Another Pain the Butt Cold

Seems like I just got over a cold and here came another one. I left work early Thursday and didn't even go in on Friday. And I think I bruised a kidney or something from coughing so hard. We had our military drill weekend party yesterday with 500 people packed into our gym. Actually it was a really nice time - hopefully I didn't spread around my sickness to everyone in the room. I noticed that I wasn't the only one with a bright red nose and nasty cough - tis the season!

And, I've got a major breakout of what the dermatologist insists is contact dermatitis - what the heck did I contact? I've been using the same stuff and doing the same routine as always, but now I've got a rash on my arms and on my legs - joy joy! But other than that, I feel Great!

Time to iron the uniforms and prepare for another week of work - I love the weekends but sure dread Mondays . . . .

Can't believe it

I found a Laurie Doll picture that I'd taken last year but forgotten to post. This is where the name of this blog came from. Grant had named my blog when he got me hooked on blogging back when I was in Iraq. The name came from this creation - yes, a real, not exactly live, Laurie Doll - it truly is a face only a mother could love, but I love it wholeheartedly. Can you believe she was created over 20 years ago? Yep, and she's one of only a few in the entire world. I'm so lucky to have her!

December Already?

and I'm definitely not ready for Christmas yet, although after a trip to Seagate to see Trans Siberian Orchestra I'm beginning to get in the spirit just a little bit. And I was tickled to see the snow last evening - before I almost fell on my butt taking the dog for a walk in the freezing rain. TSO was AWESOME - every bit as good as when we saw them in Cleveland. This time though, we were only about 11 rows back - far right, but still could see them really well. Everything was spectacular - as Mary Beth from the River said when she introduced them - it was Total Sensory Overload . . . . the drum solo ROCKED - had to put my head down a bit though for fear of a seizure from the bright white lights rolling around about a million miles an hour.





Mark's big birthday was a few Mondays ago, but he wasn't feeling well so we kept it pretty low key. I did decorate his office with a few streamers, a sign and some confetti - he was surprised - I totally didn't know what to get him for his birthday, so I got him a year's subscription to the Port Clinton News Herald --- I know, I know, I'm such a romantic devil :-)





Thanksgiving was delicious - Brandon and Heather came over and Mark cooked a big dinner, turkey, ham, stuffing, green bean casserole, his awesome sweet potatoes, biscuits, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie - oh, and I made deviled eggs - yep - they turned out pretty good if I may say so myself. It's so cool to have a boyfriend who loves to cook and is so good at it - especially because if it were up to me, we'd have a Charlie Brown Thanksgiving!

Pure Joy

I'm probably a freak for saying this but one of the funniest, most athletic things I do anymore is play hide and seek with my dog. It never ceases to amuse the heck out of me. Again tonite I come home and do as that goofy commercial does and call for my dog - what does that guy say? Mr. Barky Von Schnauzer? or something like that . . . . while I admit Noah's name isn't quite that "obnoxious", I do feel that he's somewhat confused because Noah sounds a lot like NO and then a sigh or something. Anyway, I call for him and then we chase each other around the condo for about 15 minutes (I'm sure the neighbors LOVE US). It just tickles the crap outta me because he's so smart. He'll hide under the bed when I get too close, which is perfect, because he won't come out until he hears me thunder down the hall or down the steps. Well tonite I fooled him. I quietly (which for those who actually know me will find hard to believe - I am not a quiet person in the least) sat on the bed 'til I caught my breath (which took a while cuz I'm so outta shape). Then I ever-so-slowly and stealthily snuck my way to the bathroom. Now I've hidden behind the bathroom door before, but tonite I was truly on a roll ---- I hid behind the shower curtain in the tub (got my socks soaking wet but it was worth it). Then I "pitter patted" with my hand on the wall to lure my 4-legged friend out from under the bed. He took the bait and went galloping down the hall and down the steps. He quickly realized that he'd been outsmarted and came back into the bathroom and looked behind the door ---- I could've perhaps kept the game going, but I laughed so hard when I saw his face peering behind that door, that I unfortunately gave up my hideout when he heard the giggling from behind the curtain. He smiled (I swear he really does) and we rested for a minute or so, and I realized, yes, that is pure joy!

Football, Freedom and Honor

Is today a perfect day for watching the pigskin fly or what? Of course, perfect from the comfort of a nice warm couch with a snugly afghan. I love Sundays!

I think as I sit in the comfort of my home of all of the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines of the past, present and even future who fought and continue to fight for this freedom I enjoy. Godspeed to those currently in harm's way --- Thank God for all Veterans' sacrifices!

Ride Noah Ride

When my sister was in town a few weeks ago she had a rental car - mustang convertible - and the weather was still really nice. She'd reserved a compact car but they were all out so she got this awesome blue one at the same price - excellent deal. Noah decided he wanted to drive so I had to snap this picture. Isn't he cute?

somethin's gotta give

I keep saying I'm going to update more often and I've got the best of intentions but this has been a helluva spring, summer and fall. Fall really is one of my favorite times of the year and this has been no exception, but I tell ya what - when it rains it pours. I won't be depressing with all of the details but suffice it to say that this past month has once again been challenging with friends and family in the hospital, friends and family passing away suddenly, cold and the flu for me (I know, I'm a whiner - I admit - I don't do "sick" well - hahaha - that's funny sick well) anyway, it's been difficult to post when I've been so down. I know though that I've always got a lot to be thankful for, and even in the midst of all of this, I know, truly know, that that is the case. So, with that said, Happy November - let's enjoy what's left of those beautiful leaves on the trees, and may this be a happy and healthy month for all (and a month of more posts for me) :-)