lulupallooza

Sarah Noelle

2009-01-27T09:09:00.000-05:00

Saturday, June 01, 2002

Sarah Noelle

Four years ago today a very special little girl came into this world earlier than she should have. We're guessing that she was a feisty little thing and was ready to meet her family.

Because she was 4 months premature, she and her mommy almost died during delivery. Jackie had pre-eclampsia. I read up on this as much as I could and still have trouble understanding why this would happen.

I was lucky enough to be one of the very first people to see little 1 lb, 1 oz Sarah. She was so tiny and red in her little incubator. The next day less than 24 hours later, I was actually able to go into NICU and see her up close. She stuck her tongue out at me, so it's obvious she was just like her mother!

I had to go home, I lived six hours away, two states away and it hurt me to have to leave my friend and my new "niece" and their families. I knew, however, that she would be in great hands.

In August I went back down and Sarah had put on some weight, but was still in NICU. Still on machines to help her breathe. Of course, I talked to her and said I was her Auntie Lisa and of course...she stuck her tongue out at me. Her mother, Jackie, just thought this was the funniest thing she would ever experience.
I was also lucky enough to be there when Sarah got to put on her first little pjs AND she was held by her mommy and daddy for the very first time. I took TONS of pictures. Jackie took one of me, over little Sarah, with my hand on her back...the span of my hand was just a little shorter than the length of her body.

November came around and I had a phone message that Sarah would be home for Thanksgiving. She was off the vent and getting stronger. Sadly, that didn't happen. She was put back on the vent and other machinery.

My heart dropped when I got a call in January that little Sarah Noelle died. She was with her daddy when she died and her little body just couldn't take it anymore.

Steve (David's brother) and I, who just over a year before were in that same church as Best Man and Matron of Honor for this wonderful couple were now given the task of being pallbearers and burying their most beautiful daughter.

Sadly, Dave and Jackie weren't the only parents who lost a child that year. The month earlier my friend Gina's son died after battling to heal after a car accident that he was in several months before. He was a teenager. A few years before that Nina died. She was in her 20s. I thought she'd be the youngest person I'd ever know to die. Then Chris. Then Sarah.

Each family reacted differently to the death of their respective children. Jackie now works at her church. She is a teacher to the 2 year olds. THEY love her almost as much as she loves them. The sweetest part is they all know Sarah. Sure, none of them ever met her, but Jackie keeps her memory alive. This Sunday there will be flowers on the altar at their church in memory of Sarah Noelle. I'm sure Sarah will be smiling down on all of them.

I tell everyone that although this story of Sarah is a sad one, she taught many people, including me, the true meaning of unconditional love.

I have her picture close to me. She was not my child, but she watches over me every day. My sweet Sarah. My guardian angel.

smiles, Lulu
- Lulupallooza - 6/1/2002 10:36:02 AM

Finally!

2008-10-14T15:55:00.003-04:00

Ok ok ok!

I'm sorry, I haven't updated. I'm a terrible person! :-)

Things have been hectic since I've recuperated and returned to work.

Tuesday nights we've got softball (PEM plays, I cheerlead...lol), Wednesday nights is darts (we finally won a couple of games!!), Thursdays-Saturday, I'm typically working. So, Sunday is clean house day and Monday is the only day that I can rest...or more often than not...meet the girls for dinner or something.

Work is busy but good. I've been trying to get used to my new smaller space and extra workload. I have an office-mate, and will continue to do so until we move to a larger office building (not holding my breath). We merged with another small company, so we are squished in once again. It's annoying, but we are making the best of it and forming new and different relationships.

This Friday we are having a staff meeting, followed by a cocktail/meet-greet hour. Time to get to know our co-workers - particularly the new ones that work in a separate building from some of us.

It's going to be interesting. We have a new company name, that will be pushed to the public at the beginning of the year.

PEM is doing well. Working too much as usual. Add to the schedule I put out there for myself...on Mondays and Thursdays he umpires. So, we're pooped a lot. BUT, we get to enjoy each other when we can and we take full advantage of our down time.

Hope all is well.

Smiles, lulu

Back in the saddle...ok...not quite

2008-09-18T21:41:00.003-04:00

I'm feeling so much better.

I'm back at work (part time) and am glad I was given the ok to get out of the house and go be productive.

I promised the doc I wouldn't over do it and I haven't. I've been good. :-)

My little incisions are cool. I can't believe so much was done with three tiny little holes. I have two little scars on each side and you can't really see the third one, in my belly button.

Everyone has been so wonderful. My family, my friends, my coworkers have all been keeping tabs on me, making sure I'm not doing too much. And if they think I am...I get scolded. :-)

On Oct 1, I go to the doc for the much anticipated 6 week check up. I can only HOPE that she gives me to the ok to get back to "normal" again.

Like I said, things are better. And getting back to "normal".

Smiles, lulu

Surgery is done

2008-08-22T04:37:00.002-04:00

Surgery went just as the doc expected. She was able to do it laprascopically, so I have three little "holes" in my tummy. One at my belly button and two a little lower on each side of me.

I was home the next day by 1pm and have been up and about (to from bathroom, kitchen, etc) since that day. They pain is definitely there, but bearable. The pain meds help A LOT. Strong pain meds tend to make me sick to my stomach, so she prescribed me something for that too, but I really haven't needed it.

Basically, I'm awake for two hours or so, then sleep for two hours or so. I actually slept for about 6 hours tonight (it's 4:40 am right now) and I'll probably be heading back to bed in 20 mins or so.

My friends have all been wonderful. I've gotten phone calls and texts from most everyone who is important to me and I've been well taken care of at home by PEM and various friends. Sonia stayed with me Wednesday night for a couple of hours and today PEM goes back to work, so both Robins are taking a shift today. :-) We had made the plans to have them here, since we weren't sure how I'd be healing, but I think I could actually be on my own today if needed. Still nice to have someone here during my waking hours. :-)

So, thanks for all of your thoughts, I really truly appreciate it.

Smiles, lulu

Tomorrow's the day

2008-08-18T13:44:00.002-04:00

Less than 24 hours until D-day. Or H-Day. Or more accurate LAVH day. :-)

I'm anxious and happy all at the same time.

I'm just ready for it. I'm tired I'm worn out and I'm annoyed. So let's get this done!

I'll try to update my progress in a few days.

Thanks for your thoughts!

Smiles, lulu

LULU'S QUICK WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM

2008-08-08T11:31:00.003-04:00

My new weight loss program.

I was reading up on Fibroids and found that some of them weigh up to 50lbs. And the heaviest one weighed 140lbs!!!

So, here's the deal. I'm thinking, my two fibroids should weight a good 20-30lbs each. ;-)

This is an AWESOME weight loss program. I'll bank on being 40-60lbs lighter on the 20th of August!

For my retirement program, click here: LULU'S NO RISK RETIREMENT PROGRAM

Smiles, lulu

12 more days

2008-08-07T11:34:00.003-04:00

12 days until surgery. I'm anxious for it.

I've had ups and downs. I had bleeding so bad for a while again, that I thought I could be hemorrhaging. I had pain bad enough one day that I stayed home from work. It's just a day by day thing. Some days are good some are bad.

I'm still hoping for a LAVH, but I guess I'll know more on Tuesday at my pre-op appointment. Of course we won't know anything for sure until I'm actually in surgery. *sigh*

I'm very tired all the time. I'm taking iron pills and B12 and am still dragging most days. Can't imagine how bad it would be if I didn't have the supplements.

I know I'm not the only one who has gone through this and thanks to www.hystersisters.com I'm able to see that in writing. The experience of other women has helped me cope quite a bit better.

12 more days. :-)

Smiles, lulu

Surgery Update

2008-07-27T17:16:00.004-04:00

*warning - contains some "feminine" issues which may make some squeamish*

It's been a while since I've written but I do have some news.

Early in June I got my period. Nothing terribly unusual until 2 weeks later when I still hadn't stopped bleeding AND I had lost every ounce of energy I had. I went to my regular physician who did all kinds of blood work (including hormones, thyroid, anemia, along with the gamut of regular tests) and they sent me for an ultra-sound. Fortunately, the blood work all came back normal, but the ultra-sound showed something. I have Fibroid Tumors on my uterus. The term "tumor" may lead you to think cancer, but in the case of "fibroids" they are not cancerous tumors.

I have two of these tumors, one about the size of a golf ball and a larger one that is a little bigger than a baseball - but smaller than a softball.

I was told to continue to exercise and to take a B-12 vitamin. The vitamin was to be taken in addition to my other daily vitamins and was to help with energy, which it did to some degree. I was prescribed Provera. This was to stop the bleeding all together in 2 or 3 days. However, the bleeding didn't stop, it got worse. Including larger amounts of blood loss. She had me double the dose and that did not work either. She had me stop the Provera and get a different birth control pill. I doubled up on the pill and in about a week, the bleeding slowed significantly and now I'm 5 days with no bleeding! Hooray!

So, At this point we started talking about surgery. She was extremely hesitant to do a hysterectomy on me. Not because of my age, or because it might not work, but because I've never had children. I explained to her that I had made my decision many years ago that I wasn't going to bear children and that I was ok with the idea of losing my uterus. And I'm even happier that a hysterectomy is the sure fire way to get rid of the tumors. You can remove just the tumors, but the surgery is just as invasive AND the tumors can grow back.

She spoke with me at length about it and I finally convinced her that I was ok with it. We have scheduled the surgery for August 19.

Although I'm ok with the hysterectomy, I'm not thrilled about surgery. I'll be out of work for 4-6 weeks. I keep pushing for 4 weeks, but my doctor will not let me get too optimistic about it.

We are also hoping that I can have a Laprascopically Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy (LAVH). This way, I have two tiny incisions, they cut the tubes through my belly button and then pull the uterus out of my vagina. She is feeling ok about doing this, but has let me know that once she gets a look at the tumors if they are too obstructive, she may end up having to cut my belly and giving me the hysterectomy the old fashioned way. She doesn't want to pull those tumors through me and risk tearing anything on the way out - especially since I apparently have a small vaginal wall and have never bore children. Also, the LAVH is 23 hour stay at the hospital but an abdominal surgery is 2-4 days in.

Some more of the good news about this is that my ovaries are fine. So they won't need to take those, which means no hormone therapy afterwards. THAT is a big relief.

So, that's what's going on with me. I'm going to try to blog about the experience. I've been fortunate to have friends about the same age as me who have had hysterectomies and can help me out with what to expect. One had an LAVH and one had it done Abdominally.

I'm sure I'll be fine. :-)

So on August 19th at about 730am....be thinking good thoughts. :-)

Much love and many.....

Smiles, lulu

Canal Zone Girls

2008-07-03T09:39:00.003-04:00

(Which one is lulu?)

I have such fond memories of growing up in the Panama Canal Zone!

Here is a photo that was sent to me this morning. I think it must have been taken between 1977-79, but I'm not sure. I'm having trouble gauging how old we all were in the photo.

I'm still in contact with Johanna - we grew up across the street from each other in Central America and now both live in the Metro Atlanta area! Small world!!!

Smiles, lulu

My Bucket List

2008-06-24T10:26:00.002-04:00

Strangely enough I've not seen the movie that has prompted me to make this list.

I reserve the right to add to my list at any time. These are in no particular order.

SUGGESTIONS ARE WELCOMED!!!! Please send me your comments with ideas that I may not have thought to add!

Skydive

Hot air balloon
Take a cross country train trip
Scuba dive/snorkel
White water rafting
Send a message in a bottle
Drive a convertible with the top down
Go fishing

Run/walk a 5K

Take belly dancing class
Take a stripping class

Visit the rest of the 50 states (28 down - 22 to go!!)
Go to the Virgin Islands to see where my grandpa was from
Go back to Panama to enjoy it as an adult
See more of Central and South America
Take an Alaskan Cruise

Smiles, lulu

Fan of fans

2008-06-17T09:15:00.002-04:00

Not including the foyer and the two tiny hallways, we have 7 rooms in our house. Kitchen, guest bedroom, guest bathroom, computer room, living room, master bedroom and master bathroom. Heck, we can make it 8 if you want to include the patio. Ok...so 8 "rooms".

Here is the fun part. We have 10 ceiling fans.

We were talking about it and realized that we just kept putting more fans up and finally, the fans have out numbered the rooms. We have two in the kitchen, two on the patio and one in every other room except the guest bathroom (because it's too small).

We love our fans. We keep the air/heat off as long as we can and just use our fans. Unfortunately it's been so hot that our A/C has been on for a few days now. We have a timed thermostat, so that helps. We keep it warmer during the day when we aren't home and cooler during the evening when we are. It goes back up at night when the temperatures outside are cooler, too.

The fans are almost always running. :-)

Smiles, lulu

Carnivals and Festivals

2008-05-30T07:58:00.003-04:00

1. What is your favorite amusement park? Paramount's Great America

2. What is the last festival or carnival you visited? Gwinnett County Fair about 2 years ago.

3. What is your favorite treat at a carnival or festival? The fresh squeezed lemonade. Mmmm, sugary and lemony.

4. Do you watch parades? I have, but am not sure when I watched the last one.

5. Who do you go to a festival or carnival with usually? PEM and Alex. PEM won't ride the spinny rides, so that is my job. I get to get dizzy and spinny with Alex. :-)

Smiles, lulu

Job Security

2008-05-29T14:14:00.003-04:00

Well, the company PEM works for is reorganizing.

So that means we may be looking at some job hunting again. They are making everyone - from the way higher ups to the sales reps, to the customer service reps - re-apply and since he is low man on the totem pole, we aren't too optimistic.

Stress again. But we'll make it through.

Silver lining may be that he may find something closer to home, which will be a raise in itself since gas is so expensive!!!

Smiles, lulu

Charlotte - Lowe's Motor Speedway - All-Star Race!

2008-05-16T10:57:00.003-04:00

Sonia and Marla left at 7am and made it to Gastonia, NC at 10am. They have already checked in to the hotel, gotten their credentials and are now on their way to check out the various (race) museums and shops. Sonia is convinced that is Dale Earnhardt Jr sees her, he will instantly fall in love and marry her on the spot. Of course, we need to talk to Sonia's husband about that...

Robin will be at my office as soon as she gets out of work. We are hoping to be on the road by 430.

I have Diet Cokes (for Robin), water (for me), Blo-pops and Tootsie pops and of course, M&Ms for the actual race. Too bad the person driving the M&Ms car is a putz. (speaking of which - read the article linked - written by someone very close to me).

I will try to have some photos up next week some time of our trip.

Hope you have a great weekend, too!

Smiles, lulu

Family

2008-05-13T10:03:00.002-04:00

I was asked to update on my family.

Everyone is doing very well.

My mom is still working part time, and although she complains about it at times, I think she really likes it. She has her daughter...errrr....dog, Gizzmo who is the light of her life. I'm glad she has her. They play and walk and keep each other company. Mom was never an "animal" person, but when she got Gizz a few years back, that all changed.

Dad is doing well. He drives for an older couple that he drove for years ago when he worked for a limo company. He has driven exclusively for them for 4 or 5 years now. He also helps them around their home and takes care of other things.

My step-mom is as crazy as ever, in a very good way. She and dad are doing well and are enjoying his "semi" retired life. Her younger son is staying with them again healing from an infection, and although it's tough to have another person in the house again, I think she (they!) are glad to have him there.

My brother is still trucking it around the U.S. I get text messages from him almost daily telling me his whereabouts. He loves it most of the time, but gets homesick too.

My in-laws and step kids are all awesome. Alex is getting straight A's. Matt is going into Culinary Arts, and Chris is in High School and doing well also. We don't hear from him as much as we do the other two kids, but we also all know how crazy high school can be.

That's my family.

Smiles, lulu

Softball Women - GREAT sportmanship!

2008-05-09T15:29:00.000-04:00

I would love for anyone to watch this, but particularly if you have children or if you, yourself, are on any kind of team. THIS is good sportsmanship and it's an awesome story to learn from. Please click the link and watch below.

:-) Lisa

http://sports.espn.go.com/broadband/video/videopage?videoId=3380875

2008-05-09T07:44:00.002-04:00

The "rules": reply, put in your blog, etc.

http://forums.detnews.com/redesign/blogs/disabilitiesblog/index.cfm?blogid=60

Happy TGIF!

1. Have you ever been told you look/sound like a celebrity? Yes.

2. If yes, who? I have been told (in the past) that I resemble (in my demeanor) Paula Poundstone. I don't look a thing like her.

3. Have you ever met a real celebrity? Yes.

4. If yes, who? If no, who might you like to meet? I've never met an A-list celebrity, but I've met a couple of famous folks. I've gotten to meet a couple of NASCAR drivers, I've met a couple of local (Atlanta) celebs, when I was a teenager I met Stacy Keach, but I'm guessing a lot of people don't even know who he is. LOL.

5. In honor of birthdays (Lisa-5/7 and Bethany 5/15), what was your best birthday? I've been fortunate to have many great birthdays! The year my friends took me to the Varsity. The second birthday with PEM was awesome. The year I went to Michigan for WOS's wedding.

Smiles, lulu

My birthday twin!

2008-05-07T06:00:00.000-04:00

Happy birthday Jackie.

I love you and miss you.

Smiles, lulu

Shoulda stuck with my original plan...

2008-05-02T11:15:00.004-04:00

Ok. So, we're working a casino job Tuesday and have to wear a black polo to work. Lovely. Do we own black polos? No.

I didn't feel like going to WalMart, so I went to KMart instead.

They have men's knit polos on sale for 30% off. WOO HOO!!!!!

Here is where the rest of my story starts...

So I find the shirts and the tag (see attached photo) says $12.99 or 2 for $20.00. I'm thinking cool, I'll spend $7 a piece on the shirts and be done with it. I'll just get myself a men's polo. No biggie.

After I've checked out I realize that they rang up at $9.09, which is 30% of $12.99. I figured the register just can't read the discount for the $10 price. So I go to customer service. After waiting for the lady (term used loosely) to call the men's department over, and had her verify that the shirts I had were the ones that are 30% off, they called over a manager. She wasn't much of a manager, I must say. She wasn't mean, but she certainly wasn't friendly. I told her what I told the other two women, "I think these may have rung up at the wrong price".

The manager tells me, after re-calling the men's department over again, that the 30% off is off of the regular price.

I told her I agreed.

The regular price for the shirts are $12.99 OR 2 for $20.00.

She told me no, "THAT is not correct" - and then had the gall to tell me that I got a BETTER deal this way. NO I DIDN'T. It should be $14 not $18. *sigh*

I left with the stupid shirts. As I pulled out of KMart I saw Goodwill. I went there, bought two (almost new) black polos, two blouses AND a pair of shoes for just a couple dollars more than the original two shirts (at KMart's sale price). Gotta love thrift stores.

On top of all of this, there is ONE register open with a long line, the customer service center, which was helping me and two others, and at least 4 associates standing around watching...INSTEAD OF OPENING UP ANOTHER LINE for the customers waiting.

Sheesh.

This morning, after working out and going home, I went to KMart and returned the shirts. I'm so annoyed with KMart, more specifically the staff.

Anyway, hope everyone else has a great day!

Smiles, lulu

Dart League

2008-04-24T14:38:00.003-04:00

We had our first match last night and we had a BLAST!!!!

Unfortunately, we started about 30 mins late and although the games went fast...we couldn't finish them quickly. Doubling out is HARD for me. Apparently it's difficult for the other players on my team and the team we were playing against.

I didn't get home until 1am, which isn't bad, except I had been up since 4:20am. Ugh. Needless to say I'm a tired tired girl today.

We will play every Wednesday for 10 weeks. Six weeks at our "home" bar and 4 weeks 3 different away bars. The group seems like a LOT of fun and I'm looking forward to playing. This is a super super cheap alternative to bowling, which I really miss, but don't have the money for right now.

I'll be practicing my throws, that's for sure. :-) Unlike bowling, I can at least practice darts at home!!!

Smiles, lulu

BIZARRE!

2008-04-21T08:01:00.002-04:00

I had a very bizarre experience Friday.

I had gotten home early because we were going to head to South Carolina to see PEM's parents.

There was a knock on my door, which I ignored. But they knocked a couple more times, so I figured I had to get it.

At the door was a woman in her late 30s early 40s, her truck in the street outside of my house with her kids in it.

She tells me she is the original owner of the house. She recognized that I was not the person she sold it to. And I tell her no, that we bought it from that girl 3 years ago.

She tells me, "I want to buy the house back."

I was stunned. I wondered if I was still sleeping. I tell her that I'm sorry but that I really love the house and can't imagine moving.

She goes on to tell me that a little while back her husband was in an accident. He has some damage to his brain. He has NO SHORT TERM memory, but does have his LONG TERM memory. So any time they go somewhere and then head home...he gets upset and agitated because they aren't going to what he remembers as HIS home. (My house!). They are the ones who planted all of the trees and put up the fence and covered the patio.

She went as far as to offer me an even trade on her home that is on a golf course in a gated community, same bedrooms/bathrooms as ours, but with a basement. Unfortunately, there is no way we could do that since that house is so far away from where both of us work and from Alex.

She suggested a house that is for sale on the same street that I live on, and is bank owned. It's the same layout as ours.

I promised her I would talk to PEM and I would at least think about it but that I seriously doubted that I would move.

This story sounds so bizarre and is so odd, but I swear it's true.

Has anyone else ever had this happen to them that you know of?

Any suggestions or insight?

I'm 99% sure this isn't a scam. The woman's name is the name of the original owner and she knew every tree in our back yard without going back there.

Believe me, if we even consider moving, we wouldn't do it without speaking to a real estate lawyer and our agent first.

It's definitely something to think on.

Smiles, lulu

Birthday Present

2008-04-17T11:49:00.003-04:00

I've just been given an awesome birthday present. :)

My friends Robin, Sonia and Marla are taking me to Lowes Motor Speedway on May 17 for the All Star race. :-)

Sonia and Marla will drive up Friday morning, and Robin and I will follow Friday night after work.

:-)

They are buying my ticket and the hotel room is already free. :-) So food and gas is all I'll be buying.

I have great girlfriends!!!

Smiles, lulu

Me me me

2008-04-16T11:09:00.002-04:00

As some of you know, I've started going to boot camp. I've dedicated a different blog to it, mostly as a diary for myself, but also to keep folks up to date...and hopefully help me stay on track. :-)

The last couple of weeks have been good. We went with some friends to the Atlanta Botanical Garden and had a great time, even though it was a bit cold out.

We've worked casinoing a bit, but it's slowing down.

We are talking about taking a mini-vacation in September or so to celebrate our 5 year anniversary, but with finances the way they are, it may need to be local. Either way, a couple days away is necessary I think, for both of us.

We are also trying out a new venture. Starting next Wednesday we will be on a Dart Team! Until a couple of years ago, when I met Wade, I didn't even know there was such a thing! So, our friends Bob and Sandy and a third person that the pub is matching us up with, will all be on a team together. Don't know the name yet. I just hope my teammates can make up for my poor aim. :-)

We have a dart board up in our home and that's been a fun way to pass time.

PEM and I both miss bowling on our Wednesday night leagues (It's been 2 years?! I think) but there isn't really one too close by that we can bowl on, so this dart thing will be good and fun.

Other than that, things are the same.

Smiles, lulu

Atlanta 3 Day Walk

2008-03-19T13:38:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone!

I have a friend who is doing the 3 Day Walk in Atlanta in October. This is not his first year walking it and as each year comes by his goal increases. This year his goal is $10,000!

If you are going to donate to cancer research anyway, I would love for you to donate in his honor. I've given you the link below. The name is George Trusler and the state is Georgia. Just follow the prompts below.

George is a wonderful guy and the fact that he's doing this walk is only one of the ways he proves it.

Please donate if you can.

Much love and friendship,

lulu

http://08.the3day.org/site/TR/Walk/AtlantaEvent?px=1382733&pg=personal&fr_id=1181

NEXT TIME...

2008-03-16T01:54:00.000-04:00

I try very hard not to be offended by people just because I disagree with them. Ignorance shouldn't offend me. However tonight I'm so incensed that I can't get past it, so, I write.

(I'm going to give a fictional name so we can keep track here…)

An MOT (Mother of three) from work said to me a couple of years ago that she was surprised when she found out a mutual friend of ours was married to a "black guy". She was surprised that she would "stoop to that level". Tonight we find out that the daughter of this mutual friend is also dating a black man (who is the father of her child). "She's so pretty, too!" said MOT's mom, "She doesn't NEED to date a black man."

Can someone tell me what the hell that means??? If a white girl is pretty she doesn't HAVE to date a black man? WHAT THE HELL? What about dating someone because you love them? What about, even if he's black, he can be a good guy. AND if he's a bad guy, it's not because he is black, it's because he's a bad guy. Period.

What makes me even madder is that MOT is pregnant with child number three. Her husband who is in the Reserves doesn't have a full time job, so their kids (including the one on the way) are all being cared for…and have been since the first one was born…by our taxes. Yep, we are paying for her kids to be taken care of since neither of them works steady jobs. I have no doubt that she loves her kids. I know she does. But it makes it a lot easier to have more when Grandma buys the clothes and we buy their food. I have no idea who pays for their housing.

So, I'm not offended as much as I am disappointed. I'm disappointed that they are bringing up children that will think the "N" word is ok. That will insist that you are less of a person if you marry/date someone of a different race. I'm disappointed that ignorance is more accepted that diversity.

Between my husband and me we work five jobs to provide for our family. We aren't the only ones in this country who have to do that to stay ahead. We've got three kids to support and we have US to support too. That's fine. When the money (or lack thereof) starts really bothering me is when I realize that I'm supporting back woods, redneck, bigoted, people who continue to breed at my expense.

I'd rather support the people trying to get in the country illegally – but are willing to work their asses off for it, than Americans who feel they "deserve" it because their ancestors got here first. Guess what, those "black" folk that you look down on, hell, even your damn ancestors needed THEIR HELP to make it here. Yep, they were putting up with your sh*t and dealing with your laziness back then, too.

Are all "black" people hard working, straight up, good people? NO. Are all "Mexican" people hard working, straight up, good people? NO. Are all "white Americans" hard working straight up, good people? HELL NO.

Get a clue Mr. and Mrs. Bigot. Get a freakin' clue. The color of someone's skin isn't what makes them a decent person.

I'd rather be married to a black man that to an ignorant man any day. I'd rather my children tell me they were marrying a person of a different race than tell me they were settling with someone who was their race, because it's expected of them. I'd rather deal with the social pressures of a mixed marriage than to be in a loveless marriage or a marriage where having more kids is the goal instead of taking care of the ones you have.

I kept my cool tonight. I told them that there were just as many white men who were bad husbands and black. And I left it at that. I am disappointed that I did that. I am ashamed that I didn't say more. I can blame it on being tired from a long night of work. I can blame it on not wanting to make a scene. But truth be known, I was so angry that I would have lashed out and I didn't want to "stoop" to the level of an ignorant person. Next time, I may have to stoop. Next time, I plan to speak my mind regardless. Next time, I won't have to say "next time".

Atlanta Tornados

2008-03-15T16:40:00.002-04:00

We've gotten a few phone calls and emails, so I thought I would respond. Things are ok here. Fortunately PEM and I didn't work Friday night, generally when we do we are in the heart of Atlanta. We've done several casino gigs in the CNN building/Omni/GWCC/ (in fact, we worked at GWCC this past Wednesday) and around that area.

So, we missed any tornado damage and found out about it like many of you did - on TV. Apparently, another one came through this afternoon about 11 miles from the house, but we missed that one as well.

So, thanks so much for checking on us. :-) So far so good!

Smiles, lulu

Finally semi-human!

2008-02-09T18:50:00.000-05:00

I am finally feeling semi-human again!

Somehow I got myself to the doctor Friday. Paul was still home, he has been hit with this way harder than I have. He missed two days and two nights of work. That is unheard of for him! He is working tonight, but I'm hoping they will let him go home early.

Anyway...got myself to the doc, and waited for a while past my appointment time. It's definitely flu season. I finally got in and got examined. Blood was taken and a shot was given. After the second shot I actually got sick. I was embarrassed and tired and had a fever and ended up throwing up. Ugh. The doc of course told me a lot worse has happened in that office, but still.

Around 10pm I finally broke the fever and was feeling less like I wanted someone to shoot me and more like, "Maybe I will actually be able to sleep tonight!". Which I did. And it was good.

I went outside today for an hour or so. Did some grocery shopping and such. I feel like I've been hit by a truck. It's amazing how it takes it out of you.

I'm just glad I'm coherent again and feel like moving around a little.

Hope this doesn't hit you!

Smiles, lulu

My turn...

2008-02-08T03:47:00.001-05:00

I'll be staying home today (Friday). I finally have the full fledged flu. I'm either hot from the fever or freezing from the chills. (Preparation for menopause?)

Just shoot me.

lulu

Winter blues

2008-02-07T04:18:00.000-05:00

This past week has been rough. Last Friday, I got into work early so I could leave early. Then drove to Montgomery to Casino. I finally got home around 430am. Then worked again Saturday. Sunday, instead of Super Bowl watching, we played cards. The game was on in the background.

Sunday, I also started getting sick. I guess it was time. I hadn't really been sick this winter. Ugh. Cough, sore throat, fever, chills - the first and second day. I'm down to just the cough now, but it is ANNOYING. Trouble sleeping (it's not even 5 am right now) with this cough is NOT helping.

Other than that, things are ok. I sold my little white car and have been able to pay a big chunk back to my ex-father-in-law. Work is ok, interesting, really. We've hired a tenth employee. Now, four of the offices are doubled up with people. One employee is working in the "kitchen" with the fridge and the main computer. And me, up front with the fax, water cooler and of course all of the foot traffic. We are in desperate need of a larger space, and hopefully something will be done about it soon! (before we all go looney)

I'm working this weekend and then on Sunday I'm having a TOY PARTY!!! :-) I've NEVER been to one and here I am hosting one. There will be about 20 girls, we will have a chocolate fountain (a friend is lending it to me), all the stuff to dip in it (bananas, marshmallows, pretzels, cheesecake bites, etc), and a couple of other snack-y type foods. I'm looking forward to it!!!

On a personal note, my friend Joe - who lived with us (Corey and me) on two separate occasions - is getting married on February 29. Unfortunately, since it's on a Friday, I won't be able to go down for it, which stinks, but I'm very excited for him. He is the youngest of three boys and the only one to get married.

Well, I'm tired. I'm going to try to get some sleep.

Smiles, lulu

She smiled

2008-01-09T09:44:00.000-05:00

She smiled at me with that big wide grin and small teeth. With not even a little hint of sadness, she told me that she missed me. Her eyes were sparkling and she was not just ok, but actually emitting joy.

I cried and told her I missed her too.

I feel better today.

Smiles,

lulu

Christmastime

2007-12-27T15:44:00.000-05:00

Christmas went well.

Friday before Christmas we worked. Afterwards we went to my co-worker's house to join in on the end of their Christmas party. I'm glad we made the stop. It was fun to hang out with them and a basement full of kids (late teens) and adults (who acted like they were in their late teens).

Saturday we went to a Thrasher's game. I wasn't brought up with hockey. I'd only been to one game, several years ago in Chicago and PEM had NEVER been to one. Our friends Bob and Sandy have season tickets and invited us to tag along. It was SO MUCH FUN! The game when into overtime which resulted in a shoot-out. Thrasher's won, which made it that more exciting. PEM and I are probably going to have to check on going to watch the Gwinnett Gladiators play. Their arena is 15 mins from the house and the tickets prices are reasonable.

On Christmas eve PEM and I went to the movies (Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street) and to dinner at Rosa Mexicano. Both of these, thanks to my boss who had given me gift certificates for Dinner and a movie back in May.

Sweeney Todd was an excellent, but gory, movie. It was classic Burton, at his best. If you enjoy musicals, scary/gory and odd settings, this is a must. :-) I know, that's an odd combination, but it truly was a great movie. As for dinner, it was magnificent. The food was not typical Mexican fare, WHICH I LOVE, but on a more upscale-ish menu. The staff was courteous, the food was delicious and the freshly-made-at-your-table-guacamole was surprisingly tasty and spicy. This is their specialty, and it's very understandable why.

Christmas morning we wrapped the last of the gifts. We didn't exchange gifts this year, because we are very low on funds, but we got the boys, Alex, her little brother and Barbara and Ed taken care of.

We went to Barbara and Ed's for lunch. She made a big ham and we brought dessert and a shrimp platter. Alex got a lot of gifts from her mom and Ed. We chipped in with them and got her an iPod. We got her a couple of gift cards (including iTunes) and a cool shirt.

After gifts and food we went to the movie (tradition with Alex and the Moores). We took her to see National Treasure: Book of Secrets. As most sequels, it wasn't a good as the first one, but it was definitely a good movie. We enjoyed going and of course spending time with Alex.

We took her back home and then headed to our place. Our tradition of watching the X-files - How the Ghosts Stole Christmas. It was a nice way to wind down our evening before having to get ready to go back to work.

For New Year's eve we are working. Which is great! But, we had so much fun last year with our NYE Pajama party that we are having a New Year's Eve Eve Eve PJ party this weekend. Seven or 8 friends will be over. We'll have champagne, Jell-o shooters, snacks, play cards or board games, watch a movie or two, maybe soak in the hot tub and just relax. Sunday morning PEM and I will make our traditional brunch. :-) It will be a lot of fun, I'm sure!

I hope 2008 is a good year for everyone. I'm hoping for bigger and better things. Time to get off my butt and work on making it that way!

Smiles, lulu

Let's Talk Turkey!

2007-11-15T08:52:00.000-05:00

Today our office is having their annual Thanksgiving pot luck lunch. I made mashed potatoes. Mmmmm. Other foods include a salad, corn, bread, dessert, etc.

We're having a ham and a small turkey. Mmmm.

My mom flies in Thanksgiving day just before 8am. I'm looking forward to her visit. We are actually spending the actually TURKEY day at one of the Casino Families' homes. I'm excited about it. Mom has met most of them before and was glad to be invited over. :-)

On either Friday or Saturday after Thanksgiving, we will have my in-laws and Alex over for a big Turkey meal. This will be the first time my mom and my in-laws have met. I figure since the meeting with my Dad, brother and step-mom went ok, I shouldn't have much to fear over this one.

It's nice to have family over at the house. :-) (Speaking of which, my in-laws, Aunt-in-law and her son will all be over this weekend. They are taking us to see Blue Man Group on Sunday!!)

Smiles, lulu

Racing to the finish!

2007-10-23T15:45:00.000-04:00

I'm excited about this weekend.

When PEM lost his job in January, we had already purchased our March Race Tickets. But, there was no way to justify paying the money for the race weekend in October (which is this weekend). It's sad. We both love that weekend. It's always so much fun!

So, we decided to have a small party at the house, watch the race on the big screen, and enjoy.

It has morphed into a SUPER weekend!

My dad and step-mom are driving up from Jacksonville. My brother and his trainee took the weekend off and are driving over also.

Since part of my family was going to be there, we decided to ask Paul's parents to come over Saturday to meet them. We've been together nearly 5 years and none of our parents haven't met! (My mom and in-laws will meet over Thanksgiving weekend).

The small party on Sunday, (which will not include the in-laws, they will have to be home Sunday) has turned into over 30 people. We are cooking chili and hot dogs. My brother is making 200-300 hot wings. My dad is making Ceviche. Guests are bringing goodies.

This is going to be a lot of fun.

Of course, one of my predictions is that it'll rain all day Sunday, so the race will be canceled and the kids won't be able to play outside. But even then, at least family and friends will be gathered. :-)

I'll update when I recuperate from the weekend!

Smiles, lulu

The Holy Bible, Part 3?

2007-10-15T14:38:00.000-04:00

When I visit my mother-in-law, she generally will give me the latest Watchtower or Awake! magazine that Jehovah's Witnesses study from and pass out. She knows I'm interested in learning about other religions and tries to give me ones that are relevant to what I want to learn about. The latest one regarded the Bible and how it is translated and who it was written by (Authored by God of course, but written by others).

As I read through the latest magazine several questions were raised (by me). But the most interesting and thought provoking ones were these that I asked my husband:

Jewish people believe in the Old Testament only (this is how *I* was raised). Christians in the Old and New Testament. Do you think there is a chance that a THIRD testament will ever be written? And if so, could it be in the process of being written now?

It took several centuries to write the first two. So is it plausible that a third is being written now so that our future families will see it?

I am not a religious person, but I consider myself to be open minded. So ponder that. Let me know what you think! I truly am interested to hear your thoughts (whoever you may be!).

Smiles, lulu

Hello hello!

2007-10-02T06:09:00.000-04:00

Hi friends. I won't even go into how sorry I am for not posting, I know you're tired of hearing it....

Lots going on.

Last week I spent 3 hours at the airport. No, I wasn't traveling, I met Corey there for dinner. He had a layover so I went down there and had dinner with him. It was good. Caught up and reminisced. The usual.

Casinoing is picking back up again, that goodness. My croupier skills were getting a bit rusty, but it's like riding a bike, you just hop back on and it all comes back to you.

We have a bunch going on soon. Next week, my parents-in-law, two of my sisters-in-law and their husbands, will be coming over for dinner at our house. Sarah and Jim (live in NY) and Catherine and Oscar (live in Arizona) will be visiting the in-laws (in South Carolina) for a week or so. Since Sarah and Jim will be going back home during the week, they will come to our place for an evening. That weekend, we'll go to SC to stay the weekend with the parents, Catherine and Oscar. Should be a great weekend. :-)

At the end of October we normally camp out at the races for the weekend. This year, with PEM's job change we've had to cut back on the spending, so we decided to have a party at the house instead. My Dad, step-mom and brother will all be visiting for the weekend as well!!! So, we've invited a bunch of folks to come over to watch the race Sunday and meet my family. My in-laws will come that Friday or Saturday as well so that they can finally meet my family.

In November (on a Sunday), we are going to see Blue Man Group with my in-laws, and Paul's aunt and her son. They will be here performing (just about 15 mins from the house!) and we've talked for 2 years with Auntie about going to see them. Now is our chance!

The weekend after that is Thanksgiving. My mom is coming up! Yes, she has her tickets already and everything. My in-laws will come over that Friday or Saturday to meet her! I am working on getting the boys and Alex here for that weekend as well, but am not sure how much progress I'll make. I think we'll get Alex (unless they are going out of town), but the boys are much harder to schedule (imagine that...*pout*).

Other than that......we are working 4 nights next week casinoing. Like I said, it's picking up! I'm sure we'll work nearly every Friday and Saturday from now until the end of December, too (with the exception of actual holiday weekends and weekends that we BEG to have off).

*sigh*

I do love the paychecks. And I love keeping busy. Of course the best part is coming home, soaking in the hot tub, then curling up with PEM and the kitties in bed and relaxing together after the day is done.

Smiles, lulu

Today is 4 years!

2007-09-12T15:07:00.000-04:00

Happy anniversary to my closest friend, favorite lover, gentlest caretaker, greatest cook, gardener with the green thumb and last but not least, the most wonderful, patient and loving husband a woman could possibly have.

Seems like we just met, but as if I've known you forever.

Yours

~L

Who needs a toilet when a tree or sink will do?

2007-08-28T11:14:00.000-04:00

Ok, I DO.

I saw the title of this article

Parents begin potty training at birth

and thought...wow!! That is a cool idea! Then I read the article.

Here are a couple of snippets:

Thirteen-month-old Dominic Klatt stopped banging the furniture in the verandah, looked at his mother and clasped his right hand around his left wrist to signal that he needed to go to the bathroom.

His mother took the diaper-less tot to a tree in the yard, held him in a squatting position and made a gentle hissing sound — prompting the infant to relieve himself on cue before he rushed back to play.

Why didn't she take him in the HOUSE to the TOILET to go??????

And what about this one:

Isis Arnesen, 33, of Boston, has a 14-week-old daughter, Lucia, who is diaper-free. She said it can be awkward to explain the process to people, such as when she helped Lucia relieve herself in a sink at a public restroom.

She was already IN THE RESTROOM. Why the sink???? Gross and unsanitary!

Both of these women could have proven (to ME at least) how worthwhile this is if they had ended the sentence with, "took him/her to the bathroom to RELIEVE HIM/HERSELF in the TOILET".

Maybe just maybe, these two women are in the minority of where they choose to let their children defecate. I sure hope so. I do like the idea of a diaper free baby, but if that means I have to wait in line to wash my hands while your child pees in a sink or that I may just step on baby poop in your yard, then forget it!

Stinky smiles, lulu

One of my poker buddies....

2007-08-23T16:52:00.000-04:00

Ok, Wade leaves for Biloxi this weekend! He'll be gone for two weeks dealing for the WPT

I'm excited for him. He's a little nervous, but I know he'll do great!!!!

Follow his story on his very own blog: http://mspokerdealer.blogspot.com/

Smiles,

lulu

More Money GONE

2007-08-09T09:38:00.000-04:00

The Credit Union has been great. Once I tell them money is gone, they've replaced it within two hours. I thought we'd finally gotten it all taken care of.

Today, $1200 in charges in my account. All in Japan.

I'll update you more when I know more.

lulu

Mr. Wade goes to Biloxi

2007-07-25T13:34:00.000-04:00

I am SOOOO Jealous!!!

I found out yesterday that my buddy, Wade, will be dealing for the Gulf Coast Poker Championship at the Beau Rivage in Biloxi in August and September!!! Not only that....but it's a World Poker Tour (WPT) event which means it'll be televised and seen on the Travel Channel! We may get to see him on TV!!!!!!! How cool is that????

PEM and I have talked about getting ourselves good enough to do something like that and just never have.

This is quite the inspiration, though. :-)

I don't know a lot of athlete's by name, or face even...but I know a lot of poker players and get as excited at the prospect of seeing some of them in person, like some people would about Chipper Jones or (Enter famous athlete here...LOL).

Good luck Wade! I'm proud of you and just a little bit jealous!! :-)

Smiles, lulu

Hooray!!

2007-07-23T13:45:00.001-04:00

My money has been credited back to my account!!!

My credit union is AWESOME!!!!!

Smiles, lulu

Now you know someone (or someone else?) that it's happened to...

2007-07-18T14:21:00.000-04:00

PEM was checking our accounts today and noticed that I was overdrawn. He checked it, because it is rare that it ever happens, we have overdraft protection, so even if I had spent over my "limit" it wouldn't show a negative amount...but there it was....a negative amount.

After doing some checking around and calling the credit union I found out that I am officially one of the 8.4 million (in 2007) of Americans who has been the victim of identity theft. Yes, it really does happen.

My little $118.00 balance in my checking account somehow turned into $941.00 in charges, mostly overseas (Japan), but three at "Denny's" (which may have also been an overseas location - unsure about that right now).

My credit union is being AWESOME and they are helping me every step of the way. I called the local Police Department and now have a case number. I didn't know who to call or how. It was weird. But, it happens so much now, that there wasn't much question on what to do, everyone had steps planned out and questions to ask me about it and no one seemed particularly surprised. So it was fairly easy reporting it.

Now, to wait to see how soon I'll be reimbursed. The good news is, they WILL reimburse me, including the "courtesy fees" (overdraft protection) for each of those charges ($25 each time!!!).

The credit union representative told me that there has been a big string of "robberies" of the card numbers at restaurants. They take the number from the front and the super secret (*yeah right*) three digit safety number from the back of the card and use the card freely. This could have happened months ago and it's just now showing. I'm not sure we'll ever really find out.

Watch your accounts on line and keep track of your spending!! It's practical advice, but when talking to friends about it, I heard people comment that they hardly ever check their account balances or look at their credit card itemization!! I check the credit union account at least once a week, but I guess now it'll be daily!

Smiles (at least no one can steal those from me),

lulu

Weekends

2007-07-17T15:06:00.000-04:00

My niece was here last weekend. It was really good to see her and her friends. :-)

Not much else has been going on. We got free tickets to a Braves game so we did that on Sunday. The Braves won, which was cool.

Looks like my younger step-son will be coming to visit the first or second week in August. It only took a little bit of guilt to get him to decide to come. :-( At least he'll be here and I'm glad of that.

Tonight I'm going to meet Rob and we're going to have dinner and either play backgammon or trivia or something. I like spending time with him and can't wait to see him this evening. :-)

That''s it. Boring entry, I know.

Smiles, lulu

In-Laws

2007-07-05T09:57:00.001-04:00

We spent last weekend helping my in-laws get their house ready so they can move their furniture in. They bought a home that was a foreclosure, so basically when the people moved out the house was a wreck and many items needed to be replaced, including every knob on every cabinet in the kitchen.

We've torn the carpeting up and they are looking to put wood flooring throughout the house and ceramic tile in the kitchen. In time it will be "home" for them. We are enjoying helping them out. It's nice to live so close.

This evening my parents-in-law will arrive at my house. There is a JW convention nearby and since mom-in-law missed the one in SC she is coming to this one. Dad-in-law and PEM will hang out during the day bonding and I will probably tag along once or twice with them. In the evenings we'll eat at home and hopefully catch a free concert in the park nearby.

It's nice to have them close. I've been lucky both times around to have great in-laws.

Smiles, lulu

Our "vacation"

2007-06-27T09:37:00.000-04:00

Had a very long exhausting weekend. We flew up to Rochester for Matt's graduation (oldest stepkid), and planned to drive one of PEM's parents cars back.

Well plans changed....

THURSDAY

Got up at 3am

Flew up to Rochester NY

Got to my in-law's house (that they were moving out of) and ate a quick lunch

Loaded a big truck

Realized (around 4:30pm) that the big truck wasn't big enough for 30 + years worth of stuff

Offered to drive a second truck to SC if they wanted us to
Rented the second truck

Went to dinner

Went to hotel, got to bed around 11pm

FRIDAY

Got up at 7

Loaded second truck - we were supposed to be out of the house by noon
New owners showed up at 12:30
We were done at 2

Had lunch

Went to hotel, slept for 2 hours

Got ready to go to graduation

Got lost on our way to graduation

Arrived 30 mins late (no biggie)

Had dinner after, waited an hour for food

Got to bed at midnight

SATURDAY

Slept in! YAY (10 am)

Went to graduation party at the boys'/their mom's house at 12:30pm

Had a nice time until the end when Ex #1 decided she needed to give, at that VERY moment, bills to PEM

Left around 5pm - drove until midnight (got to WV)

SUNDAY

Got up at 6:30am - started driving at 7

Got to SC at 4:30

Helped unload the truck we drove (they already had unloaded the big truck)

Went to dinner

Drove to GA, dropped Alex off at her house at 10:30pm...

We got home, unloaded our car, got to bed around Midnight

It was not a vacation. But we were glad to help.

lulu

WTF????

2007-06-18T11:09:00.000-04:00

Gay Bomb??

Yeah, click the link and read the story.

This is one of the DUMBEST ideas I've heard.

lulu

It's the end of THEIR marriage, but not their parenthood or friendships.

2007-06-18T10:41:00.000-04:00

I have a complaint. I guess it's not as much of a complaint as it is an observation. Ok let's call it what it is. I need to bitch about something.

My ex-husband (Corey) made a promise to my niece (our niece) that if she graduated from high school with good grades (B or better) that he would take her anywhere in the world as a gift. My niece wasn't brought up in the healthiest of households (who is nowadays??!!). Corey and I are extremely proud of her and how her brothers turned out. He was her uncle when we were married and treats her as his niece even now that we are divorced. He made good on his promise and took her on a vacation that she will likely never forget.

My brother said he was "surprised" that he was showing my niece such a great time. He didn't particularly like Corey (especially) once we got divorced. Arrrgh. This made me pretty annoyed.

Here is what I have trouble understanding. And believe me, it doesn't lie solely with my brother's comment.

Why is it that because of divorce people tend to believe that the people involved are bad people? Was he (Corey) a not so good husband to me? DEFINITELY. Does that mean I was perfect....DEFINITELY NOT! Does this mean that he can't be a good uncle? Or a good friend? Or even a good husband to someone else????

My dad and mom split up for pretty unsavory reasons (infidelity). Although I resented my dad, I resented the fact MORE that my mom would take jabs at my dad as opposed to my dad who never said anything negative about her. Is it because there was nothing negative to say? Heck no! There was plenty. But dad took the high road. He was wrong in what he did during the marriage, but so was she. He was a crappy husband to her and she was a crappy wife to him.

My dad, was still a great DAD. Period. I was fortunate that even with all of the animosity between my parents, my mom wasn't so selfish that she moved me away to another city and my dad didn't move away to be closer to his now wife. I was always "made" to see my dad, even if I didn't think I wanted to (thank goodness!!!) and am glad that I had that opportunity. It made me realize that my dad is a great dad and a great friend to me. Even if it didn't work out that way for my parents.

We had friends get married in Vegas. They broke their marriage off less than year after they got married. They were together 5 years before that. It didn't work. Paul and I remained friends WITH BOTH OF THEM, even though it was tough at times, because they HATE each other. They split up...why does that mean we have to choose which one to like? Why do you have to choose which friend or family member or parent? Why not choose BOTH?

When my ex's parents split up, she took the two kids (age 2 and an infant) to Florida from Michigan. His dad never knew what was going on with the boys. She fought to keep them away from him. Was he a bad father? NO. But their marriage sucked, so as revenge, she took them as far away as she could. It was only in high school, when I intervened that we found his dad, who thought Corey had run away as a teenager (never happened) and was glad to hear he was ok. Since then, they have become, not just father and son, but good friends. I'm fortunate to be friends with him and Corey's mom still (*gasp* even though they aren't my in-laws anymore, they've actually come to visit me and visa versa!).

My husband has two situations. Two divorces. One where his ex packed up and moved away to another part of the country. And one where the ex stayed near by. The relationship he has with the kids are REMARKABLY different.

The children who live in another part of the country barely know their dad. He has to work hard to get them for half of the time that he's entitled to get them (Mandatory 4 weeks a year according to the divorce decree, but that has never happened). Child support is paid on time (with the exception of the 5 months he was out of work, then it was still paid, just mid month instead of on the first...she was notified and understood).

The second ex has a relationship with PEM still. They don't particularly care for each other, but when you see them together around my step daughter, you'd never know. She doesn't talk bad about him, he doesn't talk bad about her. They communicate constantly about her well being and rarely have we not been able to see her when we wanted. She looks at this as a positive thing. She has FOUR parents who love her. Her step dad and I are in her life and there are no lines drawn in the sand. He and I have say so in the way she's brought up, but Dad and Mom have final word. She isn't made to feel bad when she wants to see us or when she's ready to go back home to her mom. (I *still* get guilt trips from my mom when I see my dad and not her).

My point is people....Divorce is rampant here in the U.S. Most of the people you know are probably divorced. GET OVER IT. People get married too young, for the wrong reason, for stupid reasons. Hell, some people get married for the RIGHT REASON at the RIGHT TIME and STILL end up divorced. Circumstances happen, but jeez, give these people a chance. Just because their marriage didn't work, doesn't mean one or both are bad people.

*sigh*

lulu

Before I get replies that there are people out there who ARE bad parents, I'm not talking about those people. I'm not talking about people who abuse their kids, etc. I'm talking about the couples that are husband and wife that didn't work out for their OWN reasons.

Good bye and Hello

2007-06-08T09:35:00.000-04:00

A week ago today I was officially saying good-bye to my friend. I also got to say hello to my sweet nephew. Ah, the circle of life. Sad and sweet all at the same time.

We (friends/family of Jackie) have two major projects going on right now. The first one is accepting donations of clothes for Joshua, from size 9 months - 24 months (and anything else!). The second is to do a scrapbook with photos and letters to Joshua. We hope to have it complete by his first birthday on February 13, 2008.

The funeral for Jackie was a beautiful testament to her life. Many loved ones, so many that we had to stand up along side of the church, and some waited outside, were there. Four pastors (two from Jacksonville and two from Lake Como) presided over the service. All four unique in the way they preached. All four unique in the way they looked. All four the same in the way they spoke about Jackie and their love and respect for her.

A prayer was said at the beginning of the service for Maynard, the 19 year old man who was driving the car that hit and killed Jackie, and his family. The rest was about Jackie. People spoke about her, laughed about her, reminisced about her. They talked of her children' s ministry, the kids she taught in Jacksonville, her infectious laugh, her beaming smile. Joshua, calm and sleepy through the service, had no idea we were saying good-bye to his mommy. He has no idea how much we all loved her. It will be our duty to remind him as often as we can how wonderful she was and how wonderful his dad is and how wonderful HE is.

I talk about her every day. I'm still a bit obsessed over this tragedy. I'm still searching for the reason. I've been reminded, that there may not be a reason at all, and to me...that would be the biggest tragedy.

As the summer approaches and you are traveling, please travel safely. Wear your seat belts. Buckle your kids up in their car seats. And as every day passes, be sure to tell those that you love, how you feel about them.

Smiles, lulu

And Jackie Lives On....

2007-06-05T12:09:00.001-04:00

I will not wear black.

2007-05-30T21:19:00.000-04:00

I guess I am ready to talk about "it".

About an hour after I got home from a long weekend with friends and family in the mountains, we got a phone call.

Steve told PEM, he was a friend of mine from high school and needed to speak with me. I walked out to the back porch to take the call.

Once he told me which Steve, he proceeded to tell me that David, Jackie and the baby were in a bad accident Saturday. He assured me that David and Joshua were fine, but that Jackie...and there was a pause. For that split second, I expected him to tell me she was in the hospital, not doing well, that she wanted to see me, that I would need to go down there to help David with Joshua. Instead, he broke the news. Jackie died at the scene of the accident. I cried. I didn't speak to him. I sobbed. I handed the phone to PEM and collapsed. It couldn't be right.

PEM went inside and wrote some information down. He came back outside and touched me and held me. I couldn't breathe. I couldn't think. I told PEM, that this wasn't supposed to happen, that she finally had what she wanted, a baby and a wonderful husband.

I called my mom, then my dad, then Corey, then my brother. My mom wasn't sure if she heard me correctly. My dad, already crying when he answered the phone, knew. Steve had called him for my phone number. Corey, who was in the car at the time, comforted me and told me to please call him back when I could. My brother, my brother was hit pretty hard. My entire family, including Corey, were all saddened by the loss of my "sister". My twin, who shared the same birthday, and with whom I shared the loss of her parents, and daughter just as she shared the loss of my marriage. She and I were in each other's weddings. We grew up together with each other's families loving us as if we were their own daughters.

My friends, who listened to my grief as I kept them in touch step by step during the birth and death of Sarah, wept and offered condolences to a woman they'd never met, but felt as if they knew.

These same friends were thrilled to hear that she had Joshua, a healthy baby boy, just three months ago. She was finally complete. Her family, her life, complete.

Jackie, David and Joshua were to visit next month. Instead, I will see David and get to meet Joshua for the first time in a couple of days.

Here is the good thing. When I think of Jackie, I can HEAR her laugh. I can SEE her smile. Probably, because that's mostly how I saw her. She had a GREAT laugh. I love it. I won't forget that.

There has been a lot of death, and with each one, I got "better" at handling it. Death, is a part of life. Jackie and I spoke often of death. We had to, it was around us a lot. We spoke of growing old together and celebrating 50 years of friendship. We both wanted to be cremated. We both wanted our lives to be celebrated not mourned. Jackie, I am in mourning, but I am healing and I promise to keep your memory alive. I also promise not to wear black to your funeral. We are COLOR people!!! :-)

Jackie, You are still with me, as is Sarah. As are your parents.

I love you Jackie. I love you and I miss you.

I will be sure to keep David and Joshua close to me. Joshua won't remember you, but David, your friends and family, and I will. We will introduce you to him year after year, day after day.

I love you.

Jackie, I love you.

2007-05-29T16:47:00.000-04:00

She is gone

“You can shed tears that she is gone,
or you can smile because she has lived.
You can close your eyes and pray that she'll come back,
or you can open your eyes and see all she's left.
Your heart can be empty because you can't see her,
or you can be full of the love you shared.
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,
or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
You can remember her only that she is gone,
or you can cherish her memory and let it live on.
You can cry and close your mind,
be empty and turn your back.
Or you can do what she'd want:
smile, open your eyes, love and go on.”

Written by: David Harkins, British Poet, 1981

Still Smiling

2007-05-24T09:44:00.001-04:00

This was our back yard yesterday. In the background...PEM turning the veggie garden. He planted the tomatoes and will plant some peppers tomorrow.

I can't wait until it all starts blooming and growing! :0)

Smiles, lulu

This makes me smile.

2007-05-23T09:12:00.000-04:00

This is our front yard this morning.

I planted the flowers Sunday. The back yard is coming along nicely too, but of course that's PEMs awesome doing. I only did a few flowers back there.

Tonight we plant veggies in the veggie garden and finish putting down the mulch on the flowers in back.

:-) I will take another photo when these flowers start to spread and grow.

Smiles, lulu

Monday Madness Blog

2007-05-21T09:12:00.000-04:00

Monday Madness

This week's questions; all about birthdays!

1. Name one thing you received as a gift on your last birthday. I got an awesome assortment of 80s CDs from Sunshine.
2. What would be the "perfect" birthday gift? I would like to have a big party with all of my friends from my past and current. No gifts, just a huge get together!
3. Do you look forward to birthdays? I'm ok with or without them. It's really just another day, but it's usually more fun than most days.
4. On your birthday, do you treat yourself to something special each year? No, not really.
5. Do you bother keeping up with your horoscope on a regular basis? Not on a regular basis, but I read it if I come across it.
6. What zodiac sign are you, and do you think you fit the description for that sign? I'm a Taurus. I supposed I can be headstrong at times.

Smiles, lulu

Good day m'lady

2007-05-14T12:32:00.000-04:00

Last Sunday (May 6) we went to the Renaissance Festival. It was kilt weekend, so yes, my dear PEM wore his kilt. It is a handmade kilt authentic to the period. He had a friend make it for him (along with the poofy shirt) a few years ago. :-)

This was our second year going as a family (PEM had been before, but for Alex and I this is a fairly new "thing"). It was great! The Lost Boys rocked on, Thom Selectomy who made me gag, and one of my favorites, the Tortuga Twins. We saw the Tortuga Twins "R" rated show this year (the kids were sent off to wander on their own. I think I actually like their "PG" show better. My all time favorite was The Ded Bob Sho. Ded Bob (and Sluj), makes me laugh like no other skeleton (and dummy) I know.

If you've not had a chance to go to a RenFest, go. It's a fun day out!

Smiles, lulu

5 year anniversary!

2007-05-07T11:01:00.000-04:00

My little blog is 5 years old today.

My what a difference 5 years makes.

It's been a fun ride and can't wait to celebrate 10 years with my blog readers. All four of you. ;-)

Have a great day everyone!

Smiles, lulu

Have you ever made the same mistake as me-me?

2007-05-03T16:12:00.000-04:00

Have you ever KNOWN that you KNOW for SURE the words to a song, only to find out you didn't.

For instance, I KNEW the Bon Jovi song lyrics were: "A shot to the heart and you're too late..." until I was laughed at and asked to repeat what I sang only to find out it's "Shot through the heart and you're to blame". Ok. Whatever.

How about finding out the proper use for a word and once you knew it was correct to say it that way, you get annoyed when everyone else is still doing it incorrectly. For me, it's "hanged". A person is "hanged" not "hung" when they are killed by hanging.

Or the meaning of a word. Until this week my friend RS thought it was called a "Zip Code" because it made the mail sort easier and faster (Zip!). But I've known for many many many years that it was an acronym for Zone Improvement Plan. Just a piece of useless knowledge trapped in my tiny brain.

Now, for the reason I'm writing this particular blog. Today I found out that I've been pronouncing "meme" incorrectly for EVER.

I'm sure there will be people out there (Sunshine? Gusto?) who are thinking to themselves "OF COURSE that's how it's pronounced....I can't believe you didn't know that!!" But you know what? Until I stumbled across this link, I had no idea.

I always thought it was "mee-mee". You know, because the questions are usually about "me".

HOWEVER, it's pronounced "meem"....rhymes with CREAM and DREAM.

*sigh* My whole world is upside-down now. LOL.

Care to give me an example of something like this that has happened to you???

Smiles, lulu

Proud (step) mama update!!!

2007-04-23T10:23:00.000-04:00

This weekend we went to the "Taste of Forsyth" in Cumming, GA. Lots of food from all over Cumming...ok...enough of that, it was fun, whatever....

The BEST part is that Box Office Rockstar performed. Ok, I lied that's not the best part. The BEST BEST BESTEST part is that Alex, my eleven year old step-daughter performed ON STAGE with Box Office Rockstar!!!! She played guitar for one song, Boulevard of Broken Dreams, by Greenday.

Can I even begin to tell you how proud I am? No, I don't think so. I don't know if I can express the pride I have in her.

She was AWESOME. She wore a black pinstripe jacket, white shirt, black pants and black shoes. Her hair was pulled back and she had rock and roll written all over her! (Figuratively, not literally).

:-)

My step daughter is a rock star!!! WOO HOO!!!!

Smiles, lulu

Baldwin and Basinger - lessons on how NOT to be a responsible parent.

2007-04-20T10:43:00.000-04:00

I will not go on and on about how wrong and irresponsible and humiliating Alec Baldwin's voice message was. I'm sure most have heard the story and I can't imagine anyone who would think what he did was excusable. But I want to mention something else that bothers me. Something else that I think is just as wrong; the release of the audio.

Please know that I am in no way excusing Alec Baldwin's actions, but I believe that Kim Basinger (and whomever collaborated with her) is just as wrong, if not more so, for releasing that tape to the public. Not only was Ireland HUMILIATED and ABUSED by her father, but now her mother has put it out there for everyone to hear. It's just as bad, if not worse.

PEOPLE, keep your anger toward your spouses, NOT YOUR CHILDREN. It's bad enough that you harbor such hate for someone that you used to love, but taking it out on your own child, your own flesh and blood, is just WRONG WRONG WRONG.

I'm embarrassed for Ireland, but I'm more embarrassed for Baldwin and Basinger for not having more sense than that.

lulu

New MeMe for Me

2007-04-20T09:23:00.000-04:00

Friday Fill In

1. I love a good nap!
2. Bread is my downfall.
3. I went to the hotel to have a fling with Paul, but I had dinner with him and slept afterwards!
4. Tulip is my favorite flower.
5. If I had a bed here I'd nap right now.
6. One of my favorite things to enjoy is a good rainstorm!
7. I'm going to work and play this weekend!

Smiles, lulu

Birthday Wishes. The big "11"!

2007-04-16T15:13:00.000-04:00

I started putting together an "Italian charm bracelet" for Alex in January for her 11th birthday in April.

I found charms that suited her, from me specifically.

An orange "A" = A for Alex, and orange because it's her favorite color.

#1 Stepdaughter = self explanatory. :-)

An I love you charm in sign language = Which - *smile* - she thought was "Rock on". Either way, she smiled.

An electric guitar = she's been playing for nearly two years now and is getting better and better

A cardinal = her favorite bird, and just about her favorite animal, I dare say.

And finally
A grasshopper = PEM didn't think she'd get it. But I knew she would. :-) She smiled when her mom looked at it and asked "A grasshopper?!"

"Yes, because lulu always tells me, 'Patience, Grasshopper' ".

The birthday card that PEM picked out was great, too. The front said, "I'm smiling because you're my daughter" and the inside said, "I'm laughing because there's nothing you can do about it." SHE LOVED IT. It was funny. She definitely has the same sense of humor that her dad and mom both have.

We gave her a Rummikub game, which she seemed excited about (but I'm afraid may never be played at home), an assortment of guitar-style earrings - for her newly pierced ears, bright orange golf balls for her growing love of the sport, a "Happy Bunny" necklace with Bunny playing the guitar - it says "I know it's too loud, I just don't care" and a cool bright photo album (also with a guitar on the front).

It was a fun birthday. We got to see a lot of her friends, some that we had met before and a couple of new one.

She got a bunch of other stuff too of course. Her mom and Ed gave her a video game thingy that you hook up to your system and play "guitar". It looked pretty fun.

All in all it was great. I can't believe how fast she is growing up. I remember taking her to Build a Bear for her 7th birthday, now she's getting guitars and jewelry!

I love watching her grow up. I just wish it wouldn't happen so fast.

Smiles, lulu

Poker? I barely even know her!

2007-04-10T10:23:00.000-04:00

Lots of poker news today. In an overnight raid, 27 people in nearby Roswell, GA (suburb of Atlanta) were arrested for playing a high-stakes poker game. Neighbors called police because the generally quiet street was crammed with cars. I'd be upset too. However, I still disagree with Poker being illegal.

Like many players I agree that poker is a game of skill. If golf tournaments can charge you to enter and give a cash payout because it's considered a "game of skill", then so should poker. It's not luck of the draw. It's not the luck of the roll of the dice. It's a game involving strategy and mathematics.

Should that group have been arrested for gambling? No. It's illegal in the eyes of those who do the arresting in the state of Georgia, however the law states that it's not illegal *IF* you look at it as a game of skill and not just a gamble. What needs to be changed is the way is the way Georgia lawmen look at it.

I found some fun facts about poker at www.pokerplayersalliance.org that I wanted to share:

Fun Facts About Poker

Did you know that...

...playing cards were invented in China.

...a fifth suit was added in 1937 but never caught on because people had to buy all new decks.

...there are 2,598,960 possible poker hands with 52 cards.

...70 million decks of cards are sold in America each year.

...poker is now the third-most-watched televised sport on cable TV, trailing only auto racing and football.

...the four suits - hearts, diamonds, spades and clubs - originated in France in 1480. Spades represent nobility, diamonds represent merchants, clubs represent peasants and hearts the clergy.

...each king in a deck of playing cards represents a great king from history: Spades - represent King David; hearts - Charlemagne; clubs - Alexander the Great; diamonds - Julius Caesar.

...poker initially was played with one round of betting.

Now, I know there are bigger things in the world to worry about. Famine, discrimination, etc. Legalizing poker isn't going to change the world as a whole. I guess I just don't see the big deal. If you don't like it, don't do it. It's not hurting anyone else. (And please don't tell me about gamblers who spend their life savings, been there done that....it's not the game they play it's the PEOPLE. Same reason I don't think you should tell people not to drink on Sunday because for some it's THEIR Sabbath...if you don't want to, don't do it.)

*sigh*

Smiles, lulu

PS Read some more comments here- many like mine and many disagreeing

Weekend Plans

2007-04-02T15:48:00.000-04:00

We are thinking of going camping in the pop up this coming weekend. It's Easter and since neither of us really do anything for that particular holiday, we were thinking of relaxing in the mountains.

It's supposed to get cooler, which is nice. I'm thinking of campfires, board games (Rummikub and Backgammon, mostly), relaxing in the hammock (if we take it) and doing some biking and/walking.

Now to figure out where.

Smiles, lulu

Friday Fiver

2007-03-30T11:00:00.000-04:00

The Interweb

1. What web browser do you use? Mostly Mozilla. I try to avoid Explorer at all costs.

2. What email client do you use? Gmail, Yahoo, Bellsouth, Hotmail.

3. What type of Internet connection do you have at home? DSL Lite.

4. What kinda of computer do you have? A dinosaur. Getting a new one this weekend.

5. When did you first get 'online'? Late 1997.

Smiles, lulu

Fun with and without PEM

2007-03-28T10:20:00.000-04:00

Last night was great.

I met Tonya and Debbie (coworkers) for dinner and drinks at a new Mexican restaurant near-by. The weather was awesome, so we sat on the patio, ate, drank yummy margaritas, gossiped, talked about our own lives and just enjoyed the time together.

We were together for 2 hours or so before heading out our separate ways.

I got home just minutes after PEM did. He had set up the hammock and we got comfy and crawled in. We talked about our days and we snoozed and we talked and we snoozed and we enjoyed each other's company. It was so nice.

We went to bed early and woke up together to start our routine days again.

Tonight I have another girls' night, but with Robin and Rodney. :-) We are going to the mall, eat, shop (they will shop) and hang out.

Since PEM won't be home until after 11:30, we probably won't snuggle in the hammock, but a soak in the hot tub will be called for, I'm sure.

Smiles, lulu

Friday Fiver

2007-03-23T14:59:00.000-04:00

Friday Fiver

1. What do you dream about? Funny you should ask, last night I dreamt that I had a large aquarium tank with a dozen or so fish in it. Each fish was in a plastic, water-filled, bubble of their own, so you could take them out individually to enjoy them. One looked like Dory from Finding Nemo and one looked like Flounder from The Little Mermaid.

2. Who has been mean to you, lately? Patrick R. was very mean to me the other day. I showed him my new - still healing - tender - sore - tattoo and he FLICKED it as hard as he could. Said he thought it was fake. Grrrr. Is he 7??? No, he's in his 20s.

3. What makes you tremble in fear? Speaking in public. More specifically, giving a speech in public.

4. Tell us something you've destroyed: My reputation? Ha! Kidding. Hmmmm, I've destroyed many bugs.

5. Do you feel in control over your life? I'm going to say "no", because the second you feel "in control", something will go wacky just to prove you wrong!! :-)

Smiles, lulu

It's Your Turn

2007-03-22T11:29:00.000-04:00

I'm an It's Your Turn addict. :-)

I love games, all kinds of board, card, trivia games.

IYT has all kinds of "board" games that you can play for free on line. You don't have to be on at the same time as your competitor, you play when you can. I've gotten my buddy Wade hooked on it too. He and I play the tournaments and "ladder" games. And of course we play each other. We are both competitive when it comes to these games, and I usually lose. LOL. BUT...I DO NOT GIVE UP! :-)

It teaches me patience.

I started playing back in 1999 when I had WebTv and it was one of the few game programs you could play with it. I continued playing off an on and for the past two years have been playing a lot. :-)

It's great fun.

They have Backgammon and Checkers. Battleboats (which is like Battleship) and Jamble (which is like Scrabble). They have Pente and Hex and and and......

Most of the games have variations too, which make it even more fun!

Currently I am playing backgammon, battleboats (dark and double decoy), Jamble, Hex, Halma and Go Moku.

Give it a shot if you can. And challenge me to a game. No worries, you'll probably win :-)

Smiles, lulu

Let's go racin' boys!

2007-03-20T10:49:00.000-04:00

The race was a lot of fun. I was bummed that Mikey didn't qualify, but I rooted for his teammates and have also decided that Juan Pablo Montoya is someone I'm going to pull for. :-) He's Columbian (so a we are from neighboring countries), he has raced in the past, he seems to love what he does. Oh yeah, and he's a CUTIE pie. :-)

I have to say, camping in the pop-up is sooooo much better than a tent. :-) I still enjoy the memories of the tent camping and would certainly do it again, but I'm now spoiled.

Friday night we had sandwiches for dinner at the track. Saturday morning we had whole wheat english muffin egg sandwiches and fruit for breakfast, sandwiches for lunch at the track, chicken, salad, corn and rice for dinner. Yum.

Sunday was our French toast breakfast morning, sandwiches for lunch at the track and instead of cooking after we took down all of our camping equipment, we decided to head to DQ on the way home.

It was a fun weekend, as usual. :-)

Smiles, lulu

AMS WEEKEND!

2007-03-15T09:50:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow we pack it up and head to AMS! I'm hoping Mikey qualifies for the Sunday race. It'll be disappointing to go and not see him run.

Of course PEM is still rooting for Kyle and Bobby (cool story about Bobby later in this blog), Marla and Robin will be fighting over Jimmie. At least they have a chance at rooting for a champion. LOL. This will be PEM, Marla and my 7th trip to AMS together, and Robin's very first! The camper is already down there (set up last week) and tomorrow afternoon we head down to settle in. Looks like it may rain tomorrow, but should be nice for the rest of the weekend.

Ok...the Bobby story. Marla was in Vegas last weekend and went to a charity auction. She used to be a "die hard" (read: Bandwagon) Bobby Labonte fan, but changed alliances (to Jimmie Johnson) when Bobby went to Petty Enterprises. Anyway, she still has lust in her heart for him. The auction was for a ride around the track during driver introductions. She had the winning bid of $600. (yeah, I know I have better things to do with my money too...LOL). Anyway, it all worked out great, not only did she get to ride with him, the Casino comped her room for the next two nights (which was MORE than $600) AND she gets to write it off as a charitable donation! Sheesh. Some people. More luck than sense, as my mother would say.

Ok...so off to work I go. Actually, I'm here, and I've been typing this while I was on hold.

Smiles, lulu

Tiptoe, through the tulips...

2007-03-14T15:35:00.000-04:00

Well....I got a tattoo. I know I know. I've heard it all. My brother (half jokingly) said I'm too old to get a tattoo (he got his when he was 18). I haven't told my mother yet, but I'm sure her reaction won't be much better until she actually sees it...I think she'll like it then. Many of the people I know already have one and of course they think it's pretty. My boss loved it, but would never do it himself.

Once it heals up I'll take some photos and post them.

In the mean time, use your imagination. It is four tulips. A blue one, two yellow, and an orange one. It's feminine and pretty and meaningful. I LOVE it. :-)

It's located on the back of my left shoulder and goes in toward my back. I didn't want something that I couldn't hide from clients. Because although I like tatts and don't think badly of people who have them, there is still a stereotype out there, and I'm not out to prove anything to anyone. So, I'll show it when I want. :-)

Smiles, lulu

WELCOME!

2007-03-13T16:30:00.000-04:00

Welcome to my new home.

As you can see from the archives, I've been blogging for a few years now thanks to Sunshine. I recently tried....TRIED...to change the site on my own, in turn screwing things up for Sunshine. I'm not as computer savvy as I'd like to think I am.

I'm going to try to update more often than I have been, but things are hectic crazy, just like with everyone else.

If this is your first time stopping by, thanks. If you've been to the "old" lulupallooza in the past...thanks for stopping by AGAIN. :-)

Smiles, lulu