Angel for CJ

THis is the Pocket Angel I sent to CJ, She carries it with her. Lets all put it on our page and carry it around the world for her.

The Alcoholic/Addict

What makes a person go out drinking/drugging when they know they have the addiction and it could make them lose everything they have? What puts them to that point? Antsy is a good word. They feel like things are just going too good, and that is bad!
They are used to "living on the edge" and when things are going good they have no adrenaline rush to keep them going.
I was lucky!! I quit drinking 16 years and 9 months ago, and have never had a drink since. but I did not sit at home thinking about it. I was working (still bartending) and also in the volunteer fire department. I was trained to be an EMT and was hired on to work part-time on the ambulance. I used up alot of adrenalin on those jobs!! I left my husband and got hired on a new transit company starting here. I was too busy to think of drinking.
I also went to Alcoholics Anonymous meetings three times a week. I do believe that if I did not attend those meetings I would be back out there drinking or worse yet, dead!! I was one of the stupid ass drunks that thought I could drive better drunk!! (That is until I started working on the rescue squad and did the extrication of bodies and screaming drunks out of their cars).
I sponsor a few gals in AA and try to help them work the 12 steps and stay sober. There are the ones that just cannot or will not get it!! They call me and tell me they are doing ok, and the next thing I know they are back out there drinking! They call me and wimper about how bad they were, and will really stay sober this time. then again they are back out there. I used up all my sympathy on them. I give as much as I can, share my experience, strength and hope, then let them choose what they want to do. I refuse to go hold their hand!! If they want to get sober they will. I will not enable their addiction. I pray for them and tell them to call me when they are ready to get serious with their program and not before.
Sound tough? You betcha!! I'll do anything to help another person get sober and get on with their lives, but I refuse to sit back and keep giving them sympathy!! They need to do the footwork!!
If anyone reading this needs help, you can E-mail me ( p.brett@verizon.net ) and I will keep whatever you say between us!!
God be with you.

Found!!

I called the Sheriff's office today and the boys were found!!
They realized they missed the last bus to Oak Harbor so tried calling home but the phone was busy. (They said). They called a few other people and finally got a friend in Oak Harbor. Their friend's father came down to pick them up and took them to their house and they spent the two nights there. (without calling their parents!!)
I am so glad they are home, and I sure hope they have learned a lesson over this!! WHEW!!

We had a BEAUTIFUL Spring day today. The thermometer in Oak Harbor read 83 degrees at 2:00 this afternoon. That is a record breaker!!

Just a concern...

For probably the first time ever for a Saturday night, I went to bed at 9:30 because I was tired. I started a new book and wanted to read. I was asleep at 10:00. At 12:15 the phone rang. It was a Deputy Sheriff. He said I am so sorry to call you this late. I said then why did you?! He said that two brothers, aged 12 & 13 were put on the 4:30 ferry last evening and were supposed to take the 5:00 bus north to Oak Harbor, but they never arrived at their destination! I called Frank the Ops Manager to come help me, then I got dressed and went to the bus barn and pulled the tapes from three buses. The Deputy Sheriff, the boys father, Frank and I watched the tapes, but the kids were not on the tapes. The poor father was beside himself!!
He said the kids take the bus all the time and nothing has ever happened! He said the kids are great kids and never in trouble!
The mother said she watched them get on the ferry. They never got on our bus, so something strange happened from the ferry. I felt so sorry for the father. Now I am worried and fretting wondering what has happened to those kids. It is not on the news. I called ICOM this morning and so far no word. I know that 13 is the age kids become mischievious, so hopefully they just went to a different friends house or someplace safe!! This is not a dangerous area, but then we all like to think that of our towns, don't we?!
My heart goes out to all parents at times like this!!
The advantages or disadvantages of living in a small town is....Call Phyllis, she works at the transit!! And they definately all know Phyllis!! HAHAHAHA

I Hope You Dance...

I couldn't have said it any better!! This is how I live my life!!
This was written by an 83-year-old woman to her friend. *The last line says it all. *

Dear Bertha,

I'm reading more and dusting less. I'm sitting in the yard and admiring the view without fussing about the weeds in the garden. I'm spending more time with my family and friends and less time working. Whenever possible, life should be a pattern of experiences to savor, not to endure. I'm trying to recognize these moments now and cherish them.

I'm not "saving" anything; we use our good china and crystal for every special event such as losing a pound, getting the sink unstopped, or the first Amaryllis blossom.

I wear my good blazer to the market. My theory is if I look prosperous, I can shell out $28.49 for one small bag of groceries. I'm not saving my good perfume for special parties, but wearing it for clerks in the hardware store and tellers at the bank.

"Someday" and "one of these days" are losing their grip on my vocabulary. If it's worth seeing or hearing or doing, I want to see and hear and do it now

I'm not sure what others would've done had they known they wouldn't be here for the tomorrow that we all take for granted. I think they would have called family members and a few close friends. They might have called a few former friends to apologize and mend fences for past squabbles. I like to think they would have gone out for a Chinese dinner or for whatever their favorite food was. I'm guessing; I'll never know.

It's those little things left undone that would make me angry if I knew my hours were limited. Angry because I hadn't written certain letters that I intended to write one of these days. Angry and sorry that I didn't tell my husband and parents often enough how much I truly love them. I'm trying very hard not to put off, hold back, or save anything that would add laughter and luster to our lives. And every morning when I open my eyes, tell myself that it is special.

Every day, every minute, every breath truly is a gift from God.


"People say true friends must always hold hands, but true friends don't need to hold hands because they know the other hand will always be there."

Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance.

Fling the cow

I had a great day today but I am tired as heck and heading to bed early. I played on e of my favorite games tonight and thought I would share it with you folks!!
Have fun with Fling the Cow!!
What is your highest score? Who wants to shoot the farmer?
Later....

"The Passion of the Christ"

I feel the need to reflect on the movie I saw tonight.
I went to Bellingham for a doctor's visit and on the way home stopped to see the movie "The Passion of the Christ". It was a 3:00 showing and there were only 8 of us in the theater. I sat clear in the back so I could let my emotions flow. I am a Christian and have heard alot about the movie so I had an clear idea of what I was going to see. Yes there was alot of blood and violence. But that is what is was about. Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins. He sacrificed himself to save the souls of all who believe in him. The movie was also about a mother's love of her son. She stood by him throughout the entire time he was being tortured. I cried for her pain. I cried for His pain too, but I hurt for her. She was helpless and had to watch Him endure the torture. There were a few spots in the movie that I thought were rather over emphasized, but all in all I think it is a great movie giving the Christian Faith an idea of what Jesus Christ really did for us. How many people would scrifice themselves for what they believe in? I feel stronger in my Faith now. I am very humbled. And I also feel very thankful for Jesus.

Now for a footnote: Thank you to all the military people, police, firefighters etc that put their lives in danger to give us freedom, safety and protection!! I cannot say thank you enough.

On the way out of the theater the sky was cloudy and a raindrop hit my face. I looked up and through a spot in the clouds the sun was shining through. It gave me a very peaceful feeling. I looked up and said "Thank you Jesus". As I was driving home I realized that is was March 23rd. My son that was stillborn was born 34 years ago today. Maybe that is why I felt sorry for Mary in the movie.
Whew!

Going to Bellingham

Well I am off work today to go to a doctor's appointment in Bellingham. It is 60 miles away so it takes half a day to go for a 1/2 hour appointment. I might as well make a good day of it and shop at Costco and go see the movie "The Passion". I will give my critique tomorrow maybe.
I found this great poem about an old lady in the hospital. I visit my dear friend Hannah that is 88 years old and in a nursing home. She cracked her foot a few days ago because they were "rushing" her. She screamed that her foot hurt and they ignored her thinking she was being lazy. Two days later they x-rayed and found a crack in her foot!! The place is not my choice, but her son stuffed her in there and went back to Australia. He comes back twice a year (on her expense) to visit her and take things from her house. He hates me because I take her milkshakes once in awhile and take her out to lunch. She is a large lady and he wants her to starve and lose weight. My gosh, she is 88 years old...let her eat!! Here is the poem.
An Old Lady's Poem....

What do you see, nurses, what do you see?
What are you thinking when you're looking at me?
A crabby old woman, not very wise,
Uncertain of habit, with faraway eyes?
Who dribbles her food and makes no reply.
When you say in a loud voice,
"I do wish you'd try!"
Who seems not to notice the things that you do,
And forever is losing a stocking or shoe.....
Who, resisting or not, lets you do as you will,
With bathing and feeding, the long day to fill....
Is that what you're thinking? Is that what you see?
Then open your eyes, nurse; you're not looking at me.
I'll tell you who I am as I sit here so still,
As I do at your bidding, as I eat at your will.
I'm a small child of ten .with a father and mother,
Brothers and sisters, who love one another.
A young girl of sixteen, with wings on her feet,
Dreaming that soon now a lover she'll meet.
A bride soon at twenty -- my heart gives a leap,
Remembering the vows that I promised to keep.
At twenty-five now, I have young of my own,
Who need me to guide and a secure happy home.
A woman of thirty, my young now grown fast,
Bound to each other with ties that should last.
At forty, my young sons have grown and are gone,
But my man's beside me to see I don't mourn.
At fifty once more, babies play round my knee,
Again we know children, my loved one and me.
Dark days are upon me, my husband is dead;
I look at the future, I shudder with dread.
For my young are all rearing young of their own,
And I think of the years and the love that I've known.
I'm now an old woman ...and nature is cruel;
'Tis jest to make old age look like a fool.
The body, it crumbles, grace and vigor depart,
There is now a stone where I once had a heart.
But inside this old carcass a young girl still dwells,
And now and again my battered heart swells.
I remember the joys, I remember the pain,
And I'm loving and living life over again.
I think of the years, all too few, gone too fast,
And accept the stark fact that nothing can last.
So open your eyes, nurses, open and see,
Not a crabby old woman; look closer, see ME!! ....

(This was for you Leslie)

Whaaa....?

Hey, who woke me up?!! :-( I am in a nightmare!! It is Monday morning already and another grueling week of work ahead. Grueling? Naw!! The only bad part is making myself get out of bed at 6:30 and head in. The rest is a breeze!! The worst part of the week is over now. Listening to the Monday morning alarm!! Now I only have 4 more to hear!!
I am going to a doctors appointment in Bellingham tomorrow (60 miles North) so I have the day off. I will try and see "The Passion" on the way home.
Hi Ho, it's off to work I go!! da da da da da da da da Hi Ho , Hi Ho Hi Ho Hi Ho......................Zoloft kicking in!

What a day for a Daydream.......

........What a day for a day dreamin Boooooy.
Ah, that is what I have done all day. I got up at 7:00 then made breakfast, oops fed the cat first, did some blog reading, sprayed the backyard to kill the growing things, came in and laid on my bed to read some of my book and just woke up!!! It is 12:00!!
I planned on going to see the movie " The Passion" but decided I really didn't want to do anything at all today, so I will spend the remainder of the day doing laundry and putzing around the house attempting to clean it. I go to Church on Saturday nights so I keep my Sunday for doing NOTHING!! Now isn't that what a Sunday is really for?

Daylight savings time

I just discovered that daylight savings time changes in two weeks. I get so stressed out each year knowing I am going to lose an hour of sleep in April. I feel deprived for a long time!! Why the heck do they still do this? Daylight is daylight no matter what time it is!!! I have sleep apnea, so sleeping is an issue with me. Hey Wanda, how about putting your energy into making daylight savings time go away!? If anyone can do it, you sure can!! It just doesn't make sense to me. In the summer it is daylight until after 10PM here.
How does everyone else feel about this?

States quiz

I just got emailed this quiz. Boy, I need to practice my geography!!

Backyard

I sent my sister a picture of my dreaded backyard to post the before picture. When I get it all done I will post the after picture. Probably in a few months!
Y'all have a great week!!

My yard

Well I am through procrastinating, and finally had a guy out here yesterday to give me an estimate on my yard. My back yard is only about 50x15 feet, but it is an eye sore!! I will take before and after pictures. I do not have a lawn mower, so my neighbor mows it. I have four raised beds and they are full of waist high weeds. I have horrific allergies that keep me from going outside and working in the yard. I used to love gardening, but now the yard has turned into a jungle and I have guilt pangs just thinking about it!! So....I am having a guy put weed block over it and lay white gravel where the grass is, and Lava rock where the raised beds are. I have three whiskey barrels I can put on the Lava rock and plant something in those. I can buy different planters to place sporadically, and benches and table. I am going to have 1/4 of it bricked for a patio effect.
It will be expensive, but it will be permanent!! It will probably take a few months to do it, as he will do it after work to make it cheaper on me. I don't care, I want a pretty place to come home to after work and RELAX!!!

That "old" sensation...

I have nothing to post today, but I got this funny in my e-mails, and wanted to share it. It hits home!!

That "old" sensation...

An older couple is lying in bed one morning, having just awakened from a good night's sleep. He takes her hand and she responds, "Don't touch me!"

"Why not?" he asks.

She answers back, "Because I'm dead."

The husband says, "What are you talking about? We're both lying here in bed together and talking to one another."

She says, "No, I'm definitely dead."

He insists, "You're not dead. What in the world makes you think you're dead?"

"Nothing hurts."

Frogs

What is the "magic" about March 8th?
I never noticed the frogs coming out before. I was driving the bus once about 16 years ago and was driving by a pond and noticed the noise coming from it. Frogs singing their hearts out, the first I heard that year!! It was March 8th. I noticed the date, and then I never put another thought to it. The next year on March 8th I was driving by that same pond and sure enough the frogs were singing their hearts out!! The first I heard all year. I have told a few people and they just look at me and say "ok". They don't think it is weird at all. Well tonight I was coming home from a Youth Coalition Meeting and as I was coming in the door my phone rang. A friend of mine was all excited and said she can hear the frogs from her pond for the first time this year, and it is March 8th!! I had forgot about it being March 8th, and didn't think of the frogs, but she remembered me mentioning it last year, and just had to call me!! I went out on my porch, and sure enough, they are singing their hearts out!!
How do they know??????

A parting funny for all you cat lovers!

BATHING THE CAT

1. Put both lids of the toilet up and add the required amount of pet shampoo to the water in the bowl.

2. Pick up the cat and soothe him while you carry him toward the bathroom. (Yeah, right, like Bilbo wouldn't notice)!!

3. In one smooth movement, put the cat in the toilet and close both lids. You may need Carl to stand on the lid.

4.The cat will self agitate and make ample suds. Never mind the noises that come from the toilet; the cat is actually enjoying this.

5. Flush the toilet three or four times. This provides a "power-wash" and "rinse."

6. Have someone open the door to the outside. Be sure that there are no people between the toilet and the outside door.

7. Stand behind the toilet as far as you can, and quickly lift both lids.

8. The cat will rocket out of the toilet and run outside where he will dry himself off.

9. Both the commode and the cat will be sparkling clean!

-----Always here to give you the best of tested advice in difficult
times....

Sincerely,
The Dog

Iditarod 2004

Well The annual Iditarod race begins tomorrow from Willow, Alaska.
I love the Iditarod race. It brings adventure to me. I love to read books about Alaska and have dreamed of living there. I am 55 years old now and my health is not as good as it was 10 years ago, so my dream will be just that. A dream. I will drive there in a year or two for a vacation, but I have a good job here, and cannot give up a sure thing with retirement and medical.
My long term plan will be retire here in 2014 and draw retirement and be on Medicare. Then I will go to Alaska in May and drive a tour bus until October. I have contact with the company and they say anytime I want a job, to call. They pay minimum and no benefits. They hire college students and the drivers rely on tips for extra money. I am a people person and bartended for many years, so I would enjoy that job. Ya gotta have a dream!!
Well speaking of dreams, it is time for bed!! Nitey Nite!!

Spring Storms

I was sitting at my computer last night and turned the television off so I could hear the rain hit my metal roof. It was raining pretty hard, and I love to hear the rain!! I heard that we will get some gale force winds tomorrow so got all excited about that (I love storms as some of you know), then started reading the blogs, and saw Dick's blog about twisters in the area, then heard that someone was killed by his car hydroplaning on the wet road. Winds up to 80mph in Oklahoma, big rig trucks blown over, power outages....well I guess we just have some misty rain and a little breeze compared to the rest of the country!! But I am still excited about a possible storm coming in!! I hate to hear about deaths and destruction though!!
Just love to hear the wind whistle and rain hit the roof.
Am still waiting to hear how Bilbo (Leslie & Carl's cat) came through his VET visit.
Tomorrow is my favorite day of the week, FRIDAY!! YAHOO!!!
Later, Folks!!

Weird!!

I went to bed early last night and read for an hour then fell asleep about 11:00. About 2:30 this morning I awoke from a sound sleep, and my cat was next to me looking out the bedroom door, eyes big as saucers. So I quietly got out of bed and grabbed my air horn, and looked throughout the house. Nothing amiss. So I attempted to go back to sleep. HA!! I maybe got another hour or so.
I called my sister today from work, and she told me she felt weird. I asked How so, and she said she woke up in the middle of the night feeling a sense of impending doom!! I asked what time, and she said 2:30!! Hmmm.......I asked the guy in my office if he woke in the middle of the night and he said yes, around 3:00!! Hmmmm......A little Stephen King plot starting here!! Speaking of Stephen King, he is starting a new 13 episode series beginning this Wednesday night. "Kingdom Hall" about a haunted hospital!! Right down my alley!! YAHOO...I hope it is at 9:00 on Wed and not 10:00!! But if it's 10:00 I will just be getting to bed late on Wed & Thursday nights!! (E.R. is at ten on Thursdays).
Tonight I am struggling to stay awake until 9:00pm then attempt going to bed again!!
Until the next blog....