Another trip to the new Pueblo West ER...

except this time, it was me being seen. Urrgggg....yeah I went kicking and screaming (well...not literally). I woke up sick Friday morning...sore throat and just feeling miserable (tired, achey, etc.)...but this morning, there were white spots on my throat. I was just saying on LLFs the other day how I've only had strep throat once (that I can remember) since having my tonsils out back in 1996...but it looked pretty bad. Nolan thought we should go in, so we did. Well...after an hour and forty-five minute wait...my rapid strep came back negative. The doc said it's probably just viral anyway and if it is a sinus infection...he wouldn't think of treating it until I've been sick for 2 weeks...whatever! That is about the stupidest logic I've ever heard. It's not like this is my first sinus thing (I actually thought that I was getting a sinus infection until I saw the white spots in my throat). So I spent the afternoon in the urgent care/ER only for him to tell me to take Tylenol, yeah....I also have a cough from hell...waaaaaaa...I don't have time to be sick. They did say that the rapid strep tests are notoriously false/negative...so they will culture for 24 hrs and if it turns out positive, they'll call me. I do have one Ace up my sleeve though. Since I don't want to go into see Dr. Kemling...I'm thinking about calling my dentist cause I'm also having that funny thing on my left, lower jaw where my wisdom tooth was removed...it's all flared up again. Last time it flared up, I just called Dr. Chambers and he called in a script for Z-pack. I'm positive I either have strep or a bad sinus infection and I'm not waiting 2 weeks to start treating it. Sheesh, the last time I waited that long to seek medical treatment, I ended up with pneumonia...that is so rediculous...

So now my darn exercise routine is on hold til I'm feeling better. I told Nolan that I must be allergic to exercise cause every single time I start an exercise program, I end up sick. Funny thing is...he told me he was thinking the same thing. IDK, I think there is probably some truth to it...most likely just a temporary "run down" state when first starting to work out. The other factor was our late night out last Monday (with Chris). I know we were up til 3 am or so and the next day at my hair appt...I felt horrible. In fact, I remember when Shelby was rinsing my hair, I got a chill. I'm sure those 3 factors all played a part in my getting sick. I can't remember the last time I was sick or saw Dr. Kemling (other than a 24 hr. stomach bug here and there). I can't remember the last time I had a sinus infection or even a cold. Oh well, what can you do, LOL...

I'm trying not to get discouraged having lost 3 days already in my workout schedule...I'll just pick up again where I left off as soon as I'm feeling better. Besides...I have to feel better by Thursday night for the Bull Riders Only show. Nolan already bought tickets and Tim is going with and I'm pretty sure that Clay is coming down to go too. Can't wait to see Clay...haven't seen him since we were in Steamboat Springs last October!

Looking a little different around here...

Wow...the Christmas decorations are down and things are starting to take shape. Nolan has been working tirelessly to clean out my office to make it back into the exercise room (YAY!!)...We moved the new furniture (that we bought for the basement bar/pool table area) upstairs to the living room. We had to take it out Chase's bedroom window (as it wouldn't fit up the staircase) and because it's a sleeper sofa, omg it was seriously heavy. I don't really like the look of it in the living room (it's a little too casual and big)...but, at least it's new and comfortable (until we can afford new stuff for the living room). We got the love seat and wingback chair (that was in the living room) moved into the formal dining room with the piano (makes a nice sitting room). After we divide the entertainment room (into 2 separate rooms) we're going to use one of the rooms for storage (so we can empty out our storage unit...savings = $ 840/year). With everything here (as opposed to the storage unit) we can systematically start going thru all the boxes and be rid of so much junk. If/when we move, I do not want to take all that junk to a new home...so it's good to get it done now. I also want to get out all of the things I packed away to storage (when the house was on the market)...I will no longer live bare bones whether the house is on the market or not. I am going to make this house our home and when the time comes to sell...that is how we will sell it. I am convinced that my dislike of this house has actually been the reason it has not sold in the past. I have to learn to love this house and truly make it "home" before it will be "loved" by anyone else. I must take advantage of the next 4-5 months (while the kids are still in school) and get my projects going and done...so if the market looks favorable later this year, we'll be ready to list it. I am hoping Nolan will get some kind of bonus this year and perhaps we will get a decent income tax return that we can use to help accomplish this. For the first time in a long time...I'm actually feeling very hopeful that we'll soon be living on "the Ranch" on Casa Grande!!

I'll add some pics as soon as I get everything put away!

Mmmmm, the smell of turkey...

Since we had Thanksgiving at my sister's house...I had promised Nolan that I would make a turkey so we could have our "own" leftovers, LOL. So, Monday...I put the frozen turkey in the garage fridge so that I could cook it for New Years dinner. I went to the "mad house" grocery store yesterday and spent the better part of the evening making stuffing (from scratch). Get up this morning and my turkey is still frozen solid. Oh boy...so Nolan ran to Walmart to get a fresh turkey. While he was gone I made a pumpkin pie. The turkey's stuffed and in the oven and our house smells heavenly. Sweet potatoes are cooking and I'm gonna go peel white potatoes in a few minutes. We're having the turkey and all the fixings. I'm making a pecan pie too which I'll stick in the oven as soon as the turkey is done. I might could get outta cooking all weekend, LOL!! I think this is the first time I've ever cooked a turkey when it wasn't Thanksgiving and it's so much more relaxed. Now I might have to cook the still frozen turkey for Easter, LOL!!

I guess miracles do happen...

Our sweet Jordan returned this morning at 5:30 am. It was strange...Taylor spent the night at Brooke's so Chase and Paige slept in our room (Paige at the end of the bed and Chase on the floor at the end of the bed). Anyway, I was in the middle of a vivid dream when I heard a loud, cat screech (so loud it woke me from my sleep)...Zoey (who was sleeping between Nolan and I) also sprang up. Nolan and Chase were still sound asleep...and I said, "...what was that?..." Nolan thought someone was trying to break in as he hadn't heard a thing, LOL. I told him that I had heard a cat screech and to open the door (we have a door in our bedroom that goes outside onto the deck). For a second, I wasn't sure if I really heard it or dreamed it...but there at our door was Miss Jordan. She purred and purred and purred all morning! Zoey was sooooo happy to have her pal back again. I'm so relieved that she's home safe and sound! Thank you God!

Our beloved Jordan is missing...

OMG...I am beside myself with worry as we haven't seen our sweet Jordan cat all day. She's an indoor cat and I'm constantly having to remind the kids to make sure they keep the exterior doors shut so she doesn't get out...but someone left the back door open last night (the throw rug was jammed inbetween so the door didn't shut all the way). Anyway, when I realized this morning that I hadn't seen her (she's a bit unsocial, but she still likes to be near), we went out looking. We searched the house, the garage, the neighborhood...we called the animal shelter, but no cats (matching her description) were brought in from Pueblo West. We're going to leave the garage doors open tonight in case she comes back. Other wise, I'll put an ad in the lost and found asap. I am so sad...she and Zoey are really best friends and it breaks my heart to know that Zoey has lost her best friend...

A new year brings new hope...

With January 1st quickly approaching...I've been thinking about this new year that lies ahead and what's in store...what I want/hope to accomplish, etc...

Well...the kids go back to school on the 12th (Taylor on the 8th)...so while the kids are in school (from Jan. to May) I have got to get my house back on track. So...over the next couple months I will be dedicating a big chunk of my time to sorting, tossing, organizing, etc...and any small projects I can do myself. I have a couple great new books to read (The Purpose Driven Life ... and... Positively Ageless), which will hopefully help get me on a new and good exercise and eating plan, as well as, getting in touch with my spiritual side/purpose. Right now, I'm just trying to lose 10 lbs. If/when I accomplish that, I'll set another goal at that time. While I know this is maybe a bit "out there"...I would really like to be able to to do the 2009 Spring Run-Off 5k in March...I am aiming for it, but I'll just have to take things as they come. But that's my goal. I am also really going to try and cut my drinking. I'd like to at least cut it by half, but actually like to cut it much more than that. As much as I enjoy drinking with Nolan...I do not feel good (physically or mentally) when I drink so much (nearly daily)...and I think it just might help my waistline to cut back (which is a very good thing)...it's going to be hard, as "drinking" has become a staple in our house...but, I've just got to keep focused. I think I will use my birthday money to buy a new workout outfit (to help get me motivated). My nice Brooks running shoes have hardly seen the light of day since I got them...so I really need to start breaking those puppies in, LOL!

By mid to end of May...we'll see how work picks up. Honestly, at this point...as much as I liked the job, the guys, etc...I just don't think I want to work for KRSC anymore. I know that no matter how much I do...how much time I put in...how dedicated I am, etc...I will never be respected or appreciated. I think "R" himself would have to ask me personally to come back to work for me to even consider it...but I'm not holding my breath on that one, LOL...After everything that 's happened (especially the incident with S.S.)...I don't think I can work for them. It's very much a catch 22, cause I know that Nolan will be right back where he was years ago (work, work, work...too much to do, not enough time, etc.). Anyway, since I'm really not banking on "R" personally asking me back to work...I do have to have a "plan B". I hope to enjoy the summer with the kids (since I have been so busy with work the last 2 summers)...then come Fall (if, ummmmm, "R" still hasn't asked me back to work, LOL) I am going to go back to school. I'm still really considering the nail tech program...but I'm still thinking on other possible career choices as well...so we'll see, LOL. I really hope to have all my xmas shopping done by Dec. 1st 2009...so I can just sit back and enjoy the month of December...but that's a ways off, so we'll see...

I really don't want to be better than anyone else...just better than I used to be...

What happened to December???

Wow...well, seems December was a whirlwind with one happening after another. Paige had her first dance recital Dec. 6. She, Lydia, Savana, and Bradley tap danced to "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree"...OMG, it was just perfect and she did so great! Here's some pics (before and after):

Then a nice dinner at Red Lobster:



It was a great night!

The next weekend was filled with parties galore. Friday (Dec. 12th) was the year end all employee meeting/xmas party for the field employees. Anyway, I was coaxed into attending with Tim and Company. It was very interesting (so say the least)...I sat with Tim, Steve Curry, Norward, Josh and guys. Had to practically beg for a shirt for Nolan (who was in Denver)...Anyway, I brought the vanilla rum (which I snuck in my purse and filled Tim's Coke can with) but, we had a good time. Then Saturday (Dec. 13) was the "office" Christmas party at Park East Restaurant...and it was even more interesting as one of the first things that happened was I was insulted by S.S. herself...whoa...I don't know what her problem is, but whatever...We didn't do the gift exchange (TG)...and I know it took everything "P" had to say Merry Christmas to me, but I was nice so I'm sure it killed her, LOL! J & J brought their kids over and Taylor babysat all of them...after the xmas party Nolan and I and J&J went to the Tumble Weed and had a few drinks...then Taylor called and said Paige was barfing...nice, lol...so we went home.

Two days later, Chase was barfing and then my washer and dryer took a huge dump (in the midst of diarrhea and vomiting)...and of course, Nolan was in Denver. He came back and we went out and picked out a new W&D...so by Friday, we were back in business...the washing business that is, LOL! That same Friday, the 19th, was the anniversary of Mom's death...so Mike, Jean, Kenny, Kathy, Nolan and I went up to the TW to have drinks. It ended up being a fun night. Steve C. and Carol were there, as was Leon and then Kathy's sister Tami also joined us so it was a good time!

Monday (the 22nd)...Jimmy was flying into Denver. He was suppose to arrive at 9:30 am, but there were weather delays...so his flight to Chicago was delayed and then he got shipped to Fargo, ND for a 6 hour layover only to find out he was not on the list...he did get on standby for the 5 pm flight to Denver and arrived at DIA around 8:30 pm...Nolan picked him up while I waited at the hotel with Tim...so after they arrived at the hotel, we had a few beers and then me and Jimmy left for Pueblo. Jimmy drove so we made good time LOL. When we got home, Mike B. was waiting for us and we sat around at 1 am shooting the shit and had a few beers. It was nice to have him home. We got up Tues. morning to more snow showers...we headed over to Kathy's for haircuts...then Jimmy wanted A&W for some nice, greasey, deep fried Pueblo tacos and green chile. We just had a really nice afternoon...but there's never a dull moment when Jim's here as he has a cajillion friends coming and going. Mike and Tony were pretty much a constant. Tony even spent xmas eve and xmas day with us as his mom's in Las Vegas now and his dad headed out to Nebraska, so he was our orphan child, LOL...gotta love Tony and Mike.

We had a nice dinner at Kenny and Kathy's on xmas eve...and xmas day was pretty low key. After presents, we had our xmas brunch (hashbrown casserole) then Nolan and I took a nap while the kids played with all their new toys and gadgets. We had baked Salmon for dinner (as K & K had prime rib...which is what I ususally make for xmas dinner) so...I didn't want to have prime rib 2 nights in a row...so we went with the salmon which turned out excellent. I also made asperagus, wild rice and pasta. After dinner we played Apples to Apples and it was a blast.

Jim made me the most beautiful photo album of our Anniversary/vow renewal...I was just blown away and teary eyed at such a thougtful gift.

We had to take him back up to Denver Sunday morning for his 3:30 pm flight. He flew to D.C. and then on to Roanoke. I love having him come home, but it just tears me up when he has to leave. I cried pretty much all of Sunday...only to have the Broncos lose their last hope at the play offs...so needless to say, Sunday was full of tears. Anyway...here's more pics of December:

This was a week or so before xmas, Chistine spent the night and the kids tried to play a prank on me...I thought it was pretty funny, so I had to take a pic...

So, while it was a whirlwind month...we made it though...now on the eve of a new year...that brings me to some other things to ponder, hmmmm....