Last Week

This is my last week of working for Jeff.  I have worked there exactly 5 years.  It has been a good 5 years.  I think we worked well together.  I would like to think that I helped him get things rolling along, but you just never know what kind of impact your presence will have.  I have learned a lot of things, one of them being that I can figure out how to do just about anything.  In the beginning it bothered me when he would ask me to find out how to do something.  I used to think, "Hey, he is the attorney!"  But after a few very successful researches, I felt like I could do things on my own.  It gave me the encouragement to go to law school.  I did well on the LSAT and got accepted to law school with scholarships.  I don't know, however, if I am going to go.  I am also looking into pharmacy school.  Sometimes I feel drawn to both.  Sometimes I think I would be a way better attorney than pharmacist, and then other days, I feel the opposite.  What to do!?!?!  It is crazy.  I am sad to leave Jeff.  He has been good to me, and I am grateful for everything I learned from both him and Kimber (another story for another day).

Taxes, ugh!

I love the thought of refinancing my house.  Our mortgage company called and asked if we would like to try and refinance.  It was great.  When we went in for the interview, I let them know that I was behind in property taxes, and they said that wouldn't be a problem, they can just roll them into the new loan and the new mortgage had an escrow, so we would be paying taxes the easy way, monthly.  Whew, I thought my problems were now over.  Everything was done, everything was approved, until the broker called and let me know that we had to be current on our taxes.  Crap!  Looking through my records, it appeared that we owed $2,850.  Luckily, Paul had money stashed away, and with great dismay, he cut me a check for $2,850.  As I was driving to the county office to pay this amount, I realized that I hadn't calculated in the late fees of about $310.  Well, I thought, I can cover that, I will just use my quarters in my jar to buy gas, and we can eat skimpily these next two weeks.  When I arrived at the counter, ready to get my finances squared away, they mentioned that the cut off date was June 30 (about 20 days ago) and I now needed to pay the next tax installment.  My total due was $5,103.  I told the lady that my husband was going to divorce me over this.  I skulked away into a corner and called Paul.  I let him know that this really might be the time to cut his losses and divorce me.  He calmly said it would be way cheaper to pay the taxes than to divorce me, and that he would get me the money.  Woo hoo!  When I relayed that to the lady behind the desk, she said I was her customer of the day and that she loved my husband.  Awesome!  So my taxes are paid.  I am "mud" in the eyes of my husband.  My refinance will go through.  Where is the ice cream?

Free Stuff

I was hungry today, so I decided to walk over to the 7-11 by my work.  It's new.  They just opened about a month ago.  I try not to go over there too often, but today, starvation took over.  LOW AND BEHOLD! They were giving away free food.  They had chips and candy and Rock Stars.  Most importantly though, they had free Ben and Jerry's single serve ice cream.  How can you pass that up?!?!

Here's the deal.  I was hungry, so I snatched up a free ham sandwich.  I had to get the ice cream, just because. And prior to going over there, I thought I might get a slurpee.  So I got them all, and promptly ate them all.  It was a pina colada slurpee, yummmmmm.

Gotta love free food!

Levi Daniel

So exciting to get new babies in the family.  Levi was born last night.  He was just a cute little scrunched up swollen little thing.  This morning when I went to go see him, his coloring had come, and his eyes weren't so swollen.

I remember when my first child was born.  He came out with a gorgeous tan and was very muscular and he had a perfect chin (something I do not have). I instantly thought he was the most beautiful baby ever.  I guess I was expecting the same thing to happen when Christina was born.  However, she was born pink and white and with a receding chin.  I was so sad because I thought she looked like me.  I started to cry.  I can tell this story now because she is such a beautiful woman that anyone would think it wasn't true that she was an ugly baby.

I am so blessed to have so many wonderful children and grandchildren.  What a great life!

Super Tan

Last night, Paul said to me that he would like me to get a spray on tan.  I was totally stunned.  A spray on tan??!!  Who in their right mind would do something like that?  He said my legs were overly white and needed some help if I am going to continue to wear skirts like I wore yesterday. Hm.  I got up this morning to do my internet research on the subject and am off to get it done.  Weird.  I'm 46.  Getting a spray on tan. Sounds so juvenile.

Happy Birthday to Me!

I have awesome children.  They have all made sure to call me or contact me today to wish me a happy day.  I had a wonderful chat with Amber.  She is very funny.  I don't talk with her often enough.

I went to work today with the hope that maybe my paycheck would be ready early in the morning, and I could go shopping.  No such luck.  But then I got to go to the DMV.  Imagine going to the DMV on your birthday.  But in California, drivers licenses expire on your birthday.  And, apparently, the picture has to be retaken every 15 years.  I love my driver's license picture.  It is like a glamour photos, so I am sad that it had to be replaced.  I got as dolled up as I could, but it is very difficult to make yourself look 15 years younger.  Not only that, the lighting probably isn't nearly as good as it was 15 years ago.  Sad, sad, sad.  But I am good to go for the next 15 years.

Then my wonderful husband took me out to lunch.  We had Buca.  Yummmmmm.  Then I shopped at the mall and then at Costco.  I am home, and exhausted, but I have a few more gift certificates that I got for my birthday that I might go redeem at the mall.  Possibly.

I am 46 this year.  I have never really felt old, but I think this past year as given me a little reality check.  In my 30s, I could turn heads.  Not that I was gorgeous, but I wasn't ugly.  I think now, though, I have jointed the ranks of the older generation.  Oh well.  It's ok, I have 10 grandchildren either born or in the oven, so it's all good.

Oh Man

Yesterday there were two more burglaries in our neighborhood.  Too bad my security alarm doesn't get installed until Friday.  So these guys knock on the doors and if no one answers, they break in.  However, yesterday, the person didn't answer the door because they didn't recognize who it was. And the burglars proceeded to enter.  When they realized there was someone home, they fled the scene.  At the other place they just took stuff like TVs and jewelry, etc.

The question is this.  If I don't answer the door, do I risk someone breaking into my house and me coming face to face with a burglar?  If I do answer the door, will I come face to face with a burglar?  What if the burglars decide to be bold and try to push past me, or worse, try to do me harm?  What is the best plan of action?

I have decided that if someone knocks, I will go to the door and tell them to go away and that I am calling the police (which I will do immediately).  Then I will get my gun and sit in a spot where I can shoot them if they are bold enough to come inside.  Just and FYI, my gun is loaded. . . right beside me.

Shooting

I have been trying to think of a theme for my blog.  I really don't have one, hence the name "My Random Thoughts."  But I figure if there is one thread I can tie through all my blogs, at least it will have some essence of sanity.  Well, I haven't come upon a subject, but when I do, I will let you know.  I am leaning towards the things that I have learned.  It should be super easy, but possibly incredibly boring during the school year.  We shall see.

Last night at 9:56 we heard a gun battle go on.  I know it was more than 6 shots, and probably closer to about 12.  I didn't count because I was pretty sure there was more than one gun shooting.  I got up this morning and checked the police report to see if something was reported.  There was a minor report of something about gunfire but that the investigation was still ongoing.  Well, crap.  What fun is it if you hear gunshots but you have no idea what has happened.  I hope I don't ever hear them again, because it was kind of scary.

On to other scary items.  My neighbor came over yesterday to let me know that there has been a rash of daytime burglaries in our neighborhood.  Luckily, me and my two adjacent neighbors are home all day every day.  This would seem a bit of a protection.  Not only that, I have two dogs.  They are yappers too, so I will be warned of danger in a most annoying way.  I also have a gun (or a few) and a plan.  I'll keep those private.  Today I am calling a security company, so I can have an alarm go off in case of any danger.

This is all right up my alley.  I am a complete alarmist.  I am the first one to think danger when something out of the ordinary happens.  I will watch airplanes and they land thinking they will crash.  I have actually watched a plane crash land.  It wasn't as dramatic as you might think.  I was with my friend (I think I was about 13) and her dad.  We were driving by the St. Louis airport.  He was an airport worker and noticed that the small plane coming in didn't have its landing gear down.  So he stopped the car, and we watched as the plane landed and skidded with great sparks down the runway.  He informed us that clearly they didn't know they had forgotten the landing gear or the emergency vehicles would have been on the field.  We watched until they got there.  No big deal, but a plane crash, nonetheless.  My husband makes fun of me for thinking every plane is going to crash.  I have also been in a plane "incident."  I was 12 years old and we were flying to Mexico at Christmas time.  I remember we were taking off in Mexico City and heard loud pops and the plane slammed on its brakes (?), and the plane skidded of the runway.   The reason, as I recall, was that 5 of the tires blew out as we were barreling down the runway.  We lived and I am guessing we changed planes, I don't remember.

Well, suffice it to say, I watch constantly for accidents and scary stuff to happen.  It is a very tiring way to be, and I wish I was less stressed about random events.

My iPad

I love my iPad.  Oh wait, actually, it isn't my iPad.  I have commandeered it from Paul.  Haha.  It doesn't belong to me, but I am the one who uses it more than anyone else.  I have figured out how to do most things from the iPad that I usually do with a laptop.  But so far, there are two major hang ups.  First, I cannot post to my blog.  It doesn't allow me to post directly.  So I type up my blog on my "notes" page on the iPad and email it to myself.  Then it is just a matter of cutting and pasting next time I get on the laptop.  Second, and actually most major, the iPad doesn't allow for Adobe Flash, so when people send videos, I can't see them.  That is a major major problem.  I hope the iPad people figure out that this deficiency really sucks for those of us who are trying to go all iPad.

The first thing I do in the morning is reach for my iPad.  It used to be my iPhone.  Major advantage. . . I am 45 (46 in a couple of days) and my reading vision is going out the window.  The iPad allows me to read without reading glasses early in the morning while I am laying in bed.  I check all my favorite news websites and my email and my favorite blogs.  Then I begin reading the Book of Mormon, my favorite all time scriptures.  About 1 year ago, I was bemoaning to myself that I was so busy that I never got time to sit down and read my scriptures.  Something clicked (maybe the Spirit, eh?) and reminded me that I read my email every morning, why not just add the scriptures to that.  Since then I have read the book several times.  I read about 3-6 chapters every morning.  It is awesome.  Then I crawl out of bed and go kneel in the bathroom floor mat and pray.  It has become a great way to start my day. . . scriptures and prayer.  Apple has no idea how much they have improved my spiritual habits, love it!

My weekend

Newest officer!

My son, Chris, graduated from the CHP academy.  It is an interesting set of feelings that I have.  I didn't want him to go into the CHP because I wanted him to get his bachelor's degree before he did that.  But after going to the orientation, watching him go throughout the training, and then finally his graduation, I must say that I am super proud of him.  Weird.  I don't want to be boastful.  He didn't graduate top of his class or anything, but he finished respectably. But most of all, he finished it.  I know it is a grueling 6 months, and about forty percent of his class didn't get through.  So he is now part of an elite team of law enforcement.

One of my new favorite tv shows is called Rookie Blue.  It is about a group of cadets who graduate from a police academy and then start out in the real world.  So it is kind of like watching Chris on tv.  Haha.  It is my best friend's (after Paul) favorite show too, for exactly the same reason.

Way to go Chris!!!!


4 days in a row

Today is Brady's birthday. He is two years old. He was born in Sacramento but moved shortly after his birth.  I have gotten to visit with him a couple of times but he doesn't know me.  He is a cutie and actually looks like he could be three years old. He grew up quickly because time flies.  Tomorrow is Amber's birthday.  I miss my sweet girl.


The Wall

I think everyone has hit them.  They are the walls that we hit when we want to accomplish something.  Usually they are walls that we place on ourselves.  It's like when we are losing weight, we do a great job until we hit a wall and then we start eating ice cream or cookies, and we have hit the wall.  Right now I am at my study wall.  I need to turn off the TV and open the book.  I only have two more chapters to finish, and it really won't take me long and then I will be done for the summer.  But here i sit watching a special on TV about kodiak bears.  Haha, I am lame.  But it is so interesting!!

I did it!

OK, it is a big day.  I finally cleaned my dining room.  For those of you that know me well, you know that the last time I cleaned it was about 20 months ago.  It gradually became a "storage" area for things we didn't know what to do with.  There were large boxes and huge bolts of fabric, left over flooring and Christmas gifts and unhung paintings.  Whew!  I am totally exhausted.   But the room is fit for eating in.

We are having a party at our house tomorrow for Chris.  He is graduating as a CHP officer, and the celebration party is at our house.  We are very proud of Chris.  We actually didn't really want him to join the CHP, but since he has, we are thrilled that he made it through the 6 months training and is off to begin a rewarding career.

I will miss the family, and I hope they come back soon.  I think they want to apply for a transfer in about 1 year or so.  I know they have to stay there at least one year.  Maybe if they get transferred back it will be motivation for Lance and Ashley to want to make the move.  We shall see.

But, most importantly, this day, my dining room is clean!

Yeah! A visitor

I have a niece, Madison.  I think she is awesome, and I love visiting with her.  I get to spend my mornings with her this summer.  How fun is that?!?!? Apparently, she needs a little time with her auntie to tell her the things that her parents tell her all year long.  Somehow, kids think that if it comes from someone else, it is gospel, and if they hear it from their parents, it is blather.  But, I totally recall that I was a complete idiot between the ages of 15 and 19, well, it might have extended to 26 or so.  But around 20 years of age, I started to get an inkling that I might be wrong about some of my ideas, but being as hard headed as I was, it took me years to admit that I was wrong, and my parents, particularly my dad, were right.  Ugh.

I have tried for years to get over my guilt for being such a stupid teenager.  I once told my dad, "I hate you."  It still stings when I think about it.  I also eloped at age 16 (with my mother's assistance).  I cannot even tell you how totally sorry and sad I am that I did that to my father.  He must have been hurt so bad by my complete betrayal of him.  I have told him that I am sorry, and I try every Father's day to make it known how much I love him, but there is just no way to take away some hurts.  They sit there for a long time, in both the giver and the taker.  Now that I am a parent, I can get a glimpse of the pain that kids can cause, but I also realize the love and forgiveness that go along with a parents' love.

So Madison is going to be my buddy for a few weeks.  I am thrilled.  Mostly because I get to "hang" with someone that I think is cool, and also because maybe, just maybe, I can impart a little of my wisdom on someone who reminds me a lot of me!

3 days in One

While we were camping, I was able to write, but not to post.  I didn't bring the proper "equipment."

So here are my 3 days of posting, all in one.

Eva

I got to go bike riding with Eva the other day.  She is my youngest grandchild (for the next month or so).  There is something very unique about this little girl.  Everyone is her hero.  It doesn't matter if you were gone for 10 minutes, she greets everyone as if they are her best friend and she is so glad to be in their presence.  The other night, grandpa came home while she was visiting.  She stomped her feet and yelled "grandpa" over and over. And then she turned to me and, pointing, said "Grandma, it's Grandpa!". Then did the same with her dad and anyone else who was near.  When she sees puppies or bugs she is so excited and wants to share her excitement with the world.  I love this little girl!


Campfire

I love technology.  Here I sit around my campfire typing my blog.  How awesome is that?!?  Unfortunately I won't be able to post them until I get home.  Our campsite is just 1 or 2 campsites too far from the clubhouse to get good Internet reception.  But it is the best site and that makes it ok.  I have a kettle of water right beside me ready for hot chocolate, yummy.

We are camping with Ashley and Sydney. Harold and Cynthia were here earlier but they had to go back for the evening.  We were expecting Kyle and Christina also but they had a furniture delivery issue and cant come up until tomorrow.

Speaking of tomorrow, I should have brought up my family history to work on, dang!!!!


End of the weekend

The saddest part about any trip is the last day.  Its the day we have to pack up and go home.  The fun is over and real life begins again.  Not more laying around reading a book, napping, sitting by the fire and chatting, and card games until late in the evening.  Now we have to clean up and put everything away.

One of my favorite parts about camping is that dad makes the bed.  He never makes it at home, but every morning after I am done making breakfast, I go back into the camper and the bed is made.  So awesome!!!

Another favorite part is going home and spending the rest of the day in bed and catching up on all my DVRed TV shows!!