SimplyDarla

Poem by me~~Let it go...

2006-02-28T11:28:00.000-05:00

Let it go

I suffer in silence as the world goes by
Sitting here confused with a tear in my eye

I am the master of camouflaging a smile on my face
All the while hiding my pain and secrets in disgrace

You know, I have an image to portray
I am like a puppet with tangled strings in a play

I know all the lines and perform them perfectly
But it is all an illusion and not the true me

The hurt and sadness lives deep within my soul
Oh Dear Lord, help me let it go

Poem by Me
Graphics by D's Designs

Diamonds are a GIRL'S best friend?

2006-02-20T13:57:00.000-05:00

It seems it's more like "Diamonds are a MAN'S best friend" in this case?

Every year on my husband's birthday, which is coming up this week on February 23rd, I usually buy him the Sports Illustrated Edition of Swimsuit Models along with his gift. It always comes out around the week of his birthday. I was just reading some articles and saw an advertisement for a diamond bikini and I happened upon this picture and article below. Boy, I thought diamonds were supposed to be a girl's best friend but, in this case, I think it's quite the opposite! Look at this picture of this bikini which was made with over 150 carats of high quality diamonds. Unbelievable!

Just like many, I love diamonds and even have a collection of vintage diamond rings. When I look at this so-called bikini, the first thing I think of is that it seems more of a gift for a man (for obvious reasons) than a woman! Then I think of how many rings and other pieces I could have made out of it! Even if I did have the physique of the model below, which I do not of course, I would rather have diamond rings, earrings, bracelets and necklaces than a skimpy little bikini like this one!

I just couldn't resist commenting on this!

The 30 Million Dollar Bikini

Posted Feb 15th 2006 1:01PM by Deidre Woollard
Filed under: Jewelry, Apparel

Victoria's Secret doesn't have the lock on diamond garments. This year's 2006 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue features the $30 million Diamond Bikini. The bikini, designed by Susan Rosen with Steinmetz Diamonds, contains over 150 carats of D Flawless diamonds. Some of the diamonds are the rarest in the world including a 51-carat, pear-shaped diamond, a 30-carat emerald cut, a pair of 15 carat rounds and a pair of eight carat pear shapeds. The stones are sent in platinum for one valuable and very tiny bikini. After the jump, Molly Sims models the teeny weeny pricey bikini.

Well, I wouldn't want to break a birthday tradition after all of these years, so I'm off to buy my hubby his annual copy of the Sports Illustrated Swim Suit Edition. At least I know he'll really like one of his birthday presents this year, for the great sports articles, of course! Yeah, right!

Valentine's Day and Blogging...

2006-02-13T14:33:00.000-05:00

I decided to do my Valentine's Day post today since I have baby Nia tomorrow and will be making a nice dinner for Valentine's Day. I have baby Nia so spoiled that she yells at me if I leave her in her sleeper/playpen for longer than a few minutes! It's okay, though, because the sweet little one deserves to be spoiled with love. I play with her from 7:15 AM when she arrives until her mom comes to get her around 6:00 PM. Needless to say, especially since she is a really fast crawler now at 10 months old, I am tired when she goes home! But it's a good kind of tired, not emotionally stressful like it was working in the medical field. So tomorrow, I'll be tripping over her walker and trying to cook a big meal. Should be interesting! LOL

My hubby gave me my Valentine's Day present this morning before he went to work. He bought me a dozen of red roses and a really nice card. I have them all arranged and on the coffee table already so I can enjoy them. I wish you a Happy Valentine's Day!

The other subject I wanted to write about is Blogging. For those who don't know, I never had a blog over "there". I had only an AIM account and only a few people that I read and commented. When the people I read started having all of the troubles over "there" and decided to move, I decided it was a perfect opportunity for me to start my own blog. I'm so glad that I did, because I have met such wonderful people here and feel lucky to have been accepted with gracious and open arms by all. I enjoy the friendly atmosphere here and feel like a part of the community. After seeing all of the fighting over "there", it even makes me appreciate it here more. I think we have a really great group of people here!

Now comes my question, I guess you could call it, about Blogging. Some days when I go to write, I look at this empty space and my mind goes blank like I am in front of an audience in a big stadium or like when I had to stand up in front of the class to do a report (well, maybe not that bad...I got a stomach ache with reports)! LOL My mind goes 24/7 thinking about this and that, but it seems that sometimes I can't decide what I want to write about. Did any of you feel this when you first started your blog?

That brings me to my next issue. Blogging has made me realize how many walls I have built up over the years for one reason or another. Sometimes, the thought of blogging about something beyond those boundaries makes me uncomfortable. In person, I am and have always been a very friendly, open and easy person to talk to, but writing is different for me. It's harder in some ways. I don't want to write just to write something. When I do a post, I put thought into it and want to put my thoughts about a subject in writing to share something that feels important to me. Like many others, I have issues that I'm not so sure I want to write about now. I guess that would be some of the "stuff" that made me build those darned walls. So where do I find a happy medium? That's where I get stuck sometimes when I go to write a post.

Lastly, I need to get better organized so that I don't feel behind all the time when I visit my friends to say hi. I'm working on it, so hang in there with me, please!

So, thanks for making me feel like I belong to a community of really nice people! I appreciate each one of you!

Happy Birthday Gabreael!

2006-02-12T14:56:00.000-05:00

A little birdie told me that today is a special day...

Enjoy your day, Gab!

Sad News...

2006-02-08T15:30:00.000-05:00

Gabreael's Sweet Piggie Sue died unexpectedly today

Earlier this afternoon, I was shocked and saddened to receive an email from Gabreael saying that Piggie had died on the way home from the doctor's office earlier today. Needless to say, Gab and her Nemesis are very distraught and in shock right now.

This is what Gab had to say in the email:

"I sat up all night with Piggie. She was a little sick, but not major. She wasn't throwing up in mass amounts, and just a little diarrhea. She kept drooling really bad, which isn't a Parvo sign. She was energetic, but aloof. She kept staring off into space. We took her to the vet today, her temp was normal, she was a bit dehydrated, but not bad (nothing like Pandy), and her blood count was good. He gave her two shots. On the way home, Fred was holding her and she went into a seizure, her eyes rolled back and all of her fluids excreted from her. I seen a flash of white light shoot out of her through the car roof. I knew her soul was gone at that moment.

We were almost home. We rushed her in the house she was barely breathing. Her eyes were open, but she was comatose. She twitched a bit (probably another seizure) and died at 11:49AM in Fred's arms. I haven't cried this much since my father passed.

We are both in shock just trying to figure out just what she died of.

I would like to thank everyone for their prayers. I am going to be taking the rest of the week off for reflection time and to help Fred. He has taken this horribly hard as I bought Piggie as a gift for him when Jamie registered for the service. He is digging her grave right now in her favorite place to lay under our huge flower bushes in the side yard. It's going to be a rough couple of days, we loved her a lot."

My deepest sympathy goes out to you and your Nemesis, Gab. You are both in my thoughts and prayers.

To leave a comment at Gabreael's Journal CLICK HERE.

Update...Prayers needed for Gabreael's Piggie Sue...

2006-02-08T09:30:00.000-05:00

Piggie Sue taking a rest after playing Frizbee

Piggie Sue, Gabreael & her Nemesis' Sweet Baby

As many of you may have read in Gabreael's Journal post yesterday, she has been overwhelmed with a lot of illness in her family lately. I just got word this morning that now Piggie Sue has come down with possibly the same illness that her new puppy, Pandie, has had...Parvo. Gab will be taking Piggie to the vet this morning. It is a very serious illness for dogs to get, so please keep Piggie Sue and her family in your prayers!

Here's the link to Gabreael's Journal.

You're all in my prayers, Gab.

Steelers Win the XL Super Bowl

2006-02-06T17:01:00.000-05:00

Jerome Bettis, "The Bus", holding the winning trophy after announcing his retirement yesterday

STEELERS 21 ~~ SEAHAWKS 10

We had a good time yesterday watching the Super Bowl! The guys were yelling, but my daughter, Angela, and I joined in here and there too. After the game, people were out on their porches yelling and we all were cheering too. One group of people had pots and pans that they were hitting...I think this is one of those weird Pittsburgh things that everyone doesn't do!? We do...well I don't, but some do...this at weddings too. It's was a lot of fun...freezing cold...but fun! Ang and my hubby put off some poppers left over from New Years and even my dog, Molly, was barking away...probably because she hates those poppers! We even did some dancing with the Steeler songs playing! Do you know how to Polka? Well, we do and we were even doing the Polka dance to the older Steeler song we remember from their last Super Bowl win. My daughter tried the Polka, but then she decided she was having more fun laughing at us!

My hubby and I were saying how neat is that our daughter will have a Super Bowl memory like we have from when they won in the late 1970's. There's a big parade planned downtown in the city tomorrow. I bet there will be a lot of people faking sick tomorrow!

Oh, I almost forgot, Angela, my daughter, had the closest score and was the winner. She had picked the Steelers 25 and Seahawks 15. We gave her a couple bucks and she was so excited to win!

Super Bowl Sunday...Go Steelers!

2006-02-05T09:08:00.002-05:00

CLICK HERE To listen to our Steeler Song!

Jerome Bettis, "THE BUS"

Pittsburgh Steelers in the Locker Room getting ready for another Super Bowl win! See, even the "tough guys" pray! :)

Watch out Seahawks...You're gonna be hit by "THE BUS" today!

We're ready! This will be my hubby later!

Post who you think the winner will be and points. It'll be fun to see who wins! The prize you may ask? Hmmm...okay...I'll post your name as the winner!?!? Oh, come on and give it a shot! I won't get mad if you pick the Seahawks...really, I won't....will I? heehee For real, I won't!!

I'll do mine now...I'll say the Steelers 31 over the Seahawks 27.

Is it Spring yet?

2006-01-24T14:10:00.000-05:00

To me, this time of year seems like it lasts forever! After the holidays, it feels like January, February and March are the longest months of the year! I long for green grass, trees budding with leaves, the smell of April showers, and last, but not least, my favorite spring flowers popping out of the ground.

I don't feel down, but rather anxious this time of year. Anxious for Spring to come! It's like when you go on a vacation and the ride to your destination always seems longer than the ride home. The anticipation and wait makes it seem longer than it really is, I guess.

As I wrote this, it made me realize that I was just wishing 3 months out of my life away! Hmmm...that doesn't sound like a good thing to do. I guess I'd better put those "Spring Thoughts" on the back burner and enjoy today! It's funny how when you see something in writing sometimes it causes a lightbulb to go off in your head and possibly makes you see things in a different light. Well, at least it's good to know my "lightbulb" didn't burn out and it's still there even though I have what sounds like cabin fever.

Well, I guess I reminded myself of something very important just by writing today...Live each day to its fullest and enjoy life!

Go Steelers!

2006-01-22T10:19:00.000-05:00

Pittsburgh, PA

It's a big day here in Pittsburgh! Today, our famous Pittsburgh Steelers take on the Denver Broncos in the final playoff game before the Super Bowl! Everywhere you go, you see Black and Gold. When it comes to sports, Pittsburgh is a fun town and has a lot of devoted, die-hard fans! Even though I'm not a big football buff, I even feel the excitement in the air today.

We have our "Terrible Towels" all ready for the game this afternoon. Incase you're wondering what a terrible towel is, here's a picture of one. Everyone in Pittsburgh waves them around during the game. Okay, maybe we're a little strange, but we are a fun town! Here's a picture of a cute little Steeler fan! That's my baby, Angela, who is about 3 years old in this picture. She's 13 now, but is still a big fan and watches all the games with her dad!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Update: Incase you haven't heard, the Pittsburgh Steelers won on Sunday over the Denver Broncos 34 - 17. We're on our way to the Super Bowl on Feb 5th. for hopefully our 5th Super Bowl win!

If you CLICK HERE you'll hear the crazy song everyone here in Pittsburgh is hearing all over the radio stations.

Tagged! Reveal five guilty pleasures!

2006-01-21T14:28:00.000-05:00

Okay, here you go,
Ayn

Don't worry, I'm not going to Tag you!

I'm 39 again...

2006-01-17T15:30:00.000-05:00

Thanks for all of your warm birthday wishes! I survived my milestone birthday...45th...and am back to 39 again, thank goodness! This birthday made me cranky for a few days beforehand. Just thinking of the number is so strange, because I don't feel that old. But then when I was looking for a picture from Sunday to put up, I just noticed that I have a second chin now! Geez, when did that happen? Did it show up on Sunday? More importantly, will it go away? Sure, it will....not! I'm glad I've been doing my low carbs since last April or maybe I would have had 3 chins!

We just had my dad and my brother and his family over on Sunday. The Steeler game was on and, being from Pittsburgh, there was a lot of hollering going on here. I thought my husband was going to have a heart attack! It was a good game, though, but I can't sit still that long to watch a whole game. I get bored and have to do something.

My daughter and hubby got me new speakers for my computer so that I can listen to my music I have downloaded. I got the Pussycat Dolls CD I wanted too. I like the song, Don't cha and a few others they sing. I have to hide it from my kid or I'll never see it again! I also got socks because my daughter took all of mine and I only had ones that didn't match left...poor Mom!

I have baby Nia today and she just woke up, so I'm off to spoil her for a few more hours today. Poor thing has a bad cold and I think my arm is going to fall off from rocking her all day. She says my name now. She calls me "Da La" and she sticks her tongue out at me a lot and makes me crack up laughing. My daughter's name is Angela and she calls her "a". It's really cute to hear her talk!

Honoring a Great Man...

2006-01-16T14:19:00.000-05:00

One thing I have always remembered was being proud to say I shared the same birth date as Martin Luther King Jr. I was only 7 years old when he was killed, but I've always been interested in reading about his life. I believe the role he played in fighting for civil rights has affected all of us in a positive way to this day. Take a minute and think of what life would be like today without our civil rights. It's almost hard to imagine. It's so sad that he paid the ultimate price, his life, in his struggle for attaining his "Dream".

"I Have a Dream..."

Martin Luther King Jr.

January 15, 1929 ~ April 4, 1968

The rumors are true...It's my Birthday!

2006-01-15T11:27:00.000-05:00

Friday the 13th, Are you superstitious?

2006-01-13T11:29:00.000-05:00

ARE YOU SUPERSTITIOUS?

Another Friday the 13th is upon us and I just wondered if I was the only person that is superstitious. I don't even have a real answer as to why I'm superstitious, but I am. If there is a ladder in front of my pathway, I will take all measures to go around it instead of going under it. And black cats crossing the road...I'm done for if that happens! Sometimes I even cross my fingers in hopes of something coming true or vice versa. And, yes, I am supersititious when it comes to Friday the 13th too! But guess what, I haven't a clue why I am like this. Were my parents superstitious? I really don't remember them being this way. When I've been questioned about being superstitious in the past, my answer has always been that "it's better to be on the safe side just incase!" I know it sounds crazy, but it's what I think! Is it just me? Or are there others of you out there who are superstitious too?

I started to wonder who started this Friday the 13th is a bad day idea, so I did some googling and found this link to have a few pretty good explanations.

http://www.tafkac.org/misc/friday_the_13th_origins.html

So far, my daughter missed the bus this morning and I had to find her a ride to school. I'll have my fingers crossed and will be staying away from ladders and black cats, etc. hoping that's the worst thing that will happen today!"

Okay, I feel a little better that I'm not alone, since Mr. President is superstitious too!

We're never too old to change...

2006-01-08T11:52:00.000-05:00

This little graphic fits in with what I wanted to write about today. Change and changing the way we think about situations or people in general. I grew up in a small town (really small...a total of 6 streets)! In this little town, most people lived there their whole lives and their families were born and raised there also. This was true of my mother and her family. My great-grandmother lived in the house I grew up in before us. She and my great-grandfather came over from Italy and picked this small town to live in because it was close to the railroad station where a lot of the townspeople worked. There were different nationalities, mostly Polish, Ukrainian, Italian, and German, who all started out together in this little place. I grew up in a sort of extended family. My friend's grandparents were my "Bubba" or "Pap" too. However, one thing this little town never had was African American or any other nationality of people living in it besides the ones mentioned above.

I remember growing up being 'afraid' of black people because that's what I was taught. My mother would clench my hand so tight if we were out at the grocery store and saw a black person. I didn't understand it, but I didn't question it either. It's just the way it was when I was growing up. I heard jokes that I look back on and think "how awful!" When a house in the town became vacant, usually because of a death, the rumors would start. I remember a few times the town being in an uproar because there were rumors that a black couple had looked at a house in town. Everyone in town was truly upset by this. By this time, I was a little older and I really didn't understand what all of the fuss was about. I thought, so what if a black couple moves in to so and so's house that's for sale. This subject isn't the only one that I thought "outside of their norm" on. If I did get up enough courage to voice my opinions, I was just told, "you are weird". For real....they thought I was weird! Well, I look back and now I am so thankful I was "weird", according to my family. I won't say it was easy going against the grain, because it wasn't, but I wouldn't trade being their "normal" for my "weird" for all the money in the world!

When I was 19, I moved away from that little town and vowed never to live my life there as many others. It was the best thing I could have done. Throughout my life, I have come across many people that have different beliefs, thoughts, size, color, handicap, etc. I pride myself on not judging someone by any of those things! I also have brought my child up with this same train of thought. I never wanted my child judging someone by their outward appearance or by their belief system.

I think one of the proudest days of my life was one day when my daughter was in Kindergarten and was telling my mom about one of her new little friends. This girl had a name that was different and so this prompted my mom to ask my daughter if the girl was black. My daughter looked at my mom like she was thinking so hard and then said, "I don't know gram, I'll ask her tomorrow!" I was so proud of my little girl! It also made me realize how many discriminatory thoughts are taught, a lot of times without people even realizing they are doing it. I believe people can change, though, if they are made aware and want to change.

My friends/neighbors...

Sammy, Me, Ronald and my daughter

Over the holidays, I had the plumbers come out to do some work on our bathroom pipes. They were here for 3 days and had to do digging in the yard, etc. During the time they were here, one of the workers said something that has stuck with me and I need to get it off my chest, so to speak. So, I am going to do it here.

The first day they were here, Bob and Mike were the ones assessing what work needed to be done. Mike was a nice young man, really quiet, and always smiling. I talked with Bob and thought he seemed like a nice person too. Bob is in his early 50's and we kidded around about both being Italian. Then a few little things about him started to irk me. I'll just be blunt and say the man talked to my boobs! There, my face is red, but I said it! After being here 3 days, he probably couldn't pick me out in a lineup if he only had my face to see! That made me uncomfortable. Then every time a decision needed to be made, he would say, "you'd better call your husband and ask him if it's okay". I was thinking, "What?"! Is my brain broken? Can't I make decisions now? Anyway, his thinking was that he needed my husband's approval before he could proceed with the work. To me, it made me think that he didn't think a woman was the one to make decisions in a household. I came to this conclusion also when he would ask for something to drink. He was more demanding than polite. I just thought to myself...okay, now I have a clue as to why he is still single and living with his 80 some year old mother who still cooks and cleans for him!

Those few things irked me, but this is the one that made me furious! On the final day they were here, the boss was here too. In front of his boss, he said to me "That black man outside won't steal our stuff while we're inside will he?" I looked at his boss, who was completely red faced by now, and then answered him. I said, "No, you don't have to worry about Ronald, he is like a brother to me." I know I had a weird look on my face, but this man didn't see it...remember he was looking at my boobs! He dug himself in deeper by saying "I just wanted to make sure because I smelled booze on him too". I got mad and said to him, "No, Bob, you don't have to worry about Ronald stealing from you and the only thing he has ever hurt because of his drinking problem is himself (referring to his liver problems)!" I further went on to tell him that Ronald was a disabled Vietnam vet who was shot 2 times while fighting for "us" and has a neurological disability from the government doing testing of drugs on young black men in Vietnam!

I wonder if Bob would have asked that question if Ronald was a white man that he smelled booze on? I truly don't think he would have. It just amazes me that in this day and age that people are still discriminating against others. I wish those people could see themselves from another's eyes to see how unbecoming it is to them! We're never too old to learn and change!

Sick and tired...

2006-01-03T10:58:00.000-05:00

First I was just tired, but today I'm sick too...so I guess you could say I'm "sick and tired"! I guess I must have picked up a dumb bug over the holiday. Anyway, I'll spare you of the symptoms...trust me...you don't want to know! Anyway, I had planned on making a post today, but my brain is not working with me, but I was sick of seeing the Happy New Year sign, so this is the best I can do for today! I had also planned on catching up on my reading and comments that I'm behind on today from the holidays. So if I haven't been by, it's not because I forgot about you! I hope to get caught up as soon as my head starts working again! But for now, I'm taking my blankie and going back to bed!

Happy New Year 2006!

2005-12-31T15:34:00.000-05:00

Nia's 1st Happy New Year!

"What is on my head, Darla?"

"Never mind, just get it off NOW!!"

Nia was just one of the many Blessings I am very thankful for from 2005! When trying to decide what to write today, I started to think of each person who is special to me and so many other things that I've been so Blessed to have in my life. With so many natural disasters this past year leaving so many people displaced and homeless and with so many of our military men and women giving their lives and fighting for our freedom, it really puts things in prospective for me. I need to sit down and really think of those things more often and not take them for granted, for nothing is guaranteed in life. Sometimes I get caught up in the moment of day to day things in life and forget to look at the big picture. In the grand scheme of things, those day to day worries are so trivial. I truly am thankful for my family and each of my friends, including you, and wish you a Happy and Healthy New Year!

I wish Peace and Blessings in the coming New Year to all those affected by the natural disasters, for our military people and their families who are fighting for our freedom, and for the families of the men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice, their lives, for us.

Our Christmas...

2005-12-28T15:07:00.000-05:00

Our Christmas, 2005

My Santa (Hubby) and baby Nia's 1st Christmas

Our daughter, Angela, on Christmas morning

modeling one of her new hoodies she got for Christmas

After tormenting my poor kid for two days
by putting her gifts out to "look" at, she finally got to dig into them! She was really surprised to get an iPod like she wanted! I kept telling her we couldn't get it this year because of the big plumbing bill for those new pipes out in the yard. Molly was looking for more of her homemade peanut butter treats my cousin made for her. She loved them! She was just as excited as Angela!

Our tree on Christmas morning

I put two pictures of our tree up, so you could see how the mirrored wall in our livingroom almost makes it look like we have two decorated trees. It's pretty cool. We had a really nice Christmas. My favorite time is watching my daughter still get excited on Christmas morning!

This was also the first year since I was 19 and on my own that I have put up an artificial tree. I have always had a real tree. This tree was my mother's and all the decorations on it were hers too. The reason I decided to put her tree up and use her decorations was purely a sentimental decision. My mother loved the holidays and had everyone singing Christmas carols in early November. Every Christmas Eve, she had our whole family and wouldn't let us bring a thing! We were spoiled with good food, pasta, and homemade fancy cookies galore! She always made Christmases so special for us kids too, and then, of course, with our kids. I'm so thankful that my daughter and niece and nephew will have those fun memories to treasure always too.

I wanted to put her tree up in honor of all of those fun things she gave me to pass onto my daughter. It turned out pretty nice and I think she would have been pretty happy and proud. I'm sure she got a good giggle in heaven when I was trying to put lights on this tree! I almost "felt" her laughing at me :)

As I went through my pictures from our Christmas, I found one that was very interesting to me. I have taken Gabreael's spirit photography classes and find the research very intriguing. Can spirits travel from heaven to earth? If so, do they come in the form of an orb?

Angela, our Angel, on Christmas Morning

This is an orb that is in the picture above in the far top left corner

Could it be that my Mom was watching over us on Christmas morning? Of course, I cannot prove anything one way or another, but it did make me wonder and think just maybe she was there in "spirit"!?!

Merry Christmas!

2005-12-25T18:15:00.000-05:00

May your Christmas be

joyful, peaceful and bright

and filled with the

love of that first Holy Night!

Season's Greetings...

2005-12-23T17:34:00.000-05:00

Wishing you and yours a very Happy and Blessed Holiday!

Ten things you don't see everyday!

2005-12-21T17:40:00.000-05:00

Santa and I are busy checking our lists twice, so therefore I am cheating today and posting a funny email one of my friends sent me a while back. I thought at this time of year when everyone is hustling around to get done on time for the Holidays that something funny might be in order! Humor is a good stress reliever for me!

TEN THINGS YOU DON'T SEE EVERYDAY...

I'm Primping for the Holidays...

2005-12-19T11:27:00.002-05:00

I'M PRIMPING GETTING READY FOR THE HOLIDAYS...

HERE'S MY BEFORE PICTURE...

AND HERE'S MY AFTER...

OOPS....I'M SUPPOSED TO BE PIMPING NOT PRIMPING!

SO HERE GOES, I'M PIMPING THE NEW DIRECTORY ASSISTANCE

AND EASTERN PARANORMAL'S NEW PHOTO ALBUM...

Please check out a new team blog I am participating in along with others called Directory Assistance. Directory Assistance (DA) is a service administered by fellow journalists and bloggers who have transitioned totally or in part from AOL to a regular Internet blog provider. In a sense, the DA Team are organizers at a conference. We are in the hotel lobby directing people to the rooms upstairs where the meetings are (people's blogs). Some go to the meetings right away, others talk in the lobby.You are invited to stop by "Directory Assistance" blog and leave questions, comments, concerns, or make additions, changes, or deletions of your blog listing. At the bottom of a sidebar list, there will always be an the most recent html update of people and journals listed at Directory Assistance, changes will be updated daily. You are invited to copy these codes freely to your sidebar or blog body and update as often as you would like. Again it is a list of your fellow Journalists/Bloggers (who wish to be included). If you like the service, please let others know. As you scroll down the sidebar toward the bottom you will also see a "Tech Support" section. Patrick is working feverishly on tech support links to help fellow bloggers find solutions to common blogging problems. Please check back for technical updates as "Tech Support" is currently under construction and will be, being updated.

On a footnote unrelated to DA, Eastern Paranormal has a new paranormal album and picture up. For more information on that please click here.

OH, AND THE PINK IS FOR MY NEW FRIEND, MISS VINCCI. GO AND TELL HER I SENT YOU TO SAY HI! SHE LOVES PINK AND HER BLOG IS CALLED "PINK THOUGHTS" http://www.pinktify.com/pt/

Counting my Blessings...

2005-12-17T11:15:00.000-05:00

Like a lot of you, I'm feeling overwhelmed with Christmas around the corner and long "to do" lists. I've even felt a bit frustrated with the news I received this week about needing to spend approximately $6,000 to $8,000 for repairs on old pipes that will be dug up with backhoes in my yard next week. The same day I found out about that, our front door door-knob just fell off right into my daughter's hands! My hubby just came downstairs and said he's having a hard time finding a replacement knob because the door knob hole is in 5 inches, which is further in than the local hardware shop has in stock. On top of this, I get sentimental and sometimes even down this time of year.

This year's no exception to feeling a bit down lately. Last year, we lost my F-I-L unexpectedly in March and my Mom in July. Since then, holidays have been hard for me. It's so strange being moved up the family chain taking on responsibilities in the family that my mom used to do for years. Now it's all up to me. So, I have to set aside my feelings and pull it together for the family. It's time to make new traditions and hold old ones close to my heart.

Yesterday, we Pittsburghers buried one of our finest Pennsylvania State Troopers. He was killed in the line of duty on Monday and was 45 years old; the same age I will be in a month. He left behind 2 teenagers and a lot of family and friends. The local news had his funeral coverage on yesterday and his family has been on my mind since then. This led me to think more about my "problems" and put things in a better prospective for me. I'm sure this man's family would trade my "problems" for theirs in a blink. They have 2 teenagers to raise without a father while trying to deal with their grief as well. It makes me remember how we're all so vulnerable to being called to death whenever God has it in our plans. Here I am wasting time worrying about things I can't change while this poor family is grieving the loss of a son, father, and friend. It's sad that it takes a tragedy to sometimes make me see the big picture in life. It makes me realize just how lucky I am and reminds me to give thanks to God and to count my Blessings.

My deepest sympathies go out to the family of Corporal Porkorny during this most difficult time.

Honoring a Fallen Father, Friend and Officer

Corporal Joseph R. Pokorny Jr.

Died in the line of duty on

Monday, December 12, 2005

Cpl. Joseph Pokorny was many things -- a fearless policeman, an avid hunter, a private person who would give a friend the shirt off of his back -- but most of all, he was a devoted father.

"He cared for his kids more than anything in the world," said his brother, Frank Pokorny, wiping away tears from his eyes Monday outside his family's home in Beaver County.

Pokorny, 45, of Moon, a 22-year PA state police veteran, was shot and killed while making a traffic stop yesterday near the Rosslyn Farms on-ramp to the Parkway West in Carnegie.

"He was a dedicated trooper and devoted father to his two children," said Robinson District Judge Carla Swearingen, one of the small but trusted circle of people Pokorny called friends.

Over 2,000 fellow officers from across the nation

attended the funeral.

The entry of a riderless horse into the cemetary
signaled the beginning of the end of the elaborate
ceremony.

FINAL SALUTE

My Favorite Picture of Gabreael...

2005-12-14T19:25:00.001-05:00

~My favorite picture of Gabreael~

As a lot of us girls, Gabreael is no exception when it comes to

being somewhat shy about sharing her picture in her journal.

Since she was so ummm....nice enough to TAG me, I thought I'd

share her picture with you all.

I often see in her journal people asking for her pictures,

so I wanted you to see that she's as beautiful

on the outside as she is in her heart and soul.

Gotcha Gab :p

*I did ask her first if it was okay to post this picture and she reluctantly agreed. ;o)

Ten things that make me happy...

2005-12-14T12:41:00.000-05:00

I'm getting initiated as a new journal owner! I've been Tagged by Gabreael http://gabreaelsbodymindandspirit.blogspot.com/ to "List ten things that make you happy (in no particular order) and tag five others to do the same."

Okay, here's my list:

Hearing my daughter say, "I love you, Mom".
Cuddling with my hubby on a cold winter day.
Watching baby Nia sleep and the big sweet smile she greets me with in the morning when she sees me.
Playing with my dog, Molly, and watching her nap by wherever I am.
Doing something special for someone who's not expecting it.
Laughing and reminiscing with my good friends.
Watching the squirrels chase each other in the trees out back.
Finding a nest of baby birds in one of our trees in the Spring and hearing them chirp.
Waiting for the first flowers of Spring to bloom, watching the grass turn such a beautiful bright green, and all of the trees come back to life with beautiful leaves and flowers on them.
Seeing someone left a comment in my new first journal and making new friends.

Everyone I went to Tag has already done this. Does anyone want to volunteer? Okay, I know that's a dumb question, but I had to ask! ;o) If you'd like to volunteer, please leave a link to your journal or write the answers in my comment section.

Clemency denied for Williams...

2005-12-12T17:08:00.000-05:00

I just read the headlines below on my Comcast news section a few minutes ago and felt the need to write about my personal opinion and feelings of the Death Penalty.

I first would like to say that I respect others and their right to their own opinions which, of course, may differ from mine. With that said, I abhor the Death Penality. I am saddened that a man's life will be taken tonight in the name of "justice". I believe we do not have the right to take another's life. I simply do not believe it is our decision to make or to do. Could you be the one who injected this man with drugs to kill him and be able to have a clear conscious? Could you sleep at night knowing you took the life of a human being? I couldn't even begin to think of doing such a thing! I'm tormented just knowing this will happen tonight! I hit a baby bird one day while driving and stopped in the middle of the road and cried. I felt so upset for accidentally taking the life of one of God's creatures. I know a lot of people may say, "an eye for an eye", etc. but, for me, the God I believe in is an all-giving, all-loving, and all-merciful God. A God that can forgive a person for his sins if the person wholeheartedly asks for absolution. How do we truly know what's in this man's heart since his time in prison? How do we know what his relationship is with God? Even if he doesn't believe in a God, I still feel in my heart that killing another living is so wrong. What's your thoughts on this subject?

Schwarzenegger Denies Clemency for Williams
By DAVID KRAVETS, Associated Press Writer
41 minutes ago

SAN FRANCISCO - Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Monday refused to spare the life of Stanley Tookie Williams, the founder of the murderous Crips gang who awaited execution after midnight in a case that set off a debate over the possibility of redemption on death row.

Schwarzenegger was unconvinced that Williams had had a change of heart, and he was unswayed by pleas from Hollywood stars and capital punishment foes who said the inmate had made amends by writing children's books about the dangers of gangs.

"Is Williams' redemption complete and sincere, or is it just a hollow promise?" Schwarzenegger wrote less than 12 hours before the execution. "Without an apology and atonement for these senseless and brutal killings, there can be no redemption."

He added: "The facts do not justify overturning the jury's verdict or the decisions of the courts in this case."

Schwarzenegger could have commuted the death sentence to life in prison without parole.

With a reprieve from the courts considered unlikely, Williams, 51, was set to die by injection at San Quentin State Prison early Tuesday for murdering four people in two 1979 holdups.

Williams' fate became one of the nation's biggest death-row cause celebres in decades.

Prosecutors and victims' advocates contended Williams was undeserving of clemency from the governor because he did not own up to his crimes and refused to inform on fellow gang members. They also argued that the Crips gang that Williams co-founded in Los Angeles in 1971 is responsible for hundreds of deaths, many of them in battles with the rival Bloods for turf and control of the drug trade.

Williams stood to become the 12th person executed in California since lawmakers reinstated the death penalty in 1977.

Williams was condemned in 1981 for gunning down a clerk in a convenience store holdup and a mother, father and daughter in a motel robbery weeks later. Williams claimed he was innocent.

The last time a California governor granted clemency was in 1967, when Ronald Reagan spared a mentally infirm killer. Schwarzenegger _ a Republican who has come under fire from members of his own party as too accommodating to liberals _ rejected clemency twice before during his two years in office.

Just before the governor announced his decision on clemency, the 9th U.S. Circuit of Appeals denied Williams' request for a reprieve, saying among other things that there was no "clear and convincing evidence of actual innocence." He could ask for another hearing from the 9th Circuit or take his case to the U.S. Supreme Court.

In his last-ditch appeal, Williams claimed that he should have been allowed to argue at his trial that someone else killed one of the four victims, and that shoddy forensics connected him to the other killings.

Williams was convicted of killing Yen-I Yang, 76, Tsai-Shai Chen Yang, 63, and Yu-Chin Yang Lin, 43, at a Los Angeles motel the family owned, and Albert Owens, 26, a 7-Eleven clerk gunned down in Whittier.

Among the celebrities who took up Williams' cause were Jamie Foxx, who played the gang leader in a cable movie about Williams; rapper Snoop Dogg, himself a former Crip; Sister Helen Prejean, the nun depicted in "Dead Man Walking"; Bianca Jagger; and former "M A S H" star Mike Farrell. During Williams' 24 years on death row, a Swiss legislator, college professors and others nominated him for the Nobel Prizes in peace and literature.

"If Stanley Williams does not merit clemency," defense attorney Peter Fleming Jr. asked, "what meaning does clemency retain in this state?"

The impending execution resulted in feverish preparations over the weekend by those on both sides of the debate, with the California Highway Patrol planning to tighten security outside the prison, where hundreds of protesters were expected.

A group of about three dozen death penalty protesters were joined by the Rev. Jesse Jackson as they marched across the Golden Gate Bridge after dawn Monday en route to the gates of San Quentin, where they were expected to rally with hundreds of people.

At least publicly, the person apparently least occupied with his fate seemed to be Williams himself.

"Me fearing what I'm facing, what possible good is it going to do for me? How is that going to benefit me?" Williams said in a recent interview. "If it's my time to be executed, what's all the ranting and raving going to do?"

Sexy Snowwoman & My Wish List...

2005-12-11T08:52:00.000-05:00

Angela and the Sexy Snowwoman

~~~

This picture was taken in in January of 2004 at our neighbor's across the street. My neighbor, Karen, is a funny and very creative person, as you can see from her artsy sexy snowwoman she created. My daughter and her friend were in the local Newspaper with this picture. It was really cute.

~~~

I had planned on taking some pictures Friday of the snow we got here to post, but our digital camera was on the fritz. So I started to do another post, and my computer decided to not work with me either. I started a few posts since the last one, only to lose them because of a connection problem with our ISP carrier, which still isn't completely cleared up. I just gave up on a new post and decided to work on my "to do" list over the past few days. I put a little dent in it, but still have a way to go to reach the last thing "to do".

~~~

Seems for us, tis the season for things to break. Isn't that always the way it goes? Just how far will George Washington stretch before he "breaks"? Well, I may be letting you know the answer soon.

We had some plumbing problems with our toilet upstairs
a few months ago. The plumber
said the old terra cotta pipes out back were cracked and had tree roots growing in them. He used a special machine, which set us back $1,500.00, to clear the roots in the pipes. It worked for a few months, but now we have the same problem. In order to fix the problem now, we're now talking about digging up the backyard pipes in order to replace them. Not a good problem to have this time of year with the ground frozen. Now when we flush upstairs, we get a nice water fountain
in our downstairs powder room and our fountain isn't as pretty as this one. My hubby has used the stuff you put in the drain pipes to try to dissolve the roots, but we still have our fingers crossed or I'll be and stretching George Washington to the max again. I thought about printing little cards that say, "your present from Santa Darla is that you can pee and flush at my house this year". Do you think the kids will accept that? ....sure they will! NOT! lol

~~~

So Santa, if you're listening, all I want for Christmas is a toilet that flushes! Maybe we can get one of these instead...

~~~

The 4th coffee pot I've had this year broke too, but that's okay because it means less trips to the broken toilet!

~~~

Okay, now I'm blushing from talking so much about flushing...

But hey, ~~~

Are you cool?

2005-12-07T08:54:00.000-05:00

From left to right,

My brother, John, Mom, Dad, Aunt Kathie, and Me

~~~

I found this old picture, where I think I am about 10 or 11 years old, and it made me laugh and think about how many things have changed in what's "cool" and not. Last night when my cousin, Maria, picked up baby Nia, we were talking about "hand-me-down" clothes and how excited we were to get them. Having a 13 year old daughter made me think of something weird. Why doesn't my child have "play clothes" like I did? She comes home from school and ends up staying in the same clothes, of course, apparel that's fashionable for the times. What happened to "school clothes" and "play clothes"? When I was growing up, I didn't even have to be told to change my "school clothes" the minute I walked in the door...I just did it. My "play clothes" consisted of clothes that were tight, way too short, and shoes that barely fit. Top the short pants I grew out of off with white socks, and then you have "play clothes", right? Something now that is considered "not cool". Does anyone else remember being this unfashionable after school? No wonder I wasn't allowed to date until I was 16....not that I had anyone pounding down the door before that! Wonder why? Well, just look at that picture above....that would scare off any potential suitor!

Here's Angela at about the same age I was above, 11.

~~~

I wonder if she'll be "blogging" about looking so funny and "uncool" in 30 years or so? Who knows? lol

Spirits, Ghosts, Hauntings...Do you believe?

2005-12-05T10:53:00.000-05:00

Spirits, Ghosts, and Hauntings.....Do You Believe?

VISIT EASTERN PARANORMAL'S NEW WEBSITE

Founded By ~Gabreael~

www.easternparanormal.com

I have always found the Paranormal to be a fascinating and intriguing subject. There now is a lot of scientific research being done in this field and this compelled me to want to know more.

As with any subject, you will find a few people who are more interested in the thrill and notoriety of the Paranormal, rather than approaching the subject with professionalism in search of scientific proof or disproof during a Paranormal Investigation. Gabreael is a seasoned Paranormal Investigator and conducts all of Eastern Paranormal Investigations with the utmost professionalism.

Many of you here know Gabreael of Gabreael's Body, Mind, and Spirit Journal and also as founder of Eastern Paranormal. I took her Spirit Photography classes this past summer and was amazed and excited, of course, when I had success on my first shoot. Here are two pictures from my first shoot. For me, though, these were more than just orbs....it was an affirmation that my prayers were heard. Gabreael taught me to always say a prayer of protection before going out to shoot. I prayed to be surrounded by the white light of the Holy Spirit wholeheartedly. I felt a spiritual connection that's hard for me to put into words.

Orb Pictures From My First Shoot June, 2005

Please take a minute to check out Eastern Paranormal's New Website and their new message board forum, as well as their photo album.

www.easternparanormal.com

Our Gymnastic Star...

2005-12-04T09:44:00.000-05:00

~Angela~

*Our Gymnastic Star*

As most proud Moms, I'm no exception when it comes to wanting to share a new picture of my sweet daughter. We just received her gymnastic pictures back for this year and my baby is now a 13 year old teenager already. When she was 4 years old, she decided she wanted to go to Dance classes. I signed her up and those lasted for about 2 or 3 weeks. She would be doing all the dance moves on the floor while at the same time crying, "Mommy, Mommy, Mommy". That's when I said, okay dance is not going to be her thing. Soon after, she wanted to take Gymnastic classes. With no expectations other than for her other than to have fun, we signed her up at the local gym. I'm glad to say she found her niche. She's been in gymnastics since she was 4 and still loves it. She is preparing to compete currently. She now goes 2 days a week for 3 hours each day. We also bought her a professional trampoline last year and she flips and jumps every chance she gets. In fact, last night it was so cold here, but she was out there with her girlfriend jumping in the snow. I think it's great that she still has a good time with it and believe it has been a positive factor in her self esteem. Self esteem was and is an important thing for me when it comes to raising my child. Actually, some days I think, oh Lord, maybe I over did it with the self esteem! lol

Well, I am off to do my never-ending list of chores on this cold wintry day. I hope everyone has a great day!

In Loving Memory...Happy Birthday, Mom!

2005-12-02T14:14:00.002-05:00

In Loving
Memory of My Mom,

December 2,
1940 ~ July 12, 2004

This is one of the last pictures I have of my Mom, which was taken in May of 2004 before my Godson's wedding. She is with her brother, Jack, in this picture. She died about 6 weeks later after a long and courageous 7 year battle with breast cancer. My Mom would have been 65 years old today.

We found the poem below in her nightstand drawer after she died. My Mom was a rather quiet and private person, so I thought she left the poem below for us. Last year on Thanksgiving Day, I read it to my family before our dinner. I had a picture of her and a white rose next to it in her honor.

A few weeks later, after telling my Aunt Renee, who is my Mom's youngest sister, about the poem my Mom left us, she told me that this poem had surfaced when my Grandma, Grandpap, and step-Grandma died also. So I'm not sure if my Mom left it for us or not, but I believe it was more than a coincidence that it came to me soon after her death.

TO THOSE I LOVE AND THOSE WHO LOVE ME

When I am gone, release me, let me go -

I have so many things to see and do.

You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears,

Be happy that we had so many beautiful years.

I gave to you my love. You can only guess

How much you gave to me in happiness.

I thank you for the love you each have shown,

But now it's time I traveled on alone.

So grieve for me a while if grieve you must

Then let your grief be comforted by trust.

It's only for a while that we must part

So Bless the memories within your heart.

I won't be far away, for life goes on

So if you need me, call and I will come.

Though you can't see or touch me, I'll be near -

And if you listen with your heart, you'll hear

All my love around you soft and clear.

And then, when you must come this way alone,

I'll greet you with a smile, and say - "Welcome Home".

Even though your love will always live in my heart,

I miss your loving ways and touch, Mom.

I'll always love you!

This Is My Life Quiz...

2005-12-01T16:08:00.000-05:00

This Is My Life, Rated
Life:	5.6
Mind:	5.6
Body:	3.5
Spirit:	8
Friends/Family:	6.9
Love:	9.1
Finance:	7.1
Take the Rate My Life Quiz

I found this quiz in another journal and thought it might be fun to do. Click the "Take the Rate My Life Quiz" link above and see what it comes up with. It was fun. Now only if I could get myself doing the what I call "Dirty E" aka Exercise....Ugggghhhh....on a regular basis, I could improve the body one. I've conquered the low-carb diet pretty well, but I still get stuck on the stupid "Dirty E"!

Captured by The Seven Dwarves...

2005-11-30T13:48:00.000-05:00

Geez, after reading my last post, I'd say I was a little (okay...maybe a lot) cranky! I wasn't myself! I can explain....I was held captive by The Seven Dwarves! I claim the 5th and am not responsible for anything I write whenever I am their prisoner! Such cute little guys, but man they can be so mean! Just ask my dear husband, he knows those innocent looking Dwarves all too well!
....He is a SMART man!

Anyway, I'm finally untangled from the Christmas tree lights. If I hadn't come up with the bright idea of waving money in front of my daughter and her girlfriend, who were still home on Thanksgiving break, I might still be tangled in those darned things. I don't have any pictures to share of the decorations yet, as I am not done and yesterday was baby Nia's day here. I have her again tomorrow, so I'll get done when I can (maybe December 26th, but at this point, that would be okay too).

Bah Humbug and all that jazz...

Ahhh not me, what would make you think that?

Stressed Out!

2005-11-28T09:22:00.000-05:00

...........Decorating, Shopping, Cooking, Cleaning, Baking, Budgets for shopping lists longer than Santa's, etc. etc. etc. PLUS all these crazy commercials that say, _27_ days until Christmas make me ...........

The Countdown on the Commericals of how many days I have left to get all of this done makes me even more stressed! I want to yell at the TV or emails, "I KNOW, I KNOW!"

This year is the FIRST year I have ever put up an artificial tree. I have been on my own for since age 19 and even did a real tree every year before I was married. This year, I had the "bright" idea of using my Mom's tree and her most ornaments as a tribute to her and her love for the Holidays. We unwrapped all of her ornaments, scattered them all over the living room, and I started putting together the tree. We finished that part. But then the fun began for me. I have always used the bigger, old fashioned lights on my real trees with ornaments that we have collected over the years, along with ones from my grandmother's tree, my hubby's grandma's tree, and many other old ornaments that are sentimental to me. Yes, I had needles all over my house for months after Christmas, but at least I knew what I was doing!

This year, I started to put the lights on this artificial tree of my mom's. I got the angel on top and started twisting these lights on the branches the best way I could and hours later ended up somehow with the WRONG end of the cord! Now I have to UNDO all the work it took most of the afternoon for me to do and start all over. Ugggghhhh.....doesn't even describe how frustrated I am at myself! How in the world did I do this? I have no clue, but all I know is I have to do it again today!

Me and Good Old St. Nick are tuckered out!

"Meat Bernard"....

2005-11-27T11:40:00.000-05:00

No, I didn't mispell "Meat", as in "Meat Bernard", above. I did that on purpose. Chris of http://inanethoughtsandinsaneramblings.blogspot.com/ left a funny comment wondering where a picture of "Bernard" was. Chris' comment cracked me up! He said, "Where was this "Bernard" you keep speaking of, in the pictures? I guess you could say a little bit of him lives on in each of you......ha ha ha.....Chris". Since my hubby couldn't get the camera working before we ate, I thought I'd share a picture of what's left of poor "Bernard".

"Meat Bernard", happy and healthy, before the Feast....

Here's all that's left of poor Bernard...

Thanks for the laugh, Chris! I hope it "meats" with your approval that I used your funny comment in my post.

The Feast of 'Bernard'...

2005-11-25T10:30:00.000-05:00

Hope everyone had a great day yesterday. I'm wiped out and my back hurts! This turkey day stuff is for the birds (no pun intended)!

Hmmmm.....about those pies I was going to make with my daughter. Well, you look and see how they turned out...

Turned out picture perfect, now didn't they? Well, that's because they are from a picture....a picture of the wonderful pies made at the local bakery! Geez, what was I thinking when I was going to tackle playing with dough on top of all of the other things I had to do? I guess I wasn't thinking! :) After being in the kitchen all day the day before, my hubby called from the grocery store to see if I needed anything besides some sandwich buns which I usually buy to send home with everyone with their leftovers. I looked over to my daughter who was getting a smidgen tired by this point and said, "Would you be too disappointed if I had Dad pick up the pies?" At first she gave me that, oh, I'm not sure look and I thought what the heck, one more thing. Then to my delight she said, "it's okay, mom, I'm getting tired of being in here too". That's all it took for me to tell my dear hubby to "buy the pies"! That was the best decision I made all day!

My daughter and I had fun doing all of the other preparing for the big day. She thought it was funny as I was making faces because I had to wash and clean this poor big fat 23 pound turkey. It was grossing me out and then we got the giggles. She told me her friend named their turkey. I said, "oh, please do not name this turkey, Ang!" Of course, that was the wrong thing to say, as soon she was calling him "Bernard". I have a hang up about playing with raw meat, let alone eating something that has a name! The more I said, "come on, now stop it", the more she laughed and called him "Bernard". It's funny NOW, but not so funny then! So we finished up our work for the night and before I knew it, I found myself back in the kitchen again. At times like this, I really wish I had a sister!

I got "Bernard" all stuffed and put him in the oven. Then, did all of the other things I had to do. In between all of this, I started getting calls from my 90 year old Great Aunt and my Dad because it was snowing pretty good by 8:00 a.m. My dad had planned to pick her up for me and then my husband would take her home. She lives about an hour away from us up a lot of steep hills. So anyway, when my mom did holiday dinners, she always had dinner early. So this is what my Dad expects now from me. I am up early, but not a morning person. So I once again tried to push the dinner time back all the way to 2:30 p.m. (oh, so late, eh?) Well, that didn't sit well with Dad, so he was going to pick up my Aunt at 11:30 a.m. and then his friend, Frank, who was also coming to dinner, was going to meet them back at Dad's and then they would all come together. Well, the snow started to get heavier and heavier and my poor Aunt said "don't worry about coming to get me". I said, oh no, Aunt Rose, we will get you if we have to use a sled! She is very special to me, my grandma's sister, and has been single all her life. Since my grandma passed away at the age of 57, Great Aunt Rose has always been like a grandma to me and she adores Angela! So my Dad called back and said around 9:30 a.m. that he was on his way to get Aunt Rose. I thought, okay, I guess we'll be having Thanksgiving for breakfast this year! I put my butt in high gear and had everything done, including me, circles and all, before they arrived. My Dad was so excited that we were going to eat early! Now I have been on a low carb diet and have been strict with it since April, so my stomach was saying, "dinner this early?"....NOT!! Anyway, I put a big smile on my face and pretended like I was having the time of my life while I looked at all this food I prepared and would have paid someone to take me out to dinner by this time! Now I know why my poor mother, bless her soul, didn't eat much when she cooked!

We all gathered around the table and waited for my hubby to take our pictures, but the camera wasn't working right. I said, "honey, just forget the pictures and come and sit down". So we have no pictures of all of our hard work! Everything turned out fine and everyone, except me, got a full belly. I had a salad and was still waiting for the invite to go out to dinner which, of course, never came! In less than a half an hour, a day of shopping, a day of cleaning, and 2 days of preparation was now a stack of dishes to the ceiling in my kitchen! I don't mean to gripe, but I guess I will....I was the only girl and my Thanksgiving memories consist of washing and drying what seemed like every dish my mother owned while she helped in between making sure everyone had enough to eat. This memory is accompanied by a picture of my dad coming into the kitchen, while I was working on a pile higher than the ceiling, and his big grin asking me if I was having fun! I dare to say what was on my mind, because for sure I would have gotten in big, big trouble. Then he would laugh and say, "you know that's why we had a girl, we needed a dishwasher". Ugggghhh.....I'd bite my tongue and keep on washing. Then my brother would come in from the football game and just laugh because he knew I was irritated. Of course, being the mischievous little brother he was, he got a big kick out of me being disgusted and would give me little digs here and there, knowing the whole time I had to be quiet or else! Gotta love little brothers :)

Well, the good news is that we had no family fights and everyone else had a great time. I did enjoy spending time with them after the hectic days of preparing for the feast to be devoured! My brother had to work yesterday, but my sister-in-law, Karen, came to visit after we were done eating for a bit. I had a good time seeing my niece and nephew. My niece, who is also my goddaughter, is a senior this year and I don't get to see her as often as before, so it was a fun afternoon. Here are some pictures of our family with top trouser buttons undone after yesterday's feast.

From left to right, Frank (close family friend), Great Aunt Rose (still feisty and fit at 90), tired and dark circled me, my hubby in front of me, My dad, and my daughter, Angela.

Here's my Great Aunt Rose with my daughter, Angela.

Here's my Dad with my nephew, John. Believe it or not, my 13 year old nephew, who is now 6'1" tall, is only 6 weeks older than my daughter, Angela! I have to get on my tippy toes to give him a hug now!

Here's a picture of my Dad with my niece/goddaughter, Lara, who will be graduating from high school this year.

And I even have a pout face of my daughter for you. Her dad said something that made her mad and she stomped off until I made her come back. Look at that cute pout lip! She does a pretty good dirty look for only being 13...just like mom. Poor thing has circles just like me too :)

So, as you can see, we all had a great day except for poor 'Bernard' the turkey.

Happy Thanksgiving...

2005-11-23T09:39:00.000-05:00

I'm ready to tackle making pies, stuffing for the turkey, and all the side dishes for tomorrow. My daughter has a half day of school and we'll have fun in the kitchen together. Wish me luck on making pies, as I need it! I am a pretty good baker and cook, but pies are not my thing. I'll be happy if they turn out at least looking like a pie!

I wanted to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving Day as don't think I'll have time in the morning to post.

Blessings to you and yours,
Darla ;o)

Chillin' Out...

2005-11-22T08:53:00.000-05:00

When I look into Nia's pretty little face with those big brown eyes and long curly eyelashes, I'm mesmerized and my heart just melts. How could anyone say "No" to this little face? I can't...yet. She has me right where she wants; wrapped around her sweet little finger. She gave in and "let" me win yesterday by not only taking her nap, but she decided she would cut me a break and sleep all night too! This morning, we had fun waking up my daughter, Angela, and my hubby. She loves my daughter and I enjoy watching "my baby" with her. Nia gets so excited when she sees Angela coming home from school. It's so sweet.

At 7 months now, she's learning new funny faces and little things that crack me up. My favorite yesterday was her version of what I call "chillin' out". She has one of those walkers that doesn't go anywhere, which is new for me, as my child was everywhere in hers. Anyway, she sits down in it and puts her head back and starts laughing at me. It's so funny! Now all I have to say is "Chill Out" and she performs her little stunt for me on command! I can't wait to show her Mom when she comes for her tonight.

On a different note, I would like to pimp Gabreael's new workstation for Eastern Paranormal. She always has interesting posts and great paranormal photos. As soon as I figure out how to add links to this Blog, it will be added. But I haven't gotten that far yet. So stop by and check their new site out! www.easternparanormal.com

Good Monday Morning!

2005-11-21T08:52:00.000-05:00

Good morning! Hope everyone had a good weekend. This should be a good week for most with days off for the holiday this coming week. We have the Thanksgiving shopping done and the turkey is in the refrig thawing. I usually don't have Nia to babysit on Mondays, but my cousin's schedule changed due to the holiday this week, so I have her today, overnight, and all day tomorrow. Nia's going through a new stage. She will be sound to sleep in your arms and the minute you put her down for her nap, her little head pops up and she starts crying. She has been doing this at home too. She wants to be rocked and held the whole time she's sleeping, which I wouldn't mind some times, but the poor thing can't be getting a good rest (nor her mom or I) that way. It's funny how a little 7 month old can be smart enough to know how to pull your heart strings. Of course, I don't want to have her crying, but how long do you wait until you just give in? If I look at her, I'd give in right away. Her big brown eyes being sad is too much for me to bear. Ten short minutes ago, she was sound to sleep in my arms and I waited to lay her down. Joke's on me, though. She popped up her little head so fast and on and off has been crying. Okay moms, I'm a little rusty here, should I pick her up....and she instantly stops crying....or do I leave her cry a little? She's angry right now. I think it's going to be a long couple of days ahead, but I still will enjoy every minute, even the crying and dark circles I'll have by morning :)

Hope everyone has a good start to the new week!

I've Learned...

2005-11-20T09:46:00.000-05:00

I've learned....
That we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for.

I've learned....
That money doesn't buy class.

I've learned....
That it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.

I've learned...
That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.

I've learned....
That God didn't do it all in one day. What makes me think I can?

I've learned....
That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.

I've learned....
That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.

I've learned....
That love, not time, heals all wounds.

I've learned...
That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.

I've learned....
That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.

I've learned....
That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.

I've learned....
That life is tough, but I'm tougher.

I've learned...
That opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss.

I've learned....
That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.

I've learned....
That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.

I've learned....
That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.

I've learned....
That I can't choose how I feel, but I can choose what I do about it.

I've learned....
That when your newly born child holds your little finger in his little fist, that you're hooked for life.

I've learned....
That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.

I've learned ...
That it is best to give advice in only two circumstances; when it is requested and when it is a life threatening situation.

I've learned....
That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done

The beautiful graphics were made by D's Designs. Stop in and visit her at http://journals.aol.com/nightmaremom/Thisandthatandhockey/ Thanks D! ;o)

Sentimental fool

2005-11-19T09:36:00.000-05:00

This is a picture of me and my Mom on our last Thanksgiving together here at my house in 2003. I lost my mom to breast cancer at the age of 62 last July. She gave it a good fight and was winning for almost 7 years, but the cancer finally prevailed. With Thanksgiving around the corner, I have mixed feelings about the holiday. Last year I was given my Mom's traditional turkey pan and now I carry on the traditions. It's hard for me, though, as I am such a sentimental person. Yesterday, I opened a box of all of my mother's Christmas decorations for the first time since her death. My mother loved the Holidays and always went out of her way to have everything "just right" and made them fun for the kids. When I looked into her perfectly packed box of beautiful Christmas memories, I began to cry when I saw the Angel that had always lit her tree. I've always gotten sentimental around the Holidays and at Christmastime, but it's a different kind of feeling now; it's rather like an empty place in my heart that only a mother can fill and I miss her! I have to pretend like that hole in my heart doesn't exist as I move forward to continue the traditions for my family. It's hard, though. I have a lump in my throat just writing about this. My dad doesn't understand me, but he never has in the past either. When I started to cry when I went through the box, he said in his usual stern voice, "If I would have known this stuff would make you cry, I wouldn't have even brought it over". When I went over to him for comfort and a shoulder to cry on, he said, "now stop it and get yourself together" and "how do you think I feel?" All valid points you might think. Well, not for me. I don't cry about my mother every day. I do a lot of praying and soul searching that my father will never understand. I have grieved in private and have more good days than bad when compared to last year at this time. He reminded me of what he was doing last year at this time. He even knew the specific dates. He went and met a lady (if you can call her that) that he had never met in person before and spent a week in Las Vegas with her. I reminded him that I clearly remember what I was doing at that time last year too. I spent sleepless nights crying about the thought of my Dad even holding hands with another person let alone staying with her. I clearly remember feeling the guilt of trying to accept his decision. I felt like I was betraying my mother by condoning his behavior. However, I put my feelings aside and even was accepting of his decision to "date" THREE WEEKS after my mother's death when nobody else would listen or be there for him. Gosh, when I see those words written here, I think it angers me more than I admit. But at the time, I tried to separate the grief that I was suffering from the loss of my mother from my Dad and his "new life". He came to me with "girlfriend" questions daily because nobody else in the family could bear talking to him about this. Not wanting to let him down, of course, I put him and his needs first as I suffered and grieved in silence. I did this for over a year now. So it angers me when my Dad tells me not to cry and not to be sentimental about MY feelings. How could he? My feelings are real and I won't put them aside anymore like they don't matter. They matter to me.

Meet my little ones...

2005-11-18T12:51:00.000-05:00

I am sure glad it's Friday, as I'm sure a lot of you are too. I wanted to introduce you to a my little ones that you will probably often hear me mention or brag about.

Molly is my second "kid". She is a miniature cock-a-poo who thinks she is a real child. She is my littlest baby and usually is anywhere I am in the house. As I type, she's taking a nap right next to me. She's a little jealous of my hubby and her "big sister", Angela. In fact, anyone that takes my attention away from her is competition in her eyes. She's my baby and I don't know what I'd do without

her.

I love children and have two special little ones that I watch (or I should say spoil) a few days during the week. They are my cousin Maria's children; Chance who is 2 years old and Nia who is 7 months old. I used to watch Maria when she was little and it's fun to get to play a special role in her children's lives. I have had Nia more lately and Chance goes to his grandma's where he likes to help his pap. No matter how tired I feel in the morning, when Maria arrives around 7:15 a.m. and Nia gives me one of her BIG smiles and looks at me with her beautiful big brown eyes with long curly eyelashes, I am happy and ready to start my day. She's just so cuddly and cute! She's the first child that I know of that said "Mama" instead of "Dada" first! I used to try to get my daughter to say "Mama" and the more I tried, the more she'd say "Dada". lol

It's so fun spoiling someone else's child and then getting to sleep all night too :)

The beautiful graphics above were made by Angela. Stop in and see her. http://dazzlingdesigns.blogspot.com/ Thanks Angela :o)

I'm so excited!

2005-11-17T10:02:00.000-05:00

I am excited to have my first journal! It was so fun to receive the nice comments from my friends yesterday~~thank you~~, even though I didn't have a real post written. I still am learning how to work with Html, etc. Once I learn something, I remember it, but yesterday it took me hours just to get my picture in the little box. lol I was so happy this morning to see it there. Sometimes the little things in life are the ones that make me the most happy. :)

When I first contemplated creating a journal, I wanted to write inspirational posts with deep meaning in order to try to help others. However, when I sat down to write this morning, I realized that maybe just being ME and sharing my life's challenges and successes is what I would like to write about. Maybe sharing an experience I have had would help someone else or give them a little chuckle. So here in my little place on the net, I will just be ME.

Here is my pride and joy, my daughter, Angela. She is 13 going on 30 :)

I'll introduce you to some of my other little ones that have a special place in my heart next time.

Hope everyone has a good day!
Hugs,
Darla ;o)

My First Post

2005-11-16T09:27:00.000-05:00

Hello and Welcome to my Blog.

I will write a little more later.

Thanks for visiting,
Darla ;o)