Well, Christopher graduated from high school on May 29, and then on June 11, left for boot camp. Yesterday I received a box with all his stuff in it: pants, shirt, book, paperwork. Thank goodness, no underwear!

Before he left, I tried to spend quality time with him. I hope he thought it was a good use of time. Then, the night before he left, I had a surprise party for him with some of his close friends. I expected him to clean up before he left and finish his projects he started, but he didn’t. I’m not too happy about that.

Now, I am trying to decide if I will go to his graduation from boot camp. It will cost quite a bit of money. Nothing is cheap, it seems.

Meaghan’s car was totalled. A guy ran a stop sign and hit her front passenger side. Insurance totalled it. He had insurance, which is good, but whenever his people have tried to call him to get his side of the story (he was ticketed, admitted to cop it was his fault), they are told he isn’t home, won’t take a message, and when she says who she is, hangs up on them. Way to go.

We found Meaghan a new car Saturday. It is a 2006 Saturn coupe. Fully loaded. It is nice. I would trade my car for it! Now, she has increased car payments. But, she has a very nice car, indeed.

Gosh, I didn’t mean to not blog for so long, but life gets crazy, doesn’t it? Wow, I haven’t been on since January!

Well, my daughter has not joined the navy. She enlisted the end of January and will leave for boot camp in November. That is, unless she changes rates. She signed up as a yeoman, but now wants to change to Aviation Ordinance. I keep telling her, yes, it is her choice, but think of what you want to do when you get out of the Navy.

My son graduates next week, then two weeks later will leave for boot camp. He has changed his rating to Intelligence Specialist. He is very excited and ready to go. Me? I am OK with them going. Isn’t that what being a parent is all about? Raising your kids hopefully with good morals and standards, then letting them loose into the world? I know both will do well with life.

Let’s see. We have a new kitten. Actually, we had four, but three didn’t make it the first week. After all that, I can’t give away the survivor. I named her Tinkerbell. It has been fun watching her grow. She is 6 weeks old now.

We closed on my mom’s house yesterday. That was a bit hard. That is the house I grew up in. I did meet the buyers and they seem nice, so all is well.

I had a birthday this past weekend, and I swear, after you hit 40, you fall apart! I was diagnosed as a Type 2 diabetic. I am OK with that. Lots of changes, though. I plan to blog about it here soon, so look for my prespective as I deal with it all.

Well, that is about it for now. Hopefully, I won’t stay away as long.

It has been a long week! Monday I signed the paperwork to have the house “hardened” for hurricanes. It is a good program to help people bring their insurance down and make their homes more ready for hurricanes. The best part? I don’t have to pay out any money! It is paid for by a FEMA grant and a state grant. I applied back in May. They did say it is a waiting game! They will put up a new garage door, front door and shutters to protect house opening. They will also reinforce the roof connections to the walls, waterproof the seams in the attic, reinforce the gables and something with the soffits. I am excited! This will bring the house up to code to protect it from a Cat 3, what Ivan was, which I never want to go through again.

Friday, I went with my daughter to the Navy recruiter office. At first, I think she was getting upset because she didn’t test well, and some of the jobs she was interested in weren’t open to her. But, she has found some of interest. She must decide if she wants to re-take the ASVAB or not. If she improves her score, that could open up more jobs for her. But, if her scores go down, she could have less choices. She is wanting to go to MEPS Jan 26th to enlist.

I finally got my car back from the repair shop. The “two day” job the adjuster thought it would be ended up 2 weeks! The adjuster thought the bumper could be fixed. They had to replace it. I was not a happy person. You get comfortable driving your own car. The rental wasn’t bad, but someone had smoked in it and it reeked. Anyways, what the adjuster thought would be about $450 ended up over $1700. The car looks good, so I am happy.

In the news, I see where Marion Jones was sentenced to six months in jail. I say good! I guess why I am so glad is she kept denying for so long, adamently, that she never took anything, and the whole time she was lying. She begged the judge for no jail time, so she wouldn’t be separated from her children. Why should she be any different from others? She made the choice to take the drugs, now pay the price. I just hope all the news coverage of athletes and drug usage will convince younger people that using the drugs, cheating, doesn’t pay off in the end. Marion Jones lost all her Olympic medals. She has ruined her reputation. She will be an ex-convict. Was it worth it?

Here in Pensacola, the school board superintendent was arrested for DUI in south Florida. Goes to show he is human and everyone can make a mistake. But, after how he rode the ass of one of the teachers in the county who was arrested for crack, I sure hope it is humbling for him. Hopefully, it can be used as a teaching tool to children in the district of why you should never drive after drinking.

TV this week was good. I was treated to new episodes of Moonlight, Grey’s Anatomy, and Ghost Whisperer. All were excellent. I can’t believe I will have to wait for what will seem like forever for a new episode of Grey’s. Moonlight was so good, and a tear jerker. Hopefully, this will open the door for a Mick and Beth pairing!

That is about it for now. Thanks for reading!

Another word on the Writer’s Strike. Last night was the People’s Choice Awards. No, I did not watch. But, I read something that got me to thinking. And, yes, got me a bit mad. The WGA and SGA decided to boycott the awards. I heard, but cannot say for sure, that there is another award show that both will let their members attend. Now, maybe I don’t have this right, but there wouldn’t be any award shows without us, the fans? The PCA is voted on by fans. Now, why would they boycott this award show? I feel like it is a slap in the face.

I heard on the news last night that a man in the Mobile area threw his four small children off of a bridge. They were 3, 2, 1 and 4 months old. There is no way they survived.  How can a person do that? To any child, let alone his own? How sad that those children will never experience life.

New Hampshire’s primary is over. Hilary and McCain won. I have always like McCain. But, honestly, feel he is too old. My personal opinion. I think Hilary would be good, too, but are we ready for a woman president? or a black president? And, how would you feel if you were elected based solely on your race or gender? I hope America will vote what is in their hearts. Vote for a person you can support and who has views similar to your own.

Monday, I signed paperwork to have my house strengthened against hurricanes. It is a program with funds from FEMA and Florida. Things included are increasing the number of straps holding the roof to the walls, waterproofing the seams in the attic, increasing support for attic, putting up shutters and increasing strength of entrance doors an garage doors. They say work should start in 4-6 weeks. Cost to me? nothing! All should bring the house up to withstand hurricane force winds of a Cat 3. Ivan was a Cat 3 and it stood up pretty good, minus some shingles. Hopefully, we won’t have to find out soon how much the house can take!

That’s it for today. Hope you have a great day!

Will the writer’s strike ever end? All the shows that started in the fall have run out of new episodes, or about to.

 I think Smallville had almost the whole season done, but that is the exception. No new grey’s after this week. Oh no! And, one of the best new shows, Journeyman, was cancelled, and I bet the WGA strike had a lot to do with it. I hope the stike doesn’t cause the cancellation of more shows. I love the Women’s Murder Club (based on my favorite author, James Patterson’s books). Love Moonlight. Of course, we will have Jerico back soon. Hope CBS learns its lesson about cancelling shows that are doing so-so.

Now, we have reality shows making a comeback, since they supposedly aren’t scripted. I am enjoying The Amazing Race, as usual. Coming soon, Big Brother will be back, along with Survivor. I read today ABC will be bringing back The Mole. I only watched the Celebrity edition, but loved it! American Gladiators has been reserected. That is a guilty pleasure. Oh, and they have Celebrity Apprentice. I stopped watching this show a few seasons ago. Can’t stand Trump. I watched the first one last week of the new season, and loved it! I’m such a geek!

What is your opinion of this stike? Are you watching less TV? Are you watching new shows?

I read in the paper today that Roy Jones, Jr. has admitted to dog fighting. From the Pensacola News Journal:

The New York Daily News reported on its Web site Sunday that Jones, told reporters, “I was (letting them fight) to a degree, but not like that serious. I just let my dogs get down five, 10 minutes, 15 minutes. Maybe like the longest I let them go was a half-hour, but I never let them fight to the death ’cause I can’t take that.”

But Jones, the Washington High School graduate and former Olympian, told WEAR-TV, “I did that when I was a kid. I had one dog and I did that then before I knew any better. I told (the Daily News reporter) that.”

First, let me say, I like Roy Jones. I think he has always shown Pensacola in a positive light. But, why in the world would a sane person admit to dog fighting? I’m sorry, but even five minutes is till dog fighting. I really hope this was all taken out of context in order to get a story. Now, if you really want a laugh, go to the News Journal and read the reader comments. Not just on this story, but on any story. It’s enough to make you want to scratch your head!

Another leading story in the paper has been the weather. I will be the first to say, I hate when it is hot in December. I had to turn my a/c on last month it was in the 80s and humid. But, this is a complete turn around! It is 9:00 pm and below freezing! I took the dogs out, and froze. Yes, I love the cold, but not this much! I guess there isn’t much Chicago left in my bones! I looked up the temperature in CA where the kidlets are, and it was 20 degrees warmer there! But then, when I looked up where my sister is, the high in SD would be the same as our low. To make me feel even better, where my best friend is in MA, the high would be 10, low of 2. OK, I can deal with this.

Oh, I almost forgot. The geek in me has come out! I watched the online mini-movie of Star Trek: Of Gods and Men. It fulfilled the lacking of I had for Star Trek, but it sure reminded me of the cheeky TOS. This was part 1, with the next two parts to follow. Yes, I will watch, but it sure made me miss TNG!

Also on the subject of movies, I started to watch the third Pirate of the Caribbean movie yesterday. Keep in mind, it is a Disney movie, right? It starts out with a long, long line of people waiting to be hung (or hanged, whichever is correct). You would see a noose around their necks, and next, see their feet dangling. Now, I just cannot handle anything like this. Call it old age. But, then, they show a small boy, maybe 9, waiting to be hung. That was too much. I guess it ruined it for me, because I just couldn’t get into it. ARGG!

My newest favorite show was cancelled. After trying The 4400 from Netflix, I am a fan. What a great show! It is sci fi, but not space sci fi. I watched all the episodes, both on DVD and current season, to hear USA has cancelled it, even though it had good ratings for a USA show. Where is the justice?? I hope they tie it up. Yes, the season ended by wrapping up all the stories, except for one. Will Tom take the shot?

That’s all for now. Leave me a comment and let me know if my blogging is what you like or what you would like more of.

Well, 2007 has now left the building. It was a good year. It was Meaghan’s last year of colorguard. I made sure to be there as much as I could. I went to every practice to watch. I went to all the local shows, all except for the overnighters. I wish I could have gone to those, too, but sometimes you can’t do all you want. Their show was one of my favorite songs, George Michael/Elton John’s Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me. I did get tired of hearing it, but it is still one of my favorite songs. Meaghan did wonderful, even with all the drama that went down. The teacher was told her wouldn’t be back next year, and in turn, he came to few rehearsals. The show was changed many, many times. Meaghan’s hip hurt her so bad, she was carried off of the floor in Dayton.

Meaghan turned 18, and two weeks later graduated. She did good. She is very responsible and is maturing. She started PJC and finished one semester and is now talking of joining the navy. I have mixed feelings about it, but feel the navy is fairly safe, compared to marines and army.

Christopher. This school year, I have been able to concentrate on him and his interests. Girls are so demanding! At games, I could look for him and find him during half time. He was section leader and did a good job. He has learned that being a leader isn’t always easy. He did well in jazz band. When I went to their concert, I ended up sitting in the front, the very front. On the way home, he said he liked having me sit there in the front. I said, but I am always at your stuff. His reply? Yea, but I could see you this time. awww! Anyways, Christopher, in November, joined the Navy. He will graduate in May and leave June 20 for boot camp. I have always known he would do the military route, so it is all good.

In August, my mother passed away. I hadn’t spoken to her in over 9 years. To some people, that would sound crazy. But, a lot of things happened over the years to lead to this. Yes, I was saddened by her passing, but I had dealt with it and grieved years ago. Now, both of my parents are gone. That is a strange feeling, indeed.

Funny, most of the things in my life involve the kids! It will be strange when they have left home. I keep thinking about that, what will life be like this year when the house is empty except for the animals? Quiet! Clean! and lonely. But, I guess it is a rite of passage all parents must go through.

Looking toward 2008, I hope the year is full of fun, health, laughs, and more proud moments.

Happy 2008!

I am so saddened by the killing of the tiger in the San Fran zoo. She was such a beautiful tiger! I understand why she was shot, the police did it to protect others from being hurt. But, why not a dart gun? Why kill such a beautiful animal? She was a wild animal. No matter how beautiful, we should never forget that fact. They say she may have been teased. That makes her death even more tragic. Yes, I feel sorry for the boys. I guess it is the animal lover in me. I have always loved big cats, and doubt that will ever change. Seeing the pictures of her dead body lying there broke my heart.

ah, tomorrow is Christmas. All the frenzy will be over. I don’t understand how people can wait til the last minute to shop. OK, maybe they don’t have the money, I can understand that. But, those who just put it off? Is it the thril? Is it hoping to find a good deal? Or is it stupidity? As I have gotten older, I just have my ways. I hate crowds. I hate the traffic. I hate shopping, especially since I never have money to shop with.

The kids have gone to their dad’s house for Christmas. It is sad, but that is OK. I get them all year, and he and his family spoil them, something I just can’t do. So, I will head to my aunt’s house tomorrow. It is ok to be alone, but being with them makes me happy. It is what I always wished my family was like. Eveyone goes to “granny’s” (that would be my Aunt Lib) and spend family time together. My mother never did anything for holidays, or at least that I can remember.  So, I plan to do laundry and clean house today, and watch my Harry Potter movie and Pirates. Oh, and spend some time with the pets.

Speaking of the kids, they were delayed in Houston about 4 hours. I think there is something about Christopher and travel. Last year, he was stuck in Atlanta for almost 48 hours, now this!

OK, bear with me as I start this blog thing. I have several things running through my head to write about, so there may be a lot at once, then it should settle down.

Happy Christmas Eve!!

Well, thanks to ScottyIce, I have moved into the 21st century and created a blog. OK, I say to myself, now what?? I guess just put my thoughts into words and go from there.
First, it is a bit chilly out there today. Son and I had to gift wrap for the band from 7am til 11. Not only was it cold, it was windy as well. I actually put gloves on to wrap! Paper was flying everywhere. What a friggin’ mess! And, I will be back there tonight from 7-11 to do it again! This time, I will dress for it
And speaking of gift wrapping, there sure are some cheap ass people out there. It is obvious we are doing this to raise money for our kids. And, granted, I had one lady come up and drop a ten dollar bill into the box without having anything wrapped. But, let’s talk about the others. Many will have up wrap all their stuff, then give us, if we are lucky, about 50 cents a package, if that. Now, how in the hell can they do that, knowing they can’t do it themselves for that little amount?? I guess it is people wanting something for nothing. Grrrrrr!
Kidlets leave in a couple of hours for CA. It will be nice having 2 weeks of quiet, 2 weeks of no 18 year old attitude. Maybe one day, she will appreciate everything I have given up for her and done for her. For now, I am miserable.
OK, that is enough for a first blog, I think.