea. She left a comment yesterday regarding the cheap thrill throne photo and she said, "that's a gee willikers." The really cool thing is, Hula and I were talking Tuesday night on my way home and we were talking about something I was bringing her (it vibrates and I'm supplying some energizers *snicker* it can also solve the road rage problem) as a surprise and I told her it was more than a gee whiz, it was a gee willikers. Gee willikers, great minds think alike!

7. Spring is toying with us, it reached 61F yesterday here in northern Utah. We will get more snow before June which is fine, it melts so fast this time of year anyway. How spring loves to torture us, gee whiz.

*Note, this is Hula's toilet which is air conditioned. Let the good times and cheap thrills roll!

I have not be as horrified as I was when I walked in on this lady in the bathroom of a bistro in Golden, Colorado last year.



I screamed then when I realized she wasn't human, I started laughing, Hula came running to see what was wrong. I about peed my pants laughing. Can you tell I'm SO excited to go to Denver on Friday??!!

Pre-season baseball started last Friday and although I knew it, I got a thrill when a text message came to my cell phone of a score for my Texas Rangers. Just the little *gee whiz* I needed to help get me through my five chapters of Auditing homework. The Rangers lost to Kansas City Friday, they came back and won Saturday and Sunday. I haven't subscribed to the MLB Live yet but I will soon; very soon.

Today, another team I love, The Colorado Rockies are playing the Rangers. This doesn't happen much since they're in two different leagues, but they're playing today. I looked on the Fox Rocky Mountain channel yesterday and saw the game starts at 1pm and I set the DVR to record it. However, there was a problem with a program that had "priority," Days of Our Lives. Hmmm... this is a show I have watched since 1985 and rarely miss a day. Dilemma. Sexy Bo or Sexy Michael Young? Sexy Steve (Patch) or Sexy Mark Teixeira? Sexy John or Sexy Rockies? Baseball won this one. That wasn't so tough to figure out, not really... knowing me...

Now I need to try and fit watching today's baseball game in between getting home from class late and getting up early tomorrow morning. I'll manage some how, after all, it's been a while since I've seen some bats, balls, and the... men. *snicker* Gee whiz...

Speaking of men, bats, and balls, I was flipping through channels yesterday and noticed Baseball Sports Center was on ESPN and I wanted to see if there were any clips of any of my teams when I saw that Miss Vickie's love John Schmoltz was on so I called her. As she was fiddling with her remote (uh huh *snortle*) and trying to find ESPN, another Atlanta Brave was on that made my jaw drop caught my eye.

My, oh my (spoken in my best Scarlett O'Hara voice). I must have missed his name because I was so focused on how sexay he was. Whew. I went on and on about this amazing guy and Vickie knew who it was; Tim Hudson. Lordy. Since Vickie named her cat after Schmoltz, I may have to name my cat (when I get one) Hudson. I do believe I will have to add the Braves to my list of baseball teams I love: Rangers, Rockies, Red Sox, Braves, and anyone who beats the Yankees.

I do really love baseball for more than men, bats, and balls. I love the strategy, the power, and the excitement of seeing a good game. I come by the love of the game naturally since several of my ancestors were into baseball. But I can almost hear their boo's at me because the Yankees were THE team they loved. I'm such a rebel.

I usually don't write anything political on my blog, mainly because I hate politics.  However, there are injustices where our Veterans are concerned and I cannot ignore it.  The VA hospitals and medical facilities are jokes, triple booking appointments so there's no way they get the health care they need.  Vets can't get their medications as doctors prescribe, they get the "next best thing" or what is "available" even if it's samples of medications that have expired (which happened to my dad).  It's disgusting, all of it.

The main reason of this post is to call your attention to one incredible man, Monica's son Joshua, who went through two tours of Iraq and has been home for over a year, but he's suffering from PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and the VA is not helping him.  There are countless others in the same situation since ONE in THREE soldiers suffer from.

The media and government show us what they want us to see, they're not showing us the whole story of the horror of what is going on in Iraq.  The media is also too busy with their so-called-journalism that will bring in ratings rather than the truth, those who need help, and what is important.

Please stop by Monica's blog and see what she's going through to get her son help, not only for him but for all Veterans and Military personnel.   Also, Skunk Feathers wrote one hell of a post that you should read too. 

No matter what country we live in, there are similar situations.  We, as humans, need to put a stop to how our Military, both active duty and retired/discharged, being treated as they are.  They fought for us - our lives - and now we need to return the favor.   

Can anyone tell which child I am? This is my 4th grade class.

Now, try and guess where I was in the 6th grade class.

1. It's amazing how much getting a little naughty text message during class can take away stress and boredom in a snap!  Gee whiz... it's a great way to heat up a cold room too.

2. I received my yearly review back with my supervisor's critique of my performance and all of it was excellent and I got a 4% raise.  W00T.  Oh wait, gee whiz, more money to the government for taxes. 

3. It has snowed off and on the past few days and it's been nice.  The mountains are getting most of it, which is good because we need the snow pack for our water shortage.  But, gee whiz, I'm starting to get spring fever to get outside and take some photos of the blooming flowers.  I planted several new tulip and daffodil bulbs last fall and I hope my black thumb has been suspended enough for them to grow.  

4. Gee whiz, one week left of my classes = four classes (five counting tonight's class).  The term from hell is almost over.

5. I get a whole week off between terms; what will I do with all that time in the evenings?  Gee whiz, the possibilities are almost endless, unless I run out of batteries.  *snicker*

6. OK, there's one thing I don't understand.  Using a cell phone in a public restroom.  I don't care what people do in the privacy of their homes but gee whiz, don't take calls, text, or play video games while taking a dump in public restroom.  Plop, bleep, plop, bloop, grunt, plop, plot, exhale, bleep, bleep, horn, rustle toilet tissue, flush.  This is what I heard in the restroom at work while I was in the next stall.  I was disgusted but also wanted to laugh.  I coughed as I was washing my hands to hide the giggles.  I hurried out of there so I wouldn't have to look her in the face but I do have a good idea who it was.   

7. This is the coolest gee whiz; I recorded a snippet for my friends Emma and Pete's podcast and they used it!  You can listen to it HERE and you'll be glad you did.  They are a hoot.  This particular episode (#85) is about their chicken, Princess Layer, who isn't feeling well.  Poopie is discussed but it's so stinkin' funny.  My bit is at the end of the podcast and what I talk about fits in with the poopie category; amazing facts that you need to know.

8. Last week, I gave my term paper to my Management teacher to review to make sure the paper was what he is looking for.  This last Monday, he gave my paper back to me and said, "It's a pretty good paper but I've seen better. You sure do know how to follow directions, I'll give you that.  I also didn't mark it up."  He had a smirk but I wasn't sure if he was teasing or not.  Tuesday and yesterday, I looked through the paper and made minor changes but I really didn't know what else to do.  The paper met the criteria. Last night, after I took the final, he was downloading my test onto his thumb drive and I asked him what my paper needed to make it better.  He started to laugh a little and said, "Karen, your paper is really good - I didn't even find anything to mark up."  OK, relieved yes... but a bit pissed... yes.  All I can do is shrug and think that I must have improved on good.  GEE WHIZ! 

Next is my presentation based on my paper and I'm hoping to do at work today (shhhh).  I feel pretty good about the final, now I just have to hope that some dork at the main campus who is going to grade it knows what he/she is doing.  I answered the questions with all the key words and some examples. 

This weekend, I have three chapters of homework of Auditing and the final review to go through so I can study.  And let's not forget about practicing the management presentation because I'm being graded on everything but my undies (or so it feels like!)  Thank goodness I can use PowerPoint and can do some dazzling to keep their attention off my shaking voice and hands.  Xanax is allowed... I asked. 

Thank you to those of you who are dropping by.  I know I'm being a bad blogger and blog friend.  Tomorrow's pictures will be fun (I hope!); you get to see my 4th ad 6th grade "Class" photos and figure out which one is me.  Have a fantastic weekend!!