Be Water, My Friend

Homemade..

2010-01-11T15:20:00.000-08:00

Yummy...I had a day off and I have been wanting to try and make marshmallows. They turned out pretty darn good. I was attempting to dip them in chocolate but that was to time consuming and decided to just drizzle instead. YUMMY!!

New Year...

2010-01-02T17:42:00.000-08:00

It's been awhile since I last posted. It's been a crazy year. This time last year I was in the process of getting hired. February 24Th will be my year and a day. That means my probation will be over and I will be put in a position to work for a full year. I've been kicked around working a variety of shifts and locations. I have landed on swings in the main jail but until my year and a day is up it can be changed at any time. I feel like this whole year I have been on the edge. Working on not having any issues at work either with my performance or with other officers. There appears to be very fragile ego's and Senior officers who run badge heavy with the new hires. But there is a lot of great officers there too. I thank God for them.
I have put my workouts and home on hold for this last year. I have been selfish and grumpy with my family. Not working out makes me irritable and just BITCHY! My diet is horrble. And my digestive system is out of whack. I need to get back on track. So, what I have done was to join weight watchers and start P90X..again! Please Lord help me with this mission....Peace...

COA Graduation......

2009-07-28T07:00:00.000-07:00

I did it....I graduated the COA. These were long days. It was nerve racking, a lot of sweat, studying, physical training, marching, testing and a lot of laughing. Maybe we were all getting a little crazy but it may be the only way to get through this experience. I have been back at Mordor now for a week on day shifts. So far so good. I am not sure when I will be given a permanent shift. It will be either swings or graves. I prefer swings that's where you get the most action. Maybe I worded that wrong. Your the busiest at that time and the time go's by fast. Thank you for following my experience on the journey. But I have been informed that the Dept. frowns on any blogging or any on line stories about what goes on inside Mordor. My next goal will be to make my probation on Feb 24Th. Of course I will continue to blog about my other life stories and will try to do it as often as I use to. Peace....

Correction Officer Academy...COA

2009-06-28T10:18:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I have already completed a week at the academy. We are a class of 30 officers from approximately 7 counties across the state. I have to say that no other county has a group that are as close as mine. We all carpool together and all go out to lunch together and we truly all get along and have each others back. I hope it stays that way.
On our first day when I walked into class I noticed all of us officers were all assigned seats. To my disappointment all counties were split up. I also saw that at my assigned seat, a sign stating that I am the tables team leader. By chance or by design, I'm not sure. I understand that this facility is also the training academy for deputies, police and other law enforcement officers. And since law enforcement is considered para military marching and cadence is part of the curriculum. UMmmm To my horror of course. We went out to learn this. Left Left Left Right Left, Attention, Present Arms. Parade Rest and some other things I can't remember Oh..and don't forget to do the 4 count push ups. The Training Officers said not bad. They did call out one of my guys and suggested he review a DVD. The look on his face and I knew what he was thinking. At the end of class I asked to borrow the DVD for myself. I viewed it at home and returned it the next morning. After we went out to march we came back and sat down for class. As I sat there I watched the instructor march over placed the DVD right back down in front of me turned and walked away with no words exchanged. As he placed in down it was like slow motion to me. Everyone at my table watched and as it sat there and then I said "And it's back." I looked up and everyone started laughing, even me. Crap I knew I sucked. It's important that we look good because we are as Corrections are not entirely respected by other Law Enforcement departments. We are changing that. We all must be bound by professionalism and brotherhood. So we will be marching with the other departments. So far the week has gone well.

Potato Bugs and A Happy Thought

2009-06-11T17:23:00.000-07:00

First I would like to apologize to my readers or I mean reader. I have been so busy in Mordor and a bit depressed about my experiences there. I will explain that all in another post. I am no longer under a FTO but am on my own now. I feel a little lighter in my mood.
This morning on my way into Mordor I am looking down in contemplation about my duties and how my day is going to be. When I spied a little bug crossing the walkway. "Hey" I say to myself "Look it's a potato bug". Back in my in my kid years these were the ultimate pet for those who had none. They are like a bug armadillo. They roll up when handled, don't squish to easily and they don't bite. PERFECTO....Watching it make it way across the path, brought a smile in my mind about how much fun and fascination they brought me in my youth. Thanks my little friend.......

My Shiny Shoes...

2009-04-24T12:23:00.000-07:00

OK.. I am on swing shifts now. Parking is a bear this time of day so I go a bit early to give myself plenty of time to park and walk. As I had plenty of time after I got there I decided to sit in the locker room and study. A woman walks in and walks straight up to me, shakes my hand and introduces herself. In my mind I was like wow this is great not to many women have really talked to me at all. So she proceeds to her locker and asks me questions like.. How do you like it so far? Where are you working today? How long have you been in the jail? On and on as she dresses for work. Then she just bust out and says you got to get rid of those shoes they make you look stupid. As I looked up to respond, I spy the 3 stripes on her arm and I shut my trap and swallowed my gulp of air. Crap...I just say "Yes Mam." In my mind I was like What the F... The inmates even comment about my shoes and they think I am more important then anyone else. I like that. So the next day I wear my black combat like police boots. I see her and she looks down and says "Much better" Then she looks at the the men sitting there and says "She was wearing those shiny class A shoes that made look like a doofus." No one said a thing and she walks out. Then a awkward silence happens. And then I turn and walk out. But let me tell you all, that when I showed up on my first day with my shiny shoes I noticed everyone else shoes got shinier too.

Mordor..with my FTO Mr. W

2009-04-13T07:20:00.000-07:00

I just finished my 2 weeks of day shift training. Now onto graveyard shifts. My experience with my first FTO Mr.W, was positive. He was honest, and fair in his evaluation of my performance. We got along well and I am sure he is relieved that I am on to other FTO's. I appreciate his time and effort these last 2 weeks. Thanks Officer W.
There is only one incident since my last post that has been bothering me and is on my mind. There was a young man there that clearly not in his right mind. He was stripped and put in high security. He had no running water and was on suicide watch. When a med nurse came by and we went to administer his meds I realized he was just a kid really. Talking random things, like short stories of maybe things he heard or lived. He was confused he was lost mentally. He clearly was mentally disabled. And probably needed meds as an everyday thing. But somehow someone failed to take care of him. Now he is here. He needs to be in a hospital where he can be taken care of. He walked and talked in monotone, random thoughts my entire shift. He had vomited and urinated all over his cell. When I went to give him some water he saw a bar of soap just outside his cell telling me that it was a brownie and that if I gave it to him he would eat it. I was asked by a C/O if I ever thought I would be giving water to a grown naked man in jail. I saw this human being as a kid that some family tossed out because he was a hassle to deal with. I did not view him as a man at all just a boy really. Now, don't get me wrong I don't feel for the others that truly deserve to be here. The ones that know they are doing wrong and don't care about anything or anyone else. They stand there purposely trying to be ugly mean, intimidating, disgusting, rude, vulgar,I have no feelings to that. Even the juvenile that are there. They know right from wrong and they chose wrong. Now they got me to deal with! I have no time or concern for their crap.

Mordor...

2009-04-10T08:47:00.000-07:00

I just finished a 7 day stretch in Mordor. I have been amongst the worst human beings alive. I am appalled at the rights inmates have. They get TV, 3 square meals, medical care, maternity care, dental care, they have bank accounts that allow them to purchase extra food, phone cards, paper, pencils, stamps, and a large amount of food items. They sleep all day, they get clothes to wear,they have an recreation yard they can visit, church services, they have showers and even get popcorn and movies if they win a formal inspection. And if they feel that they are a target from other inmates they get a private cell(suite). They get directions, rules and punishments when they break the rules. I am sure this is what they are lacking on the outside. I will add that Mordor is not a pretty place, there are no windows, it's cold and smelly but I am sure it's better (for most) then where they come from. A tank of about 25 men broke the rules when I saw they were watching a inappropriate TV channel. I walked in and announced that I took their TV away for the rest of the day. A few moans but I am sure the inmate who switched the channel will hear from the rest of his homey's when he comes back from the clinic. He should be a bit concerned. I learned that (if possible) it's best to have the tank boss on your side. They will keep thing in order and make your job easier. That's if they follow the rules also. Our job's as C/O's is to make sure inmates are not harmed either from other inmates or themselves and that they are cared for appropriately. Hhmmm basically I am a baby sitter for big bad bully's.

Into Mordor...

2009-04-01T08:35:00.000-07:00

Well I am now allowed to go into Mordor. Mordor is gray,cold and smelly. I am told Mordor is the 3rd largest facility in this state to hold Mental Health People. For the next month or so I will shadow an FTO (Field Training Officer). I will be observed and graded on everything from safety, appearance, professionalism, multi-tasking, radio operation, report writing and knowing the rules and regulations.
My first day I worked with the worst cases of Mental Health from murderers to those who were on suicide watch. All in a days work my friends.
Oh on a light note...My group was done for the day. We were on out way to our lockers when I noticed the guys were on the elevator with me. They asked me where I was going and I said my locker and I asked them where they were going. (Our lockers are in 2 different areas). They informed me I was on the wrong elevator. I had a quick panic moment thinking OMG I am getting so lost and how am I ever to find my way back. (Note: There were 2 old hires with us on the elevator with us listening.) My friends saw my Oh-Shit moment and started to laugh at me. So when the doors opened I realized this was my stop and got off then the 2 Old Hires told the guys "Hey get off there is only one way out." The 2 Old Hires and myself look back at my guys and realized THEY were on the wrong elevator and lost. We laughed so hard at them. The next day our FTO informed us that that Mordor has eyes and ears. And then proceeded to tell us everyone in Mordor had a good laugh at the joke they tried to play on me, and backfired on them.
Also I had a "L" on my forhead when I made a radio call that sounded like I was stuttering. Control received my call then stuttered back and was laughing while doing it. So my FTO was like "Man what a burn". So he felt I needed to redeem myself and made another call. They came back and said the call was much better. OK these calls and remakes are made for all to hear. So I made everyone laugh at me. See the "L" on my forehead.

Bee's in Water Polo....

2009-03-21T07:30:00.000-07:00

We'll in other news. My daughter Bee turned 16 last weekend. We planned a day with her but she preferred to be on her own with her friends. SAY WHAT!? I couldn't believe it. Since when did she not want to be with us. I have to be reminded that she is 16 and I have to remember when I was 16. I had more freedom then I give her but I was more street smart also. My Bee is also in the sport Water Polo. I can not believe how aggressive this sport is. Girls pulling hair, holding each other under water, punching, black eyes, tearing off swimsuits, vomiting. At first I was worried she would bail out of the sport but after a couple of weeks she's really into it. Way to go, Bee. She is the lightest weight in there and I think she secretly loves the aggressiveness of the sport. She can relieve some stress. That my kid, for sure.

Mordor...Firearm Training

2009-03-15T07:43:00.000-07:00

This week was no walk in the park. It was freezing and the pace was fast. I'm not so sure about the way it was taught. I am usually a pretty good marksman but this week I couldn't of been worse. There were several factors freezing cold, my sights were off until (they discovered a few hours in),my nerves and the stress I put on myself. I was my own worst enemy out there. I take criticism well but I HATE being yelled at and belittled. As my whole team was. If I didn't need this job I would of verbally told them what I was thinking. It was really very horrible. They dropped the F-Bomb in almost every sentence they spat out. I guess when I think about this week and that most of instructors were harsh but fair. It was just one Deputy T that really should not teach or even be in the presence of new hires. He was rude, flippant, arrogant, self riotous, made you feel stupid asking questions, and talked so fast it sounded like a foreign language. I would say he should not be a representative of our Deputy's. When you have 6 new students handling pistols it's best not to make them frustrated and nervous, it's not conducive to the exercise being taught. But by the end I do realize they may be testing our ability of handling stress. It the new language I learned this last week F-YOU Deputy T.

Mordor...Training

2009-03-05T16:24:00.000-08:00

This week we prepared with D.T Training. (Defensive Tactics)My body has been slammed to the ground over and over 8 hours everyday this week. And me also throwing men of all sizes to the ground and off of me. Tomorrow we will be in an all out struggle for control with a D.T. trainer. From complacent to non complacent cuffing to an all out fight for control. So I am a bit, well, A LOT nervous. By far the hardest part of this week was Tuesday. We were pepper sprayed and then had to fight through it. I NEVER WANT TO DO THAT AGAIN. It hurt more then you know. Let me show you. This is video of what your instructors don't want to see. Because you are sent home with no job.

This is not video from my class it's against Dept policy to video or post pix's from our training.

My Journey Into Mordor

2009-02-25T18:10:00.000-08:00

I started my journey into Mordor. As I started my first day I met my team. 5 men and myself. We were directed to a table with books that were labeled with our names. As
we sat and filled out paper work and talked what our training schedule would be.
Us six were chosen out of 600. Then before we left for the day we were informed we were seated in a specific order according to our scores. Myself sitting in the second position. So cool. I already have seniority over 4. But before we enter into Mordor we first must train in all areas from legal to etiquette, fear, intimidation whats accepted and not. I must learn the map of all the look alike corridors. And to know everything you do and say will be heard my the control room. They can hear a pin drop. (Note to self-no burping, farting or picking anything.) And never press the button twice to let you travel through the bared gates that keep you in or out
because it's rude to the control room and they may take their time doing so. Do not be RUDE! We took our tour to the tippy-top. To where the ladder we a strip of metal and the view was remarkable and the wind was nippy to the bottom depths of rumbling motors and machinery that keep Mordor in running condition. And we were lost the whole time.

Mocha Cappucino Meringue Cupcake

2009-02-18T14:33:00.000-08:00

Do I need to say more....

Sweetheart Wine Walk

2009-02-17T16:56:00.000-08:00

Well my Pita did her Theatre show. Our towns downtown shops participated in a wine tasting event. While the public came down and tasted different wines at the shops, Petra and her actors did live theatre for the people. The show was set in the 40'S and it was a wedding theme. So you had your wedding party, photographer,minister and bakers. They would all walk around town engaging people in conversation and asking them to come to the wedding. The wedding was to be held at the local floral shop in town they also made the brides flower bouquet. The kitchen shop allowed us to use their store front window as the bakery. 40's style music was played. Crowds of people were dressed pretty and got more tipsy as the evening went. And the more tipsy the more people participated in the show. Some really thought it was real. The bakers were quite the show. They were puzzled by my Pitas fake accent. Not sure what is was. (In near future must tell Pita not to do accents people get offended). Well Pita is 13 and her accent was kind of made up. But if she were older it could be taken as an adult doing a bad racial joke. Well her scene was a Lucy and Ethel skit. They are rushed and take off to the wedding and drop the cake on the way. They did this 4 times during the show. It was really funny. Here are some pixs. I will be getting more pix's of other scenes. I was just sent these. Pita's the taller of the 2 bakers

Yup... thats my Pita on the ground...Peace...

Bon-Bons A.K.A Ding-Dong Balls

2009-02-11T18:32:00.000-08:00

I've been working on an bite size treat for Valentines. My Pita is in another Theatre Production on Valentines. Downtown shops are allowing Ascensions Prod. to use there shops to support their "Wine Walk". Where shoppers can enjoy treats and different wines in all the shops. And in the shops there will be a different scene. The show is set in the 40's. And it's a wedding. So you have last minute frantic gift buyers, Bridesmaids and Groomsmen, Priest and the cake bakers all scrambling to make it to the wedding. So my Pita is the cake baker and her assistant is to do a Lucy and Ethel scene slapping the cake together and running to the event while the cake is topsy turvy and eventually falls. They will run the scene 3 to 4 times during this event. Anyhoo, the cast party is what I am trying to provide some Valentine treats for. My friend Grunch is making the cake. It will be held at a very high end Hall. And big expensive events rent this hall out. So I hope Grunch will get some OOohh's and Ahhhhhss out of her cake. And some business out of it. These pix's are 2 bite size bon-bons I made look like ladybugs. OK, 2 bite size if your lady-like. And I have renamed them Ding-Dong Balls.

Happy Days...Peace

10 "L" Word Things

2009-02-09T10:53:00.000-08:00

Here is a "getting to know you game" devised by a fellow blogger. The "rules" are set out below.
1. Leave a comment on this blog and I will assign you a letter.
2. Write about ten things you love that begin with said letter.
3. Post the list on your blog.
4. When people comment on your list, you assign them a letter, and the game continues. The letter L was assigned to me by the lovely Dusty Spider @ http://dustingspiders.blogspot.com/

L is a hard letter.....

1. Lucky - We all need more luck in our lives..

2. Live- We should all "Live" a good life.

3. Lust- We should lust our life partners more, and they should lust us too.

4. Lick- Hmmm Yeah lick more frosting off of delicious cupcakes.

5. Lunatic- Get over yourself we are all a bit crazy.

6. Liger- Yes, I guess they are real. Made famous in the movie "Napoleon Dynamite". He declared them pretty much his favorite animal.

The liger is a cat born from the breeding of a male lion and a female tiger. This combination produces an offspring with more lionistic features than if the reverse pairing had occurred. That would produce a more tigeristic creature known as a tigon. Both are members of genus Panthera.There is no scientific name assigned to this animal because of it’s human assisted ancestry.

7. Loser- For the loser I am for even researching #6.

8. Learning- Always ready to learn something new. But only if I am interested. Wait...that don't explain #6. Well OK maybe I was, no not really, it's just for this game I agreed to do.

9. Language- I wish I knew any language better.

10. Lunch- I am hungry right now and already thinking about eating lunch. I don't even have cupcakes to lick. I'm such a loser.

Ok, Dusty I struggled through that. Your "D" made it seem this would be easier.

Thank You Danette And Dee....

2009-02-07T17:11:00.000-08:00

Pita and I took the dogs to the dog park. It was cold and Nero was a bit of a butt. After his escape from the yard last night must of effected his mood. We had to go search for him and trying to find a black dog when it's raining and dark out is like trying to find a black spot in a blackout. We found him in the next neighborhood. In what we call the "Rabbit Zone". He has a dime size ouwie on his forehead and a scratch over his eye. He must of really scraped himself going under the fence. My big goofy Bruty has no athletic skills was left behind. What a good dog he is.
So today we went to the dog park. And he was a bit touchy-grouchy especially with hyper overbearing dogs who come barreling at you in hyper speed.He would bear his pearly white fangs. Then someone asked me again what kind of dogs. And then said he thought they looked part wolf. It stressed me a bit and I knew it was time to go. When we got home Pita went in ahead of me and when I came in the house she was just standing there giving me a big goofy smile. I said "Whats wrong?" and she just kept smiling and looked on the table and there it was. A box for me! Dang! It was SWEET! Flowers that look like a cupcake congratulating me on my new job. I love cupcake flowers No calories and they last longer. Thank You, My Friends! I feel the LOVE!

Job Update...I GOT IT!!!!

2009-02-05T13:41:00.000-08:00

I just got the call. The Deputy called me!!!!!! He informed me this was my formal job offer and I start February 23rd 7 AM. Dress professional! This is when they take all our pix for our ID's and a meet and greet of um ...well....Dang...I forgot...but there really important official people....Oh and asked if I was right handed or left handed. You know why? Guess! Yeah! That's right for my gun holster! WOW! After I start my job they do send me to an academy for 4 weeks. Yes, I do believe I get pepper sprayed. Oh and 2 weeks before the academy I have another physical test just like I already done in the beginning.
I can't even express how lucky my family is that after dissolving our business that we both found jobs. Not just job's but careers in today's job market. I can't even think about what it would be like without it. I know that it will be tough on the girls with both of us working but it would be worse without me working. I do it for them for us.

Butterfly Cupcakes

2009-02-04T10:34:00.000-08:00

Another cupcake design. These were one of my favorites in the book. What do you think? I am so ready for spring!

Oh, and yes I hand made the butterflys.

New Officer

2009-02-03T06:46:00.000-08:00

Here is a pix of my Hubby in his uniform. Handsome Huh? You see his van? Well during the flood he was able to bring it home. We parked it out back in the soft dirt and mud. When he got up to go to work at 4 AM, got in the van and realized it was stuck in the mud. I was watching from the house and saw that he was in and out in and out and realized he may need some help. So I went out in my jammies and his slip on shoes and I tried to help by jamming rocks under his tires, trying to get his tires to grip and pushing and then resorting to getting a shovel and pushing some more and 45 min he was unstuck and 15 min late to work. He told his story to his boss and co-workers and they just were like "Yeah uh-ha, yup...is that why there's hand prints on the back of the van?" Maybe?! =)
See his van tire ruts.

My Super Bowl Spaghetti Cupcakes.....

2009-02-01T20:12:00.000-08:00

I was feeling a bit dumpy today. Not in the whole Hubby's game day mood. I needed to do some home stuff. But I did manage to do another cupcake design from my book. Look how cute. And it's all made with good sweet edible foods. And very tasty.

I know it's kind of weird to think pasta and meatballs as dessert but it's whimsical and cute.

Job Update...Psychiatrist Apt.

2009-01-30T09:00:00.000-08:00

There is nothing I hate more then talking about myself. Unlike my hubby, I absolutely hate it. But I do it for my family. I went in believing (From the Deputy I talked to Tuesday) that this would be a informal meeting with the Dr. OK, Uh, NO! I was totally taken off guard that the Dr. was a female and young and dressed very nicely. Very stylish and sexy business like. I wish I could be put together like that. She informed me that she was NOT my Psychiatrist but she works for the County Dept and everything we discuss is for the Dept. to know. So we talked about me for 45 min. I was in hell. She informed me that she writes a report about this and it goes in my file and it will be part of my entire package that they will review. I walk out and drove to the Dr H. Office to check the results of my T.B. test. Dr. H gives me my file, I go up to the 3rd floor, wait for a nurse to look at my arm. Nurse calls me in looks at my arm marks clear on my chart, gave it back to me to go back down and return it to Dr. H.. I do and she informs me the chart will be sent to the Dept. by the end of the day. I thanked her and left.

Job Update...

2009-01-27T17:19:00.000-08:00

Oh My what a day. I had a complete physical for the Correction job today. And to top it off it started snowing. People start to panic and car wrecks happen and traffic gets horrible. So I left early. I got there about 30 min early so I had brought a book to read "Marley And Me". Good thing I did! When I went in I was to talk to H. Well H was not in yet. So I waited. H showed up 20 min later. We had 10min of forms to fill out. Then sent me to the first Dr. apt is the Eye Dr. in the lobby. I run down and wait and wait. I get called more paper work go through a couple of exams read this and that cover this eye that eye. Take me to another room and put my head in a white box with a pirate eye patch and press a button when I see a light. 100 or more white lights later I am escorted back to wait for the Dr. She comes in said I passed with flying colors and at my age it was remarkable. She looks at my chart and sends me off to the next Dr on the 3rd floor. I go up and its the heart Dr. I sign in and wait get called in took a TB test, BP, HR, and Dr comes in and I breath in and out while he squeezes my tummy. Wished me luck and sent me to the next Dr. on the 1st floor. I go and it's the Audio Dr. I wait, get called in they put me in a cell or I mean box, put head phones on listen for sounds and were done. She said I passed and sent me to my next exam on the 2ND floor. Well I check in and waited. They call me and I get blood drawn and another Pee-Pee test. Signed my chart and back to see Dr. H. Oh she'd just left for her break you can sit and wait. She comes in takes my chart and says come in Thursday so we can check the TB test results. Oh Yippee. And I walk out 3 hours later. Run down to the Correction Dept to take my bubble test. As I go in they have me sign more paper work. I pick up my test he explains it to me I sit and hours later I'm finished and they remind me to be back Thursday for the psychiatrist apt. I made it home just in time to pick up the girls. 7 hours later.

Alien Cupcakes

2009-01-24T20:42:00.000-08:00

Look at my attempt at making another cupcake design. You know instead of doing house chores like mopping floors, dusting, vacuuming, laundry on and on and on. But I couldn't help myself. I did change the face of my alien. Instead of 2 antenna
and almond shape eye's. I did the "Toy Story" alien. I think he's much cuter. Plus I couldn't find the candy for the almond shape eyes. Chocolate covered sunflower seeds. I found candy colorful flavored but not chocolate brown ones I needed. So I improvised. I like my idea much better. Peace...

Job Update...Next Requirements

2009-01-24T08:39:00.000-08:00

Just as I was second guessing myself I get a call from the Deputy. He said that they reviewed my file and I was accepted to move on to the next phase. He needs 3 things from me this week. First I need another physical by their physician. Second another written physic logical bubble test. I know, I know whats a bubble test. It's one of those test where you pick your answer A,B,C,D or none of the above and then you fill in the circle or bubble with none other then a #2 pencil. And the third requirement is actually talking to the Physiologist about your answers on the bubble test and hopefully he thinks your OK and gives his recommendation to the Sheriff's Department. My hubby's advice to me. "Don't open your mouth.Don't speak." Funny Huh?Shhh...I kind of agree...Then we laughed....I guess you had to be there.

Job Update...

2009-01-22T08:23:00.000-08:00

Well, it's been awhile since I posted anything about this part of my life. I am still waiting too. After passing the polygraph I have been fingerprinted, urine tested and took the first of the Physc tests. And then I scheduled a Jail Tour the day of the flood. But it's been over a month and I am still waiting for a call on the next requirement. Eveyday that passes witout a call the more I wonder if I am still considered for the position. I am assured they will let me know one way or another. But waiting is so difficult.

Snowed In....

2009-01-20T16:05:00.000-08:00

OK, as you might know I worked at another job as Assistant Special Event Coordinator. Oh and since the New Year I just found out I got a raise. Ya-Hoo. We created this by bringing in 25 huge dump trucks of snow. Then we shovel it around. Sounds easy Huh? Uh NO, because the snow was like glacier ice. It needed to be broken up in bits then shoveled and flattened. It was ice chunks. Saturday was the actual event and it was a 12 hour day. But it turned out really cool. Games, crafts, live band, 4 huge bounce toys, food, smores around a fire pit, a snowman building contest, horse carriage rides around the lake, 2 snow playgrounds, and a sledding hill. Oh, and I got to be frosty. I fought it but I lost. Kids and parents are like yelling "Frosty,Frosty!" Lot's of hugs and pictures. Your totally loved and when you take the frosty costume off you come out and have love withdrawals. You look at the people and want to wave and give high fives but you are no longer frosty,and no longer loved. Withdrawals are a bitch. Must be a bit like famous people who are no longer famous.

March Of The Penguins...

2009-01-20T12:05:00.000-08:00

Well, Well, Well My FRIENDS went out without me. And when I found out they bought me a "Pity Present". Sweet Huh. They swear it's not. But, is or isn't I still got a sweet gift out of it. This book is all about cool cupcakes. I decided since I just got done doing a "Snowed In" event. The penguins were a good choice to start with. Yes, can you believe it. They turned out darn cute.

I can't wait to try another design.

Dr. Visit MD

2009-01-16T08:09:00.000-08:00

While we had our business we didn't have medical insurance. Now that hubby works for the state, we do. It's nice to know that you can go now, and not stress about the bill. So I went and got a full physical. It's been 3 years since I've seen my Dr. Can I say how I hate waiting in the Dr's office. Well I went in and 2 hours later I came back out. I think I saw her for a full 5-6 minutes. I guess after thinking about this I decided this is a good thing. But...before I left she made appointment for me to go get my boobs squished AKA mammogram. Yippee on Fri 13Th..enuf said... And a firm reminder it's time for my colonoscopy. Crap...Not that time already!!! I think I can put that off for at least another year.
For the next 2 days I will be working another special event about 10hr days. "Snowed In" The city brings in a lot of snow we shovel it around the local park and charge people to play in it. Well..That's what it boils down to. I will blog about it later. Also I will Blog about my jail tour.
Oh, Yeah the pix above is my arm and the nurses said that was the first time someone asked to take a pix. Enjoy....
Oh and Blondie...No blame for a burned butt this time. You know what I mean?! And while were talking Butt's if you look you can see the nurses front butt. Funny Huh?And I told her I wouldn't show her face. My Bad..

Flood Views...

2009-01-09T11:09:00.000-08:00

To give perspective on the flood around my home I found some Ariel views for you to see. The first pix is the flood of 2006 and the second this flood in 2009. My property is lined in blue.

Next is looking out across at our neighbors homes as the river receded.

The night when the river was cresting my girls and I were looking out over the park and Bee looked at me with wide eyes and concern in her voice and asked "Mom What's that sound?" As I listened I said "It sounds like a small dog or a rabbit." It was like a yelping screaming sound a small distressed animal would make. And was angered by the thought that someone would leave there animals behind. Well as I walked around today with my hubby I think I found what was making the distressing call. This is distressing for me to see and to know we heard his cries.

Flood Update...

2009-01-08T08:46:00.001-08:00

OK whew, all I could think about during the jail tour is the flood and my dogs. How in the world am I going to get in and get them?. All the roads that were closed and hopefully the fear the news puts in you saying this is worse then past floods on and on and on. But when I got to my home I was still able to drive in change my clothes pack a bag with flashlights,cell phone chargers,undies, socks and anything that may be useful. Fetched my dogs and went to a friends. Sorry Blondie for the wet muddy dog mess. My girls were picked up at school early by my friend Chris and I knew they were dry, warm, safe and fed. My mind was at ease. And I heard she was a little stressed herself.( Luv YA girlfriend). My hubby showed up at approx 5:30 and said the river was overflowing the banks in the park and so we stayed at Blondie for a couple of hours and that was enough time for the neighborhood to be completely flooded. We used the closed freeway to drive to the back of our property and snuck in that way. I would post pix's but it looks exactly like the pix's of last floods. And I'm really pooped from not sleeping well always checking the river making sure we were not taking a big risk by staying. This morning the water level is on the way back down and started showing the mess and devastation it's leaving behind.

WARNING: Flood Watch

2009-01-07T07:35:00.000-08:00

Here we go again. We are in a serious flood watch. Just GREAT! Flooding and I am PMS'in, and I have a tour of the jail facility today. Ok Minny, Breath In, Breath Out. My concern is if I leave the house will the authorities let me back in?. I will climb a fence if I have to.

If I die..what a beautiful death...to die in the exercise of your passion."

2009-01-06T18:34:00.000-08:00

My Pita and I decided to go through a list of must see movies of 2008. According to a critic we were watching on TV he was so into this movie we decided to watch it. In watching this movie this Frenchman Say's. "...if I die..what a beautiful death...to die in the exercise of your passion." I SO love this quote. I will take this quote into the New Year. We should all find our passion. Maybe even find it in everything we do. Take the time to relish in our movement of what we are doing in the moment
Synopsis - Documentary (Man On Wire)
On August 7th 1974, a young Frenchman named Philippe Petit stepped out on a wire illegally rigged between New York's twin towers, then the worlds tallest buildings. Aided by a team of friends and accomplices, Petit was faced with numerous extraordinary challenges: he had to find a way to bypass the WTCs security; smuggle the heavy steel cable and rigging equipment into the towers; pass the wire between the two rooftops; anchor the wire and tension it to withstand the winds and the swaying of the buildings. The rigging was done by night in complete secrecy. At 7:15 AM, Philippe took his first step on the high wire 1,350 feet above the sidewalks of Manhattan James Marshs documentary brings Petits extraordinary adventure to life through the testimony of Philippe himself, and some of the co-conspirators who helped him create the unique and magnificent spectacle that became known as the artistic crime of the century. Pita and I, 2 Thumbs up.

Gift That ...Well...Make You Go Hhmmmmm....

2009-01-04T17:39:00.000-08:00

There are incidents where people genuinely don't know they are giving a crappy gift. Those are forgivable and gets a little laugh with love. BUT....to the ones who give crappy gifts and know it! Shame on you! Let see giving objects that you tried to sell at a garage sale and didn't, then give as a gift. Shame on you! Or a gift that is missing parts. Example, mixing beaters without the mixer. Items that have cobwebs, you get a gift that you given the giver, gift cards with no money on it, used clothing, clothing to old to return. These are examples of what I have experienced. Another no no is re-gifting. What the hell is this. When I need to buy a gift I put a lot of thought to what and who I am buying for. If I get a gift I do not like or will not use, I will GIVE IT, to someone who says they would or could use it. But not as a gift. And if you do pass it off as a gift don't give it to someone in the same circle of friends or family. They will spot it. To do these things is insulting and hurtful. A card with nice words or a $5 donation in your name to a charity is a gift that's best. OK, now with that said I got some really great things this year. I like to do a shout out to those people.
1. Hubby's Sister Auntie T and Uncle D sent a Harry and David gift package with apples pears, cheese, summer sausage and some sweet treats. SO YUMMY!
2. Aunt Dee and Danette sent a box of See's chocolates. They disappear and no one knows who ate it.
3. Grandpa D and Uncle D sent cash. Cash is KING...
4. A shout out to my brother J for knowing the girls favorite stores and the generous gift cards you got them. Your Awesome and I know you know it. Also the gift exchange gifts were so awesome and perfect. Starbucks and GI-Joe gift cards
5. And the handmade items from my sister B to the girls
6. My friend Chris crochet me a scarf.
7. Mr.J made Hubby a clock out of Byrle he cut and polished. Very Nice. Thank You!
8. Oh and my Friend Elisa Thank You for my Candle Angel. She's so Pretty!!!

Crazy Drunk Luck!!!!

2009-01-02T17:59:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a football game get together. We all eat, drink, and play games. Well a good friend of ours Mr. J got Drunk Lucky. He won every game we played and he didn't even know what he was doing. Oh My, of course everyone was like his luck should be running out. So big 100$ bets were laid out and BAM!!!! he So won. Nothing ends game night faster then running out of money. The entertainment was worth ever cent. Of course we ordered a taxi (his wifey) to come get him. Take a peek at my attempt at making a video of him in action. Love Ya Mr. J.....

Just a disclaimer we always return the cash to the original owners. Wink Wink.

It's Almost Over...

2008-12-30T16:30:00.000-08:00

I put Christmas back in the box and the tree back in the woods. I am exhausted! But we still have New Years, a big game day on January first and 2 parties that were rescheduled because of the snow. My liver is having a difficult time absorbing all the rich Holiday foods. My sister B had a nice get together at her new HUGE home. So this was her first attempt to having a formal dinner. Dear Sister, we do nothing formally. But it was a excellent time. Here is my video of the event. OK, I hate that I didn't get a pix's of everyone. But why am I the only one taking pix's? There were many family members missing from this event. Because the weather was getting sketchy. It must of snowed at least 6 inches while we were there. Just a note, in the video my brother J made our family favorite dessert. Hot Huckleberry Dumplings over vanilla icecream. It's heavenly. Enjoy....

Christmas Ornaments...

2008-12-24T09:07:00.000-08:00

I have a lot to blog this Holiday but not much time to do it. So I will just post a few pix'things of some pretty things. These ornaments were given to my girls,made at a glass blowing art class by my sister B. They are quite beautiful.

And this next Pix is of Bruts under the tree. Do you think he's trying to be a gift?

We've Been Elfed

2008-12-22T19:27:00.001-08:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

To Cesar Or Not To Cesar?

2008-12-21T14:20:00.000-08:00

Don't let this cute pup give you the impression of calm, relaxed and under complete control because the only time he is, is in a picture. This is a clip to show what Ozzy is all about.

You think mayby my In-laws may need to call on the "Dog Whisperer, Cesar Milan"? I think they may need the extra help. But Ozzy is very entertaining.

Christmas Tree Hunting...

2008-12-19T14:09:00.000-08:00

Unlike our friends and Hubby's family we are not U-Cut Christmas Tree fans. NOPE we like our lot guy. As you drive by you see your tree, get out, point and grunt, they wrap and throw in the back of your truck and you go home. No hiking, no rain, no snow, no screaming, no pottying in the shrubs, no threats of divorce. Perfect tree shopping experience. Take a look.

Below is a shot from the outside.

Bee and Pita.

Pita Made a Mr. Snowman

Christmas Event...

2008-12-11T14:20:00.000-08:00

This last Saturday I helped with another Special Event. "Breakfast with Santa". It was decorated and catered with first class flair. All done in White and Silver. Sorry I have no pix's I was just so busy with everything. I went in Fri night at 11:30PM and worked until Saturday 3AM. Then came back at 7AM and worked until 12:30pm and then returned at 4:00PM and worked until 7:00Pm. Crazy Huh? That what it's like when you do Special Events. I believe the next event is in January "Snowed In" They bring in like 50 or more dump trucks of snow and have snowman building contest, sledding and other activities. Can't wait. The pix above is the tree they lighted at the event.
Below is the pix I took on my way home from my polygraph test. You can make out the Pantages Theatre. It was a good feeling to see this after such a stressful test.

Polygraph....

2008-12-10T08:54:00.000-08:00

I am so, NOT Bruce Lee cool.
Well, this I have to say, was the MOST nerve racking event I have ever endured. EVER. I could feel my heart beat in my fingertips that were connected to the polygraph machine. It is usually a 2 and half hour ordeal but this took me more like 3 and a half hours. The gentleman who gave this test was very nice, easy to talk to, and seemed very genuine. So it was easy to confess all your sins. You see the idea is that once you confess everything it will allow them to see if there is anything else that you may be concealing. But this was MY problem. Even though I confessed everything I still had a guilty conscience. I am a horrible Lie. I'm so pathetic that I even cried like a little girl. Whats up with that? And it was all video recorded. He promised it would not be on U-Tube. That would be Soooo embarrassing. But I have to say this to my sister. ( you know which one, Yes you. ) I confessed everything and I still passed! I am not that horrible of a person. Yes, I made mistakes and may have criminal relatives but all in all I am a pretty good fair and honest person. Thank You Polygraph Guy, I hope I didn't bore you. And I quite possibly gave you some laughs out of my misery. Now I have to take a 4-6 hour physc test next week.

Cathedral Windows...

2008-12-10T06:38:00.000-08:00

This is a recipe that my Portland SIL asked for. It's my Hubby's family Christmas treat that their mom use to make. I put it together so even the the worst cook/chef will able to accomplish this delicious X-mas treat.

These are the items you will need.
1. 12oz bag of dark or milk chocolate chips
2. 1 16oz tub of dark or milk chocolate frosting
3. 1 10.5 oz multi-colored mini marshmallows
4. 1 14oz bag sweetened coconut
5. 1 BIG bowl
6. Parchment paper
7. foil

Step 1. Put your frosting into the BIG bowl.

Step 2. Melt your chocolate chips.

Step 3. Add your melted chocolate chips to the frosting and mix together.

Step 4. Add your marshmallows.

Step 5. Mix together.

Step 6. Dump the mixture onto parchment paper into a long log shape.

Step 7. Roll mixture with the parchment paper.

Step 8. Your compacting, squeezing and rolling until you get your desired thickness.

Step 9. Add a portion of your shredded coconut along side of your roll.

Step 10. Use some more coconut and pat in and around your log until it's totally
covered.

Step 11. Roll up your log with the parchment making sure the coconut is well
covering your log.

Step 12. Then roll up in foil and put in frig until firm. No less the 4 hours
preferably overnight.

Step 13. Take out of fridge and open.

Step 14. Cut in desired thickness. And put on a pretty plate and serve. Easy, Huh? Enjoy!

Oral Board Interview...

2008-12-05T08:46:00.000-08:00

I did it I passed the Oral Board Interview. I was so nervous I wasn't sure I would be able to speak English, just Charlie Browns teachers talk. Whhaa Wha Wha Wha Whaaa. Yes, that's what I think I sounded like. As soon as the interview was over the Deputy escorted me to his office had a brief chat about the interview. Then had me sit in the waiting area until my scores were added. Then he came back with a smile and hand shake and informed me I had passed. Offered me nothing more about the interview. And gave me my date and time for the next phase sometime later this month. The POLYGRAPH TEST. Oh fun....

Thanksgiving Weekend!

2008-11-29T18:11:00.000-08:00

Oh My, Every year I eat to much. Why do we do that to ourselves? We are not big on turkey so we went with ham this year. We had Bee's boyfriend over this year. He made the yummiest cheesecake. OK now I do cheat a bit on our Thanksgiving dinner. Since it's just us I do go and buy stuffing already made. It's from Safeway's and IT IS THE BEST! And I am not ashamed to say we get our mashed potato's, gravy and biscuits
from KFC. You all know they are the best and you know you wished you had the same idea. I did make the rest green been casserole, yams, oh and chocolate cupcakes with Hazelnut meringue butter cream.
Here are a couple of pix's. The pix below is Hubby's view.

And my view, below.

After dinner the kids and I took the dogs for a walk.

*****************************************************
The next day we went to Portland to visit Hubby's sisters family. We have not seen there new home and Hubby has not met Ruby Baby yet. I don't think a family could get any cuter. Their home to their lil'girls. Here is Hubby with his sister T and her Lil'Jah. She is just shy of 3 Years Old. Her party is set for this next weekend and her parents are a bit nervous about having their first kid party. Welcome H family to the weird world of other kids weird parents and odd situations they put you in. You know what I mean?. Right? Well, you will.

Below is Ruby Baby with her dad. How adorable.

And then both babes with mom.

And below, me with Ruby Baby. Do you think if I accidentally took her home they would miss her terribly? Yeah, I bet they would.

Ok, H Portland family, I think the next time we get together we need to take time a really get some pix's with all the girls. What were we thinking? It did seem as time went by quickly. So we need to visit again soon. Love YA.
I want to give a big THANK YOU for the great lunch and for my B-day gifts. Very sweet of you. Peace.

Thank You, My Friend....

2008-11-23T10:05:00.000-08:00

I spent Friday with my friend Dawn. I want to Thank her for giving me a lesson on making gum-paste Forget-Me-Not flowers. Look how cute.

Also she presented me with a B-day gift. Look how cool. Can't wait to try it out. You see this on an infomercial. It's one of those items you you think "Dang, that's so cool." But you never get for yourself. Of course I will post all about how it goes when I do use it. Just like the infomercial. I bet you can't wait.

**********************************************************

Also I want to send a Thank-You to my friend Chris for these No-Burn cookie sheets. This will be a huge thing for my Coconut Macaroons. No more babysitting them and throwing out the first batches.

Master Hubby Is Home!!!

2008-11-20T18:35:00.000-08:00

Hubby is done with the academy. He came home with this pin on his uniform. This signifies that he qualified in the highest group of marksmanship. There are 3 levels Marksman, Expert then Master. Master means you shoot between 285-300. Whatever that means. But way cool.

I Need Cupcakes!!!

2008-11-20T14:51:00.000-08:00

I made Spiced Cider cupcakes with Cream Cheese Cider Frosting. Yumm-O. Look at these cute X-mas tree cupcakes. I wanna try these soon.

Happy Anniversary Hubby....

2008-11-19T08:37:00.000-08:00

It's number 17. Can you believe it? Did it go by fast or did it go slow? I guess it depends on the day. Just to let you all know he graduates tomorrow. So he will be home now. On his regular work schedule.

**********************************************************

Look how cute these little reindeer's are. I did a bit of X-Mas shopping in town and found these little vintage velvet reindeer's. I got them for a gift. But when my daughter Bee saw them she said they were creepy. WHAT!? Now I am second guessing on giving them as a gift. And it's to one of you who reads this blog. So if any of you who see's these and thinks there creepy, you better drop me a note or they may be yours for Christmas.

Job Update...Pre-Oral Interview

2008-11-18T17:01:00.000-08:00

Just a quick note. I went to my pre-oral interview. I can't give to many details except I revealed my most embarrassing behavior to a complete stranger. But before I left I did get a date for the next step. An Oral Board interview in early December.

Live Art....

2008-11-16T16:55:00.000-08:00

This Saturday my Pita did another little live theatre with Ascension Prod. What Petra did was create in our small downtown shop windows, live Norman Rockwell art. Downtown was celebrating the beginning of the Christmas Shopping Season. Pita sat there like a pro for 3 hours ignoring gob's of lookie-loo's Ewing and awing over her performance. Another proud mom moment. I can not for the life of me find a copy of the exact print Pita portrayed. I will continue to look. The print is on the door of this establishment but you can not see it unless you zoom in on it. It is on the lower part of the door. Take a peek. And you can see the store front in the next two pix's. Pita is in the window to the left. Cute Cute Cute.

Here are some other scenes.

There were a couple more but taking a pix with window reflection is to much for an armature photographer.

Lemon Cupcakes For My Pita....

2008-11-14T11:05:00.000-08:00

My Pita really wanted some lemon cupcakes. So I made them for her this morning. Turned out really yummy. Take a peek. I already ate 2. Get this I bought Pita a small Christmas gift last week. Or was it this week? I can't remember. You see, that's my problem. I don't know what I did with it. I have turned the house upsidedown. I even checked all the garbage! YUUUUKKKK So gross. Any-hoo no luck. I even went to all the shops I hit that day and checked thinking I may have put it down along the way. And hoping someone would turn it in. You know I should have some Karma stocked up somwhere. You think?

Flood Update...

2008-11-13T06:16:00.000-08:00

The blue line is where the water crested in 2006 flood. After the devastation, Mother Nature shows even how beautiful she is. The sun, light and reflection of a beautiful sky in the flood waters.

The pix above shows our driveway. The pix below, I waded out and looked back to the right of our driveway.

The below pix's are looking down into the community below our home. They call us the hill people.

Last night was a beautiful full moon. You can't help but be swept up in the beauty and power and anger Mother Nature can bring upon you. It's beyond what I can even explain or express. Just took the girls to the bus stop now I'm going back to bed. I was up checking the river every 2 hours. Is this the beginning of a horrid flood season?

Flood Update...

2008-11-12T18:22:00.000-08:00

OK...This pix was taken about 3:00PM it is now 6:00PM and the flood is is now at where I drew the blue arrow. The walkway is now under and it halfway through the yard, inching to the apartment doors. I spoke with news crew from channel 7 and they were told the river will crest at 4AM. I was told midnight. So who really knows. The only thing predictable about Mother Nature is that it's unpredictable. Just like a woman... Don't you think? I got my flashlights out and found some batteries. I need to keep an eye on this beast. I know my first warning is when I see or hear no traffic on the freeway. And when that happens, We will more then likely leave.

It's Flooding

2008-11-12T16:32:00.000-08:00

OK this is the deal. The school called and informed me that because of evacuation of my neighborhood there will be no bus transportation and I will have to pick up my kids. Flooding really? So I go check and sure enough the river is high and getting higher by the second. I feel the vibration of the river flow as I type this and hear the News helicopters above. We are freaked. This is our 3 time. We have always been an island and it usually floods all around us. I am having the girls pack an overnight bag. Hubby is away and he thinks this is not a big deal. But informed me not to get to close to the flood because that will be the end of me. The sidewalk Pita is standing on is now underwater. This river usually so low you would not see it in this shot. Gotta go. It's suppose to crest around midnight. I'll keep you posted.

Death With Dignity. I-1000

2008-11-06T05:40:00.001-08:00

Passing this Initiative is more distressing then having a Democrat as president. This law will give Doctors permission to give lethal doses of drugs to the dying patients. When a patient is that far you know it will be a family member or nurse who will administer the drug. What happens if the patient is of sound mind but his body is not able to respond, and he changes his mind about being put down. And now he must watch as he is drugged and dies. I see what this law is trying to do. But...there are so many things wrong with it. It's suicide and murder, plain and simple. It's a plan that has a huge possibility to be abused. And I can't live with knowing that I voted for a law that helped to commit murder to someone who changed their mind at the last minute.

No Title Today!

2008-11-05T05:58:00.000-08:00

Bummer!

I Voted! Did You?

2008-11-04T11:16:00.000-08:00

Date With Hubby.....

2008-11-03T13:20:00.000-08:00

Hubby's home this weekend and we had a date. We spent it at the 'Marksman'. It's where you go to practice the art of firing a gun. They also sell guns, ammo and classes to teach you safety of firearm ownership. When I was in my early 20's I took a class about firearm safety and laws and rules of ownership. But since I had the girls, I would rather not have them in my home at all. But now they are older and the career path that hubby and I are pursuing, this will be an important part of our jobs. So this weekend we went and practiced. Hubby showed me the cutest little black 9mm gun made in Russia. I couldn't wait to try it out. And when I did, I hated it! It was a meat grater. It was harsh to the area between my thumb and index finger where the gun rests against. Then I tried a 40 Cal. that will be highly likely the one I may be issued. I have shot this one before. Nice and smooth but for some friking reason I'm always off target. Hate that one too. AAwwww now the 357 magnum revolver. This is a small cannon! You turn heads in the firing range when you shoot this one. It's AWESOME! Smooth and BAM! loud. Just the grip was a bit big for the frame of my hand. So I rented another with a smaller grip and yes! Still hitting bulls eye with it. It was a good date. Learned a lot and hubby was there to teach me how to be a better marksman.

Happy Halloween...

2008-10-31T19:20:00.000-07:00

This is so sad.My girls are both at parties. And hubby and I are home alone. No tricks, no treating. We carved no pumpkins and put out no decorations. Times are a changing now that the girls are older. As I drove them to there parties I saw all the moms and dads with there little ones. I miss that. I also miss making costumes. We had some good ones. Happy Halloween!!

They Called!

2008-10-29T15:31:00.000-07:00

OMG OMG OMG! I just got a call for the next phase in the Corrections job. This will be the interview phase. It is scheduled for Mid November. I'm so excited and nervous

Nero's Owie

2008-10-29T13:10:00.000-07:00

When I came in Saturday Morning after work I noticed Nero limping. I woke Hubby up and asked him "What happened?" He said he didn't notice. (Of course not!) The next morning I went outside and saw there was a dead possum in the grass. Hhmmm Maybe Nero got bit while wrestling with it. Well after limping for 2 days and his paw had swollen and turned red. They thought he may have lodged something in it. I told the vet about the possum, but she really just disregarded that idea. So, they went in and found nothing and came up with the conclusion that it was a bee sting. So they gave him some medication and sent us home. He looked drunk and wobbly and peed on the bed. But the next day he is running around and not limping at all.

My Job

2008-10-29T12:40:00.000-07:00

Now, this Halloween event is boxed and stored until next year. Now what do I do? The conclusion I came up with is that they may or may not call me for future events. They have not really informed myself or the 2 others I was hired with much of anything. I even asked and it's always answered with "I'm not sure." "I won't know until later." "I may need you I'm not sure.". What kind communication is that? I guess most staff was asking to ride with family and friends in the back of the truck. (hayride through the haunted forest". That never even crossed my mind to ask. When she asked what I wanted to do I just responded what ever that's needed. Since she said she liked what I was doing and that I am animated she would like to keep me where I was.... Secretly I said "Crap!" back to being snake lady! Oh well.
You know there were so many people in such a large area that there were many kids and young adults that literally did nothing but sit and flirt with each other. Even saw a few hook-ups. eeewwwww I can not even express how much work and creativity went into this project. I went in and re-did scenes and sets and tried to get teen volunteers to do what is being asked and not think this was a big party time. And even escorting kids out that snuck in to hang with there friends. There was a 20something girl drinking booze while on the job. Then I saw her sneak off and soon smelled her smoking a cigarette then smelled something else. When she finally appeared about an hour after she left I asked her where she disappeared to. I informed her that I smelled her smoking. She said she did, and then she got lost. Bullshit! I would have said more to her but she has worked and known Boss Lady for years. I hope I get more work with them until the Correction Officer job comes through. Even though this was a weird job with a lack of communication, it is 100% better then working in the stinky, nasty kitchen.
I have to say this, I never ever thought I would work in a Haunted House. And to do it at my age. It's just weird. Or is it I'm just a loser and desperate? It was like working for a huge theatre production.

Weekend News

2008-10-27T09:04:00.000-07:00

This weekends big news was Bee's "Homecoming Dance". This is her first. I didn't have to be at work until noon so I did her nails then went to picked up his boutonniere. Then I was off to work. Hubby took over from there. I was waiting for him to send me pix's while I was at work. I was so happy when he did. She was stunningly beautiful. I'm so glad he was there. The wrist corsage Nathan ordered for her matched his boutonniere perfectly. She said she had so much fun. Perfect!

Im A Snake...SSssssss....

2008-10-23T07:32:00.000-07:00

Well, yesterday was a bit more then a 10 hour day. I spent approximately 7 hours spinning, No, I mean hanging spider webbing throughout the forest of HORROR. Then I was told that I will be a character in one of the scenes. I was hoping and under the impression that I would be helping with guests. But working with this magnitude of event anything can happen. So I am a snake person. As you can see from the pix above. I will be working the scene I helped build. So dress rehearsals were to get started at 5:30-6:00pm. We got our costumes and waited 3 "friking" hours sitting in the dark forest floor waiting for the truck with the bosses to test run this event. As I was sitting there I walked around and thought the other scenes were so much more scarier then ours. But when the truck came around we actually made them jump and scream. I heard Boss Lady say that this was her favorite scene and that we didn't need to change anything. We are free to go. RIGHT ON! Gave snake man a high five and hurried home. I'm so tired. Today the event opens and it could be an even longer day.

First Day...

2008-10-22T08:41:00.000-07:00

When I arrived at the site of the "Haunted Hayride" I was so amazed how big this project is. This is a huge Halloween event. It's done in a 80 acre park. After the tour of the site, my first project was the tunnel of snakes. There was a awning being erected and it needed to be a filled with shrubs and foliage. OK we are in a forest no problem. Except, we have no tools for cutting. But we managed. It took a long time to put it all in place. This is the time of year when foliage is not the fullest. I felt like we were tearing the forest apart. Then we covered it in spider webbing and tons of rubber snakes. We got compliments and were told so far it was the best display. Next the section, was a haunted, new housing development and it needed halfway built house frames erected. Well, you kind of needed to know how to hammer nails and a bit about how to erect a wall. And what was taking them half a day to do, took my group 45 min. Today will be an 11 hour day. This is so much better then working in a dirty kitchen.

Guess What?!

2008-10-21T08:20:00.000-07:00

Guess! I start work this morning. I don't know any more then that except it's outside and it's going to be COLD! I feel,this is a bit hurried. But as soon as this event is over all will be settled out. At yesterdays orientation there were two other girls and they were also very confused this week. They called and were really not sure if they should attend the class either. So that validates all my apprehension I felt this week. When I asked the instructor "What do we do now?" she looked confused. She was surprised that we were told nothing. Even about this orientation class. I think the Park and Rec Dept will be getting a talk'in to. Woopsy!
I am going in with a lot of events experience. Of course, being a mom is an event coordinator everyday, from the start. But the experience from Ascension really pulled it all together. Thank Petra! I will add more later and let you know what went on. Gotta go... I need to go find some fuzzy socks and gloves. Ta..Ta..

Pita My Track Star...

2008-10-19T19:01:00.000-07:00

Pita my track star received a trophy for "Best Attitude". And 3 ribbons in district she received 4Th place in Javelin, 6Th in 400m, and 7Th in 4x200 relay. How awesome is she?!!!!

Wedding Bells This Weekend

2008-10-19T15:38:00.000-07:00

I would like to give a shout out to my Hubbies Aunts Danette and Dee who just got married after 32 year engagement. They were the only 2 at our wedding 17 years ago and treated us to the best wedding dinner ever. Danette and Dee if you read this I want to wish you two the best forever. If I was able to attend I would of loved to make you this cupcake tower like the one in the pix shown. But you have a special gift on the way. Pita helped me pick it out. I would love to see pix's of this special event. I was going to copy our wedding video for you. It's the funniest thing ever! It's so excruciating to watch and always almost, pee my pants funny. And you two are in it too. Love you and thank you for all your advice on the job hunting. Peace....

Job Update...Event Coordinator....

2008-10-19T09:49:00.001-07:00

Well, Last Friday I received a call to fill out a background check application ASAP. Because they want me to work their "Haunted Hayride" event Oct 23-25Th. BUT...before I can do that I need to fill out the background check paperwork, so I did that Sat the 11Th. And then attend the City's orientation on Monday the 20Th before I am able work. Well I waited all week for the call to confirm that class and when I did not receive one. And now it's Friday the 17Th.
I call Human Resource directly to confirm that that I was in that class. OMG. The woman said "This is not for you, to call us! Were you even hired?" I tried to explain what has transpired and the predicament that I am in. And also tried to get her to tell me if there was a class. But she continued. That this was not for me to contact her, they are to call me. OK. Thank you. Dang she was rude and a bit upset like I, a mere pheasant would dare to bother her all mighty self. So I leave 2 messages for the woman who called me to work this event Friday morning and Friday evening. Still no returned call. While this is all happening I find out that this same woman who is not calling me back is harassing my reference Petra of Ascension Prod. for her "Thriller Scarecrows". OK, that would usually be a big deal, but with such short notice and high demands they wanted of the kids and being a "Homecoming" weekend it really not do-able. Petra told them that maybe future events would be good but this one is just not going to happen. But I guess Petra's kind "no" was not good enough and keep calling and harassing. So If this woman can call Petra why not call me. So Petra and myself think they threw me a line to maybe get her. NOT COOL!
My next move is Saturday 18Th I went to Parks and Rec to maybe contact her face to face. Bummer, she not in on weekends. But the girl at the desk suggest I call her Monday the 20Th morning and if she does not answer call the front desk and she will pull this woman out of her class that she teaches Monday mornings. So That's my next move. I am going to be aggressive about this and not be played. This not returning calls and such is not the way to handle professional business. You need communication and be direct. And if I still can't contact her Monday morning I'm just going to show up for the class anyways. Even if they say "Why are you here?". Then I guess I'm off looking for another job. Dang!

Weekend News

2008-10-12T11:43:00.000-07:00

Hubby is home this weekend .In this Pix you can see Nero misses him. I am really busy filling out my background check. Recalling what I was doing and living and working 25 years ago takes awhile. Also I got a call back for the "Assistant Event Coordinator" job. Get this...They need me to go down to city hall and fill out a background check! EEERRrrrrrr. I have no secrets left. They want me ASAP to help with all the Halloween events coming up upon us. Sad thing is it will be 10 hour days and I will miss Bee's first homecoming dance. I will not be able to do her hair, makeup, pictures and it really kills me inside. And she's upset too. But, I need the job and she understands.
Hubby took Bee to get her permit today. She passed and got her very first driving experience on the roads. Take a peek.

I Passed The First Phase

2008-10-09T18:00:00.000-07:00

Well I did it. I passed the written and physical part of the testing. Now, this next phase is filling out a 20 page background check application. They look at EVERYTHING!. I will be very busy locating lost paper work and huge amounts of family background I know nothing about. I have to fill all the spaces on the application or it will be tossed and if anything is not complete or looks deceiving will also be thrown out. No room for guessing. That means calling people I have not talked to in years. Agencies I am sure will take forever to get what I need. I need to go get started.
I also got a call for an interview for the Special Events coordinator. I think I did well there was a panel of 3 asking me questions. They were very interested in the theatre group I volunteered for and actually called for more information about them. But personally, I have not herd back about the job I applied for. I know that I would be a huge asset for them. Hopefully they will call me back.

Sat Oct 4TH Was A Very Big Day ( 2 Posts Today)

2008-10-06T14:53:00.000-07:00

Look at my Pita. I rushed home from the Correction Physical testing just in time to get Pita to her rehearsals. Ascension Prod teamed up with a local dance studio to do a Micheal Jackson "Thriller" routine at the Harvest Festival downtown. They perform this every 3o min, 5-8pm. My friend Blondie came down to share in the festivities and we hit all the shops and watched the performance. Pita never broke character. The dancers and actors were stationed all over main street as scary scarecrows. Then when the music starts creaky and scary they start to move and drag their scary broken bodies to the center of town where they all gather to perform the "Thriller Dance". And then as soon as the last scarecrow is in place BAM! there off. It was fantastic. As soon as the dance was over the creaky scary music started and they creeped and dragged themselves to their spots. And the whole time Pita stayed in character. Even a local paper photographer came by and took a pix of Pita got her name and age. Of course she wouldn't answer him so he asked me. She's so funny.

Look at this cute lil witchy gal, Blondie got me for my B-day. How cute is she.

Don't forget to read the next post. It's a follow up to the Correction Officer Testing.

Job Update... Physical Testing

2008-10-06T09:31:00.000-07:00

Well Saturday the 4Th was the day of my Physical test for Corrections Officer job. I again got there early and again a huge line was forming around the building. Everyone was either wearing shorts, t-shirts, hiking shoes or sneakers. (Does the word sneakers still exist?) And true to NW weather, it was blistery and rainy. We all piled into the facility's gymnasium and all approximately 200 of us one by one checked in. It was standing in this line I started conversing with the girl behind me and realized that there were 2 groups here. One for corrections and another for Sheriff Deputies. She was going for S.D.. Now that I think about it I should of too. Oh well, After about 1/3rd signed in they were directed over to the mat's where they would start the first phase of the testing. Sit-Ups and the dreaded push ups. And were we can ALL SEE! No privacy. And if you failed they ask you to leave then and there. So everyone knows! I thought Dang, if I could do sit ups first so they won't throw me out first thing. Well, before I knew it the test started and they did start with sit-ups. They had 3 stations side by side. The D.S. testers had to lace their fingers behind the head. And correction testers could either lace or cup your ears. But if you start at cupping and slide back to locking fingers you can not unlock. Got it? And the Law Enforcement guy put his hand under your shoulders to make sure you touched the mat. And the next tester would hold you feet to the ground. Then you have to bend at the waist and touch your elbows to your knees. Min is 18 and the max 28 in 1 min. So easy! But I did witness a woman who could not do any. She was asked to leave. Then you go stand on the opposite side in the same order and wait for the dreaded push-ups.(My Nemesis). My turn came. No time limit min 18 and max 23. A female Officer puts a 4 inch foam cube under you (just below the boobs, no specials for big boob girls.) You must depress the cube in order for it to count. And if they count the same number that means the last one did not count.Done! No prob. Damn! Adrenalin is awesome! Then we waited and waited and watched the rain. We watched the first batch of runners on the track.
I approached 2 girls who were pudgy, they were discussing their strategy on getting the run in time. Run this far walk this far etc. And how they wanted to go smoke a cigarette before it was time. I was thinking,go for it. Anything to give me an edge. Well they started a conversation with one of the events coordinators and I thought Hmmm I know her, I think. I looked at her name tag and then looked up at her and said. "I know you.". And she smiled and said the same thing we took a sec to remember where, and I said Tae Kwon Do?" And she smiled and said yes. Her son use to take TKD. But since my departure he has started up again. Wow what a small world. So she caught me up on all the gossip of whats going on there and she will tell Master Q about how well my test is going. Then she said "I didn't see your name?" I told her I used a different name and she said "Ahhh no wonder. Well I want you in my group and proceeded to take my card." I said "That OK you don't need to do that." But she insisted with a Lil grin. I looked around and saw the the 2 girls turn away from me. (petty stuff). Well the next round of runners were being called up and sure enough I was next. We were in 4 groups of 4. In my group was 4 girls. You remember the lady about my age in bright green pants I wrote about in the post about the written exam? Well, she was one of the 4 in my group. She had on running tights with shorts over. Like a professional 80"s marathon runner. And 2 African /Americans rounded out this bunch. Mentally, I said I'm screwed. I asked marathon lady is she ran marathons and she didn't deny it. Only responded that she didn't eat breakfast. I was shocked. I made sure I got up in plenty of time to prepare properly for this test. Any who, all 16 testers or so walked out to the track. Every lap we make we must shout out our name and lap # to our event coordinator. I was already informed by my acquaintance that I just needed to give her eye contact. Here we go, I had my i-pod and made sure I was on the inside and were off. The shorter African/American girl was directly in front of me. Lost her shorts and had to hold them up. And I was thinking what a major bummer to run 1.5 miles holding your shorts up. It started pouring rain and wind gusts. After a half lap I was thinking what am I doing? This is so crazy, I'm to old, I got to keep going, I'm never going to make 6 laps. Then I made my first lap. I hold up 1 finger and I see her point to me and say my name. Cool 5 laps left. Hey, I passed someone, It's a guy. Hey I'm passing another. Maybe I better slow down, will I be able to keep this pace. Fingers up, lap 2. What?, another guy walking. Cool I might not be last. Where are the girls? Are they taking there time then speed up at the end?. I hear someone on my heels but don't want to spend energy looking behind me. Lap 3, I can see 2 girls on the other side of the track. What the Hell! They are barely jogging. It's the tall A/A and the tall Marathon runner girl. Runner my ARSE! Lap 4 where did it go? I Passed the 2 girls.HAHA...
Lap 5... Lap 6 sprinted last 1/4mile to pass 2 more meat heads. And crossed the finish line at 13.41min. Well before the 16:37-17:54min requirement. Everything is done on a Pt. system. You need a score of 200 and doing min on all 3 events will not get you there but if you fail in one event you fail the test. But if you score low in one event you could possibly make it up in another. As I turned to watch the other runners I realized I was the first girl in the groups to cross and the A/A that was losing her shorts was the one on my heels. She said as long as she stayed on my heels she would be able to finish. I told her that holding up her shorts coasted her at least 30 Sec. We laughed and gave high fives. We did it! I was told to go home and around the 10Th I should receive info if I passed the written. And further instructions on what I am to do next. What a process. This is crazy. As I turned to leave the track I see the 2 last girls still needing to go another lap and a half. =( I went home just in time to get my Pita to her event. She played a scarecrow and the Down Towns "Harvest Festival." They did the best Michael Jackson "Thriller" dance every 30min. She deserves her own post. I will post soon.

Job Update...Written Exam

2008-10-02T15:12:00.000-07:00

I don't even know where to start...Tuesday evening was the written exam for the Correction Officer job. I thought since the test was at 5pm and it takes approx. 45 min to get there I would leave early enough to deal with traffic. And if I get there to early I can just sit in the car and study. Well, I got there about 40 min early and OMG there was already a line. On line, they suggest arriving a bit early because they only sit 69 testers. There were at least 90 people that arrived. Anywho.. As I stood in line looking at all the candidates. (You see, after watching T. apply for his job in law enforcement appearance is very important. So, I put a lot of thought in what I would wear. Be conservative and professional.) But the majority of the people there, wore extreme casual clothes. Baseball caps, graphic T's, flip flops, basketball shorts, gum chewing, ripped jeans, baggy jeans short shirts. The majority looked like they should be the ones behind bars. The test started late and took 3 hours. I don't know if I passed yet. I will be going back this Saturday morning for the physical testing. If I fail either test I will have to retest again for both, in the next cycle. There is a class that I missed that informs you on what they are looking for on the written exam. I missed this class. I was not aware of it until after I turned in my application. But, it is offered again for the next test cycle. If I fail, I will attend this next time around.
Oh, I forgot, there was a guy there reading a tween novel, a fantasy book about dragons a bit like Harry Potter. WHAT THE HELL! What adult reads a tween book at a job test for a Law Enforcement job. Am I crazy! Oh and in the job test description they emphasized (is that spelled right?) ABSOLUTLY NO CELL PHONES, PDA's,or anyother electronics allowed in the building. Ummm... people walked in the facility talking on the phones or once they were in the phones would ring. They should of failed! There was a woman there about my age short messy hair, bright green pants, short shirt and you could see her back and crack when she leaned over to sign in. You can't tell me she's been drug free for the last 10 years. Oh, and I was informed that 75% fail this test the first time. So I am almost sure I'll be back.

Law Enforcement Hero's

2008-09-24T09:06:00.000-07:00

It's been a really difficult month, we have lost 2 hero's this month. On September 2, 2008 we lost Deputy Anne Jackson and on September 20Th, 2008 we lost US Forest Officer Kristine Fairbanks. I don't think the general public understand what our law enforcement do to protect them. They give understanding, time, education, energy, they are on duty 24/7, and even give there lives. All to make sure we are safe and treated fairly. I truly don't think that many people truly, truly understand what law enforcement give of themselves. They are true HERO's. Peace

Track Star

2008-09-18T20:11:00.001-07:00

This was Pita's first track meet. She entered 4 events. 100 meter, 200 meter, long jump and shot put (?).(throwing or tossing of the little heavy ball). She takes this sport very seriously. And her dad and I are very proud of her.

You Go GIRL!!!

Job Update...

2008-09-18T20:11:00.000-07:00

OK.. This is whats happening. I have been waiting for the call to come in and take the written exam for the Correctional Officer exam. Well the test is scheduled this weekend but I have not received my call. So I was discussing this with Hubby and Bee was listening and happen to notice on the caller ID there was a call from City Hall Friday, the day the applications were due. I called the # to find out it was Human Resources. Crap! They were closed so I left a message. I got a call today informing me that there were 2 reasons for not accepting my application. First there was a question asking if I have had 1 year working with the public. I marked no. I was under the impression they were referring to working with the public as law enforcement. I explained this to the woman because if she looked at my job history and volunteer work I have obviously have worked with the public for over 20 years. But she just said "Well, the box you marked was no, so your telling me you meant to mark yes?" "OK ,Yes that's what I should of done." So she said she will call her supervisor and see if I can come in and re-do this page of the application. 3 hours later she called and made a big speech about how she tried to contact me on the 12Th the deadline date. And they are not really are suppose to do that. So by the rules they will not be able to process further with my application. I suggested that the question was not clear and that all my references proofed my application and they did not question my answer. I thanked her for calling me back and for the consideration. Then I hung up and wanted to do something mean. But my Pita had a track meet and I couldn't wait to see her run. This was her first meet. I took pix's and I can't wait to post them for you. But that will be in a post just for her.
This is not the end of trying for this position. Pierce County is accepting applications by the 30Th. And you automatically qualify to take the written exam. So that is what I have done. I have a bit more time to train for the physical part of the testing and also I have police and WSP example written exam test books to help prepare me for the testing. All this stress is making me FAT!! My friend has stayed true to WW and has lost 45Lbs. She a twig now and wants to lose another 15lbs. I'm a bit, OK A LOT envious.

You Gotta Watch

2008-09-12T09:59:00.000-07:00

Every Bird Should Get To Fly...

I really like this Ad. Clever...

Stupid Flying Rocks!!!

2008-09-11T20:33:00.000-07:00

Pita had an orthodontist Apt today and on the way back to school a HUGE rock came flying like a rocket right into the windshield. Pita and I just gasped at the scene that we just witnessed. Crap! After I took her to school I went in search of getting it fixed. I found a outfit that will come out and do all the insurance paperwork. He came out shook his head and wavered on doing the job since it's in the line of the drivers vision. "Uh no, it's just to the right really" And with that he said "Aahhh OK." And he did it. I can still see it but hopefully the crack won't spread.

Tomorrow is the deadline for correctional officer job. So anytime after that I will be waiting for the call. Cross your fingers!!

An update on Hubbys job. He is now at the Academy for approx 3 months he can come home Wed nights for Krav then come home Friday afternoon for the weekend. He gets pepper sprayed tomorrow. Heheheh.....

Pure Romance Party.

2008-09-09T07:30:00.000-07:00

This weekend I was invited to a "Pure Romance" party. They had a little game to play. The consultant says a letter and you shout out a word that corresponds and is related to the type of party.I can have quite the potty mouth. I have lived with the trucker attitude for quite sometime. And I totally won!!I won a lipstick. Uh-um..I don't wear lipstick but when I looked I couldn't help but take one. How funny are they? I was told that men were not really allowed. The consultant said that if men attend then it's considered porn. And you need a special licence to sell it. Men make everything dirty. Every sale is private so as not to embarrass, but I took everything out of my bag to show and as my friends did so too and the consultant was like "Hey, it's suppose to be private." What are you kidding. After all the talk touch and taste's you have to keep what you bought private. Hell, I'm to snoopy for that. It was fun and funny. My friend Dawn and I are thinking about having one. Anyone want to come? No pun intended. =)

Dog Walk

2008-09-04T11:14:00.000-07:00

As you all know I am always rehabilitating my dogs. According to Cesar Millan shy, nervous dogs are the worst cases. It is easier to rehabilitate a red-zone dog. Feral dogs may never be the balanced dog we all desire. But we can always try and always move forward. OK.. with that said here are our good moments we had yesterday. My Bee and I went to a training class an off-leash dog walk with our trainer Kate and her 6 dogs. When we arrived we were met by an Japanese lady and a few neighborhood kids on bicycles eager to meet my dogs. Hands in the window before I could say no. Brutus sniffed and Nero hid in the corner. So I took them out and Nero pretty much slinked behind Bee and myself. As we were getting the dogs ready to go I look down and the OMG the Japanese lady was kneeling and my nervous, shy Nero was eagerly accepting the love she was giving him. I hurried and took a pix as did the trainer Kate. We were all in awe. Take a look..

To me this is one more step forward. Then when we asked the dogs to sit on a rock. I tought I would have to pick up my Brutus for this because he refuses to do anything and he jumped up with one "up" command told him to stay, walked across the street and took a pix. Look at him looking so proud of himself. You go Brute!!!

...Correction Officer or Victoria Secret...

2008-09-03T11:18:00.000-07:00

Well, today I turned in my application for a local Correction's Officer job. As I walked out of the new city offices I felt nervous and bit sick. This could be a nice little career for me. If they accept this application I will get called in for a written interview, then if I pass that I get called back the next day for the physical testing that will be held at a local H.S. track. Then if I pass that they call me in the next day for an oral interview. I think I have some strikes against me, being female, no experience, and over 40. But I have great references a retired Air Force officer also retired from Correction Officer at McNeil Island prison. A local police officer and also the Legal Aid to the local county Sheriff. How cool are those references. Wish me luck and I just pray I wont throw up every time I think about all the criteria.
So, now that I might not get a call should I go in for the mass interview for Victoria's Secret. They just opened a new store here and it's so pretty. Just like a little-bit of Paris just showed up. I did take a look at the employees and they are so young they don't even need most things sold there. Plus I feel silly when a 20 year old girl tries to tell me what size I should be wearing. What does she know. If only she did know.....She would never have kids....Just Kidding....But seriously my daughter Bee really wants me to work there so she can get a discount on pretty underwear. Hhmm

Bruce Lee "Be Water My Freind"

2008-08-27T07:55:00.000-07:00

Sometimes we have to remind ourselves to find our way...My Way...

Amazing!

2008-08-21T16:21:00.000-07:00

Well, I lost an earring. Yes, again! Well I took them off in Krav and put them in my bag. Well that's was about 2 weeks ago. So I remembered that I had my earrings in there and went looking for them. I found just one. Crap-o-La. I figured it must be in my car (fallen out or something) but my car is in the shop. So I thought I would look in the gravel by where I usually park. And guess what? I found it. My Pita looked at me and started giggling and said " I can't believe you found it." I can find an earring in an half acre of gravel but I can't find a good job. HHhmmm
*************************************************************************************But on the job hunt I have applied all over. I applied with the City for an PT Special Event Coordinator Assistant. (I really wanted this one) I applied at the local hardware store Garden Dept. I applied at 2 Vets Offices. Loomis Armored car driver (really wanted that one too). REI, Fred Meyer, and I forgot already, Oh I have a possibility to work at Ft. Lewis in supplies. I would like this one even if it's a ways away. But I won't turn it down. And I have something I am working for but I can't really share with ya yet. I do have to get fit because I need to take a fitness test first. If ya guessing some law enforcement you might be right. It's weird to do all your job applications on-line these days. They don't want you coming in. I think that really a disadvantage for me. I feel that my name is to different and may not get a call back because they can't pronounce it or it just might be foreign. Like I might not speak English or something. Am I paranoid? I talked to my sister about that she thinks I am way off. So that made me feel better and that I am just over thinking things. Love ya Bobbie...

Thank You Danette!

2008-08-21T16:20:00.000-07:00

Dog Poo

2008-08-15T11:40:00.000-07:00

My daughter Pita and I decided to take the dogs out for a training walk. Well ya know you got's to take a poo-poo bag with you. I usually take a mini-backpack to hold the poo-poo bags. Then to carry the poo once you put it in the poo-poo bag. It's bad when you have to have two leashed dogs and a bag of poo with you. And of course I will not want the girls to be embarrassed by carrying the poo either. So as a mom who wants them to walk with me does all the picking up, and holding. Anyways..... We went to walk on the river bank when Nero decided to take his poo. I thought perfect that way I would just kick it down the slope instead of having to pick it up. Well Pita started for the backpack for a poo-bag, when I decided to kick it. I made a poem about what happened.

My dog took a poo
I kicked it with my shoe
It broke in two
Now there is poo
On top of my shoe
EEEWWWWwww
Now what do I do?
PPeewwww

Pita's comment with a smirk on her face. "Well what did you expect?" I looked at her wide eyed and said "I expected it to roll down the hill." DUH!!!

Cancer Sucks! Relay For Life

2008-08-10T10:11:00.001-07:00

Well Friday night after I quit work my friend Petra and her family and friends organized "The Tornado's" Our slogan is "Helping To Wipe Out Cancer." We did this in memory of her brother (my BIL), my Mom, MIL and other friends and family we have lost to this. But I have to tell you that my heart and mind was not there to really help her put this together. I guess from the lack of people donating was a real let-down. We only raised 25$ outside of what we ourselves put in. Even though I suggested we just give the $ and bail from actually doing the walk she said "No! Lets not forget who we want to do this for." She's right. So we went and it was a huge emotional event. I thought it was a lot of HOOP-LA. But to actually be there was not only raising funds but to remind us not to forget that without $ there will be no chance for a cure. Or to even help those who are fighting cancer now. It really hit when we were decorating our In Memory of Luminaries. And watching the survivors and the ones who are battling cancer now, walk the lap around the track. You knew who they were, they all wore dark purple T-Shirts as a constant reminder during this event.
At one point they advertised that the blood mobile was there for blood donations. My friend Miss Bond went and was irate when they turned her down she was a few points under the iron count. This was something I always wanted to do so later I decided to donate. Not that easy!!!First I enter the medical smelling bus already feeling weak from it. Then seeing the line to wait in. And while you wait watching bags of blood being filled. So it was my turn to enter the lil-tiny room and asked a bunch of questions. Then was sent out to fill out a questionnaire. About drugs you take diseases you've had. Well I didn't know most of the diseases or drugs so I felt sure the answers were no. Then I waited and then she called me back and asked more questions like have I had sex for drugs or money? Have I had sex with anyone from Africa? Have I been in the UK? Has my partner had sex with other men or anyone from Africa? Then, do I have HIV, Aids or been active with anyone with it? On and on and on. So when I passed that I had to sit and wait again for another nurse. Then I was called into another lil-room she stuck a thermometer in my mouth, BP cuff on and took my heart rate. Then she left the room came back asked if I had walked already "YES" then took my BP again looked at me and denied me. I said "What?" I was stunned. She said my BP was "to low". I walked out embarrassed everyone looking and I said "I've been denied BP was to low" And walked out pissed. I bet it wasn't low at that point. So when I got back it was dark and all the luminary's were lit. It was beautifully sad experience. So many, a quarter mile lined with lit luminaries. It was beautiful and sad at the same time.

This last Pix I am on the visitors side of the track looking across the football field and to the bleachers where they used the whole area to light up luminaries that say FIGHT BACK!! Fighting back the tears was more like it.

I QUIT!

2008-08-10T07:46:00.000-07:00

Well I quit my part-time part-time job. I really can't stand it when I like the customers and my 2 bosses ask me to cook food that is questionable. They do not see the danger in the way they handle food preparation. To me cleanliness and consistency is very important. This whole "wing it" is not a good way to run a successful anything. It all came to a head when I when one of the bosses came in and said they had complaints from my buffet. I agree! The food is not the best. But I know that I do the best with what they have. They don't use recipes they just wing things. I told him and he said he does but not really. I seen them, it's a list of things you use for the recipes. No measurements, most of the times they don't even have everything. So you end up winging it. And only having 2 1/2 hours to cook a buffet, soup from scratch, prep and fill a full salad bar, then do any menu orders that may come in is to much for one person. But before I even start I have to clean the mess that was left behind the night before. Dump the garbage from the last 2-4 days that really start to stink and all the dishes that were left. I hate cooking in a dirty stinky kitchen. Oh, and there is ALWAYS food left in the oven.
The thing that took me over the edge is I looked ahead and saw that I would be preparing a couple of things I never tried before a turkey roast. I asked the boss and he informed me and said "it's a turkey and a roast." I'm so glad I asked. Then I asked that these items be pulled 3 days ahead at put in the frig so they would be defrosted in time. He informed me that it's not necessary that it can be left overnight on the counter. I started to correct him he cut me off and said "Yes, you can do it that way because the core temp stays at proper temp." No use arguing with him because he kept cutting me off. But I was thinking what so hard taking it out and putting it in the frig. By the way this was suppose to be a very important buffet because there most important group was in as well as well as another group. So I was stressed all week in hoping that I can pull it off. When I went in that morning my worst fear was to see all that meat warm on the counter. I went in saw no meat. I was like cool must be in the frig. Look, not there. So I look for a note maybe that changed the menu. None. Look in the freezer TA-DA. Never even been pulled. What the hell am I to do now? I text the boss and he said "Well just make something happen." I can't work like that. I did what I could do. I had 3 compliments from guest. Whew. That night I went home and wrote a letter for each boss stating my last day is Friday. I text them to let them know they had my letter in there offices. The food is old, rotten, and never stored properly always running out of key items. And it very dirty. I can't do all the cleaning. It's a group effort. It can be such an awesome establishment. Oh and 1 sharp knife in a kitchen is silly.
I never got a call from either boss about my decisions. You think they would call and ask whats going on? Nope, Nata, Nothing!!! And when I left on Friday, on my way out I seen one boss walk in and I gave my shout out like always and he did not look at me (he was literally 2 feet from me) or acknowledge me in any way. Then he turned and walked away. We'll I guess I won't be using them as a reference. CRAP!
I made delicious cupcakes for all my regular customers and work friends. They were sad to see me go. And really pissed off at the management and suggested I give the one finger salute as I walk out the door. This is a club and they are members. So they will I'm sure bring it up at the next meeting. One member in particular was so upset he really was choked up. And literally spitting mad. He always came in the kitchen and would give me a dollar or 2 for a tip. How sweet is that.
I tried not to leave on such bad terms because my friend does use this facility for her theatre production's. But now we know better then using it as a "Dinner Theatre" We will now just have "Dessert Theatre". We will be in charge of it and of course quality control will be enforced by us. Thank GOD!

I Am A "Effen" Loser

2008-08-03T19:24:00.000-07:00

Trying to find a decent job that pays well is "Effen" crap. It makes me feel old, stupid. I am a "Effen LOSER". I am angry and bitter. I hate the job I have now. They are a bunch of ungrateful turds. Nothing but complaining and no one desires to change. A vicious circle going nowhere fast. I need a positive work environment. Does that even exist? As you can tell I am going down a steep slope of depression. Oh, and by the way Tim LOVES his job. How awesome for him. Do you hear my sarcasm?

Nachez Camping Trip

2008-07-29T06:37:00.001-07:00

This trip was mostly a dog training trip, for me. I did do that but I can't say they did well. The desire to hunt is very high. If there is no critter they do very well. The guys got to ride and honestly the only peace My friend Elisa and I had were when we hiked the river. Six teen "out of control" boys made for a very stressful trip. But the river was fun. Oh yeah, We were walking the dogs for a river hike and we ran into a neighboring camp who had a really aggressive dog. Well he got loose and got into my friends 3 leashed retrievers and we had a dog fight on our hands. And one of the kids got a nicked knee out of it. OK, this really pissed my friend I herd her yelling and kicking all the kids were screaming. It was quite a scene. The Guy was so slow to react. I never seen my friend march back to camp so fast. Even though she was walking I had to run to keep up. When the neighboring guilty camp came back he did come by and apologize. But it just didn't seem like that was enough. It felt weak. But my friend accepted it graciously even though she was still very upset.
On our first river hike on the way home my heels were a little sore and my friend noticed some blood on my heels. I knew they were sore but not that sore. So on our next trip to the river I thought I would tape them up. You know duct tape fixes everthing. WRONG!!! It was gone after the first river crossing. Stupid Bloody Duct Tape!!!!

The last pix is of some river treasures. Two are of petrified wood. Oh Yeah, when we got home I asked Pita to rinse out our shoes and she found a little green river frog. So she and Bee took it to the river we live by and set it free. Poor little guy so far from home.

Vous pourriez avoir entendu une goutte d'épingle.

2008-07-24T10:04:00.000-07:00

You could have heard a pin drop....

When in England , at a fairly large conference, Colin Powell was
asked by the Archbishop of Canterbury if our plans for Iraq were just an
example of empire building' by George Bush.

He answered by saying, 'Over the years, the United
States has sent many of its fine young men and women
into great peril to fight for freedom beyond our borders.
The only amount of land we have ever asked for in return
is enough to bury those that did not return.'

You could have heard a pin drop.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

There was a conference in France where a number of
international engineers were taking part, including French
and American. During a break, one of the French engineers
came back into the room saying 'Have you heard the latest
dumb stunt Bush has done? He has sent an aircraft
carrier to Indonesia to help the tsunami victims. What
does he intended to do, bomb them?'
A Boeing engineer stood up and replied quietly: 'Our
carriers have three hospitals on board that can treat several
hundred people; they are nuclear powered and can supply
emergency electrical power to shore facilities; they
have three cafeterias with the capacity to feed 3,000
people three meals a day, they can produce several
thousand gallons of fresh water from sea water each
day, and they carry half a dozen helicopters for use in
transporting victims and injured to and from their flight
deck. We have eleven such ships; how many does
France have?'

You could have heard a pin drop.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A U.S. Navy Admiral was attending a naval conference
that included Admirals from the U.S. , English, Canadian,
Australian and French Navies. At a cocktail reception,
he found himself standing with a large group of Officers
that included personnel from most of those countries.
Everyone was chatting away in English as they sipped
their drinks but a French admiral suddenly complained that,
whereas Europeans learn many languages, Americans learn
only English.' He then asked, 'Why is it that we always have
to speak English in these conferences rather than speaking
French?'
Without hesitating, the American Admiral replied 'Maybe
it's because the Brits, Canadians, Aussies and Americans
arranged it so you wouldn't have to speak German.'

You could have heard a pin drop.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AND THIS STORY FITS RIGHT IN WITH THE ABOVE...

Robert Whiting, an elderly gentleman of 83, arrived in
Paris by plane. At French Customs, he took a few minutes to locate his
passport in his carry on.
'You have been to France before, monsieur?' the customs officer
asked sarcastically.
Mr. Whiting admitted that he had been to France previously.
Then you should know enough to have your passport ready.'
The American said, ''The last time I was here, I didn't have
to show it.

'Impossible. Americans always have to show your passports
on arrival in France !'
The American senior gave the Frenchman a long hard
look. Then he quietly explained, ''Well, when I came ashore
at Omaha Beach on D-Day in 1944 to help liberate this country,
I couldn't find a single Frenchmen to show a passport to.'

You could have heard a pin drop.

Pedicures With Lori

2008-07-17T15:07:00.000-07:00

Well..My friend Lori called early this week asking when a good time would be for us to go get a pedicure. We set a date then she called and canceled then we decided to go have a coffee at Starbucks instead. As we were sitting there talking we talked about when we should go get our pedicure and we decided to get one after the trip we have in the next week. (not together). So I said there is a nail place across the way. And she said Yeah that's Pretty Nails the one she had mentioned before. Then the next thing I knew we were picking out toe nail colors. Hell...How'd that happen? But it was cool. She got a French tip and I got a hot summer pink with a lil flower on the big toe. I will look tough at Krav tonight. EERrrrr P.S. Those fake flip-flops they put on us, made us waddle through the parking lot like ducks. To Funny..

Bee's HOME!!!!

2008-07-13T20:08:00.000-07:00

My Bee is home safe and sound...She was a bit off about her pix being taken and tried to hide behind the first thing she could grab. A tube of dog food. Now i can sleep.

Bee Again Today....

2008-07-12T21:32:00.000-07:00

My Bee sent another pix. She's still fine. She will be home tomorrow. I can't wait.

Bee's Daily Photo...

2008-07-11T15:18:00.001-07:00

Bee sent me another pix of herself. It makes me feel better to see a pix then a text. And of course a phone call to let me know she's fine.
Oh, Yeah look what Pita and I saw yesterday. While we went to town to get our mail we saw a woman walking her miniature horse not a pony. She was just walking it like you would a dog. So just for you I took a pix.

Bee Camping Without Me.....

2008-07-10T10:13:00.000-07:00

My daughter Bee is camping with a girlfriend this weekend. Wed-Sun. She is 15 and this is the first time she has been gone from me for more then 1 night. I can't even tell you how stressed this makes me. She text's me and calls but it's not enough I want a pix. So she sent me this one, this morning...She looks so tired...That's my Bee.

Weeding

2008-07-10T10:03:00.000-07:00

My Friend Lori's arm is still on the mend. After her surgery she had to keep it in a sling for about 3 weeks. So during this time her garden was being taken over with unwanted weeds and baby trees. She called and asked if my girls were interested in weeding for her and get paid. Of course! Yeah! So we went up a couple of times. Actually my girls would do it for free. It is really very nice and peaceful there. Her strawberries are out of control. She let...Well, insisted that we pick as much as we could there is so many, she's spinning from them all. Thank you Lori...

Tim's B-Day/Game Night

2008-07-07T15:13:00.000-07:00

Tim has game night about every Friday. But since this Friday was July 4Th the gaming group changed it to the 5Th. Well just by chance was hubby's B-Day. The big "40". So it was a BIG GAME NIGHT! A lot like the Super Bowl Party. The pix's were oddly very similar too. So again I won't bore you with those pix's. And there are a few that will not be posted only in my home album. Sorry...Here are a few....
Tim made a game table with sides to keep the dice from falling from the table cutting down on the shots penalty. That's true for most but not me. What the Hell, How could that possibly happen.

The couple below is an "M" camping friends who had to leave the party early. Luv ya guys.

The next pix's are either winners or losers depending on how you look at it.

And below the "ZIG-A-NATOR was the BIG Loser last game. Look he won one, this time.