mousecrazy

I iwas wondering what the Partridge in a Pear tree was going to be! Hahaha! Thanks, Mandy! Yes, today is IT! I am sooo excited, and I've cried twice...yes, your favorite tough gal...all weepy. It's just not right. I'm hiding in my little room now, getting a grip. As soon as I can get out of here, I'll jam my stereo and I'll be fine! Okay, New Year's Day...Cracker Barrel...let's say 2PM...that'll be after lunch and before dinner and won't be crowded or anything, hopefully. When it gets closer to time...we'll PM cell phone numbers so we can call if problems arise. I'll be more talkative after this day is over...cross your fingers I don't lose it completely. I can't believe this day is finally here!

Mandy, perfect picture! Two Turtle Doves.... Today I had two former students, one from 5 years ago, and 1 from 10 years ago...they knew I was leaving and wanted to come say goodbye "one last time." Well, talk about humbled. One told me they hear about me on My Space "all the time." OMG. I don't sign on to that, so I'd rather not know! It's sweet, and this is one heck of an emotional ride today. Mary...good luck with your scope. Just do it. Don't over think it. Mandy, sorry about your in-laws. That's just not right. Eileen, good luck with the house cleaning...right now, that sounds like a relief to me! Beanie...Cracker Barrel would be the place for us to meet, then...2000 cups of coffee it is! Okay, more later...it's crazy here one day before Christmas break...and retirement!

Coffee in Denton: There is a Starbucks on University Drive. Downtown Denton there is Jupiter House...then of course, Cracker Barrel on I 35/University (380). Any of the Texas people liking any of these suggestions or have any others? Beanie, how was your dr. appt? I apologize for laughing at your description of your fever breaking at the UPS!! It was just funny. Probably your great writing skill! I'm operating at a disadvantage here, because only 1 little post, Betty's, is on this page, and I can't remember everything else I read. I know Christmas is one week from today...let the wrapping begin!

Mandy, I was just going to ask, "I wonder what Mandy is going to post for 3 French hens?" And VOILA! C'est ce bon! (Okay, I took French for 2 years...30 years ago...pardon et moi...) Did anything I just say make any sense????? LOL1 Yes, indeed, it is 3 days, counting today, left until the end of the ol' career. Chrispy, congrats on your tests! Sherry, enjoyed the long post...it's been a while! Darcy, hope DD is feeling better now...the last time my DD got sick, I ended up with a brand new mattress! Betty, how's the hand doing today? Spider bites are sometimes very painful, and watch out if it's brown recluse! Let us know.... Eileen, what's up at work? Beanie, what days are the morgage gods letting you off for Christmas? Dang...I always start these posts right before lunch, and run out of time to finish... Be Back later... C.

Good to see you, Eileen! Sounds like you week pretty much stank up the joint...what is with this boss-guy's management style? I guess it's pretty much solid that if you breathe down people's necks, they love to work hard for you? Sheesh. Your cookie baking sounded fun...I haven't done that yet. How can Christmas sneak up on me like this? Beanie, I'm sorry you are still feeling bad! Have you tried those zinc lozenges yet, or are you the one that doesn't like them? Try them anyway. New Year's Day is okay with me, as long as it is after the Rose Parade...I know, I'm weird. I just love that parade! So, we have a possible date...how about a location? Is Denton good, or is that not central enough? Also, I guess your dad is better off with the tumor, but what are they going to do about it? Mandy, thanks for the info on the SD card...you sure got a great price on that! I bought a 1G for my camera and paid 45.00, and I was happy with that! It wasn't a SD...it was another kind, but still....you are a great bargain shopper! Okay, I'll check back later!

Concert review: Better than even we expected! Our seats were terrible, we were behind this corner grate/rail kind of thing, so DH went to the box office to complain that we had not been informed that we would have obstructed view seats, and we were given new seats in exchange....right at the very side of the stage! I'm talking eye level, 6 rows back...WOW! DD's eye were as wide as owls...and lots of "Awesome's!" were heard! It was so good. It lasted 3 full hours, too! Veri-lights, lasers, pryo-technics...you name it...they had it! Then we went to Pappadeux's for dinner, and enjoyed some great seafood...we are all tuckered out now! Mandy, I had never thought about saving music to a memory card...what type would fit in the Mix Stick? Walmart sends you the Cd already recorded...but I don't know if it would get here by Christmas at this time of year....but it is good to know they do that! Darcy, keep the food going into the party...after the pizza, throw some bags of chips and candy in there! Hahaha! You've got the right idea! (I bet they liked those red noses, even if they pretended they didn't!) You are a brave woman! Anne, you're checking in, too, I see at the bottom of the page...hope you had a good day, too!

Kat, sorry about the arguments. These money ones do come up at this time of year, unfortunately. Can you find out what the bottom-line really is and soothe it? It'll sort itself out, you know it will. I'm up early, enjoying the tree and quiet! DD and I slept out on the couch with tree lit up...our Christmas Tree Sleepover! We had eggnog and candy and watched Polar Express last night. It was fun! Today is the Trans-Siberian Orchestra concert! I just can't wait to see DD's face when she sees a real full-on concert like this! That's DH's and my Christmas present to ourselves. Sure, it's not Pink Floyd, but she's 9 years old...we're taking this in stages! My Christmas cards aren't done, so don't look for those in your mailboxes yet! They are coming, though. The decorations are as done as they are going to get...we have so much stuff, we just don't use it all every year. The rest is going back up in the attic until next year. I'm trying to talk my dad into just decorating something. After mom died, he didn't want to do it last year. So, I would like him to just put out his Christmas miniature village, maybe? It's hard, but would like him start with something. He thinks he's going to do it next week. Say a little prayer for him, please? Beanie, I hope your dad is okay. I have been praying for him. Please let us know. Eileen...I miss you! What's going on, sister? Hey, do you mind sharing a little about what you are getting your DD for Christmas? I always wonder if my DD is getting bum gifts or good ones? Besides the concert, I got her a CD that I chose the songs on (Walmart does that), two Karaoke CD's for her karaoke machine (she sings), two Mix Clips for her Disney Mix Stick she got last year, a portable CD player and the High School Musical CD, a gift certificate for a Movie Tavern in Denton...oh, some pj's. That's all I can remember. I stayed away from the Barbies and Polly Pockets, because I think my sis will do that. So, if you've got your ear to the ground on something really cool, I'd love to hear about it! Well, everyone, I'd better move along...need to do a few things, then get everyone ready for our trek into the "big city" for the concert! Have a great day!

Yes, today is "Four Calling Birds" and I am only counting work days, not the weekends. And, it includes today. Friday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. The party was great! There were about 40 people there...all the way back to my first principal at the school I am in now. My favorite friends from the past, who have already retired, were there...even a handful of my former students, who are 35-38 years old now! No tears at the party, for me...I teared up a little today while I was writing a little "good-bye and thank you" letter to everybody. Each person wrote me a letter, telling me things they remember, admire, etc...and they put it in an album for me, with some pictures of me and friends over the years...it is a treasure. That will cause some tears when I read it quietly someday. I was kinda awestruck when I read it. You just really never know how you affect other people. The littlest thing (so you think) is a huge thing to someone else. Man, it makes you think. Chrispy is the gal with apt problems, not Cassie...that's the confusion...oops! Patty, the waiting is driving us nuts! Betty, I am glad for TGIF too! Hope Eileen can stop in today maybe? Mandy, still lovin' those pictures...and your tree is gorgeous! Be back later, hugs! Cindy

Yummy onion RINGS! You post some great pics, Mandy!

He has a radio show; I listen when I can in the Dallas area. He is on KLIF 570 from 2-4...or maybe from 1-4. Also, he has a website: www.daveramsey.com He is a straight-talker, which I appreciate. I wish I had heard this advice long ago. I don't follow his advice to a "T", but I'm sure I'd be better off if I did. Check him out; he's worth the effort.

Multiple myeloma... my FIL has that, but it can hang around a while without causing a lot of damage. This makes me wonder... I'm sorry to hear of his passing.

The only experience i have with this type of situation was when my mom was hospitalized for the 5 months before her passing. I gained a lot of weight during that time, which I attribute to very bad decisions about wht to eat, when to eat, lack of sleep, and worry (cortisol). I want to encourage you to love yourself, and do at least something to show yourself that you love you each day. And NOT the stuff your inner brat wants you to do...but maybe 15 minutes of quiet time, if that's what you like...reading a book...put cuticle cream on your nails...a cup of coffee/tea...fill in the blanks with what you like. Just ONE thing. Prove to yourself that you are taking care of you. Your psyche will get the message. I say it's worth a try.

:sing: :sing: :sing: :sing: :sing: Five Golden Rings!:sing: :sing: :sing: :sing: :sing: Which song, that one, or "It's My Party, and I'll Cry if I Want To"? Naw, just kiddin'. Dianne's gonna cry for me...she needs a good cry, anyway! :grouphug: Glad you have some Cymbalta, Dianne...give it time to work, those meds take time to get in your system and start doing their job. Until then, lean into your faith, girl. It's easy to forget about that. Cass, your ideas for a Christmas wedding are beautiful! Where do you live (again?) Remember I am one of the older ones around here, so don't laugh! Chicago, I think...so muffs would fit in perfectly for the cold weather. Red roses or poinsettias? I bet the church will already have poinsettias in the sanctuary. I LOVE the idea of an ornament for the favor!!!!!!! That is a great idea! Okay, my gripe for today. I am the room mom for DD's class, and as of last week the Christmas party was going to be tomorrow. I called all the parents, arranged the menu, duties, and all that. Then THIS MORNING, DD says, oh, they changed the party to Tuesday. WTF??? I'm like, no they didn't, because I can't call those parents and tell them "nevermind". Long story short, one of the people who works at the school was supposed to call and tell me, and didn't, and she blamed the teacher...don't you love the blame game?...and the winner is: the parents. We are having the party tomorrow, as originally planned. All I had to do was say I was willing to talk to the Headmaster and explain that there was a communication problem, and magically, it was okay to have the party tomorrow! Still, urrrgggghhhhh...why can't people get organized, especially the ones who are running schools? Okay, gotta run for now...hugs to all!

Hahahahahahaha! Love the Geese joke, Mandy! I've never seen that! Thanks for the laugh, right before bed. I needed that!

Congratulations! You must feel great!

Sometimes things don't work out just as we planned, but that doesn't mean they are bad. Take a breath and look at your options again. Our choices are rarely ever "A" or nothing. There is usually a B and a C....write down the pros and cons if you need to. I think it would help.

Yes, Cass...try really mild, not acidic, liquids for a day or so, then mushies. Do you have any milk allergies or anything like that? Another thing to be careful of is how much you eat at one time. Remind yourself that you can eat again later if you are hungry. I know some doctor's say to eat 3 meals and no snacks, but that hasn't worked out for me. I am more of a 5-6 small meals, spread throughout the day, person. I hope you feel better! Today's verse: "Six geese a laying...." !!!!! Tomorrow is the party. I don't have to pick out anything special to wear, because it's "jeans week" and it's a very casual thing. I am more worried about busting into tears...I get emotional like that, but I usually hold it back. I hope I can at least not get fully blubbery! I have heard that a few of my old cohorts will be coming, and I am excited to see them! Otherwise, the same old, same old. When am I going to wrap the gifts????? Make the cookies? Whew! Did I tell ya'll DH and I are taking DD to Trans-Siberian Orchestra this Saturday? It's part of her Christmas present....I'm excited about going to that, and so is she! Be back later...hugs! Cindy

I'm probably weird, but when I really want to find out something, I check out all kinds of sources...I check news sites, then left-leaning, then right-leaning (not that I believe the news site are neutral)...usually, after reading all of them, you can draw a conclusion about what might be going on. Even though I am conservative, I can recognize spin when it is spinning right...and I would hope that all of us could learn to recognize extremes and bias, regardless of our point of view. If we don't, and if we continue to be the sedated audience of the media, accepting everything as presented and unchallenged, we are in for some big trouble. We may already be there. "What if" things are going better in Iraq than we are being shown? It has already been pointed out that sectarian violence has been common in that country, unless a brutal dictator was in place...so, even though there is an upswing in truck bombs and the like, "what if" the people continue to be hopeful that the situation is actually improving? They did turn out to vote, in three different elections.

I voted. Keep bumping to remind us!

Jules, I teach in Carrollton-F.B. and I teach English/Language Arts. Right now, I'm running a little writing lab for students who need a little extra help with their writing (and English language skills). Mandy, when I moved to my new little room and out of my real classroom, I pack almost everything and took it home. I now have a smaller version of my stuff (hat tip to George Carlin), and it will fit in a small box next week. DH can't retire for 5-6 more years...remember, I married a younger man! Thanks, Mandy, for the nice thoughts. I will be always around here, poking my nose into everyone's business! Thanks and hugs to you! I see you on here, Beanie, and I'll check back to see what's up in the glorious world of mortgage lending!

Gadgetlady, thanks for pointing out an example of conveniences that most of us are not willingly going to give up, but it is good to be reminded that we could. It reminds me of something posted earlier about disposable diapers... It's ironic how many conveniences have actually led to some pretty significant inconveniences in the long run. Still, we may think of the consequences of our actions 100 years from now, but we will usually act on what works for "right now." Not always, since recycling has been made fairly convenient, but if it came to reusable feminine products....well....

PFS...that's hilarious!

Jules! We are neighbors, practically! I live in Sanger, and I'm in Denton all the time...Beanie is in Corinth, and Betty lives around here somewhere, too...we just like the Jersey gals, so we are fortunate they let us hang out here with them! Thanks NJ! Today is..."Seven Swans a swimming...." Nothing exciting to report since last night...and THAT'S a good thing! LOL!

One thing we all agree on is that there is a complicated situation out there. I don't think anyone thinks it is simple. I want to say to everyone that I truly appreciate the turn toward a civil tone in the discussion. It gives us the ability to actually think about the issues. Did anyone think the questions about the intensity of media reporting had any merit? Are our cities unraveling due to murder and mayhem, or is that just happening elsewhere? Personally, I am hoping for a change in the U.N with the new president there. (Sorry for jumping from subject to subject...in a hurry.)

Today was 8 maids a milking.... Is it possible? uhhhh....YES! I heard from a friend/former colleague that several of my already retired friends are coming Thursday night to my party. That will be sooooo much fun! Beanie, I send prayers for your Dad. Kat, simply, I understand about your grandparents. Sherry, congratulations on getting your tree done! Dianne, hang in there, sweetie. We all have valleys. That doesn't make it any easier, but we're here beside you. Anne, glad your Dh is back! Jules...are you by any chance near TWU in Denton? I know I'm slacking on some of you, and I'm sorry. I've gotta get the little girl to bed. More tomorrow...hugs to all, Cindy