December 31, 2013

Jigzone - Happy New Year

Click to Mix and Solve

2013 In Review

Join in if you like! Just leave a comment or link to your blog/Facebook/Etc.

What exactly were you doing a minute before the ball dropped in 2013? Watching the ball drop in Times Square (on television).

What was your status on Valentines Day? Married

Were you in school anytime this year? No

Did you have to go to the hospital? Many times but not for me, for my husband.

Did you have any encounters with the police? No

Where did you go on vacation? Texas, Missouri and Arkansas

Did you know anybody who got married? Yes, my son, Colt.

Did you know anybody who passed away? Yes, several people and many pets.

Did you move anywhere? No

What sporting events did you attend? None

What concerts/shows did you go to? None

Describe your birthday: Worked all day, then home to make dinner.

What is the one thing you thought you would not do, but did, in 2013? Nothing I can think of.

What has been your favorite moments? My grandson being born,  my son getting married, my trip to Texas, seeing my brother, seeing my daughter and seeing my son.

Any new additions to your family? My grandson was born in August

What was your best month? March

Made new friends? Yes, a few.

How many people did you date? One, my husband.

Favorite Night out? Any night I did not have to cook dinner at home.

Other than home, where did you spend most of your time? Work

Have you lost any friends this year? Not that I know of

Change your hairstyle? No

Have any car accidents? No

How old did you turn this year? 43

Do anything embarrassing? Fell down the stairs at work and twisted my ankle.

Buy anything new from eBay? Yes

Get married or divorced? No

Get arrested? No

Been snowboarding? No

Did you get sick this year? Yes,

Are you happy to see 2013 go? Yes, and I expect 2014 to be much better.

Been naughty or nice? Nice

What are you looking forward to most in 2013? Getting out of debt!

December 30, 2013

Five Best Moments of 2013

Five of My Best Moments of 2013

1. My son getting married.
2. My second grandson being born.
3. Going to Arkansas to see my son.
4. Going to Missouri to see my brother, sister-in-law and the nephews.
5. Going to Texas to see my in-laws.

December 29, 2013

Sunday Stealing: Questions for a New Year’s Eve Reflection Meme

This week's Sunday Stealing comes from the Sunday Stealing archives!

1. What was the single best thing that happened this past year? My grandson, Colton, was born.

2. What was the single most challenging thing that happened? Only seeing my daughter once and my son twice.

3. What was an unexpected joy this past year? My grandson, Colton.

4. What was an unexpected obstacle? Saving money to go see my children.

5. Pick three words to describe 2013. Stressful, lonely, busy.

6. What were the best books you read this year? A few books by Lee Child.

7. With whom were your most valuable relationships? RoseAnn

8. What was your biggest personal change from January to December of this past year? Only seeing my daughter once and my son twice.

9. In what way(s) did you grow emotionally? None.

10. In what way(s) did you grow spiritually? None.

11. In what way(s) did you grow physically? None.

12. In what way(s) did you grow in your relationships with others? None.

13. What was the most enjoyable part of your work? The people that actually benefit from what I do.

14. What was the most challenging part of your work? Dealing with customers and their "the world revolves around me" attitude.

15. What was your single biggest time waster in your life this past year? Facebook

16. What was the best way you used your time this past year? Visiting my children.

17. What was biggest thing you learned this past year? I learned that sometimes the kindest people are the one's that hurt the most.  Like me.

18. Create a phrase or statement that describes 2013 for you. "Think positive and try to keep a smile on my face."

December 28, 2013

Happy Birthday to my Nephew Joseph

Happy Birthday to You!
Happy Birthday to You!
Happy Birthday Joseph!
Happy Birthday to You!

I hope you have a great birthday!

December 25, 2013

Merry Christmas 2013

MC From Shannon

I hope your Christmas is filled with love, joy, peace and happiness.

Whether you are working, traveling, or even staying home; Whether you are broke, rich, or just plain poor;
Whether you have to worry about bills, health, or general well beings of yourself or others; Whether you get that awesome thing you wanted or maybe something not as cool; Remember to be thankful you are where you are.

Right now, as you read this...All over the world soldiers are standing in line for their turn to call home. Orphans across the world are putting on the nicest clothes they can find in hopes of a family. Dogs, cats and other animals in shelters all over the world are extra friendly and well mannered hoping they can find forever homes. Veterans and other homeless folk are looking for a warm place to sleep and a full dumpster for a ''good'' dinner.

Please be thankful you have a home, bed, friends and/or family, food, and love. And remember, happiness and love are the best gifts anyone can give and receive.

Merry Christmas Everyone. 

December 24, 2013

It Is Christmas Eve!


Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer.

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!

"Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.

His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"

December 23, 2013

The Night Before Christmas at Rainbow Bridge

***In memory of my sweet Annabelle and all the fur babies
that have crossed over to the Rainbow Bridge!***

Photobucket

THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS AT RAINBOW BRIDGE

T'was the night before Christmas, at Rainbow Bridge too.
We Bridge kids were thinking as always of you.
We'd seen how the holidays weren't bright this year,
Heard you whisper so often, "I wish you were here!"

We know how you wish you could just stay in bed
And sleep through the holiday lying ahead,
When all celebrate with their loved ones so near...
Unless they have loved ones on this side this year.

But we're no less alive here, on the other side.
If you could just see us, you would've laughed and not cried.
The dogs all in harness, pulling the sleigh.
The cats all in Santa hats pointing the way.

The pet birds all flying back over the rainbow,
Bound homeward in spite of Earth's darkness and snow.
All the pets that you've lost, pets for whom you've cried,
Flying home on this Christmas to be by your side.

If you feel warm fur brush you when no pet's around,
Hear a soft bark or purr, just a ghost of a sound,
We're trying to tell you we're visiting this way,
And our visits, even rainbows, can be on any day.

But for Christmas we have something special to do,
A sleigh full of happy dream visits for you.
On doggy, on kitty, on winged friend and ferret!
The love that you lavished, we mean now to share it!

We're fetching that love home, the way we once played,
With the closeness we shared and the memories we made.
Our Earth lives with you were too short for us, too,
And on this Christmas Eve we have so much to do.

So all through this night as you sleep in your beds,
Sweet visions of fur babies dance in your heads.
This one special night we can bring you Home for a while,
Your true home in Heaven, where again you will smile.

Over the rainbow you'll fly, for a short while this night,
Hours that you'll be happy, hours that will feel right,
Hours to cuddle and hug us, to run and to play,
Before the return to Earth in our magic way.

And when you awaken and face Christmas Day,
We pray you'll remember your trip on our sleigh,
But in case you forget, just remember our love.
Remember us watching you, your angels above.

Sending love wrapped in rainbows, shining and bright,
Love that will guide you through the darkest night,
Love found in each memory unwrapped through the year,
Replacing dark sorrows with Christmas cheer.

Leave the toys to St. Nick, we Bridge kids bring dreams,
Sweet visits to remind you all is not as it seems
When you look all around you with tired Earthly eyes.
If you saw as we do, there'd be joy and surprise.

There are fur angels waiting by those Christmas trees,
Always there for you and hearing your pleas.
We're never more than a thought away from your home,
You're never forgotten, you're never alone.

Nor are we alone here, with our Rainbow Bridge friends.
We know only joy here, the celebrating never ends,
And after our reunions with you Christmas Eve,
We Bridge kids will party like you'd never believe.

But we'll slip away often to be by your side.
Sitting there watching you, eyes open wide,
Praying you'll be able to catch a glimpse of us, too.
But whether or not you see us - Merry Christmas to you!

December 22, 2013

Sunday Stealing: A Christmas Meme

This week's Sunday Stealing comes from the Sunday Stealing archives!

1.The Christmas song I can listen to even in June is..."The Little Drummer Boy"

2.Hot Chocolate, Egg Nog or Mulled wine? Hot Chocolate mostly.  Egg Nog every now and then during the month of December.

3.When do you put your decorations up? After Thanksgiving.

4. What are you having for Christmas dinner? Ham, Brisket, Cheesy Potatoes, 

5.What is your favorite Christmas tradition? Visiting my grandparents.  I wish they were still alive.

 photo xmasfrosty.jpg6. Have you ever gone Carol singing? Yes

7. When did you learn the truth about Santa? When I was 6 years old.

8. How do you decorate your Christmas tree? As quickly as possible.

9. What's the best thing about Christmas? Being able to take some time off from work.

10. All I want for Christmas is...to be 100% debt free.

December 21, 2013

A Very Doggy Christmas

This video can be found on YouTube! I hope it puts a smile on your face.

December 20, 2013

This Time of Year...

This time of year always arrives with mixed feelings for me. I love the magic of Christmas and I long for the days when I was young and carefree. I hate the commercialism and consumerism of today's world. It seems as if nearly everyone is worried about how many presents they will get and how expensive the gifts will be. Folks want the "latest and greatest" of all those toys and gadget and they seem to forget the true meaning of Christmas.

This year,and it happens every year, I am experiencing "down" times. Christmas is not the same any more.  I did not put up the tree or decorated the inside of the house. I decorate with a few items outside.  There are always too many bills to worry about. I am stressed over work, home, the kids, the grand kids,  my brother and his family, bills, vehicles, etc. It is a never ending vicious cycle.

People tell me that it always gets worse before it gets better. My only question is...when does it stop getting worse?

December 19, 2013

Christmas This Or That


Christmas lights: White or Colored?

I love white lights on a Christmas Tree and on the outside of the house. To me the white lights are very serene and have a clean appearance.

Real tree or Fake?

I prefer fake trees...easier to take care of, don't have to haul them all over town, don't have to worry about disposing of them, I don't have to worry about kids or dogs eating them.

Themed ornaments or Sentimental ornaments?

Sentimental ornaments are my preference. They have a much deeper connection to those I love and remind me of home.

Sugar cookies or Gingerbread Men?

Sugar Cookies with thick, yummy icing!

Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?

I drink hot chocolate all year long and only drink Egg Nog during November and December.

December 18, 2013

Wednesday Hodgepodge for 18 December 2013


1. Do you believe in miracles?  Yes.

2. What's a recent fad you admit to trying? Sugar Cookie flavored Pringles Stix...and they were awesome!
3. Peppermint-are you a fan? If so, what's your favorite food or beverage containing peppermint?  I do like peppermint in gum, hard candies, candy canes and a few other items.  I do not like peppermint flavored beverages.

4. Break the ice, on thin ice, as cold as ice (emotionally, not literally) which phrase have you run into most recently? Explain.  On thin ice has been the phrase I have heard the most in the last few week.  Mostly because it is winter here in Wisconsin and folks want to go ice fishing.

5. Have you ever broken or spilled something in someone else's home? Still friends? Year ago I broke one of my mother-in-law's pie pans.  She forgave me and we still love each other.

6. 'Tis the week before Christmas...are you feeling more like Buddy the Elf or the Grinch before his heart grew?  I am more like the Grinch.  I love Christmas but at the same time I don't like it.  All the crowds, chaos, stress,  depression and etc really gets me upset.

7. Share a favorite quote relating to Christmas:  “Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy,is to have the real spirit of Christmas.”  ~*~ Calvin Coolidge ~*~

8. Random Thought: Never trust anyone who says “I'm not supposed to tell anyone but...”

December 17, 2013

Rotten eCard of the Week #15: Naughty List

I would tell you what I want for Christmas,
but then I would be on Santa's naughty list.

December 16, 2013

Unconscious Mutterings #568

Hosted by Luna Nina

Luna Nina says … and I think … ?

01. Comedy :: Laughter
02. Warning :: Danger
03. Bowling :: Shoes
04. Picked :: Apples
05. Shotgun :: Pistol
06. Accommodate :: Hotel
07. Everybody :: Rock Your Body
08. Hypnotic ::  In a trance
09. Penthouse :: Top of the Tower
10. Hockey :: Redwings

December 15, 2013

Sunday Stealing: The Blerp Meme

This week's Sunday Stealing comes from Lucy B.'s Surveys.

When you get a headache do you take painkillers right away or try to wait it out? I try to wait it out because I don't like taking pills.

Is there a really funny YouTube video you’d like to recommend to me? This one...

Did you watch Sesame Street when you were little? Yes, of course.

What’s the last thing you touched, other than your computer?
 Some chocolate  chip cookies that my sister-in-law made.

When was the last time you talked to your best friend?
 On the phone...a long time ago.  However, we chat online weekly.

How often do you listen to music?
 Everyday.

What color is your cell phone? Blue and Black

What is the last non-alcoholic beverage you drank? Diet Pepsi

Do you like to wear sweatpants? Yes! So comfy.

What song are you currently listening to? Who sings it? Bangarang by Skrillex


Have you ever gotten a black eye? 
Yes.

What caused it? My ex-husband.

How many times have you checked up on your ex? Once or twice just to make sure he as far away from me as possible.

If you had to get a tattoo what would it be? A teddy bear angel with my mom and dad's name on his wings.


How many tabs are open right now? Four


Are you scared of needles? 
Yes very much so!

Do you believe love can last forever? Yes.

Are good-byes easy or hard for you? 
Yes.

Would you rather sing or dance? I would rather dance.


December 13, 2013

Office Holiday Party

Today was the Holiday Party for my office. As part of the festivities we participated in a decorating contest.  My section of the office took 2nd place in the contest.  Below are some photos I took of my section's decorations (A huge thank you to Cindy and Tonja for all their hard work)!


This items and bookshelves in the photo above are right outside my cubical.
The polar bear you can see on the left hand side is hanging in my cubical.


December 12, 2013

Rotten eCard of the Week #14: Creepy Elf

Nothing says the "true meaning of Christmas"
like scaring your kids into being good with a 
creepy Elf on the Shelf.

December 9, 2013

Unconscious Mutterings #567

Hosted by Luna Nina

Luna Nina says … and I think … ?

01. Games ::  Football, Baseball and Hockey.
02. Younger :: Older
03. Propose :: Negotiate
04. Closer :: Farther
05. Cleaned :: Housework
06. Fresh :: New and Improved
07. Crunch :: Candy Bar
08.  Centers :: Community Center
09.  Shiny! :: Pretty
10. Horrific :: Terrible

December 8, 2013

Sunday Stealing: I Amuse Myself

This week's Sunday Stealing comes from FoxyDanish.

01. What is something that you have lost recently?: I lost my patience yesterday, while waiting in line to leave Wal Mart. The following photo was taken in Onalaska, WI,  by me while waiting in line yesterday.

 photo leavingWalMarton12-7-2013_zps1c99d3a3.jpg
02. Do you own any self-help books?: One or two, but I have not read them recently.

03. Do you live near the sea or ocean?: Neither, but I wish I lived near the ocean.

04. Have you ever spent ages making/writing something on your computer when it suddenly crashed and you lost it all?: Oh yes, many times.

05. Do you enjoy food shopping?: No

06. What are you having for lunch?: Hot Dogs and Hot Chocolate

07. Are you one of those people who can sleep through anything?: Yes, most of the time.

08. Do you like love letters?: I use to but not any more.

09. Have you ever received or written one?: Yes and yes.  I actually still have some that an ex-boyfriend wrote to me years ago.

10. How far does your nearest relative live?: About 20 minutes from my house. (They live not far from where the following photo was taken in La Crosse, WI.

 photo 320ADCEF-1ECC-4A1C-9C27-5A04499196F3_zpswdp7kszj.jpg
11. Do you like velvet?: Yes

12. What kind of art do you like?: Original art, local art and photography.

13. If you went to London, where would you go first?: To the hotel room to freshen up and to take a nap.

14. If you had to pick one friend who is the most interesting, who would you pick?: Hummmm...tough choice.  I would pick RoseAnn. She has been to places I have not yet been and I love seeing photos she posts of her adventures.

15. Can you think of the meanest thing you have ever done/said to someone?: I remember as a kid I was crawling along the back of our couch  and knocked a picture (in a heavy frame) down. The picture hit my Grandma Henson in the eye and made her bleed.

16. What magazines do you read?: Reader's Digest, Good Housekeeping, Gamer, Woman's Day and a few others.

17. What/who has been on your mind today?: Debt, bills, my children, my brother, family, my parents and Christmas.

18. Would you be interested in ghost-hunting?: Not really

December 7, 2013

Camera Critters: Shelby Really LOVES Her Chair

Camera Critters
Not sure if I have mentioned this before...Shelby LOVES her recliner.
 photo shelby11-10-2013_zps281e769c.jpg
And as you can see in the photo above, she likes to stick out her tongue
when I take her photo!
 photo shelbychair11-10-2013_zps8a260b86.jpg

December 5, 2013

Canadian Pacific Holiday Train


Check out the Holiday Train!!!

Schedule for a few places in Wisconsin:

Portage 1:30pm Amtrak Station, 400 West Oneida St Willy Porter &; The Claytones

Wisconsin Dells 3:00pm Amtrak Depot, 100 La Crosse St Willy Porter &; The Claytones
Mauston 4:30pm Division St railroad crossing Willy Porter & The Claytones

Tomah 5:40pm Amtrak Depot, 205 North Superior Ave Willy Porter & The Claytones

Sparta 7:00pm Corner of S. Water St & Milwaukee St, south side of the CP tracks Willy Porter & The Claytones

Lacrosse 9:15pm Amtrak Station, 601 Saint Andrew St Willy Porter & The Claytones

http://www.cpr.ca/en/in-your-community/holiday-train/schedule/Pages/us.aspx

https://www.facebook.com/HolidayTrain

December 3, 2013

Christmas Song Stuck in My Head: Feliz Navidad



Feliz Navidad
Feliz Navidad
Feliz Navidad
Prospero Año y Felicidad.

Feliz Navidad
Feliz Navidad
Feliz Navidad
Prospero Año y Felicidad.

I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas
I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas
I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas
From the bottom of my heart.

December 1, 2013

Sunday Stealing: Hobbits, Leftovers and Puppy Breath

This week's Sunday Stealing comes from Suck it, Nerds!

What would you totally eat right now?: leftovers from Thanksgiving dinner.

Do you always wear a certain piece of jewelry?: No

What kind of jeans do you like?: Whatever fits

What's something on your want list?:  I want to be debt free.

Is animal print tacky?: For some people it is.  I don't mind it but I also don't decorate with it.

Give me a good quote that you like.: "In a perfect world, every dog would have a home and every home would have a dog." 


Do you bite your nails?: Yes

What kind of smells do you like?: Puppy breath, roses, lilacs, home, cranberry chutney, clean linen, lavender, clean clothes, fresh bread, fresh baked cookies, mowed grass, and rain.

Do you wear perfume or cologne?: Perfume (Imari by Avon and Tommy Girl)

What do you think is overrated?: Valentine's Day

Next movie you want to see?: The Hobbit: The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

 photo hobbit_zps379e55f1.jpg
Would you change your eye color if you could?: No

And what are your goals for the remainder of this year?: My goal is to make it to the end of the year and to pay as much as possible towards my debt.

When is the last time you were at the hospital? Three days ago (my husband had foot surgery)

Who introduced you to your current significant other? My husband and I met in 2001 through Yahoo profiles (when Yahoo profiles was free).