New Years Revolutions 2009

Yes, you read that right, I consider them revolutions! LOL

So, the number 44 plays a very significant role in 2009. Our 44th President will be inaugurated in just a few weeks here in DC. And for all of us born in 1965, its our 44th year and 44th birthday! So, I'm making 44 part of my new years revolutions!

So without further adieu, here they are:

1. Lose 44 pounds by my 44th birthday (November 1) *and* walk in at least 1 10K (Crescent City Classic?).

2. Save $4,400 by the end of the year, *and* reduce my debt by $4,400.

3. Make 44 scrapbook layouts/projects/cards by the end of the year.

4. Blog at least 44 times by the end of the year.

So, there they are, my 4 New Years Revolutions.

I'm spending New Years Eve playing Wii with Richard and Lucas. Jacqueline is asleep upstairs in my bed :).

Happy New Years everybody!

Sad Day for 2 Friends' Small Businesses

I have 2 different friends whose small business scrapbook stores are closing this week. My friend Wendy is closing her store, Scrappin Diva's in Flowood (Jackson), MS at the end of this year. My best friend Dee, her husband Felix, and her son Emery are closing one of their two locations of Scrappersaurus. The Metairie, LA location of Scrappersaurus is closed as of the end of business today. A very sad day indeed for paper crafters in the NOLA area. Their 2nd, and now only location, in Mandeville, LA, continues to be open for business. In fact they are hosting their first ever New Years Eve/Day crop on Wednesday/Thursday!

I will feel sad when I make it back to NOLA in 2009 and can't hit my favorite scrapbook store on the way home from the airport. I will definitely head to Mandeville to visit my friends. It will be great to see them, but it won't be the same.

I will miss Metairie Scrappersaurus.

Merry Christmas

Christmas 2008 is here. The kiddo's are in bed, fast asleep, finally. It took a few trys, as each of them was very excited about Santa's impending arrival. We tracked Santa with Norad and GoogleEarth. Pretty cool stuff! Santa and his elves have finished their duties. And now its time for bed for the elves, which Santa makes his way across the rest of the country.

The Gauthier family is together for this holiday and will join the Deily family on Friday for a continued celebration.

Merry Christmas to all my family and friends!

Off Track and Out of Sync

I've been all off track and out of sync for a while now. I just didn't realize it. But last night it hit me. I've been just getting through the days one after another, in survival mode. It's not that I haven't been having fun with the kids and my friends here, I have. But, well, its been one thing after another and another. My routine has vanished. I'm struggling to take good care of myself. Don't worry, I'm taking care of the basics. But the extra stuff: to be gentle with myself, go the extra mile for my health and well being, those types of things have fallen off and gotten lost in the shuffle of surviving everyday life.

My work has been going well. I enjoy the people I work with very much. But I am working very hard both physically and mentally and my days are long and my body aches at the end of the week. I feel tired and decidedly un-enthusiastic in the mornings getting ready to go to work. Once I get started interacting with my patients my enthusiasm returns, but the tired lingers.

I am so very much enjoying the kids this year. They are each so unique, so interesting and so loving. I get to see them at least once a weekend. I play soccer with Richard, arts & crafts with Lucas and baby animals with Jacqueline. The time with the kids is very special to me. It replenishes me. It keeps me going.

I'm having a great time visiting with my friend Michelle. We get to see each other about every other weekend. It's great to have such a good friend here. She helps me remember to pamper myself and fully supports my efforts to make positive changes in my life.

So, its not all bad.There is lot's in my life that is good. But I'm still off track, and still out of sync. I'm hoping that simple realization is the first step to rectifying the situation. I'd like that alot.

Autumn Leaves

So, my friends over at Scrappersaurus posted birthday wishes to me on their blog! Isn't that cool! In her post, Dee mentioned her jealously of my watching the leaves here turn. So I thought I would post a few pictures. Last year was my first ever getting to see a 'real' autumn. And I fell in love with the leaves. Of course the true leaf peepers will tell you the DC area leaves are nothing compared to the northeast. And I'm sure they are correct. But compared to NOLA, this is leaf peeping heaven, and I get to see it everyday!

When I was a kid I took piano lessons. I liked it ok I guess. But I hated the song "Autumn Leaves", hated it. Even to this day I can't stand that song. But as I was pulling together the pictures to post here, I had it in my head. "The falling leaves, drift by my window, the autumn leaves, of red and gold . . ." So here are a few pictures of the autumn leaves. Especially for my friend Dee!

It's my Birthday!

I had a great day for my 43rd birthday. The weather here in DC was beautiful, sunny with a high in the mid 60s. I spent the day with the kids, after letting myself sleep in this morning. We did arts and crafts, played soccar, and had a great birthday dinner cooked by my wonder sister in law. I'm so lucky and loved. What a way to start off my new year!

Happy Halloween

Yes, I realize it has been more than a month since I blogged. It's been a crazy October, but not in a bad way just in a busy way. Work is going well and I am having a blast with my brothers family. I will try to update you all soonly. But I didnt want to let a whole month go by without blogging. So, Happy Halloween!

A Few Pictures to Share

I promised pictures of my California Adventures a few posts back, but never seemed to get around to posting them. So I thought I would share a few pictures with you tonight.

Here are a few of my favorite pictures from "The Avenue of the Giants" in Humboldt Redwoods State Park, Humboldt County, California.





And here are some of my favorites from Patrick's Point State Beach, Humboldt County, California.








And finally the last pics for tonight, here are pictures of me on the beach pictured above, Agate Beach, Big Lagoon, Humboldt County, California.






As many of you know, I can't stand the feeling of sand on my skin, especially my feet. So yes, those are sox on my feet, and yes that is all of the sand that collected in my Crocs during my walk on the beach!

My brother and the kids came to help me unload my stuff from the car today. Its all piled up on the floor chairs and tables of my apartment. I've started unpacking, it's a slow process.

I hope you've enjoyed the pictures. I have plenty more to share!

Congratulations Corky and Dakota!!!

Right before I left California to begin my journey back to the east, two of my best friends got married. I was so blessed to be able to attend the wedding. I was honored to be asked to participate as part of their family of choice. I met Corky and Dakota in an online support group for survivors of childhood sexual abuse way back in 1995. They have actually been together as a couple for 12 years. And they were LEGALLY married on August 30, 2008. Although they are now legally married, they do not enjoy all the rights and privileges pertaining thereto. I don't profess to understand the legal wranglings, but I do know its just not fair.

I've been called naive and liberal for my beliefs. Which just makes me laugh as I consider the liberal label as a complement. Naive? Maybe so. I've never been in love. I've never even come close. But, yes, in my (possibly naive) way of thinking, if two adults love each other and are committed to a life together, who the heck cares what color, religion, race, sex, nationality, etc they are? If two adults are LUCKY enough to have a connection that seems rare in our world today, why should any of those things matter?

I truly did not intend this post to turn into a diatribe about gay marriage. My two friends love each other. And I love them both. I am so proud of them for embracing this chance at legal marriage.

Congratulations Corky and Dakota! May your lives together be long and full of life. And may you live to see yourself and other couples like you be granted not only the right to marry, but also be granted the rights and privileges pertaining thereto.

Richard's Golden Birthday 08-08-08

Or would that be Platinum birthday? LOL

I realized when I posted the picture of Jacqueline for her birthday on Tuesday, that I had not posted a picture of Richard from his birthday. So here are 3 generations of Richard Gauthier's celebrating Richard III's 8th birthday.

Finally! In my new apartment!

My furniture was delivered this afternoon! Yee Haw I'm in my own place! It's a basement apartment in the same neighborhood I lived in last year. I think I'm going to like it. I'm glad to be in my own space finally. I wont be unpacked or even unloaded from the car until this weekend. But I'm home now. And that feels good, great actually. Busy, busy, busy with the unpacking I have here already and figuring out which drawer the sox will go in this time. LOL! I hope ya'll are having a great week!

Happy Birthday Jacqueline!

My first (and only) neice turned 3 today. So I thought I would post a quick pic of her. This is actually from Richard's bday last month.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JACQUELINE!
Aunt Christine Loves You!

Another quick check-in

My new lanlord is trying to work out the wireless issues, so I am borrowing her computer for a couple of minutes.

One of my best friends, Ann, recently experience the death of her mother. This after her father's death only 10 months ago. Ann decided to start her own blog. You can read it here. Ann was traveling with me cross country, when her mother who has been ill for some time took a turn for the worse. Ann flew home from Pittsburgh so she could be with her mother before her death. I know this is a difficult time for her and her family. Please keep Ann and her family in your prayers.

I know just how hard this is. And, sadly, now 2 of my closest friends have had their mothers die in the last 3 months. I think if it wasn't for the crazyness of my lifestyle and the changes in scenery and getting re-started and re-settled, I would be having major remembering sadness at this point. I feel lots of sadness, but its mostly that people I love have to experience loss and pain.

Sigh. Keeping you both in my prayers, Ann and Melissa. I love you!

Quick Update

Yes, I realize I have not blogged in a month. Its been a crazy time and I fully intend to catch you all up on all the happenings of the last month.

I'm in DC and have already started at my new job. Moving into my apartment this week. Spent the weekend with my brother and his family.

I'll try to update more once I get settled in my apartment!

Have a great week!

EARTHQUAKE

ACK!!

About an hour ago I was working on packing up some of my scrapbooking stuff while I was waiting for the final Phelps swim and all of a sudden my whole apartment started shaking. It 'only' lasted about 15-20 seconds. And at first I thought a bus had hit my building or something, but that is a complete impossibility. We never lost power, it never even blinked. But it scared the hair off of me. I came online once I was sure it was over to see if it was an earthquake, and sure enough, I just lived through my first earthquake.

Here is what the USGS (US Geological Survey) reports. Magnitude 4.6, 9miles NNW of Trinidad, CA. or 27 miles N of Eureka. No damage has been reported so far.

My friend Nancy from work was just telling me today, "it's earthquake weather". I told her to shut her mouth. I only have about 2 weeks left in California and I did NOT plan on having an earthquake as part of my Eureka experience. I have half a mind to call her to complain about her 'prediction'.

Thankfully, the earthquake did not disturb my tv and I was able to see Phelps win gold #8, and see the fastest man in the world, 'lightening' Bolt. The olympics are a great distraction after that shaking.

Blessed by so many best friends and awesome family!

I can't believe it's almost been a month since I last blogged. It's been a crazy 4 weeks since I headed home to NOLA. My trip home was wonderful. I spent several nights with my dad and he took me to several of his favorite NO restaurants: Stella!, K-Paul and Mr. B's. I had 3 great meals, gumbo twice, BBQ shrimp, soft shell crab, and delicious medallions of veal. MMMM love my NOLA food.

I had the special pleasure of having the Windsor Tea at the English Tea Room with one of my best friends, Dee. It was great tea, great food and a great friend!

I was also blessed to get to see my Nanny, Aunt Jerri, cousin Heather with son Jacob, and my godchild, Meridith with daughters Eva and Katherine. It was so great to get to see all of them. This is one of the reasons I like to go home for a whole week at a time, so I can get to see lots of family and friends too.

After my time in NOLA, I headed up to Natchez with one of my best friends, Ann, and we went to our favorite crop Scrap-n-on-the-river. 3 days of scrapbooking and getting to see so many friends we have made at crops. We had a blast! And I got lots of layouts done.

The weekend after I got home from NOLA, I headed to Sacramento to see my best friends from Fresno, Corky and Dakota and their son, Qory. I haven't seen them since November, 2005, almost 3 years, which is waayyyy toooo long not to see your best friends. We had a great visit, visited a couple of the local parks, rode down memory lane with Dakota who had lived in Sacramento almost 20yrs ago, and got to just hang out and talk and visit and give/get lots of hugs. It was an awesome visit. Thankfully, it will NOT be 3years 'til my next time to see them. I will be going to their wedding in August before I head back east!

This past weekend I flew coast to coast, and back, in 4 days, for Richard's 8th birthday on 080808!!! Pretty cool huh? I also got to visit with another of my best friends, Michelle, and her family for a couple of hours. Mostly, though we built legos and then built some more legos. The boys are growing and growing and *both* of them are missing a front top tooth! Jacqueline is bundle of energy whose vocabulary has just exploded. She's so incredible and funny. Richard has started writing his own books. About what else? Legos! His latest lego obsession: Bionicles! Richard read us the first 3 pages of his book, Gala's Party. Richard told me he wants to grow up to be an NFL player, then after he retires he is going to write books and produce/direct lego movies! Lucas wants to be a painter, as in a house painter/construction person, then after that he would like to be a deep sea diver (though he is concerned by Richard's warning about being eaten by the great white shark!).

This weekend I am working on starting the packing for my trip back cross country in 2 weeks. Next weekend? I get to see 2more of my best friends! Dave and Karen Massey are coming to visit me! Isn't that just so cool! I flew down to LA to see Karen when she was working in the LA area soon after I arrived in Eureka. Out of the blue, Karen got an assignment in Chico, which is only 4hrs from here. So I get to see her again, and get to see Dave too! I'm totally psyched!

I feel really blessed to get to see soooo many of my best friends in a 6week period. Plus, my cousin Melissa, who I also count as a best friend, and I have started planning a Disney trip for December. I'm really missing my best friend Kathy. I won't get to see her soon, but I'm hoping for her to come to visit me in DC later this year.

I should be packing, but just had so much to share. And the Olympics are awesome this year! Go USA!!!

Homeward Bound!

I'll be heading home after work today. It's been much too long since I've been home. It's a marathon day for me with work, then 3 plane rides before I arrive in NOLA. I'm sure I'll be exhausted when I get there tomorrow morning. And I'm sure I'll be happy to be home again. I'm hoping to visit with family, eat delicious food, visit with friends, check out the parish for post-K progress, and do some scrapbooking up in Natchez for a couple of days. I know I'm in for a rude awakening temperature wise. We've had a week of 50s and 60s out here and 90s are the forcast for the entire week I'll be home. Getting my sweat glands ready! It's all good. I'm going home!!!

Grief-filled Anniversary

My mother died 16 years ago today.

I struggle with this day every year.

Tonight I am just overwhelmed with grief.

Melissa's mom died tonight.

I'll write more later.

Please pray for our family, especially the Deroche/Weavers.

Welcome to the World, Cooper!

Just a quick note to congratulate my best friend Ann on the birth of her 4th grandchild, her 2nd grandson, Cooper who arrived today at 9lbs! She texted me the cutest pictures! Mother and baby are both doing well. The 2 big sisters are excited and curious. CONGRATULATIONS Nana Ann!

California adventures!

I was all excited to go adventuring this weekend. Last week was beautiful, sunny, cool days everyday, even warmed up to 70. But Saturday morning I woke up to fog and colder, damper temperatures. So I went to the scrapbook store here in town instead. It was nice, but not as cool as my favorite stores Scrappersaurus and ScrapbookBarn. There was lots of scrapbook stuff there thats for sure. But, for me its more than just the stuff. Its about the people. I'm spoiled by my friends at my favorite stores. They make scrapbooking more about community than about stuff (though they don't hesitate to sell me stuff, lol).

In the evening, the weather cleared nicely and I decided to go ride up the coast and watch the sunset. I got my sweats on because it was chilly and windy. Grabbed my camera and headed north. Right into the fog again! It was rolling back in just in time for sunset. I wasn't sure what I wanted to do. It's a challenge for me to go on these adventures by myself. This is really the first travel assignment I've had where I'm really out on my own. I have friends here in CA, and I will get to see each of them once, but for the most part I am on my own. So if I want to do something I have to do it by myself.

One of the hardest things for me to do by myself, is to eat out. I have friends that love eating out alone. My dad eats out alone several nights a week. But for all of these people, they frequent the same places, people know them, they can have conversations with the waitstaff, etc. But I'm new here. I've been researching places to go and I have a good list. But I really have to challenge myself to actually go sit in a restaurant by myself. People I know have suggested bringing a book. And thats fine I guess if I'm going to Dennys. But to go to a fine dining establishment and pull out a book, not something I feel ok about doing.

Saturday as I was headed into the fog, I decided to check out a place that was on the beach for dinner and sunset. I figured I'd rather be inside than in the fog. Plus I wanted to fine someplace with good food here. So I had dinner at the Moonstone Grill at Moonstone Beach. It was a medium sized place, with a nice crowd and awesome views of the beach and of the sunset. The menu was nice with several surf and turf selections. I had the Lobster Bisque which was tasty and I had a Florentine Sole rolled and stuffed with crabmeat which was very good. I passed on desert as there were no sugar free selections. It was a nice meal and I had a nice waitress. And I got to watch the sun drop down into the Pacific.

I spent Sunday cooking for this week. I made tuna salad, pork chops on my George Foreman Grill, chicken with balsamic goat cheese, and I have a meat loaf in the oven as I am typing. I also made Spinach and Artichoke dip for a vegee, its a great way to get spinach into my diet! I will heat up a can of green beans later in the week for another vegee. I also bring bell peppers and celery with salad dressing for vegees at work.

Tonight we are having a cookout here where I live. There are 4 of us, all travelers. The other 3 are nurses that work a few blocks from here. I'm the odd man out, an OT that works down in Fortuna. I was elected to bring watermelon, which was easy, and I was thankful to be elected to bring such an easy thing. Maybe next time I will make hamburgers or something if I have some more notice.

I know I need to upload some of my pictures here from my cross country trip and from my adventures so far here. One day I will, one day . . .

In closing I want to let my friend Dee know I am thinking about her and praying for her :)

Just for Fun!

One of the blogs I read had this cool quiz posted today. I thought it was interesting and checked it out just for fun. I edited out the HTML and only posted a part of the results. I think it describes me pretty well! I know of several others and maybe I will check them out occasionally for you to try yourself! Have a great weekend!


Your results:
You are Superman

You are mild-mannered, good,
strong and you love to help others.



Click here to take the "Which Superhero am I?" quiz...

Holy @&%# Batman!! Gas is $4.59 a gallon!!!

OMG! I almost wrecked my car driving home just now. I caught a glimpse of the price of gas out the corner of my eye and whipped my head around to check it because I was sure I was seeing things. $4.59 a gallon!!! It was $4.45 when I left for work this morning. That's a 14cents hike in 8 hours! I'm just floored.

Work today was good. I had a cute little lady ask me how to start her wheelchair. She said she always drove a Chevy and this was a Ford and she couldn't figure out how to get it started! I just wanted to hug her because she made me smile, although she was completely serious. So instead I showed her how to use her hands and feet to mobilize her w/c. I love my job. I absolutely love being an OT. It is truly my calling in life. And I'm so happy to be back doing what I am called to do everyday again.

I cooked all day on Saturday. I made 2 separate chicken dishes and a meatloaf and hamburgers as well as 2 vegetables. I've been packing my lunch this week and its going well. My new friend Margaret, from Jacksonville (by way of Poland) gave me this fabulous lunch bag that you put in the freezer at night and it freezes the sides then it really keeps food cold all day and even cools the water and tea I add in from the trunk of the car before I head out in the morning. I love my new lunch bag. Though, it does look like I have a suitcase with me every morning! LOL

I'm trying to start eating healthier again. Now that I eliminated sugar and carbonation from my diet, its time to get back to working on whittling down my weight. I'm going to be here, in CA, for 13 more weeks (minus 1 week back home in NOLA in July). My goal is to lose 25# before I leave. I'm already more active between climbing the stairs to get inside my apartment everyday and walking around the nursing home working with patients. Plus, I've gone back to exercising with my patients. I give them a 3# dowel, I use a 5 or 6# dowel. I give them red theraband, I use black theraband. I figure every little bit helps. I'd like to start doing some intentional exercise, but I haven't yet figured out what that will look like here.

My friend Dee really hurt her back and is going to daily PT trying to get it better. I admire her hard work and courage dealing with her pain. I am keeping her in my prayers.

I'm gonna go heat up some supper. Blog again soonly :)

Live In (Not) Sunny California!

So I've been living in California for a week now. My first week of work is over. I've learned the 'shortcut' to work. Ann flew back home on Thursday, and I've been on my own since then. The people I'm working with are very nice. They are a pretty stable team and I'm covering for a maternity leave.

I'm not actually working in Eureka, I'm working in a little town 20 miles south, Fortuna, CA. Actually its 21.6miles door to door, about 32 minutes. And the price of gas here is $4.45 a gallon. Yes, you read that correctly: $4.45 per gallon. The cost of living here is unbelievable.

The weather here is interesting. Fog every morning, with lows in the 40s and highs in the 50s-60s. It's often overcast. But I have seen sun a couple of afternoons on the way home. Most days a light jacket is useful.

I'm still unpacking, a little at a time. I'm living in a 4-plex. The landlord is a feisty 80 year old. She rents exclusively to travelers, though usually to nurses. I've met one of my neighbors, they are all 3 nurses who work the night shift. We have a coin operated laundry (1 wash, 1 dry) in the garage type building in the yard and we all have covered parking. I live at the end of a nice quiet street in an older Eureka neighborhood.

I'm heading down to L. A. next weekend to see my friend Karen. She's been working as a traveler in the LA area and her assignment will be ending in 3 weeks. So I'm going down to visit her before she moves on to her next assignment.

I can't believe it's already June. This year is passing very fast. I'm hoping to really enjoy my 3 months here in CA. Hope you all have a great weekend!

We Made It!

Ann & I made it cross country safely. I am blogging from my new place in Eureka, CA! It was quite an adventure and I hope to be able to share it with all of you soon. We drove over 3,000 miles, through 12 states. The weather varied from beautiful blue skies to rain, sleet, snow, hail and tornadoes! We visited the awesome Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a restored pony express station, Buffalo Bill Cody's ranch and saw some of the most beautiful scenery in this country. We took over 600 pictures! I hope to be able to share them with you soon.

I start work tomorrow. I'm a little nervous as I usually am the night before. Excited Nervous. Ann & I went and scouted out the place I will be working as well as the route to get there. I'm always glad when the first day is done.

I hope you all had a nice Memorial Day.

Ready to hit the road!

Well,almost . . .

I survived being a single aunt of 3 kids for 4 days. These kids are the best. I have so many new memories with them from this weekend. Richard offered to buy me lunch from his school and bring it home to me and when I refused, he made me cereal for breakfast instead! Lucas slept in my room 2 nights and Richard 1 night. Jacqueline is so full of new words and so determined to be grown up already. She has the sweetest smile with a head tilt and clasping of the hands when she asks for a treat at the end of a meal. Lucas still loves to do crafts and asked me several times a day when we could do crafts. We played Webkinz, both with the stuffed animals and online. We watched Madagascar, ScoobyDoo and Caillou. It was a great weekend. I'm exhausted!

I unpacked the backseat of my car and repacked it to make room for Ann's luggage. I unpacked the front seat to make room for Ann! LOL! I'm leaving some clothes that don't fit and my winter stuff, here in DC. My brother has a little section of his attic for my stuff. It's a growing section. The more I travel the more I realize I don't need as much as I always bring. And I've been working on consolidating each time I move.

I've done tons of research for this trip. But with all the mayhem taking care of the kids I haven't printed any of it out yet. I'm hoping tomorrow to print out a few things on the laptop downstairs. If not we will wing it!

The car is mostly packed and I will be picking up Ann from the airport tomorrow afternoon. I can't believe I am driving cross country starting tomorrow. Sometimes this traveling gig feels surreal to me. It's been a year and a half and I'm still loving it. I cant' wait to see what comes next. Who will I meet? What new friends will I walk away from this assignment with? What new memories will I add to my life?

Wish me luck and send me safe travel prayers! I will blog as I can to let you know of the grand adventure!

Many celebrations this weekend

I'm back in DC, babysitting the kidlets. We are having a ball. My dad calls everyday to check on us, its hilarious actually, because we're just fine. Jacqueline misses mommy in the mornings but once she gets her day going shes done fine. The boys have been a huge help in keeping it all together here. I'm enjoying every minute of being with them that I can because I know it will be 3months before I'm back here for any length of time.

My brother's birthday was yesterday. Happy Birthday Du! The big 41! We had a birthday dinner of crabcakes and grilled steak and ice cream cake Wednesday night before they left. (And I passed on the cake!).

Rich and Barbara's 10 year Anniversary is today. 10 years, I can hardly believe it. 10 years ago this weekend so many members of our family treked up here for a great time with the Rich, Barbara and the Deily clan. Congratulations Rich and Barbara!

This weekend is graduation weekend at Fresno State. My best friend Dakota is graduating Magna Cum Laude! I'm soooo incredibly proud of her. I'm disappointed I'm not able to be there. But I have been thinking about her all day today and will be tomorrow too. Congratulations Dakota!

I worked on repacking my car some today. Lucas was a great help bringing things inside for me to work on to condense and figure out what is staying here in my brothers attic and what is heading cross country on Monday. I plan to spend bits and pieces of time working on the car so that it is ready by Monday and there is room for both Ann and her stuff. We'll see . . .

Packing!

Can you believe it? It's time to leave Jacksonville already. I've been working on packing a little at a time after work the last week or so, and it has really paid off. I've already got the trunk about 90% packed. I'm taking a break as its still in the low 90s here (at 8pm!). The back seat is next. First, of course, I need to clear it off, lol. Then the luggage will go out. Once those big pieces are in the rest of the smaller boxes and bags will fill in the holes and spaces. I'm totally psyched that I'm moving along so well this early in the game. I don't plan to get on the road until Monday morning.

We had a nice, delayed Cinco de Mayo yesterday as my going away party. It was delicious and fun. I've made several friends here. The team at my facility was fun to work with, and I am going to miss them. I won't miss being the director of rehab, not at all, but I will miss the fun people.

My cross country trek begins a week from Monday. I still have a good bit of research to do for that trip. I've done the preliminary route, but I need to do more research on fun sights to see and things to do along the way. And of course to map out the accessible scrapbook stores along the way! If ya'll have any suggestions of fun things to do along Interstate 80 please let me know.

CONGRATULATIONS DAKOTA!

I'm so excited to spread the news that my best friend Dakota was accepted into MSW school. She got her letter today!!! I soooo remember waiting for my letter from OT school. I'm so excited for her. It's taken her several years of city college and university, but she will be graduating in May!!! I, unfortunately won't be able to go as I will be babysitting the kiddies. But I will be there in spirit I assure you! I'm so excited! Just had to share!

Waayyy behind in blogging

Seems like I'm always waaayyy behind in blogging. It gets overwhelming at times and I just don't blog because the thought of trying to catch up with everything that has happened is just too much. Then I remember that's not necessary in blogging. I can do it any way I want! My rules rule! LOL

This past weekend I went to visit one of my best friends, Kathy Abner. I hadn't seen her in a year and it was great to spend time with her. She cooked for me and that was great to have home cooked meals instead of microwave meals. And she was even very accommodating about my no sugar thing! (Which by the way I'm doing well with finally!). We played with scrapbook goodies and I showed her a few things I've learned and she shared some of her beautiful artwork with me.

Dothan, Alabama is bad luck for my car. Last year it was my window that wouldn't roll up just as storms were coming through, and this year it was a bit "shimmy" every time I made a right turn. I made it home safely and will be bringing my car in for a check up and probably a re-alignment, etc.

I have signed my contract for my next assignment already! Eureka, California here I come. Here's my favorite fact about Eureka, CA so far: Record High temp = 87!!! I'll be there June, July, and August! I'm totally psyched about the cool temperatures as well as the many places to visit and explore in CA. Also really excited about seeing my friends Dakota & Corky and their kids again (haven't seen them since I spent 3 weeks with them after Katrina, including Thanksgiving 2005 at Disneyland!) and getting to see Karen and Dave as well. (Karen is working in the greater Los Angeles area for the same people i will be working for!) Also very exciting is my drive cross country with one of my best friends. Ann will be driving with me out to Eureka and we are going to have a blast exploring together as we head out west!

This weekend is my final visit to Walt Disney World for this assignment. I'm making plans for a trip with Melissa in December, and of course I plan to be back in FL for the winter months next year, so more Mickey for me!

I need to get to bed but for anyone still checking my blog I wanted to do a brief update!

Struggling with the Sugar thing . . .

I worked so hard to get off sugar, then we had people leave at work and I went to Disney for a weekend visit to Mickey and whammo I'm back on daily sugar intake. Sugar is like a drug for me. Once it's in my system it is *SUCH* a struggle to get off again. I finally said enough last Monday after almost 10 days eating sugary stuff. But it has been a daily struggle. I eat lunch at work with all the therapists. They have brought a huge tub (think old K&B tubs with a handle) of ice cream and cones and they eat it EVERYDAY!!! I don't even sit down at that end of the table and I make myself not even look, but it calls my name . . . "chhrriisss you know you want to eat me, i'm sooooo sweet and sugary". Blah. Then I go to my friends house where they have sugary cereals and other treats for the grandkids (and my friends :) and its the same thing. I go to an all day crop at the salvation army in Vero Beach. Fun crop! But about halfway through the morning I hear the tinkling of huge bags of M&M's being poured into a huge bowl. All day long people walk by me, stop and talk to me, and they are eating M&M's. Sooooo hard. Soooooooo tempting. But I haven't had sugar since last Sunday 3/9. At home its not an issue because I don't have anything sugary in the house so nothing calls my name. The grocery is hard but I go with a list and stick to it and stay out of the sugary aisles.

Work has gotten more stressful. They know me now and trust me, so there is more asking me to take care of problems, etc. Also, even though I've been there 5weeks, it turns out there are still things I am supposed to be doing that I am not doing. That is very stressful as well. The volume of patients coming and going is amazing. And of course there is the daily/weekly hassle of dealing with therapists who call out sick or call out because of sick children. Now, don't get me wrong. If you are sick, I totally think you should stay home and not bring your germs to visit me at work. But as the boss, its a huge hassle to deal with it over and over. And with such a huge staff (15), it happens alot.

Oh well. 8 more weeks. They've asked me to take the job full time. They've asked me to extend. They've asked me to take an OT job full time. They've asked me to extend as an OT. Which is all extremely flattering. But, alas, I am having waaayyyy too much fun doing this travel thing. And California calls (i hope!) If it all works out I may be driving cross country near the end of May! I'll keep you posted!

I'm going back to Disney this weekend. Yes it will be mobbed. But it will be fun to just people watch! Hopefully I will be able to post some cool Disney pics next week. Blog soon!

From K-ville to J-ville

So I've settled into my new job and new apartment and finally am finding some semblance of a routine. The job is ok, though I'm not at all thrilled about being 'the boss' again. It's hard work with long hours, but I'm almost through my 4th week, with only 9 more to go. The people at work are interesting and some of them are fun to work with. Its nice that they keep asking me to stay on permanently. But they truly don;t understand that I'm not at all interested in being anywhere in Florida during hurricane season. They insist no hurricanes come to Jacksonville. But after my Katrina experience I'm so not interested in being anywhere near a hurricane state during the season.

Most days I work close to 9 hours then come home and veg out either on the computer, watching CSI or reading a book. My fun happens on the weekends. Either going down to Melbourne to go to a scrapbooking event/crop or going to Orlando to visit Mickey at Disney. Every Friday night I'm on the road as soon as i put out the garbage and gas up the car. The rides are easy and all interstate. I pretty much have every weekend blocked off with something fun to do through the last weekend I'm moving out.

Now that I'm settled and getting into a routine I'll be blogging more. See ya'll soon :)

Back to real life . . . finally!

It's been forever since I blogged, I know. Recuperating and then being in limbo, with no routine or real life, made my mind begin to turn to jello. But I'm back to real life now. Living and working in Jacksonville, Florida.

I'm working as a Director of Rehab again in a Jacksonville nursing home with a very busy rehab department. We have over 15 staff members and over 50 rehab patients are seen daily. Many of them eventually go back home.

I found a nice apartment close to work thanks to Ann's lead foot! Long story short, Ann was speeding on the way up here and we found this place because we got here early and came upon it when we were scoping out the nursing home location.

I'm so thankful to Ann and Fred for taking me in, letting me recuperate and get my strength back. It was great to get to spend several weeks with one of my best friends. I got to scrapbook, make new scrapbooking friends and got hooked on Monk!

I'm incredibly thankful to be feeling better and be back to work. I hope to blog more often now that I will be getting back into the routine of real life.

'Til next time!

Thank You!

I wanted to say thank you to everyone for all of your prayers, positive energy and good wishes. I am definitely feeling better and getting back to normal (whatever that is!). And I got a new travel position! So thanks to all of you for everything! I really do believe it has helped me during this time.

I'm still not truly feeling like myself, but I know that is partly do to this state of 'limbo' I've been in and partly part of healing that will come with time. It's been wonderful staying and visiting with my friend Ann. I am trying hard to not wear out my welcome here. My new position doesn't start until February 11, so my state of limbo will continue for a few more weeks.

So please keep those prayers, positive energies and good wishes coming! And thanks in advance!

On the mend . . .

I'm on the mend. Feeling better and stronger everyday. Hard to believe its already been a week since my surgery. I'm still sore and moving slow at times, but today I am really getting glimpses of feeling more like myself.

I'm incredibly thankful to one of my best friends, Ann, and her husband Fred for taking me into their home to recuperate. I've spent the last week sleeping, moving from the bed to the recliner, staring at the tv and the computer, and taking short outings with Ann.

It's sunny and 83 degrees here today! The AC is definitely ON!

I want to say thanks to all of you who have called/written/commented on this blog. I'm doing great, but I still appreciate the prayers and positive energy to continue my healing. And to find a new position once I am healed. Yes, the spot I came here for has been filled in my absence. The good news is that 3 more opened up this week. So I'm feeling confident that there will be a place for me once I am released to work and feel 100% able to do my job well.

I'll try to blog again soon!

(-minus) one gall bladder

I am posting this from the hospital's bedside media station. I came to Florida early to attend the memorial service for my friend Ann's father. Instead I had a severe gall bladder attack that did not resolve. I had my gall blader removed by laproscope about 6hrs ago. It all happened VERY quickly. I should be "home" at my friend Ann's house by Monday.

Even with the pain/discomfort of the surgery, I am feeling SOOOOOOOOO much better. It all hqppened sooo fast, I didn't have time or energy to contact everyone I wanted to. I will be in recovery mode for a week, so I will have time to talk and let you know how well I am doing.


If I have a chance, I will post more details from "home" at Ann's. Please pray for a speedy recovery with no complications for me.

I'm a great-godmother again!

Yes, I was just here a few minutes ago! But shortly after I hit publish on my last blog entry, I got an email from my godchild, Meridith. She gave birth to her 2nd child, a 2nd daughter today. Here are the specifics:

Katherine Maye Mangiaracina
10:33 1/1/08
7lbs 8oz
20.5in

Big sister Eva is thrilled. And I'm sure so is Mamere! And of course, great-godmother Nana Teen is smiling from ear to ear.

What a special blessing to start this new year!

DONE

I'm so done! :)

Done with working in Bethesda, MD as of Friday, 12/28/07. Done with living in DC as of 12/31/07. And done with my time here as of tonight 1/1/08.

I am leaving in the morning to begin my drive to Florida! I've taken a 13 week assignment in Brooksville, Fl. So I'm headed south tomorrow, for a 2 day drive. I'm spending the weekend in Orlando (No, not to visit Mickey!). I'm going to a memorial service on Saturday in Orlando. So I will stay there first, and drive to Brooksville on Sunday.

So please be thinking of me on the road for the next 2 days and pray for safe travels for me. I will blog again once I reach Florida!

Happy New Year Everyone!

ps. what are your new years revolutions for 2008?