Eve of the Eve - Part 2

Today is New Year's Adam {if you know me, it's the Adam came before Eve thing}. Do you remember thinking about Y2K, and how awkward it would be to say the year "Two Thousand" instead of "Nineteen"? I can remember when Kevin & I were married, and we thought it was hysterical that in the year 2000 we would be married 20 years! Not to mention we would have a son graduating from high school that same year! Now, here we are almost a decade into the 21st century. Holy Moly! Year end blogging is a reflective time ... but so is the archives of this blog. So, as we enter the real eve let me just say thank you for sharing the journey.

We haven't been to a New Year's Eve party in years. {Probably not since back in the day, during the "Nineteen" years}. Once the kiddo's came along, we got in the habit of staying home to celebrate. Of course, now we're old farts and we're lucky if we can stay awake to watch the ball drop on TV in Times' Square! But guess what? The kids are grown! So tomorrow night, on the real eve, we are getting all dolled up and we will ring in the New Year with the "Hood" {if you know me, it's the neighbor"hood" gang}, with dinner out and music and laughing. Then the gang members of the Hood will come back to the house for more fun and games and yummy finger foods. The sign says: Good Times Ahead!

Ain't it grand when the kids grow up?

Disclaimer: If you are one of my children, do not - I repeat - do not do anything on New Year's Eve that your father and I wouldn't do. We are, after all, good ole' farts!

Happy B-Day G-Ma

Happy 86th Birthday G-Ma! I'm glad God decided to send you to earth a few days after Christmas ... so it gives us yet another chance to get together, overstuff ourselves till we waddle, and laugh with you. Red Lobster was a perfect choice for your birthday lunch, and the cheddar cheese biscuits will forever be on my mind and hips. Love your guts!

Well, it's the day after the day after. I think. But you know how I don't really count the day of, so it could make sense if you wanted it to. The house is quiet again. Both boys are now in DC, painting the town. Andrea & company came & went, after our 2nd annual Merry Mexican Christmas Dinner. I am headed back to the world of law tomorrow, if I can remember how to drive a car.

The big eyeglass shop. I, along with a multitude of other "flexible spending plan" people, had $$ to use or lose before the clock strikes midnight this Wednesday. Now, I am not in the habit of throwing hundreds of dollars out the window {although I did do just that about a week ago when mailing a gift card - but that's a whole 'nother story for a whole 'nother day}. So I set out on a shop for new eyeglasses, which is VERY hard for me to do since I cannot see how I look in any potential new frame. Very disturbing. Very dependent on nice sales clerks, who don't know me and try to "fit" me into something totally not cool. Sigh! So at lunch today, I volunteered my sister, Jean, to accompany me on my eyeglass shop. She was up for the challenge. WOW - I could have purchased 5 pair, let alone one GOOD pair!

Moral of the story: Take your sister who looks kinda like you when you eyeglass shop, and see what the new frames look like on her, and then buy 2 new pair like I did! One is "bling" and one is "blue". And I'm tickled pink! Jean then drove me all the way back home in her new fancy car. {She got enough $$ from her old car for a Happy Meal} I'll be SEEING you soon!

Some Glasses Quotes:

If the eye does not want to see, neither light nor glasses will help.

Men seldom make passes at girls who wear glasses. (enough said, but I did order bling glasses)

Don't call the world dirty because you forgot to clean your glasses.

Rose colored glasses are never made in bifocals.

Christmas Rocks!

Brandt: Mom doesn't know the words to Beat It!
Kevin: Yeah, but she sounds really good.
Keaton: Well, if she didn't have a spleen, she might sing better.
Kay: I'm tired of cooking, let's rock!

The Real Eve: I cooked the entire Eve Day. Then we did the most special thing (to me) that we do every year on the real Eve. We attend Candlelight Service with good friends and neighbors, the Wilsons, and we hold our candles high into the air with about 1000 others and praise God as we sing Silent Night. It's an amazing night of worship. And this year, the Lusks joined us. Happiness!

The Real Morning: I lahahave not getting up early, like when the kids were little. And I lahahave it when Keaton distributes all the gifts and we wrap up in blankets and robes and open them one-by-one. And I lahahave seeing Kevin's face when he opens up his Harley Davidson calendar every year. And I lahahaved it when the boys saw their Ninja Turtle & Bart Simpson water bottles from when they were kids, only this time they were stuffed with cash. And I lahahaved it when my honey gave me a Vera Bradley Hipster purse ... and, are you ready ... a new laptop! I am SO very cool.

The Rest of the Real Day: Grandma & Aunt Jane joined us and we all stuffed our faces full of food. We played a game of Sequence, and we watched Elf, and we ate again. We set up my new laptop, and Keaton kicked a soccer ball around in the living room (why do boys always do that?) and Kevin is laughing hysterically through the movie, Wild Hogs.

The Real Deal: And all the while, a little baby was born to the Virgin Mary and He lay in a manger, come to save us all. What a beautiful day!

Eve of the Eve

Christmas Countdown: Did I ever tell you about my Christmas countdown? I can make Christmas come all the sooner, in my head, by the way I count. I never count today because it's already here. I never count Christmas Day because that's what you are counting to. And you can't count Christmas Eve because that's just part of Christmas Day in its own way. And today is Christmas Adam (because Adam came before Eve), so you wouldn't want to count it. You get the picture?

Keaton's home! He flew into the new Indianapolis airport last night, and then we drove through downtown to see the newly imploded old RCA Dome, and then we fell into bed at 1:00 a.m. with the threat of an ice storm headed our way. {God did not disappoint.} But did you know that the Indianapolis Colts beat the Chicago Bears 2 Superbowls ago? Therefore, we have the new Indianapolis airport and the newly imploded old RCA Dome, now replaced with the newly finished Lucas Oil Stadium.

Brandt's Travel Plans: This morning started out innocent enough. Ring Ring goes the telephone, and dear friend Robin says, "You better call your DC boy!" It appears there was a main water break in Bethesda, MD this morning and it was all over the news and she was concerned that DC boy might be traveling through it. Dear friend Robin knows the high probability of how unpredictable DC boy can be, so she did, rightfully so, have the best of intentions. Thankfully, however, I had just talked with DC boy and after having a nice long heart-to-heart talk with himself {I listened} he will not leave for Indianapolis until early tomorrow morning. Thankfully. Did I mention the impending ice storm? {God did not disappoint.}

Ice Storm Hits Kay's Driveway: I left work early as the impending ice storm rained down on us. 1 hour to Kevin's office (usually 20 minutes). 1 hour home (usually 10 minutes). 1 hour trying to get car into garage on steep driveway (usually 10 seconds). Neighbors Fran & Don enjoyed the show. Frustration. So we picked up Fran & Don and went out for Italian dinner, instead of trying to get the car in the garage! That'll teach the neighbors to gawk! It was a real stress-reliever making fun of Fran as she ice skated to the car. Keaton and some of his friends met us there. Baked Ziti and Diet Coke = who cares about a lil' ole' ice storm?!?

So what did YOU do on the Eve of the Eve?

It's That Time of Year Again

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

{A Public Service Announcement}
We interrupt the regular blog music playlist to bring you the Squires' ElfYourself Christmas Dance in full surround sound! Merry Christmas from the Squires! Kevin-Kay-Brandt-Keaton

Holiday Jibber-Jabber

Things I'm celebrating today:

• I'm loving Mamma Mia all over again! IF Santa wanted to bring it to me for Christmas, I would let him, but only IF Santa really wanted to do it, you know.
• The temp is 4 degrees outside right now! Count 'em: 1-2-3-4! The wind chill is 20 degrees below 0. Let's not count that.
• Grandma's K's Coffee Cake is made, wrapped up, and ready for gift-giving to the neighbors. Why didn't anyone tell me how good it was before now? I stumbled onto the recipe and it does - after all - have my name in it!
• The new kit-of-the-month from Unity Stamp Company. Trust me, you are gonna bounce big time when you see these Valentine stamps! They are so stinkin' cute!!
• I have slept 20 hours in the past two days. Ahhhhhh!
• Christmas music. Loud. All day long!

Things I'll be cooking over the next week:

• Turkey and Honey-Glazed Ham (no fire dept. calls! remember two years ago?)
• Mashed Potatoes - the boys could not survive a Christmas without them!
• Green Bean Casserole
• Cream Cheese & Pineapple Cheese ball - oh so yum!
• Rigatoni with classic Italian sauce - a holiday family tradition!
• A big ole' pot of Taco Soup that cooks for 8-12 hours (Holy Moly!)
• Chicken & Beef Taco's
• Breakfast Casserole
• Barbecue Meatballs (Yes Brandt, they are for you!)

Things I'm looking forward to:

• Keaton's flight arrives tomorrow night - Happiness!
• I'm hoping Brandt remembers to drive home for Christmas (?!)
• Christmas Eve Candlelight Church Service
• Hanging out with all the fam and grandkiddos - who's in charge of Parker?
• Did I mention the Pineapple Cheese ball?

Critical things that I need to do that have nothing to do with Christmas:

• Contact the neighbor girls about a bible study group
• Pay bills (last year I forgot to make the house payment during the holidays! Who does that?)
• Figure out a birthday gift
• Use my Pampered Chef round baking stone
• Prepare for a BIG - no, HUGE - 2-week trial in January
• Begin to consider my New Year's Resolutions. Amen, to that brother!

Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas.

Coming Along ...

Coming along ... that's how I feel right now. Everything's coming along (slowly but surely).

Got Sick? I got sick last Thursday. Got half better on Friday. Got sicker on Saturday. Got real drugs. Half dead on Sunday and Monday. Worked half-day on Tuesday. Got sicker on Wednesday. Got well on Thursday.

Got Christmas Movie? I got hooked on a string of Lifetime Christmas movies during my sicko time. Mr. Claus Looking For A Mrs. Claus - awwww, it was such a cute holiday chick flick!

Got Christmas Cards? I actually enjoy this annual exercise, even through the busyness of the season!

Got Christmas Shopping? I've done it. Go ahead - admit it. You have too! But honestly, seriously, for real -- I have not done it like I usually do it and you know what? I'm good with that!

What's in Your Wallet? Gift cards.

Got Steep Driveway? Hello Winter. It was so nice of winter to grant us some icy sleet over the last few days, but perhaps not when you have a steep driveway like we do. I was minding my own business, writing heartfelt notes in my nice Christmas cards at 10:30 at night, when there was a knock at the front door. "Do you know that your truck has slid down your driveway and is sitting in the middle of the street?" Well, if that doesn't say Hello Winter!

Got Motherhood? I am SO excited that the boys will be home soon! I'm going to hug them 3 extra times this year, and thank our God in Heaven who gave them to us for safekeeping (hard as it is sometimes). HONK for motherhood!

Got Appetite? Last night, we enjoyed our annual Christmas dinner with Kevin's employees and families at Maggiano's. Can you say delish? OMG - we are totally going there again and again and again. And maybe again.

One totally random thought: WHO throws a shoe at the President of the United States?

Now if that doesn't say Christmas ....

Doesn't this tree speak Christmas?

What happens when sisters are also best friends?

Is there anything better than Rosalie and her Snow Globe?

Isn't Santa's Helper (Parker) the cutest little thing you've ever seen?

Don't you just love happy Rhegan and her pal Santa Claus?

And last, but not least, are you making this your reason for the season?

Let the Holiday Blogging Begin

So ... I'm back at work now (not that I ever really stopped working from Florida) but somehow, incredibly, work finds its way to me and attorneys and clients make unreasonable demands on my time and everyday I get to dress up in high heels and smile at them. Hey -- it's good to be seen. Really. Especially in high heels.

So ... in less than one hour, we will have been home one full week! I've talked to Florida Boy everyday (I do not miss an opportunity to annoy him like any good loving mother would do). He continues to heal. I know this because he sent me his Christmas Wish List. Yes, he really is thinking more clearly now.

So ... on Friday I had a flat tire on my way home from work, in 11 degree temp, with snow. I was in the fast lane (aren't I always in the fast lane?) Kevin picked me up on the highway and off we went to the law firm's Christmas Party. Who needs a flat tire anyway?

So ... on Saturday I took Kevin's truck and Grandma Kay, who rocks, went to see the kiddos. Rhegan ran into my arms, Parker goo'd and coo'd and played peek-a-boo with me, and Clayton looked up once from his video game. Oh baby - it's a wunnerful life! Andrea & I shopped most of the day away, in between Tinkerbell Rhegan's birthday party. I then spent the rest of the day billing paralegal hours at my wunnerful law firm. Do you KNOW how scary it gets on the 25th floor in the dark with only my desk lamp, and the building creaking? Enough billable hours for one day. Enough said.

So ... my hero Kevin fixed not one, but TWO flat tires on my car while I was busy with Tinkerbell and billable hours. Did I mention the spare in my trunk was flat?

So ... on Sunday my hero Kevin put up the Christmas tree and decorated the house all Christmas like. I did 4593 loads of laundry and made a Wal-Mart run that broke my back, my trunk, and my wallet.

So ... let the Christmas blogging begin! Game on, baby!

There are souls in this world which have the gift of finding joy everywhere and of leaving it behind them when they go.

Groundhog Day

Okay -- let's dish.

After our Thankful Thanksgiving, we headed for Indiana early Saturday morn. 10 hours ahead of us. No problemo. Grandma was riding well. We got her home in one piece, and purchased some groceries for her and Jane. Off we went to our own Home-Sweet-Home. Made it! The cat was mad at me. Life was good.

One hour later, my cell phone rings. Keaton has severe stomach pain while driving home from Atlanta, can hardly speak, about to pass out. Ambulances from both directions head toward him, not knowing exactly where he is located. We stay on the phone with him until medical personnel reach him and then we jump back inside our un-packed car and head for a hospital somewhere in Macon, GA. Drove through the night (after driving through the day), all the while talking with ER personnel. Keaton is pumped full of narcotics and nausea drugs, awaiting test results. We arrive early Sunday morn.

He is released. CT scan looked good. Esophagus is inflamed, has digestion problems - so they say. Bunch of new drugs now. We took Keaton home to Florida. Want to know possible culprit?

Food Poisoning. Perhaps Burger King. We will never know. Keaton never wants to do that again. He'd rather have a second spleen removed, if in fact God grew him another one.

Groundhog Day? It's a movie where a 24 year old young man and his parents find themselves living the same day over and over again. It would probably be a good idea to stop celebrating Groundhog Day.

Thankfulness

And for dessert, we have Pumpkin Pie, Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie, Whip Cream, or Tums.

Rewind:

• The family traveled to Atlanta from the north, the south, and the east (but not the west if I have my direction right, which is questionable if you could see how I drive). One by one, the carloads and airplane loads arrived at the Larkins' Resort.
• I looked like a plump little pack donkey with my rolling suitcase in one hand, a laptop bag slung over my shoulder, Keaton's backpack full of math books, and a heavy box full of Guitar Hero Band gear. Let the thankfulness begin, she said with a gobble (actually it was a wobble but there was no alcohol involved, nor kool-aid).
• We convinced grandma to play dice games, and she beat our butts.
• We watched Fred Claus and Juno in the home theater, tomorrow's featured show is Hancock.
• Grandma Mary got stuck in the elevator once, Larry to the rescue.
• Football drones on in the background.
• The gals made a desperate shopper run to the Michaels Pre-Black Friday sale. Happiness!
• Rosalie (the cutest 2-year old niece in the universe) and Lexie (the cutest Yorkshire Terrier in the universe) chase each other and giggle (well I haven't actually heard Lexie giggle for real but I'm sure they do it in dog-talk), all the while someone somewhere is winding up the singing snow globe every few minutes.
• We are down to leftovers of turkey and all the trimmings, compliments of Head Chef Joyce and Helper Chef Lark and Turkey Carver Larry.
• Keaton is with us, alive and well.

I feel like Lucille Ball or Ethel Merman or Marge Simpson. The point is, I'm straight up crazy thankful to be here. Can anyone say My-Lanta ... life is good! Phew baby, we opened up a big 'ole can of thankfulness today and ate the whole thing.

Blog-Tag: A Game for a Virtual Meet-n-Greet

As a blogger, people may know you, but how good does anyone really know you? Turns out, I've been invited to play a game of Blog-Tag! My good blog-buddy Becky Oehlers tagged me, so click on over to her blog-palace and be inspired by her papercrafts, or her professional singing, or her golden sense of humor. She's a boatload of fun! For those of you who just landed here from there, welcome to my "what's in my head" blog where I ramble and rant and rave about my life. But wait, I don't stop rambling there ... oooooh noooo. My other blog "Creativity is Good" is where I ramble and rant and rave about my papercraft obsession. Pick your poison!

Okay, then ... seven random or weird facts about myself:

• My dad karate-chopped me in the hallway in the middle of the night while I was on a trip to the bathroom --- he thought I was a burglar. I do not think that gave him a license to karate chop, however, the sound effect was pretty awesome.
• My husband lost his checkbook on the day of our wedding. I don't care what you say, he was not scared of me! We met at work, he fired a guy and I worked in personnel {The cute night shift foreman meets cute little number in the office}. We met and married within 4 months.
• Fav Quote: From birth to age 18, a girl needs good parents. From 18-35 she needs good looks. From 35-55 she needs a good personality, and from 55 on she needs cash.
• My rented min-van was stolen while vacationing in San Diego, along with my mother's wheelchair, my scrapbook, and my sisters' wine from the Sonoma Valley. Cops said it was over the border within 10 minutes. Bet they enjoyed that ride!
• I went to college in Ann Arbor, Michigan and studied music. Then went to work in a law firm for the next 25 years.
• I'm pretty much a perfectionist - but a recovering perfectionist so that has to count for something. I clean and straighten and organize and detail everything that moves. I'm one of those "if you can't do it right, don't do it" people. Go ahead, roll your eyes. I'm cleaning the fuzz out of the laptop keys as you read this ...
• It's all about my hair. I cannot function without lipstick and hand creme. And a purse that is a small piece of luggage.

Okay, Becky actually gave me a blog-tag choice but I like the questions on the second round too, so I'll play along!

Things I love: Jesus, my family, San Francisco, scarves, scrapbook stores, hanging with the hood (neighbors), purses, cold weather, TV show-Sisters & Brothers.

Things I don't love: Dark country roads, sushi, mornings, clutter, cop and reality tv shows, negative-talk.

Songs on my IPod: Sing-songy songs, mostly from TV commercials: Regina Spektor, Lenka, Kate Nash, Priscilla Ahn, Katie Herzig, Jack Johnson, Ingrid Michaelson, Sondre Lerche and various christian artists.

Favorite Food or Drink: Salmon, Salad, soup in bread bowls, Paradise Cafe Gingerbread Cookies. Must have Diet Coke ... must have Diet Coke.

Now the FUNNEST part ... tag, you're it!

• Mary - Pile of Smiles
• Darlene - Dar's Crafty Creations
• Julie - Out to Impress (who just had a b-day!)
• Julia - Create With Me
• Taylor-Made by JenMarie
• Lori's Addiction - Playing With Adhesive
• Katherine - Blame it on the MoJo

Sarah & Joe

Did I forget to mention that Sarah is part of our family? Oh, silly me. You know, Sarah told me she is not disheartened with the election results. She rather likes Alaska. And don't tell anyone I told you, but she just might become Senator Sarah and end up in Washington anyway! Wouldn't that be the berries? {Lloyd & Pam -- Aunt Kay says you rock in your Halloween get-up!}

Speaking of nieces, Traci is going to d-r-a-g us girls to the salon for a mani or pedi as soon as we meet up in Atlanta. Of course, I will go kicking and screaming ... for the good of the order. Such a sacrifice I must make, she says with a faint hand over her brow and a long sigh. And if anyone -- I say anyone -- laughs at my white legs I will resign from being your favorite Aunt. My toes are SO excited!

This evening, Keaton & I attended "The Christmas County Spelling Bee" presented by Meadowbrook Academy -- can anyone say adorable? K-5th graders singing Mighty God, Prince of Peace, all the while blinking at the lights and remembering their smooth moves! Mr. Squires' attendance was required as a teacher, but Mr. Squires' mom's attendance was pure fun. It was good for Keaton to go somewhere else besides the doctor.

Tis the season to consider dragging the Christmas Tree out of the attic, and getting tangled up in the lights, and asking Kevin to please hang the high ornaments and the tree topper, and plopping on the couch and oooh & awww. What AM I going to do without Keaton to do this for me this year? He has been the official tree putter-upper for years! Okay, I can psych up for this and rise to the task! Unless, of course, the grandkids want to have a tree putter-upper pizza party at gram's house?!? Yeah, that's the ticket.

Honk If You Have All Your Original Body Parts

Gives new meaning to "zip it" doesn't it? Keaton's sense of humor was not injured in the accident. Wanna know how I know (besides going to Wal-Mart and buying this zipper)? Here are some Keaton-isms:

• The rock is at fault.
• The rock was not a team player.
• Who needs a spleen anyway?
• Spleens are for wusses (that's funny).
• My spleen was removed to unleash my full potential as a math teacher, rock climber, and soccer player. I'm bewildered why others haven't considered this.
• Battle scars rate high with chicks (I threw this at him).

Keaton is progressing well. He should be, I'm cooking and cleaning and doing his laundry! As I was changing over a load of laundry, I looked at him and said "You're gonna miss me." To be honest, I've always been the kind of mom that enjoys seeing our children function as adults ... it's a WOW moment to moms. But I'm grateful to have this time to live with Keaton inside his world. I mean, how else can I come up with meaningful ideas for Christmas presents?

Andrea & Brandt, I am putting you on notice. Beware! Mom might live with you inside your world at some point. But if you work it right, just think of the scam you could pull off for a big Christmas haul?

SO ... while I was at Wal-Mart, I found a couple of books that I'm looking forward to reading. The Wednesday Letters and Home to Holly Springs. Thanks Santa Kevin, you rock! Not that I'm going to have time to read them, of course. Time is greatly over-rated.

SO ... I could get used to this. Working in my PJs with remote access is the bomb. I gotta put that on my to-do list when I return home to my honey. I miss making him cornbread. I miss my own pillow and having more than 5 pair of underwear. I miss my craft room. But it will be a challenge to trade in my flip-flops for snow shoes.

Rhegan, this message is for you. Grandma Kay, who rocks, lahahahahaves the pictures you sent Uncle Keaton and it made me miss you like crazy. When Grandma Kay, who rocks, gets back home to Indiana, I am going to ask Pawpaw Kevin to bring me straight to your house and I'm going to kiss you 10 times on your nose. Get ready girlfriend! Hey -- who is your mom anyway? I really like her a lot. Kiss your brothers for me. Okay, go ahead and kiss your dad for me too. But hold your ear when you do it just for fun.

Sleep is not over-rated. It's somewhere up there with lipstick. I love you, my family. Goodnight.

Each day comes bearing its own gifts. Untie the ribbons.

My Spleenless Son

A Little Earlier
Keaton came home from the hospital armed with pain med. He looked good - aside from the staples in his stomach, the stitches in his neck, and the drain hole in his side. He went to church on Sunday ... and visited his classroom on Monday! Gimme a big SHUT UP! And he eats real food - heck with the popsicle and life saver diet. So ... now he is completely zonked and better understands the meaning of "slow recovery".

A Little Later
The surgeon removed his staples today and replaced with steri-strips so "a hot shower" is in his future. Amen to that. We have new meds for stomach and shoulder pain, and a repeat CT scan in a week to determine if his pancreas needs drained. I pray not.

A Little Love
A word about Meadowbrook --- well, probably more than a word from yours truly Chatty Kathy. This is Keaton's church and the school where he teaches. They love Keaton so much and will stop at nothing to support our family. I cannot list all of the countless ways in which they have helped our family throughout this time. Tonight, I attended mid-week service. If I wasn't there, there would have only been 999 people -- I'm sure I made it an even 1000. For real. The couple seated next to me raised their hand indicating it was their first visit. I introduced myself during the "greet your neighbor" time. And then I enjoyed the rest of the service. After church, I turned to the lady and said:

• "Is this really your first time here?" She indicated yes.
• "Well, you beat me by only a few visits!" She wanted to know if I was new too.
• "Sorta. We moved our son here in August, he teaches at the school, and I'm here because he had a very serious accident."

Now -- here's the part I want to share because it's the best example I can give of how we feel. I took the lady's hand and said:

• "I'm probably not the best person to welcome you to this church, but let me just say that we left our son 1000 miles from home here at this church and it was comforting to know he was a part of Meadowbrook. This is a wonderful spirit-filled church, please come back."

She had tears in her eyes. And so did I. And all the people said amen.

Words that describe the past 2 weeks: Emotional, Busy, Anticipation, Pain, Joy, Gratitude, Love.

God has BIG plans for this man's life ...

It happened exactly three days after Barack Obama was elected to be the next President of the United States. It happened exactly eight days after Keaton's 24th birthday. It happened while we were home in Indiana and Keaton was home in Florida. It happened so quick and a full week has come and gone already.

Keaton fell 25-30 feet while rock climbing with friends at Brick City. He ruptured his spleen, had internal bleeding, and possibly a collapsed lung. He called us after an ambulance ride, and after the trauma team assessed his injuries, and after a full body CT scan, and a surgeon had been called. And lots of pain medication. It went like this:

Kay: Hello?
Keaton: Hi mom.
Kay: Keaton, is that you? (his voice was so weak, throaty, and hoarse)
Keaton: Yes.
Kay: Are you okay?
Keaton: Yes, I'm okay.
Kay: Where are you calling from?
Keaton: The hospital.
Kay: How did you get there?
Keaton: An ambulance.

Kevin & I were 1000 miles away, and all we wanted to do was get there. Three hours later, I was on a plane, and praying non-stop. Keaton was in so much pain when I arrived. The next morning, the surgeon determined his spleen had to be removed and an hour later he was in surgery. So ... the long road to recovery begins. He now has a 12 inch vertical cut from his breast-bone to below his belly button, and 17 staples.

In the hours following surgery, a cardiologist was called in because of some complications ... all is good now. His left shoulder continues to be a concern, even after CT scan and xrays have shown nothing. His right hand swelled and gave us pause, but has since gone back to normal. There appear to be no broken bones and no concussion -- what a walking miracle he is!

Pastor Tim and Principal Tina have been so supportive, as have all the staff at Meadowbrook Church and Academy. All of Keaton's students made him banners and get-well cards. The church has set me up with a laptop, and I will work from here until after Thanksgiving. We are hoping Keaton will be released in the next few days. Kevin is joining us tomorrow and he can't wait to see Keaton, and I can't wait to see Kevin.

God has a plan for this man's life indeed. This man who is our son. This man who we love more than any words could say. This man, who is a brother, a grandson, a nephew, a cousin, a friend, a teacher, and a man of God.

Keaton, I am so blessed to be your mom. And don't rock climb anytime soon.

Twas the Night Before Elections and all through the House

First things first ... Guess who went to the McCain rally today? Guess who bought me this beeeutiful campaign button? My hero ... Kevin! I love it! And I love you! Tomorrow, I am excited about going to stand for probably many long hours at the polls. I plan to shake the hands of all my local politicians, and grin and smile, and dish with my neighbors, and enjoy the unusually warm temps. Gonna be a good time!

Second things second ... let's not get into the long emotional political season we have just witnessed, complete with unrelenting TV ads and biased media coverage, not to mention the stolen yard signs and 'friendly' neighborhood chats. No - let's not go there. Let's go here ... what we did, you and me and thee, was show the world a democracy at its finest hour. Win, lose, or draw - if you did not engage in this political season, then you were living under a rock. Ouch.

Third things third ... a bit of self-talk:

• I've been forgetting to mention that I somehow got addicted to Facebook lately. For 2 weeks anyway. And it's been fun to chat with some old friends from 20 years ago! Well - they might be older. But I am not addicted anymore. Nope.
• This time change suits me for two reasons: (1) Daylight comes earlier = I wake up better. (2) Darkness comes earlier and I'm a night owl so I get more done! Capish?
• My house is showing signs of busyness. Is it time for the cleaning lady to come? Is it time to get rid of the cat?
• The "oh, just go ahead and call the painter and start looking at colors for the dining room" bug bit me again today.
• Brandt made his Thanksgiving travel plans today. I want to jump up and do the Toyota kick and a Happy Dance for Thanksgiving!
• I'm looking forward to a sleep over with Rhegan. We might come up with our own Saturday Night Live sketch, or something.
• I'm also looking forward to Andrea's B-day because we are going shopping and plan to eat Mexican until we can't walk. When I asked her if that was okay, I think she said "You had me at hello!"
• I might like to write in Martha Stewart for President. At least that way we might get decorating and hosting ideas after following her life for the next 4 years. Maybe she would pass a Big Bow Law that does not require extra postage on all the beautiful hand made cards in the crafting world.
• Enough said.

Parker Thurman is how old?

Parker Thurman Stewart went from this ...
... to this in one short year! I blinked my eyes and he was walking!

Here's the birthday boy with his peeps. That would be mom (Andrea), dad (Shawn), Clayton and Rhegan. Parker later told me that he was looking at them and thinking, why did they keep their clothes on? I think it had something to do with the chocolate cupcake that came his way after the Happy Birthday song!

Happy Birthday Buddy Boy! We love you!

Politics and Religion - Both are Waiting on Grace

Well, it certainly can be argued that this has not been "poltiics as usual". We are already seeing record numbers at the polls for early voting, and this promises to be a historical election indeed. As we enter the home stretch, my thoughts humble me:

• Politics is the most wishy-washy topic. It's very hard not to be swayed by this side or that, they both have their good qualities.
• I am proud to be an American. I do not choose to live in any other country, and I am grateful to a loving God for putting me in this country. A very short few generations ago, my ancestors did not enjoy the quality of life that my family has, so the miracle of God abounds in my life.
• The emotional side of politics continues to amaze me. But I can't help but pray that it equals the emotion of your religion, so that the nation turns to a waiting Heavenly Father.
• Whoever will serve as our next President and Vice-President, regardless of whether it was your choice or not, make no mistake that God allowed it to happen. And be thankful for His ultimate plan and purpose.

Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others.

The Annual Birthday Post - Ode to Keaton

Did you know that birthdays come annually? Let me explain.

Last year, I wished Keaton a Happy Wednesday Birthday with a cute little song on this post. Keaton then left me a comment that said: "I'm glad you wished me a happy Wednesday birthday on my Tuesday birthday. Thanks, mom. That song will be awesome...next year..."

Well, guess what buddy? It's now THIS year! So my birthday wish for you is now ditto. Song and all. And I'm wishing you a Happy Thursday Birthday for really real. Now that you are a math teacher and you have reached the square root of 576 years {if you don't speak math speak, Keaton says that would be 24}, then you are qualified to have a Thursday Birthday. I give you an "A+". Moral of the story: Mom's have a good memory.

Keaton, you have grown to be a man who thinks freely and gives kindly. You are a thirsty learner and a leader and a man of your word. May you always remember how lucky you are and support those less fortunate. May you always nurture the love of your family and keep them close. Continue to be bold, ask questions, and face your life with courage and integrity. May you see in yourself what I saw in you at a very early age. I love you and I always will.

Don't wait to make your son a great man - make him a great boy.

Dan the Man

Dan the Man came through! He sent me these gorgeous pics and I lahahahave them! Have you ever seen a little girl look just like her daddy AND just like her mommy? I mean, for real? Rosalie unmistakeably favors her daddy! And Rosalie unmistakeably has mommy's blond bouncy curls! Funny how that works, huh? Enough from me. I decided to let Rosalie herself make this blog entry.

FROM ROSALIE:

• My life is very complex as a toddler. Sometimes, my parents just don't understand how hard it is to be a perfect angel, but I do it very well. Just take a look at my schedule.
• I wake up and bother my parents first thing in the morning. That's a prerequisite, every toddler knows you have to do that. On some mornings, my mommy packs up my lunch and takes me to school. Whoa baby, school has fun stuff like colors and circle time and - well, time out. Not that I know anything about time out, I'm too cute.
• Then again, on some mornings it's time for the greatest entertainer on earth -- Elmooooooo! Who did you think I was gonna say ... Barney? He is so last year for lil' kids.
• Some mornings I go to Grandma & Grandpa's house. Now THIS really rocks my socks! Recently, I shared my cold with Grandma. We play and eat and laugh (Grandpa slips me a bite of candy, but don't tell mom). Sometimes I sit on Grandpa's lap and we do this Internet thing. I'm not really sure how it works.
• I haven't quite got the potty thing down. Come on, accidents happen. But it's fun going giddy when something really does happen in the potty.
• Naptime. Toddlers really need their sleep, but I can't understand on the weekends. I have to look more into this work thing so I can get weekends off.
• I have things to do during the day, like lunch time and play time and get my hair done. Oh yes, and bath time. But I'd really rather wear my cutie patootie rain boots and stomp puddles!
• At the end of the day, sometimes I have to go into my grumpy routine. You know, cry and start a fight with my dog. Then it's off to bed. Which is cool, so we can read a good book!
• I have to get my beauty rest because I have to do all this over again tomorrow. I love being a toddler.

Where ya been, Kay? Part 3

And who made this visit so much fun? My partner in crime - sister Joyce! Currently, we share a love of scrapbooking and card-making, but before that it was cross-stitch and before that it was Boyds Bears and before that it was Longaberger Baskets, and before that .... you get the picture? We just share a love - plain and simple! Click here to visit my "other blog" for pictures of our Atlanta girls card-swap weekend! Caution = yellow light = if you don't want to be bored with craft talk, then you won't enjoy the blog-hop! But oh - go ahead, we're SO much fun!

And here's the King of the Castle, Larry (pictured with Lark). I sent this guy to Kroger for yogurt and he did it with a smile! Ya can't beat that! I had more fun watching him double-talk Joyce, literally, because she has a double ear infection and just looks at ya and says "huh?"

Where ya been, Kay, Part 2

Look who else I visited! Lark & Traci, who were home for the weekend because lucky Traci was going to the theater with her girlfriends to see "Wicked" {color me jealous} These two are so much fun to talk with ... good kids they are! Miles of smiles.

Lark's goal was to spend the day in his chair, and spend it he did! This is called "chair day" and if your girlfriend is going to the theater with girlfriends to see "Wicked" then you can exercise your right to it! Power to the chair, baby!

And THIS is what chair day is all about. Need I say more?

Where ya been, Kay? Part 1

You're gonna be jealous ... I've been to 2-year old land, to visit Rosalie and her bouncy blond curls! She loves cheese. She loves her building blocks. She loves to color and paint. She runs around on tippy toes everywhere she goes. And yes, she sits on the potty chair! I told her that Princess Rhegan and I were going to visit her sometime soon!

Gee, I wonder where she got all those curls? Mommy! Yes, I also visited with Dan the Man (Daddy of bouncy blond curl girl) but I didn't get his picture and I'll never live that one down! Hey Dan the Man - send me a picture of you!

Go ahead - ask me ... how much fun is it to be a kid again? Now, if only I could get those bouncy blond curls - now THAT would really be something! And yes, Rosalie can now say "Aunt Kay". I knew you were gonna be jealous ....

Get a load of those boots, baby! This is rain gear at its finest! Splish splash in style!

In the Wink of an Eye

EYE CATCHING: Sarah Palin winked at least 6 times in her vice-presidential debate with Joe Biden. She's a winker. She winks on rope lines and at rallies. In front of 70 million viewers, she winked her way through the talking points while Joe grinned like a yard gnome. You don't want to miss Sarah's wink at the Indianapolis rally, do ya?

I've been reading about this wink thing. A honk from her armpit might have generated less buzz. But not nice. Sarah plays nice. A wink is ambiguous, rich like buttah... and hard to miss.

Go ahead - join the Indy Rally - and wink away!

Say it ain't so, I can't go!

Oh my heck, Indiana is now important. Very important. Very very important. Say it ain't so!

This Friday, Sarah Palin is going to be in the Indianapolis area at the Verizon Music Center for a Road to Victory Rally. More specifically, she is going to be 4.5 minutes away from my very own house, and guess who will be 600 miles away at that time? You betcha! That would be me, myself, and I. Say it ain't so!

Oh, how I wish me and my lipstick were going to be here to support the McCain-Palin ticket! Folks, this is a case of "I would if I could, but I can't" for real. Once a year, my sister & I enjoy a spendiferous time with our card-swapping girlfriends from Atlanta. Palin or not, my electric bird (i.e. airplane) is leaving and I will be on it.

• To my McCain-Palin friends here in Indy --- I hope you go!


• To my undecided voter friends here in Indy --- I hope you go!


• To my decided democrat friends here in Indy --- go take a listen!

Help make history! Click here for ticket info. Voter-2-Voter -- Securing a Victory - One Voter at a time.

A List

5 things I am going to do today:

• Get to work earlier.
• Remind my husband he's the best.
• Pay bills.
• Go to Beef-n-Boards with my sister.
• Return a friends phone message (Hi Kay, it's Deanna. Okay, bye.)?!?!?

4 things that I'm looking forward to:

• This Sunday's Colts Game - in the hood party.
• Going to Atlanta next week for our annual scrap-a-thon.
• Getting my house clean.
• Downloading a new song on my IPod.

3 things I am praying about lately:

• Debbie - working through the loss of Janet
• My kids.
• Time management.

2 things I will eat today:

• Salad
• Diet Coke

1 thing I need:

• Sleep.

Here's the thing ...

Sometimes my head spins all day long. THIS was one of those days. I can't decipher whether to blame it on pre-menopause (oh puleese!) or just plain lack of focus (I vote for #2), but today I accomplished one thing and one thing only ... I am farther behind at work than I was yesterday.

Okey-dokey then! But here's the thing (yes, we are back to the thing). As I was getting into my car today, it hit me. "I really need to email Martha Stewart and tell her she needs a blog team." She's got the budget. I want the job. Enough said.

So speaking of kids, I, like any good mother, have been thinking about ours. Here's the thing. I think about them all the time! Not obsessive-compulsive think about them, like I did when they were very small. I mean, really think about 'em as adults. A much harder task, but a potentially more rewarding task I believe. The thing is - we do not, can not, and will not live our children's lives for them. They must live their own, thankfully, else my head would spin even more. Here's how this works best: If you are a parent, ask God to convict you of your child's needs. And then pray.

And speaking about politics, here's the thing. I work in an overwhelmingly democrat law firm. A few of us wear the big "R" on our forehead, but we are definitely out-numbered. And let's face it, I earn my paycheck by participating in state-level politics in a non-partisan fashion, i.e. let's get the votes and advance our cause. I get that. The thing is this. If I open mouth, insert foot and it gains one political vote for the McCain-Palin team, color me happy. You DO want me happy, yes?

I lunched with an old friend today. How old? Pretty. Brandt was named for Debbie Brandt. But here's the thing. Let me just say that we (Debbie & I) have aged beautifully! Fun is fun, folks. If you lunch with an old friend, you'll get better looking too! And younger.

And then there's the thing about blogs. Oh my heck! A friend of mine had a rough day with her blog post and a heated exchange of comments. Words. They are just words on paper - strike that - words in cyberspace. And it's next to impossible to read between the lines. Want a better take on something? Face-to-face meetings work best. Not possible? Back to my first point -- words. They are just words.

I'm not done ranting. But here's the thing ... I'm gonna show you the love and stop. And besides, I need to figure out how to email Martha Stewart.

Jumping for joy is great exercise!

How about them COLTS!

I used to think it was all about lucky socks. I stand corrected! It's all about the plastic football bowls! Here's the instant replay:

• We hosted the "Colts in the Hood" rally for today's game. 4 neighborhood couples, food, fun, laughter ... you get the picture.


• For the most part, the game was lousy. So we spent more time on point #1 -- food, fun, laughter.


• Guilt set in. The ladies thought better of scrapbooking talk and joined the sad, sorry, TV coverage of the lousy game. (point #2 - lousy game).


• Root root root. Yell, scream, hope. See point #3 - guilt set in.


• That's when I remembered the plastic football bowls.

"Oh -- silly me! Now I know why we are not winning. I forgot to get out the plastic football bowls!" Kay said, as she tossed a handful of M&M's into each bowl and handed them out to the hood.

And .... immediately ... it went like this:

• 2.10 left on the clock.
• Intercept.
• Touchdown.
• Kick is good.
• Manning's magic pass.
• Touchdown.
• Kick is good.
• W-I-N!

Oh - did I mention the plastic football bowls? See ya at the Super Bowl.

VP Debate - Game On!

First off, Sarah Palin wore black. Good choice. Don't tell me you don't wear it too! Governor Palin and Senator Biden walked out to the platform. "Nice to meet you," Palin said as the two shook hands on stage. "Hey, can I call you Joe?" THIS is one of the many reasons I believe in Sarah Palin. It's like saying to your neighbor, "Hey, come on over to my house and let's sit around the kitchen table and talk this thing out." She immediately pulls you in. Did I mention she immediately pulls you in?

While Palin was under ginormous pressure to prove herself as a knowledgeable and articulate speaker, Biden had to dodge the gaffs he's known for. I'd rather be in Sarah Palin's shoes. You want change? McCain-Palin will bring it! Politics as usual? Ain't gonna happen! Sarah Palin IS mainstream America, with a boss that listens to her! Make no mistake about it, she is taking her boss to the white house and she is taking her lipstick to congress.

Oh yeah - and remember a few weeks ago when I asked that waitress to wear a McCain-Palin button? She's now got a MCain-Palin campaign sheet in her waitress notebook. I love it!

A picture of Sarah as she awaits her call on stage. This is a good, faithful, public servant, my friends.

43 Minutes

Time is money ... at least that's what the partners in my law firm say about my billing rate. Now, there is no way I want to jeopardize my bi-weekly paycheck (what? no trips to the local craft store?) but I have to respectfully disagree with my partners on this one. Time is so much more than that!

43 minutes of time spent driving my Sebring with the sunroof open and my hot pink IPod in my ears is not money. That's called debriefing, unwind, take me away Calgon! {This is on my way home from work, mind you!}

43 minutes of prayer is not money. It's peace for the heavy heart. Or praise to an ever-faithful God.

43 minutes of talking to my son on the phone is not money. It's love, at its finest hour.

In 43 minutes I can make a tuna casserole and cornbread for a meal with my honey at home, in our jammies, with the TV on, and the cat lurking, and the clock ticking the evening away. That's called the good life.

In 43 minutes I can walk around the neighborhood 2 times if I don't talk to the neighbors, and 1 time if I do. That's called exercise.

43 minutes browsing the isles in my local craft store is called inspiration.

43 minutes of lunch with a dear friend is not money. That's essential girlfriend time.

Sometimes when I cannot sleep at night, I can count 43 minutes worth of sheep. That's not money. That's idle time to reflect on the love and needs of my family.

Did you know just how important 43 minutes are? What's your 43 minute list?

Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed.

Just being random ...

Life is a mix of silly and serious ... so is this blog. Lately, I wondered how is it that my kids are now grown? Wasn't it just yesterday that I had (1) continuous piles of laundry (2) greasy fingerprints on my television screen (3) spots of Kool-aide on the kitchen floor?

Seriously Part 2

A friend shared this with me and it's worth passing along. Obama is "seriously" scary. Watch this: http://www.breitbart.TV/?p=158353. I want to remind you that at the end of the 2008 GOP Convention, John McCain challenged all of us to stand up. I'm asking you to stand up for McCain & Palin.

“Fight for what’s right for our country. Fight for the ideals and character of a free people. Fight for our children’s future. …stand up, stand up and fight. Nothing is inevitable here. We’re Americans, and we never give up. We never quit. We never hide from history. We make history.”

Seriously?

Is it already TV season premier week? Oh my heck, I'm glad. Not that I have any TV time to spare. I mean, let's face it -- we are in a serious Presidential Election here and everyone should be a news junkie right now. {BUT I STRONGLY SUGGEST THAT YOU DO NOT -- I repeat DO NOT watch MSNBC political coverage who has TICKED me off royally with their one-sided reporting. Who DO they think they are, taking away MY right to vote by using their media ploys to actually elect the next President of the United States? Seriously?!}

Okay - let's get back to TV season premiers. Yes, I know The Office is ever-so popular and I DO love their quote "It's so much cooler to sit on your chair after you spin it around." But let's just talk Grey's Anatomy for a nano-second. Dr. McDreamy dead? Merideth, an old spinster? A Denny scene? I'm hooked. Seriously!

So -- Joyce & Larry should be back in the good ole' US of A soon. Good thing -- cuz my cell phone bill misses talking with Joyce (SO much crafting to discuss!). I wonder how Mr. L will react to our financial crisis that happened while he was away? I fear we should not ask him, or you might get the same reaction as when you say to him "talk to the hand". Not so good. You would probably be better off to watch MSNBC than say that to him! Seriously!

Kudo's to neighbor Fran on her retirement! Well, kinda sorta mostly. She did get a retirement party complete with cake and ice cream and presents. But next week she starts working on contract for them 2 days per week. I guess she just can't get enough of that place! (perhaps she sits on her office chair after she spins it around?) So next time you see her in the "hood" give her a high-five. Seriously!

Speaking of the "hood" --- Kevin & I are excited to host the neighborhood gang's first Colts Rally of the season. I'm pulling out my lucky socks for the occasion. Go Blue! After their first few games, we all know something is seriously wrong here. Peyton, help me help you! We are behind ya babe - now go spell W-I-N.

Tomorrow, we are scooping up the little ladies (i.e. mom & Jane) for a day-trip to Brown County. Biscuits and apple butter. Rubber stamp store. No laundry. Life is just plain good. Seriously!

I leave you with a Clayton-ism. Upon returning home from school the other day, here's a conversation he had with his babysitter:

Babysitter: Clayton, we've been waiting for you! We're going outside for a walk around the block!

Clayton: WHAT??!?^#*&%_#!?

Babysitter: Come on, we're all going for a walk around the block, it's such a pretty day!

Clayton: Can't we just take the car?!??!?

Seriously!

Palin Draws Crowd of 60,000 at Florida Ralley

Obama draws crowd of 20,000 in North Carolina. Meanwhile- Sarah Palin draws crowd of 60,000 in Florida! "Sa-Rah! Sa-Rah!" they chanted at every mention of her name, applauding loudly and waiving tiny American flags that were distributed -- along with free water bottles -- by local volunteers.

You want to know how I know this? I'm SO glad you asked! BECAUSE FLORIDA BOY WAS THERE!! Yes, as in "there". Keaton lives a hop, skip, and a jump away .... so he and a few of his friends hopped, skipped, and jumped over to the Villages near Ocala to be part of history. Way to go Keaton! We NEED a large voter turnout in a hotly contested state with 27 electoral votes.

I googled this and --- ah-hem -- I just wanted to mention that the largest crowd Biden has drawn to date is 2000. Sarah's lipstick isn't the ONLY thing that should scare the Dem's!

A Shout Out for the Week-End

Jumping Jimmy - It's the weekend!

• And I can stamp till 2:00 a.m. on Friday Night (check!)
• And I can sleep in till 10:00 a.m. on Saturday (check!)
• And I can shop at the craft stores with talky talky Rhegan (check!)
• And I can out-scram a storm and not get wet (check!)
• And I can laugh at Parker who is walking {yes, I said w-a-l-k-i-n-g kinda, sorta, almost, for real) (check!)
• And I can eat pizza with Mr. Pepperoni Clayton (check!)
• And I can blog and upload craft pics to Splitcoast all night long (check!)
• And I can go to a COLTS GAME (check back for the "check" since that's tomorrow).
• And I can laugh at my sweetie pie honey bun husband (a/k/a paw-paw) who babysat for Parker and put his diaper on inside out (check!) Awww - how cute is that?

Rhegan-isms from today:

Gramwa Kay: How old do you have to be in order to be a grandma?
Rhegan: 10

Gramwa Kay: (to a friend in Michaels) This is my grand-daughter, talky talky Rhegan.
Rhegan: And this is my talky talky gram gram

Gramwa Kay: Do you want the coloring book or the candy?
Rhegan: Can we "deal" with this? We're gonna have to "deal with this!

Rhegan's Cheerleader Cheer: (with clapping hands and hip-action)
1-2-3-4-5 My name's Rhegan and I say Hi
6-7-8-9-10 Back it up and meet my friend!

While strolling through J0Ann's in basket:
Rhegan: Pull over Gramwa!

Speaking of Power

We were out today ... out of power, that is. Yep, I was powerless. Hurricane Ike - now Tropical Storm Ike - is blowing it's way through here. Can you believe I had to manually lift my garage door? I might - like - break a nail or something! SO, no power = no lights. And no lights = no crafts. And no crafts = okay to leave the house. Kevin & I headed to Jane's and the 3 Musketeers hit the local Ponderosa. How long has Ponderosa been around anyway? 90-11 years? It was mighty good for being so elderly.

We enjoyed dinner with good friends Brent/Eleanor on Friday evening. Talky talky Kevin & Kay helped wear out everyone's bum as we sat for over 2 hours together! {yes, that is when I asked the waitress to join the McCain-Palin band wagon!} Brent/Eleanor are such good friends and we are so fortunate to live in the same neighborhood!

I AM BRILLIANT!! Man, I just love it when that happens. Wanna know a tricksy way to get the cat out from under your feet? No, you can't yell FIRE I tried that already --- both yelling FIRE and having a real one in my oven. I don't recommend either. All you need is a Wal-Mart bag! And we ALL know how much I adore Wally World! Shaky shaky your baggy baggy and the cat will runny runny faster than you can say "Bob's yer uncle!" No cat? Hmmm. Try it on your husband or kids -- couldn't hurt!

Speaking of The Colts, we'll take today's win! I gotta remember to get my lucky Colts socks out for next week's game because guess who's going? WE ARE! And all the people said YAY! Remember my lucky socks from last season? You can view them here. I think Brandt wanted me to wear them, so he sent us the tickets - how sweet is that? Well, he probably wants them to win too. Gosh - can you believe it's football season again?! Neither can I.

Palin Power

I've got Palin Power - do you? Wanna know how I know I've got Palin Power? I actually asked a waitress to wear a McCain-Palin button along side her name tag! And yesterday, I almost got into a cat-fight at the nail salon when the customer next to me said she thinks Sarah Palin looks mean. I felt it was my civil duty to show her what mean really looks like so she won't be confused about it next time. Hey hey folks ... the Republican Party is jazzed! Read my lipstick - we're going to Washington!


Excerpt from Sarah Palin's acceptance speech: "Here's a little news flash for all those reporters and commentators: I'm not going to Washington to seek their good opinion -- I'm going to Washington to serve the people of this country. Americans expect us to go to Washington for the right reasons, and not just to mingle with the right people. Politics isn't just a game of clashing parties and competing interests. The right reason is to challenge the status quo, to serve the common good, and to leave this nation better than we found it. "

Yo Yo Thelma and a Pre-Anniversary Interview

THAT'S what my sister said to me one time. Yo Yo Thelma! {Of course, it WAS after I called her Louise.} So that prompted me to find Thelma & Louise quotes from the popular 1991 move:

1. I don't ever remember feeling this awake.

2. There's no such thing as justifiable robbery!

3. In the future, when a woman is crying like that, she isn't having any fun.

4. Well, we're not in the middle of nowhere, but we can see it from here.

5. You awake? Guess you could call it that, my eyes are open.

Onward Ho. Guess who is soon going to be having a 1-year Blog-Aversary? Ah, that would be moi! Me! Self! {insert pat on the back} On September 29, 2007 I took a flying leap into blog-land. Here's the 1-year interview ...

Kay: So, how hard has it been to become a bonafide blogger?
Self: Other than lack of sleep, I'm a satisfied customer!

Kay: What are some of your most memorable blog posts?
Self: Well, I LOVED queen Flo's interview way back at the beginning. And I SERIOUSLY love Rhegan quotes - they melt like lemon drops! But mostly I just love getting all the double-talk out of my head and onto digital paper.

Kay: Is that why you blog? Your head talks to you?
Self: I just want my family & friends to enjoy the ride! And it doesn't hurt to get junk out of my head - the good, the bad, and the ugly. I guess in the end, does that make me pretty?

Kay: Who's asking the questions here, anyway?
Self: I know, I was getting out of line. Sorry - you may continue.

Kay: Should we believe everything you say?
Self: Only my hairdresser knows for sure. Generally, I speak my mind with no remorse and yes, I think I blog the same way. I do try very hard to be thoughtful and genuine when I document my life, but sometimes there is no combination of words for what I feel.

Kay: Do you look for blog-worthy moments?
Self: Of course! Isn't life one big blog? {think about that one}

Kay: I've heard others compliment your music, can you tell us about that?
Self: When I was little, I would curl up in my dad's pee-wee-punch VW back seat compartment located over the motor, and sing louder than thunder. That's the kind of music I strive for. If it passes the pee-wee-punch test, then it's a blog-tune baby! I listen to TV commercials and TV shows for good blog-tunes too. It's all good.

Kay: Do you have blogging goals for the next year?
Self: Well, you know what they say ... if you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you always got. So I guess the question becomes whether or not I am satisfied.

Kay: Would you like for me to ask if you are satisfied with the past year's blogging experience?
Self: Sure - go ahead and ask that.

Kay: *&$#&%*(???
Self: I'm really glad you asked me that question. I know people are busy, hey we live in a go-go world. But I'm sooper dooper happy with my blog time because (a) it makes me sane, and Kevin likes that part (b) It fosters interaction with family & friends, and (c) It gives me great scrapbook material {and it keeps me from cooking or cleaning too much - capeesh?}

Kay: So - back to your blog goals. Are you going to always do what you always did so you always get what you always got?
Self: Are you nutzoid? {don't answer that} I work for a law firm, for goodness sake! Goals turn into billable hours! My goals for the next blog year include coercing family & friends to post comments, or suffer the wrath of someone who shall remain nameless, but works as a paralegal in an Indianapolis law firm.

Kay: Is this a good time to stop interviewing, before you turn mean?
Self: I don't' know, you could post a comment about it ...

Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace and gratitude.