So, I'm out in Houston. Left last night (very late) to head up here with the FCCLA students. Today is a tiny bit of shuttling, but tomorrow is a full day of shuttling here and there. It's alright, as long as I'm up and shuttling it's awesome pay! Saturday, pick up - drop off -- sit and wait for about 6 hours, then off to home -- another 6 hour trip...just because of stops we have scheduled to make (potty breaks).. can't do without those!
More updates later. Going to get ready to head out and get some "real" coffee. This stuff the hotel has is icky! After the late night I had last night and the early morning rising..I think i'm going to need it! :D
Blessings to you today.
4.14.2011
3.15.2011
Reading...
Ok, so - I'm following other peoples blogs, which is great. I read one this morning about reading..wowzers did I get lucky. I loved the blog and then it linked to a whole new world of blogging out there for me - not to mention reading.
I just started following alot of new to me authors. Welcome to my world! Thanks for being a part of it and being an inspiration that you are. You all make my day!
I just started following alot of new to me authors. Welcome to my world! Thanks for being a part of it and being an inspiration that you are. You all make my day!
3.09.2011
Wednesday...
Wild
Everlasting
Dragging
Neverending
Enchanting
Savory (or not)
Delayed
Avoiding time
Yearn(ing) for it to be over...
So, if you can guess, my Wednesday is dragging!! AAHHHH!!
Everlasting
Dragging
Neverending
Enchanting
Savory (or not)
Delayed
Avoiding time
Yearn(ing) for it to be over...
So, if you can guess, my Wednesday is dragging!! AAHHHH!!
3.08.2011
WOW..hehe
I just learned two things. I'm SO excited! I just learned that if I type my WHOLE blog url into the website here at school it will take me to my site. Otherwise, blogspot is blocked by admin. I really don't know why, but it is. It doesn't give an "explanation" so to say.
So, this gives me a whole lot to think about. I have 35 minutes every day I can get on here and post. It's my "Free" time here at the school. The only time during the day we can do personal stuff if needed. Mine isn't needed, but Oooh, I can get those cruise entries from 2009 done, finally!
So, what I'm thinking is at night I'll compose the entry by hand and the next day I'll type in what I need typed in. I can also add in some posts with pictures and then update the pictures in blogs the next day.
WOOOHOOO!
Ok, also, I just learned about the "pages". I LOVE that. I can create up to ten pages..like an "about me" page. I'm thinking a cruise page is needed and maybe even a scrapbooking page where I can post my digital scrapbook stuff and my real life scrapbook stuff. Might work, eh? What do you think?
See ya in the blogs tomorrow...and the next day...and the next...
So, this gives me a whole lot to think about. I have 35 minutes every day I can get on here and post. It's my "Free" time here at the school. The only time during the day we can do personal stuff if needed. Mine isn't needed, but Oooh, I can get those cruise entries from 2009 done, finally!
So, what I'm thinking is at night I'll compose the entry by hand and the next day I'll type in what I need typed in. I can also add in some posts with pictures and then update the pictures in blogs the next day.
WOOOHOOO!
Ok, also, I just learned about the "pages". I LOVE that. I can create up to ten pages..like an "about me" page. I'm thinking a cruise page is needed and maybe even a scrapbooking page where I can post my digital scrapbook stuff and my real life scrapbook stuff. Might work, eh? What do you think?
See ya in the blogs tomorrow...and the next day...and the next...
2.08.2011
Sunday...
I was so excited. LOL! I had lost my digital camera (Sony Cybershot) battery charger. I was so frustrated and was fixing to go online to Sony to order one. I found it Sunday when I was cleaning right before the game.
Then, I was frustrated and ticked off. LOL..two totally different dimensions of life. Go figure. I was all excited about preparing to watch the game, etc. Then I found out that only FOX was playing it on television. ooh my goodness!!
So, the fix? I have DirecTV being installed soon. LOL. Fix THAT!
Then, I was frustrated and ticked off. LOL..two totally different dimensions of life. Go figure. I was all excited about preparing to watch the game, etc. Then I found out that only FOX was playing it on television. ooh my goodness!!
So, the fix? I have DirecTV being installed soon. LOL. Fix THAT!
Really?
So, I get up this morning and go to work. I have a crick in my neck. Geeze. I ask one of the two subs if he'd drive for me since I can't turn my very well..and he does..no problem. Problem? When I get sick on the route. Clammy, sweaty, very very nauseus..thought twice I was going to lose it. I went home for the day. Don't feel that I needed to be at work like that. UGH. Took a pill to make the nause go away...made me sleep. I'm hungry, but still feel very sick to my stomach. This is all I need!
2.04.2011
Ice, Ice and more Ice...
So, we are in South Texas. We very very rarely get snow, much less -- ice! We were invaded with ice yesterday evening and up until noonish today. It was crazy. There was about a half an inch on EVERYTHING!! We were "ice skating" on the front porch..it was commical. My oldest son almost slid off the porch even after me warning him. It was hillarious!!! Pics posted. I have to get back to typing after I feed my horses and finish dinner. More later!
the ice on one of my tree's...
across the span of my front yard...
right next door where the unmowed grass/brush is...
hubby's amatuer radio antanae's on his truck..LOL..you can even see some ice on his truck.
the ice on one of my tree's...
across the span of my front yard...
right next door where the unmowed grass/brush is...
hubby's amatuer radio antanae's on his truck..LOL..you can even see some ice on his truck. 2.03.2011
My loves...
This is to my loves I've lost this year....(I'll elaborate on the bottom)...
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Author unknown...
This past year has been especially tough for me. I lost my daschund (weenie dog) a few months ago when she was fatally shot. Ray had just left and within a ten minute time span (when I arrived) she was dead. Devastating. I filed with the police, they went and talked to the neighbors, etc. If it hadn't been for my sister helping me out that night, I don't know if I could have done it, or if I'd be out of jail yet...
Then, three weekends ago -- on Saturday -- I lost my beloved goat Indaway. He was alive when we went to bed and when I woke up he was outside by the horse stalls mauled to death. I don't know if it was a dog or a wild cat. The neighbors goats had been mauled to death months ago and another set of neighbors had a dog mauled pretty badly. So, I'm not sure what it is getting the animals, but it got my baby. It was a rough loss. I had bottlefed Indaway since the day I got him (three or four days old) from my friend Sherry. I miss him immensely.
I have had three gains this past year. Three kitties. I got one from a pet shop..he was fixated on me..one from an ad that was placed saying he needed a new home (Diesel needed a friend) and one that was rescued after someone threw her out of thier car driving down the highway. She survived. She has one tooth missing on the bottom, but all is well. She's healthy and happy.
So, this is it this year. We kept two of the kittens born from crazy cat -- Tarbaby and Stripes -- but they are outdoors. Right now we have three puppies that need homes (two need homes but if Jules doesn't take hers soon he's going to need a home soon, too...).
Ok, going to write pen pal letters, this is getting me down...
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Author unknown...
This past year has been especially tough for me. I lost my daschund (weenie dog) a few months ago when she was fatally shot. Ray had just left and within a ten minute time span (when I arrived) she was dead. Devastating. I filed with the police, they went and talked to the neighbors, etc. If it hadn't been for my sister helping me out that night, I don't know if I could have done it, or if I'd be out of jail yet...
Then, three weekends ago -- on Saturday -- I lost my beloved goat Indaway. He was alive when we went to bed and when I woke up he was outside by the horse stalls mauled to death. I don't know if it was a dog or a wild cat. The neighbors goats had been mauled to death months ago and another set of neighbors had a dog mauled pretty badly. So, I'm not sure what it is getting the animals, but it got my baby. It was a rough loss. I had bottlefed Indaway since the day I got him (three or four days old) from my friend Sherry. I miss him immensely.
I have had three gains this past year. Three kitties. I got one from a pet shop..he was fixated on me..one from an ad that was placed saying he needed a new home (Diesel needed a friend) and one that was rescued after someone threw her out of thier car driving down the highway. She survived. She has one tooth missing on the bottom, but all is well. She's healthy and happy.
So, this is it this year. We kept two of the kittens born from crazy cat -- Tarbaby and Stripes -- but they are outdoors. Right now we have three puppies that need homes (two need homes but if Jules doesn't take hers soon he's going to need a home soon, too...).
Ok, going to write pen pal letters, this is getting me down...
Interesting things...
Life has been hectic. Interesting. Unique. So, I've began my new job in August, tired myself out with all the hours, improved my home and property (and continue to do so), gained animals..and of course, lost animals. So, what to pick first...
Job -- great. I love what I do. I just wish the kids would get to move on like they deserve to. We have one who's been in the same room for four years. It's sad. He needs to move on as it's an environment issue with him now. But, due to finances and state finances, it won't happen...Sad.
My hours working the school bus driving and the teachers aide are exhausting...I get up around 4:45 am each morning, get my boys up and get them moving and dressed, get out the door by 5:45 and on the way. I get to work, get my coffee, get on my bus and am the first bus out the gates. :::sigh::: I get off the bus about 7:40 am and am in the classroom by 7:45 am. Eat breakfast, sit with the kids, transport kids, log information, copy papers, whatever the teacher needs, potty kiddo's, etc. Get the kids out the door by 2:45 on thier bus, pick up the school bus in front of me (he brings mine), finish up in the classroom, get back on the school bus between 3:15 and 3:25. I park my bus very close to five and usually am not out the gates until five or 5 after. Home to do more. So, see -- very long day.
Home and property -- feels like improvements are never done. We are soon to be working on our master bathroom now. Bought the tub *jacuzzi sauna style* just recently. We are going to fix the bathroom just enough to get us in it. I'm tired of sharing a restroom with three men. I hate that toilet seat!!! This past year we've done the living room, hallways and laundry room floors, put new carpet in the back spare bedroom, and worked on the lighting. Still have a VERY long way to go, but its coming around. The property is another story. Ray is slowly getting rid of vehicles out back. He won't take on any more jobs to do. We don't need him working on anything else. I want him to have his time for him, or for us, whichever he so chooses, but whichever, I want that time open. Will be working more on the property this year as well. It never ends...
I'm going to post about the animals in another blog. I have a poem and a link to post...so I'll save that one. So, with that, I'm off to post one more blog post for the night then it's pen pal time...
Job -- great. I love what I do. I just wish the kids would get to move on like they deserve to. We have one who's been in the same room for four years. It's sad. He needs to move on as it's an environment issue with him now. But, due to finances and state finances, it won't happen...Sad.
My hours working the school bus driving and the teachers aide are exhausting...I get up around 4:45 am each morning, get my boys up and get them moving and dressed, get out the door by 5:45 and on the way. I get to work, get my coffee, get on my bus and am the first bus out the gates. :::sigh::: I get off the bus about 7:40 am and am in the classroom by 7:45 am. Eat breakfast, sit with the kids, transport kids, log information, copy papers, whatever the teacher needs, potty kiddo's, etc. Get the kids out the door by 2:45 on thier bus, pick up the school bus in front of me (he brings mine), finish up in the classroom, get back on the school bus between 3:15 and 3:25. I park my bus very close to five and usually am not out the gates until five or 5 after. Home to do more. So, see -- very long day.
Home and property -- feels like improvements are never done. We are soon to be working on our master bathroom now. Bought the tub *jacuzzi sauna style* just recently. We are going to fix the bathroom just enough to get us in it. I'm tired of sharing a restroom with three men. I hate that toilet seat!!! This past year we've done the living room, hallways and laundry room floors, put new carpet in the back spare bedroom, and worked on the lighting. Still have a VERY long way to go, but its coming around. The property is another story. Ray is slowly getting rid of vehicles out back. He won't take on any more jobs to do. We don't need him working on anything else. I want him to have his time for him, or for us, whichever he so chooses, but whichever, I want that time open. Will be working more on the property this year as well. It never ends...
I'm going to post about the animals in another blog. I have a poem and a link to post...so I'll save that one. So, with that, I'm off to post one more blog post for the night then it's pen pal time...
WoW, time sure does Fly!
Time sure does fly. I don't know how long it's been since I have posted on here. I haven't really looked at the dates. But, here it is, 2011. Another year. Ugh. Makes me feel SO old. Anyway, resolution for the year -- post more. This blog is a great way to let family know what's going on with me, etc., but, if I don't post..they don't know, right? So, with that, I'm going to work on posting more. So, now I'm going to close this one and post a new one..interesting stuff going on in my neck of the woods...
7.05.2010
Independence Day...
was a fantastic day! I had my whole family with me, except my sisters kiddo's. But, we all had a great time. Lots of pictures. Will be sharing soon. Got to spend the day with my wonderful siblings. It was seriously awesome! I was wore out when I came home, but it was SO worth it! I have one wonderful sister and two wonderful brothers. They are the lights of my life, as is thier families. I wouldn't trade them for the world. Now to go upload pics to picasa!
1.02.2010
Can a chicken be trained?
Good question. I have NO clue, but I will tell you I have one of the funniest chickens. LOL. There is only three of them and they have this one spot (I can't fix it right now, but will later) that they keep getting out of. So, today instead of all three, or two, there's only one loose. I am out there to feed the horses. The kids have already fed everything else except them and the goat. So, I feed the horses, and then go to feed the goat. Now, this chicken is sitting by the feed buckets just waiting. How many chickens would have been IN the bucket getting the feed? Not this one. So, she waits until I pick up the buckets and then proceeds to follow me to the feed shed. Once I get to the feed shed she hops on in and goes to the door leading to her chicken coop.
She turns around -- I swear! -- and looks at me like "Ok, you can open the door now."
So, I am looking at her and telling her to wait a minute. This chicken walks over to me and then back over to the door.
Trained? No!
Can they be trained?
After this, I think so!
She turns around -- I swear! -- and looks at me like "Ok, you can open the door now."
So, I am looking at her and telling her to wait a minute. This chicken walks over to me and then back over to the door.
Trained? No!
Can they be trained?
After this, I think so!
1.01.2010
My Hubby!
I have to share how awesome my hubby is.
Last night the God baby stayed. Our GodDaughter - Dakota- is four, and Joseph is two months. It's the second time he's stayed overnight, much to my delight. I love being able to cuddle with him. Is this going to give me my baby fix? Probably not. First the boys, then Dakota and now Joseph.
Although I am not wishing the boys to grow up and really do want the best for them, including college/military -- whichever they choose, I also can't wait for my grandkids. Can we say spoiled?
Well, let me tell you the reason I am writing this.
Joseph went to bed with me last night -- slept on his own on Dakota's bed w/ protection all around him so that "if" he rolled or whatever he wouldn't fall. He wasn't but a few feet from my bed. I seriously need to get a playpen for him to sleep in when he's here. Anyway - Dakota, myself and Joseph were all asleep by about elevenish. Papa came in sometime around 2:30ish and I barely moved. Only when I heard him talking softly did I start to wake from my slumber - to find him cuddling with Joseph and talking to him. He was trying to put him back to bed without waking me. Needless to say it didn't work because I had failed to show papa how to mix the kiddo's bottles. He's not on normal formula, so it's a "mix" technique that i have not shared.
So, I thought that was really sweet.
Does it end there? No!
Tonight mom & dad show up to pick them up (only took home Joseph and I would have kidnapped him if I could have -- mom can't handle two nights in a row -- yet) -- and Kota comes running out telling me that the baby has woken from his afternoon nap. So, I tell mom -- I'm going to go get him and change him, etc. I walk in, go to the bedroom and - NO Joseph! UGH! Start walking through the house and see Papa standing at the sink marinating the pork chops and barely see a peek of blue under his arm. I walk over, with the camera and see papa holding Joseph!! He was marinating his meat and at the same time holding Joseph and cuddling with him and keeping him quiet.
Such an awesome man. Yes, I complain. Who doesn't? I'm sure he complain's about me, but ya know what -- I love this man with all my heart. What a fantastic specimen God has put on this earth.
Last night the God baby stayed. Our GodDaughter - Dakota- is four, and Joseph is two months. It's the second time he's stayed overnight, much to my delight. I love being able to cuddle with him. Is this going to give me my baby fix? Probably not. First the boys, then Dakota and now Joseph.
Although I am not wishing the boys to grow up and really do want the best for them, including college/military -- whichever they choose, I also can't wait for my grandkids. Can we say spoiled?
Well, let me tell you the reason I am writing this.
Joseph went to bed with me last night -- slept on his own on Dakota's bed w/ protection all around him so that "if" he rolled or whatever he wouldn't fall. He wasn't but a few feet from my bed. I seriously need to get a playpen for him to sleep in when he's here. Anyway - Dakota, myself and Joseph were all asleep by about elevenish. Papa came in sometime around 2:30ish and I barely moved. Only when I heard him talking softly did I start to wake from my slumber - to find him cuddling with Joseph and talking to him. He was trying to put him back to bed without waking me. Needless to say it didn't work because I had failed to show papa how to mix the kiddo's bottles. He's not on normal formula, so it's a "mix" technique that i have not shared.
So, I thought that was really sweet.
Does it end there? No!
Tonight mom & dad show up to pick them up (only took home Joseph and I would have kidnapped him if I could have -- mom can't handle two nights in a row -- yet) -- and Kota comes running out telling me that the baby has woken from his afternoon nap. So, I tell mom -- I'm going to go get him and change him, etc. I walk in, go to the bedroom and - NO Joseph! UGH! Start walking through the house and see Papa standing at the sink marinating the pork chops and barely see a peek of blue under his arm. I walk over, with the camera and see papa holding Joseph!! He was marinating his meat and at the same time holding Joseph and cuddling with him and keeping him quiet.
Such an awesome man. Yes, I complain. Who doesn't? I'm sure he complain's about me, but ya know what -- I love this man with all my heart. What a fantastic specimen God has put on this earth.
The Cruise 12-13-09 to 12-20-09
OK, so we left on the morning of the 13th of December at 4:30 in the morning to go on our cruise on the Carnival Conquest to Key West, FL , Freeport, Bahama's & Nassau, Bahama's. As it was I didn't get any sleep the night before we left, so I was tired, but so excited that the tired didn't show up. I was the last one to go to sleep and the first one to get up.
The neighbors showed up at 4:10 and we were out the door and ready to go within 15 minutes and were on our way. (Thanks Kevin & Phyllis, you rock!).
So, we went to eat at IHOP. The Fleddermans (in group picture below) showed up as well. So, our group (all shown together in the group photo) was all together from the moment we started.
I will blog days individually after this, but I want to get the main points highlighted here. :)
We got on the bus at 6:30 with fond farewell's from Kevin & Phyllis. They still rock!
We had three stops to make -- Rockport, Aransas Pass & Victoria (not in that order I don't recall..lol -- I think A.P. was before Rockport.) We had to pick up more passengers at these locations.
So, we stop at Hillje at about 9:30ish. Got some snacks, drinks & jerky and on our way again after about 30 minutes. We arrived in Galveston at about 2:00ish. It took us NO time at all to get on the ship. (Insert embarking photo that I did not buy because "I" was looking elsewhere for some unGodly reason!!) It was awesome. We got on the ship, bought our "Coke" Cards & headed to our room. None of our luggage was there yet. We checked the room out (one room for all four of us w/ pull out beds for the boys) and headed to our friends rooms. We all caught up w/ each other (we were on Deck 8, they were on Deck 9 -- Lido deck) and went to eat. Buffet was totally ready. Awesome. Four PM rolls around and people are still boarding. At 6 PM, people are totally boarded but the ship isn't moving. Umm..problem?! Yes! Totally! We are fogged in!! The harbor master will not let us leave. We were not the only ones either. Their was another ship docked behind us. They didn't get to leave either!
So, that evening we spent checking the ship out, eatting and checking out the kids clubs, etc. it was awesome. At 6 pm we have to be in the dinner room (Monet Dining Room, table 523), where we eat "formally" each night. The mandatory diner dress is collar shirts for the men w/ nice blue jean shorts (no cut offs or swim trunks) and regular shoes, NO flip flops or sandals allowed and for the women is pretty much the same, except nice blouses. You can dress up formally each night for dinner if you want, but it's not mandatory. Only two nights, Monday & Thursday. So, we eat -- alot -- meet our waiters (head waiter - Jose, assistant - I-Gusti, we "hear" the Maitre D for the first time that night. We learn the phrase of the ship "fun, fun fun.." laugh about it a bit, and then head on out. I am not in a routine yet, so we wonder the ship checking stuff out. Then off to bed.
So, Day two is here. 12/14/09
Wake up to find out that it is STILL foggy! Even worse than the night before. You can't even see the other ship behind us. This sucks! So, we get breakfast, which isn't served until 7:30 (we've been up since five thirty), and chill. We had a few things to go to today on board (no one is allowed off ship even though we can't leave the harbor.)
So, we go to a few scheduled things, then eat lunch.
At two we are sitting in a diamond lecture and OMG, the ship started moving. Talk about instant changes of attitudes. WOOHOOO -- we are MOVING!!! Some people didn't believe me and my girlfriend Debbie, but we KNEW. LOL..we WERE moving!! Two hours later we have to start getting ready for the pics/dinner.
Tonight is formal night. Pictures. Lots of them. (Several posted at the end of the blog.)
It's awesome because everyone know's that after dinner the casino and shops will be open.
So, we head down for pics. So, we eat and head to the shops. We check out what they have to offer, have some stuff set in our sights, and move on. Hubby decides that he's going to go to the casino. I have NO clue how much money he lost, but I know he lost at least $200! He heads for the casino, the boys go to their clubs, Shawna goes to the show. I had already decided that I was going to hit some shows while I was on the ship and boy oh boy was it worth it!!! I'll post more on that later.
At midnight I go to check on hubby and then we go to get the boys and find that they don't want to leave. Both of them had made some friends. I was so pleased. :) Off to bed hubby and I go. Yes, we went to bed, too. LOL!!
Day 3 -- 12/15/09
We find out that we are dropping one port of call and heading straight to the Bahama's. We find out that we will be there Wednesday evening at 8PM and will be leaving Thursday at 2:30. We aren't sure about getting off the ship that night so we decide to hang tight on the ship until the morning.
Next morning we get up, eat breakfast and hit the road. (Disembarkation photo below.) We walked. We had originally had an excursion for each port scheduled, but ended up canceling all of them because time had been cut short for each one. No worries though, shopping galore. And that we did. I ended up purchasing a pair of tanzanite earrings and a ring in Nassau. Awesome & expensive. Ugh, there goes Christmas for me. LOL! Got some gifts for my sister who was at home in nasty weather taking care of my animals for me. (She rocks too!!!) Back to the ship.
Off to dinner. Then we head to the show. Hubby heads to the casino and now Robert, one of the group, is hanging with me and heading to the show, as is his grandparents. Fun Fun Fun!
(more pics of this in another blog another day.) Off to another "show" after this. We had a blast. Robert ended up hanging with me most nights for the show's. The "show" was a deck party. We were the blue team of the ship so we were the smallest, but we won the loudest team. :) We were on video, too. NO, you don't get to see that video. LOL and YES, I bought it. :)
Day 4 -- back at sea. 12/16/09
We are now headed to Key West, FL. Kind of dreadful since we will have to hit customs when we get to FL. Oh well. So, we do some fun stuff on the ship that day. I hit the casino for the first time. Ooh cool. Won $40 playing the dollar slots. Fun, Fun, Fun! We are supposed to dock in Key West tomorrow morning, so we get an awesome itenerary of Key West and the shops, etc. Of course, we are still attending shows, and other functions during the day. (Don't worry, I'll tell ya all about em. Just not in this blog. LOL)
Day 5 --12/17/09 -- Key West, FL
It's cold. And wet. UGH. We docked to find that another ship was docked and had docked late the night before. No worries. The worry for today -- omg, it's raining on top of it. It was COLD rain. So, they have trolley's and trains for us to get to the downtown section where we need to be to go shopping.
Ride the train in, no rain, just tiny drops -- get to the downtown train tracks -- it's pouring! Sheesh. So, we get some umbrella's and go on. It stops raining for a short time. We come out of one store and it's pouring again, to continue to pour the remainder of the day. Cold & Wet. UGH. Just what I need to get sick again. We go into the "mall" and my girlfriend Debbie has bought another item of jewelry. I didn't want to go into the shop, but while we were there, I got impatient and went looking, it was as if fate intervened because lo-and-behold, there was a pendant to match my tanzanite earrings. Woohoooo! Awesome!! Yep, you guessed it, I bought it. Didn't buy the necklace I would have LOVED to have bought, but I did buy the pendant. Awesome price. (I'll tell ya'll about the prices later.)
Anyway, went on and headed back to the ship via the train. As we head back we ALL get soaked. The train is only covered with a canvas tarp and we are not allowed to use our umbrella's. :( So, I worry about getting sick now.
Day 6 -- 12/18/09
Youngest son wakes up sick. :( UGH. Not too bad, but bad cough. Give him my meds. It works. He has a somewhat peaceful day, and doesn't run a fever, so all is good. We are in the ocean heading back to Galveston today. More food, chocolate bar at lunchtime. You would not believe the food. I have some pictures from the digital to share later, but not in this blog. Gosh, it will probably take me two months to get through all the neat, fun stuff we saw, did, etc. All deserts it was on this bar. Interesting. Very interesting. I'm halfway glad I don't make these things at home.
Day 7 -- 12/19/09
Still at sea. More casino, shops, and overall fun on the ship. :D (more to blog about later). Went to the last two shows today. Christmas show, which my kids were supposed to be part of but didn't go to their clubs like they were supposed to (tell ya more later), and which made me cry and final crew show. Awesome.
Day 8 -- 12/20/09 - Galveston & Disembarkation
It was crazy!!! Boy do I mean Crazy, too! They had prearranged how they were going to disembark, but people weren't listening. By the time we starting offloading people were so ready to be off that it was sheer & utter chaos. I'll have to tell you about pulling into port & the dolphins later. Let's get through the disembarkation, first. First to disembark were handicapped that needed help and self assist. The self assist ended up being a joke. Everybody and their mother (even those who only carried a backpack off) got off. It wasn't supposed to happen like that. They were to call the handicapped first and then certain floors. If you were on that floor you were to go ahead and go. However every single floor and their mother's ended up going. If you weren't self assist, you were not supposed to even be on that floor, but there were so many other people there that it wasn't happening. Finally we got to get off. Three hours after we docked. Didn't take us no time. No customs since we had been through customs in FL. Awesome. Hardest thing about the actual getting OFF the ship was finding our luggage. That won't be a problem next trip!!!
So, now it's the drive home on the bus. We didn't get to Corpus unti 6:30, went to eat at Golden Corral w/ Phyllis (she rocks for coming to pick me up -- my sister would have, but wouldn't have had the room in her suburban for all of us plus all of our belongings & luggage). Finally headed home.
We got home, got our husky Buddy and brought him in and we went to bed. Yep, 8 pm and we were all asleep! Exhausting Day! Finally Home. There's NO place like home.
Pictures of formal night, the group, etc. below. Enjoy -- more to come of various things on the blog during the week, etc.
OK, not sure why I can't put the pictures in here, but until I figure it out, here's my picasa sight w/ the formal pictures. :)
Picasa -- Cruise Pictures
Shawna
The neighbors showed up at 4:10 and we were out the door and ready to go within 15 minutes and were on our way. (Thanks Kevin & Phyllis, you rock!).
So, we went to eat at IHOP. The Fleddermans (in group picture below) showed up as well. So, our group (all shown together in the group photo) was all together from the moment we started.
I will blog days individually after this, but I want to get the main points highlighted here. :)
We got on the bus at 6:30 with fond farewell's from Kevin & Phyllis. They still rock!
We had three stops to make -- Rockport, Aransas Pass & Victoria (not in that order I don't recall..lol -- I think A.P. was before Rockport.) We had to pick up more passengers at these locations.
So, we stop at Hillje at about 9:30ish. Got some snacks, drinks & jerky and on our way again after about 30 minutes. We arrived in Galveston at about 2:00ish. It took us NO time at all to get on the ship. (Insert embarking photo that I did not buy because "I" was looking elsewhere for some unGodly reason!!) It was awesome. We got on the ship, bought our "Coke" Cards & headed to our room. None of our luggage was there yet. We checked the room out (one room for all four of us w/ pull out beds for the boys) and headed to our friends rooms. We all caught up w/ each other (we were on Deck 8, they were on Deck 9 -- Lido deck) and went to eat. Buffet was totally ready. Awesome. Four PM rolls around and people are still boarding. At 6 PM, people are totally boarded but the ship isn't moving. Umm..problem?! Yes! Totally! We are fogged in!! The harbor master will not let us leave. We were not the only ones either. Their was another ship docked behind us. They didn't get to leave either!
So, that evening we spent checking the ship out, eatting and checking out the kids clubs, etc. it was awesome. At 6 pm we have to be in the dinner room (Monet Dining Room, table 523), where we eat "formally" each night. The mandatory diner dress is collar shirts for the men w/ nice blue jean shorts (no cut offs or swim trunks) and regular shoes, NO flip flops or sandals allowed and for the women is pretty much the same, except nice blouses. You can dress up formally each night for dinner if you want, but it's not mandatory. Only two nights, Monday & Thursday. So, we eat -- alot -- meet our waiters (head waiter - Jose, assistant - I-Gusti, we "hear" the Maitre D for the first time that night. We learn the phrase of the ship "fun, fun fun.." laugh about it a bit, and then head on out. I am not in a routine yet, so we wonder the ship checking stuff out. Then off to bed.
So, Day two is here. 12/14/09
Wake up to find out that it is STILL foggy! Even worse than the night before. You can't even see the other ship behind us. This sucks! So, we get breakfast, which isn't served until 7:30 (we've been up since five thirty), and chill. We had a few things to go to today on board (no one is allowed off ship even though we can't leave the harbor.)
So, we go to a few scheduled things, then eat lunch.
At two we are sitting in a diamond lecture and OMG, the ship started moving. Talk about instant changes of attitudes. WOOHOOO -- we are MOVING!!! Some people didn't believe me and my girlfriend Debbie, but we KNEW. LOL..we WERE moving!! Two hours later we have to start getting ready for the pics/dinner.
Tonight is formal night. Pictures. Lots of them. (Several posted at the end of the blog.)
It's awesome because everyone know's that after dinner the casino and shops will be open.
So, we head down for pics. So, we eat and head to the shops. We check out what they have to offer, have some stuff set in our sights, and move on. Hubby decides that he's going to go to the casino. I have NO clue how much money he lost, but I know he lost at least $200! He heads for the casino, the boys go to their clubs, Shawna goes to the show. I had already decided that I was going to hit some shows while I was on the ship and boy oh boy was it worth it!!! I'll post more on that later.
At midnight I go to check on hubby and then we go to get the boys and find that they don't want to leave. Both of them had made some friends. I was so pleased. :) Off to bed hubby and I go. Yes, we went to bed, too. LOL!!
Day 3 -- 12/15/09
We find out that we are dropping one port of call and heading straight to the Bahama's. We find out that we will be there Wednesday evening at 8PM and will be leaving Thursday at 2:30. We aren't sure about getting off the ship that night so we decide to hang tight on the ship until the morning.
Next morning we get up, eat breakfast and hit the road. (Disembarkation photo below.) We walked. We had originally had an excursion for each port scheduled, but ended up canceling all of them because time had been cut short for each one. No worries though, shopping galore. And that we did. I ended up purchasing a pair of tanzanite earrings and a ring in Nassau. Awesome & expensive. Ugh, there goes Christmas for me. LOL! Got some gifts for my sister who was at home in nasty weather taking care of my animals for me. (She rocks too!!!) Back to the ship.
Off to dinner. Then we head to the show. Hubby heads to the casino and now Robert, one of the group, is hanging with me and heading to the show, as is his grandparents. Fun Fun Fun!
(more pics of this in another blog another day.) Off to another "show" after this. We had a blast. Robert ended up hanging with me most nights for the show's. The "show" was a deck party. We were the blue team of the ship so we were the smallest, but we won the loudest team. :) We were on video, too. NO, you don't get to see that video. LOL and YES, I bought it. :)
Day 4 -- back at sea. 12/16/09
We are now headed to Key West, FL. Kind of dreadful since we will have to hit customs when we get to FL. Oh well. So, we do some fun stuff on the ship that day. I hit the casino for the first time. Ooh cool. Won $40 playing the dollar slots. Fun, Fun, Fun! We are supposed to dock in Key West tomorrow morning, so we get an awesome itenerary of Key West and the shops, etc. Of course, we are still attending shows, and other functions during the day. (Don't worry, I'll tell ya all about em. Just not in this blog. LOL)
Day 5 --12/17/09 -- Key West, FL
It's cold. And wet. UGH. We docked to find that another ship was docked and had docked late the night before. No worries. The worry for today -- omg, it's raining on top of it. It was COLD rain. So, they have trolley's and trains for us to get to the downtown section where we need to be to go shopping.
Ride the train in, no rain, just tiny drops -- get to the downtown train tracks -- it's pouring! Sheesh. So, we get some umbrella's and go on. It stops raining for a short time. We come out of one store and it's pouring again, to continue to pour the remainder of the day. Cold & Wet. UGH. Just what I need to get sick again. We go into the "mall" and my girlfriend Debbie has bought another item of jewelry. I didn't want to go into the shop, but while we were there, I got impatient and went looking, it was as if fate intervened because lo-and-behold, there was a pendant to match my tanzanite earrings. Woohoooo! Awesome!! Yep, you guessed it, I bought it. Didn't buy the necklace I would have LOVED to have bought, but I did buy the pendant. Awesome price. (I'll tell ya'll about the prices later.)
Anyway, went on and headed back to the ship via the train. As we head back we ALL get soaked. The train is only covered with a canvas tarp and we are not allowed to use our umbrella's. :( So, I worry about getting sick now.
Day 6 -- 12/18/09
Youngest son wakes up sick. :( UGH. Not too bad, but bad cough. Give him my meds. It works. He has a somewhat peaceful day, and doesn't run a fever, so all is good. We are in the ocean heading back to Galveston today. More food, chocolate bar at lunchtime. You would not believe the food. I have some pictures from the digital to share later, but not in this blog. Gosh, it will probably take me two months to get through all the neat, fun stuff we saw, did, etc. All deserts it was on this bar. Interesting. Very interesting. I'm halfway glad I don't make these things at home.
Day 7 -- 12/19/09
Still at sea. More casino, shops, and overall fun on the ship. :D (more to blog about later). Went to the last two shows today. Christmas show, which my kids were supposed to be part of but didn't go to their clubs like they were supposed to (tell ya more later), and which made me cry and final crew show. Awesome.
Day 8 -- 12/20/09 - Galveston & Disembarkation
It was crazy!!! Boy do I mean Crazy, too! They had prearranged how they were going to disembark, but people weren't listening. By the time we starting offloading people were so ready to be off that it was sheer & utter chaos. I'll have to tell you about pulling into port & the dolphins later. Let's get through the disembarkation, first. First to disembark were handicapped that needed help and self assist. The self assist ended up being a joke. Everybody and their mother (even those who only carried a backpack off) got off. It wasn't supposed to happen like that. They were to call the handicapped first and then certain floors. If you were on that floor you were to go ahead and go. However every single floor and their mother's ended up going. If you weren't self assist, you were not supposed to even be on that floor, but there were so many other people there that it wasn't happening. Finally we got to get off. Three hours after we docked. Didn't take us no time. No customs since we had been through customs in FL. Awesome. Hardest thing about the actual getting OFF the ship was finding our luggage. That won't be a problem next trip!!!
So, now it's the drive home on the bus. We didn't get to Corpus unti 6:30, went to eat at Golden Corral w/ Phyllis (she rocks for coming to pick me up -- my sister would have, but wouldn't have had the room in her suburban for all of us plus all of our belongings & luggage). Finally headed home.
We got home, got our husky Buddy and brought him in and we went to bed. Yep, 8 pm and we were all asleep! Exhausting Day! Finally Home. There's NO place like home.
Pictures of formal night, the group, etc. below. Enjoy -- more to come of various things on the blog during the week, etc.
OK, not sure why I can't put the pictures in here, but until I figure it out, here's my picasa sight w/ the formal pictures. :)
Picasa -- Cruise Pictures
Shawna
10.04.2009
Does it get any better...?
Ok. So, does it ever get any better. Does *time* make it better?
Tuesday my son was hurt during a football game. He got the injury and kept trying to play, so three plays later he comes out. He's got a slight nose bleed, is coughing/spitting alot..he's been injured in the ribs.
So -- coaches tell us we need to go ahead and take him to the ER. One scared mama. I'm driving the school bus, so *I* can't leave. This freaking sucks. So, hubby heads in. This is not good, because hubby has to get up the next morning at 2:30 to go to work. It's eight pm already, he should already be crawling into bed. UGH.
So, Correy feels bad enough for the principal to take him to go ahead and meet dad. Dad meets them at one hospital and decides he's going to take him to the Children's hospital. They get there and dad calls. OMG, there's a TON of people here. Everybody is wearing masks..there's border patrol running around.
Well, hubby makes a phone call. He's a major volunteer for the hospital. This has to be a plus. So, he shows his badge, and due to the injury and his status, they get him in to the back quick. Well, an hour and a half later, they are still where they were. Hubby tells the nurses -- If this is how ya'll treat a rush situation, I'd hate to see how you treat a non emergency situation. Nurse tells him she'll be right back. Hubby tells another nurse -- we are leaving.
So, they go to the hospital he was originally at. I finally get there at like ten fourty five. Hubby goes home to go to sleep. Mom and Correy sit there. Finally -- one fourty five we are taken back -- at around two fifteen they come get Correy for x-rays. Doc calls me -- XRays are fine -- nothing broke, just bruised ribs. They gave instructions to us on his injury. Key phrase -- if you have any problems, swelling, fever, etc. get him back or to the doctors.
Soooooo....Wednesday -- I let everyone sleep in. Finally about eleven wake them up. Eight hours of sleep -- enough to get through the day. Take oldest to school -- come home -- try to nap. I didn't go to work this day.
Well, later in the evening the fever erupts. Great! 101.7. Sheesh -- can it get any worse. So, I watch him all evening. Thursday morning I get up and call the docs. I have an appt. for two pm.
We go. Flu. Damn. This is just great. They sent the test off to be analyzed or whatever they do to it to see if it's the freaking swine flu. He's out of school for five days. To make matters worse his breathing is labored a bit -- Doc say's..he has asthma. Has he ever had it before? Yes, but he grew out of it. Well, it's back. Allergies? yes. Seasonal. Yep, that makes his asthma worse.
So, his risk factor with the flu just went up 50%. Great. Just what the poor kid needs.
So, now he's home with a small amount of meds. Fever breaks for a while during the day but then comes back full force. Is it ever going to just go away?
We have another appointment on Monday with the doctors office. Guess we'll find out more then.
So -- does it ever get any better?
Tuesday my son was hurt during a football game. He got the injury and kept trying to play, so three plays later he comes out. He's got a slight nose bleed, is coughing/spitting alot..he's been injured in the ribs.
So -- coaches tell us we need to go ahead and take him to the ER. One scared mama. I'm driving the school bus, so *I* can't leave. This freaking sucks. So, hubby heads in. This is not good, because hubby has to get up the next morning at 2:30 to go to work. It's eight pm already, he should already be crawling into bed. UGH.
So, Correy feels bad enough for the principal to take him to go ahead and meet dad. Dad meets them at one hospital and decides he's going to take him to the Children's hospital. They get there and dad calls. OMG, there's a TON of people here. Everybody is wearing masks..there's border patrol running around.
Well, hubby makes a phone call. He's a major volunteer for the hospital. This has to be a plus. So, he shows his badge, and due to the injury and his status, they get him in to the back quick. Well, an hour and a half later, they are still where they were. Hubby tells the nurses -- If this is how ya'll treat a rush situation, I'd hate to see how you treat a non emergency situation. Nurse tells him she'll be right back. Hubby tells another nurse -- we are leaving.
So, they go to the hospital he was originally at. I finally get there at like ten fourty five. Hubby goes home to go to sleep. Mom and Correy sit there. Finally -- one fourty five we are taken back -- at around two fifteen they come get Correy for x-rays. Doc calls me -- XRays are fine -- nothing broke, just bruised ribs. They gave instructions to us on his injury. Key phrase -- if you have any problems, swelling, fever, etc. get him back or to the doctors.
Soooooo....Wednesday -- I let everyone sleep in. Finally about eleven wake them up. Eight hours of sleep -- enough to get through the day. Take oldest to school -- come home -- try to nap. I didn't go to work this day.
Well, later in the evening the fever erupts. Great! 101.7. Sheesh -- can it get any worse. So, I watch him all evening. Thursday morning I get up and call the docs. I have an appt. for two pm.
We go. Flu. Damn. This is just great. They sent the test off to be analyzed or whatever they do to it to see if it's the freaking swine flu. He's out of school for five days. To make matters worse his breathing is labored a bit -- Doc say's..he has asthma. Has he ever had it before? Yes, but he grew out of it. Well, it's back. Allergies? yes. Seasonal. Yep, that makes his asthma worse.
So, his risk factor with the flu just went up 50%. Great. Just what the poor kid needs.
So, now he's home with a small amount of meds. Fever breaks for a while during the day but then comes back full force. Is it ever going to just go away?
We have another appointment on Monday with the doctors office. Guess we'll find out more then.
So -- does it ever get any better?
9.27.2009
Cleaning...
I hate house cleaning! Why is it that us women always end up the ones who do ninety percent of the cleaning? My husband tries to throw that whole "I work all day long..." trip, but you know what, so do I..sometimes two jobs..no, my bus driving job is not easy. Traffic, screaming kids, kids testing you, weather..it's not hard, but it's not always peaches and cream either. Then, if I sub on specific days, I am up and working from five until five in the afternoon..then I still have to come home, deal with the animals, walk the dog -- because no one else will, cook dinner, put up dinner, dishes, and instruct the kids to do whatever it is they need to do. Why do they insist on having to have ME to instruct them at this age?! And hubby cannot use this crap as an excuse..
I do want to add that I don't always complain, just when I have to do serious cleaning. ;( One of the kids helps, but the other is off doing something or other and it's left to me and one kid who half-ass's everything.
cleaning..i hate it.
I do want to add that I don't always complain, just when I have to do serious cleaning. ;( One of the kids helps, but the other is off doing something or other and it's left to me and one kid who half-ass's everything.
cleaning..i hate it.
9.26.2009
Aaahh...Saturday Evening...
Aaahhh..Today was wonderful. My sister, her husband and two of her three kids came over to eat bbq. She pitched in meat (yummy pork ribs and ranch style beans), and we had chicken, broccoli w/ butter n cheese sauce, potato salad, so it was a meal to be enjoyed and savored. The only drawback was the mosquito's. :(
I love my family....
I love my family....
9.03.2009
AAHHHHHH!!!
My oldest is driving me crazy!! Actually, both of them are driving me crazy. And they wonder why I make them do thier own laundry -- it's so their clothes don't ge mixed up and there isn't any fighting like what's going on now!!! UGH.
On another note, I'm pooped and fixing to get onto the oldest. I don't mind him checking facebook, but he's going to learn that there's a time and a place..I didn't mind the initial check, but it's WAY past bedtime now. Gotta go set him straight.
Then, shower & bed for me.
Laterz.
On another note, I'm pooped and fixing to get onto the oldest. I don't mind him checking facebook, but he's going to learn that there's a time and a place..I didn't mind the initial check, but it's WAY past bedtime now. Gotta go set him straight.
Then, shower & bed for me.
Laterz.
Men!
Ok, so my husband wakes up this morning and on go all the lights. UGH! Hello?? I'm still asleep..in bed..trying to sleep...sheesh.
So, it seems like he has no care in the world that he has all the lights on, left my door open to lose my bedroom a.c. (we like it suuuuper cold when we sleep) and well, that I'm wide awake now. Grrr!
Ok, so I'm on a men rampage..check this link out:
Stranger Slapped Screaming Child in Georgia Wal-Mart, Police Say
hopefully it will come through for you! I cannot believe the gall of this man. I don't care who he is or how old he is, I hope he gets more than just a slap on the wrist for this. How dare he think he can slap someone else's child. UGH. I know age has alot to do with it..in his age people could give advice to others without it being considered rude or impropper, but come the freak on...geeze..to slap someone else's child..I'd have freaking gone on a haywire with the man had it been my child.
Just thought I'd give some food for the day....
So, it seems like he has no care in the world that he has all the lights on, left my door open to lose my bedroom a.c. (we like it suuuuper cold when we sleep) and well, that I'm wide awake now. Grrr!
Ok, so I'm on a men rampage..check this link out:
Stranger Slapped Screaming Child in Georgia Wal-Mart, Police Say
hopefully it will come through for you! I cannot believe the gall of this man. I don't care who he is or how old he is, I hope he gets more than just a slap on the wrist for this. How dare he think he can slap someone else's child. UGH. I know age has alot to do with it..in his age people could give advice to others without it being considered rude or impropper, but come the freak on...geeze..to slap someone else's child..I'd have freaking gone on a haywire with the man had it been my child.
Just thought I'd give some food for the day....
9.02.2009
Is it THAT time...again??
Ok, get your mind out of the gutter. Is it time for bet, yet?
Shame shame shame..what some people make out of a few little words and the way they are said..LOL.
Gotcha.
Yes, it's time for bed. I did two extra bus routes today, plus had a safety meeting. The head boss came in today. Interesting. We've never been told (as a whole -- and by one person) how important we are.
So, my boys went to bed today...thirty minutes later than I wanted them to.
Tomorrow is undecided.
This weekend is up in "arms."
Decisions decisions decisions.
Shame shame shame..what some people make out of a few little words and the way they are said..LOL.
Gotcha.
Yes, it's time for bed. I did two extra bus routes today, plus had a safety meeting. The head boss came in today. Interesting. We've never been told (as a whole -- and by one person) how important we are.
So, my boys went to bed today...thirty minutes later than I wanted them to.
Tomorrow is undecided.
This weekend is up in "arms."
Decisions decisions decisions.
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