After a weekend of snow, we all headed back to work today, and the roads were anything but decent. It was a solid sheet of ice from Belgrade to Bozeman, even on the Interstate. I was waiting to see the idiot who drove like he was above the concepts of physics and physical science, but did not see any cars in the ditch. I did, of course> encounter Mr. Jackass when I reached town and got off the Interstate. I found a driver in a green truck that appeared to have 4WD. He looked like a woman late for work trying to apply make-up while driving. I watched this guy swerve no less than three times in less than a 1/2 mile of driving. I was sure he was going to cause a wreck. He kept looking at himself in his rear view mirror. WTF? It was like he was shaving and driving. I mean the roads are slippery and Mr. Jackass is paying not attention to his driving. I just did not want to be in his wake after he caused a wreck or witness one.
It turned out he made a left turn and I was no longer following him. I was quite relieved but honestly scared for the other drivers around him!
Monday, October 13, 2008
Saturday, October 11, 2008
The Gold-digging Whores of. . .
Brave Tv network produces this series called "The Housewives of (enter title of large metropolitan US city)". They have made several now. The Housewives of Orange County, The Housewives of New York City and now The Housewives of Atlanta. I nicknamed it "The Gold-digging Whores of. . ." because these women are not housewives. They are dumb as a box of rocks and don't do a damn thing for themselves. They are the rich and elite socialites in each of their towns, but most of the ones featured are not married anymore. They do have a ton of money which they have now from being married. So, in that case, I should not be calling these women dumb. They actually are smart. They figured out how to have it all. They married into it and then left with at least half. After catching a few episodes (because I just can't help myself if I see this horrible tribute to the elitist idiots of the upper tax brackets in America being paraded across cable- I just have to tune in. It makes me feel somewhat morally superior even though my checkbook proves me to be financially inferior.) I watch in total surprise. The arrogance of these women, the self-centered behavior, the superiority, and the verbal drivel of repeated pride and pompous remarks that comes out of their mouths is amazing. It is like they have no idea that their own crap stinks. I am fascinated yet disgusted all at the same time. Of course, that is what makes for good "trash" reality television and what keeps us tuning in. . .
We bailed them out for what?
I was so glad to know that after the bailout of billions of dollars by the feds to AIG their executives went to CA for a corporate retreat and spent $410,000. WTF? Really? These people should be in jail. They have proved to Americans that if we continue to put our trust and faith in the these financial executives, they will screw us every time. And then they had the gall to ask for another $30 billion? No way! My tax dollars need to go to someone who is not going to spend them eating caviar and drinking champagne on my dime after we bailed them out because they made stupid investment decisions. If you want to go to CA, spend your own money, not mine.
First Snow
October 10th and we have had our first snowfall in Bozeman. It was not a skiff, either. It was a nice, wet stick-to-the-ground-because-the-temp-was-right-at-freezing-snowfall. And the wind was a whippin'! For once, the weather people actually predicted something correctly. We knew this was coming. Fortunately, by the end of the day, the wind is what cleared everything up and the roads were clear by the end of the day, but we woke up this morning with snow on the ground. I am not sure any of us are ready for winter this early, but that is why we live here. Montana has real seasons, even if it is four in a day.
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
My response to the shirt
I stopped and read that shirt, proceeded to tell the young man wearing it that I thought it was awesome and chatted away with him. five minutes later, I had a VIP guess pass to Teasers in hand. I would say things are looking up.
Best Shirt from this Weekend
"If I had wanted your opinion, I would remove my dick from your mouth."
Twenty Minutes
I have a friend who as a theory that it should only take 20 minutes to get from one side of Bozeman to the other even on a bad day. Today I am calling this theory BULLSHIT! Bozeman has become near impossible to drive 2 fricken miles in under ten minutes. Granted, we are not in Denver, Seattle, Chicago or San Francsico, but we have our little traffic foibles and they suck it up and muck it up here. Today I saw the best bumper sticker "Welcome to Bozeangeles Montukey" I would have laughed even harder if it wasn't so frickin' true these days. And the reason I had time to actually read this bumper sticker, well actually study it intently was because th City decided to repaint the lines on one of our busiest streets TODAY. I understand the need to do refresh painting etc, but since I am not a city planner I don't understand painting during the busiest time of the day causing end of day traffic to become a clusterfuck for the end of the day commute. I know that road crews don't normally work weekends, but I can think of a few better times to paint the lines on the busiest intersections in town and they have nothing to do with 8AM or 5PM Monday through Friday. And then possibly we could go back to everything only takes 30 minutes to reach in Bozeman. . .
But not with, striping, road closures, and idiot planners.
But not with, striping, road closures, and idiot planners.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
A Hell of a Mess: Observations by Lee Iacocca
So here's where we stand:
We're immersed in a bloody war with no plan for winning and no plan for leaving.
We're running the biggest deficit in the history of the country. We're losing the manufacturing edge to Asia , while our once-great companies are getting slaughtered by health care costs.
Gas prices are skyrocketing, and nobody in power has a coherent energy policy. Our schools are in trouble. Our borders are like sieves. The middle class is being squeezed every which way.
These are times that cry out for leadership. But when you look around, you've got to ask:
"Where have all the leaders gone?" Where are the curious, creative communicators? Where are the people of character, courage, conviction, competence, and common sense?
I may be a sucker for alliteration, but I think you get the point.
Name me a leader who has a better idea for homeland security than making us take off our shoes in airports and throw away our shampoo? We've spent billions of dollars building a huge new bureaucracy, and all we know how to do is react to things that have already happened.
Name me one leader who emerged from the crisis of Hurricane Katrina . Congress has yet to spend a single day evaluating the response to the hurricane, or demanding accountability for the decisions that were made in the crucial hours after the storm. Everyone's hunkering down, fingers crossed, hoping it doesn't happen again.
Now, that's just crazy. Storms happen. Deal with it. Make a plan. Figure out what you're going to do the next time.
Name me an industry leader who is thinking creatively about how we can restore our competitive edge in manufacturing. Who would have believed that there could ever be a time when "the Big Three" referred to Japanese car companies?
How did this happen? And more important, what are we going to do about it?
Name me a government leader who can articulate a plan for paying down the debt, or solving the energy crisis, or managing the health care problem. The silence is deafening. But these are the crises that are eating away at our country and milking the middle c lass dry.
I have news for the gang in Congress. We didn't elect you to sit on your asses and do nothing and remain silent while our democracy is being hijacked and our greatness is being replaced with mediocrity.
What is everybody so afraid of? That some bobble head on Fox News will call them a name?
Give me a break. Why don't you guys show some spine for a change? Had enough? Hey, I'm not trying to be the voice of gloom and doom here. I'm trying to light a fire. I'm speaking out because I have hope. I believe in America In my lifetime I've had the privilege of living through some of America 's greatest moments. I've also experienced some of our worst crises:
The Great Depression , World War II , the Korean War , the Kennedy assassination, the Vietnam War, the 1970s oil crisis, and the struggles of recent years culminating with 9/11. If I've learned one thing, it's this: You don't get anywhere by standing on the sidelines waiting for somebody else to take action. Whether it's building a better car or building a better future for our children, we all have a role to play.
That's the challenge I'm raising in this book. It's a call to action for people who, like me, believe in America . It's not too late, but it's getting pretty close. So let's shake off the horseshit and go to work. Let's tell 'em all we've had enough.
Excerpted from "Where Have All the Leaders Gone?"
We're immersed in a bloody war with no plan for winning and no plan for leaving.
We're running the biggest deficit in the history of the country. We're losing the manufacturing edge to Asia , while our once-great companies are getting slaughtered by health care costs.
Gas prices are skyrocketing, and nobody in power has a coherent energy policy. Our schools are in trouble. Our borders are like sieves. The middle class is being squeezed every which way.
These are times that cry out for leadership. But when you look around, you've got to ask:
"Where have all the leaders gone?" Where are the curious, creative communicators? Where are the people of character, courage, conviction, competence, and common sense?
I may be a sucker for alliteration, but I think you get the point.
Name me a leader who has a better idea for homeland security than making us take off our shoes in airports and throw away our shampoo? We've spent billions of dollars building a huge new bureaucracy, and all we know how to do is react to things that have already happened.
Name me one leader who emerged from the crisis of Hurricane Katrina . Congress has yet to spend a single day evaluating the response to the hurricane, or demanding accountability for the decisions that were made in the crucial hours after the storm. Everyone's hunkering down, fingers crossed, hoping it doesn't happen again.
Now, that's just crazy. Storms happen. Deal with it. Make a plan. Figure out what you're going to do the next time.
Name me an industry leader who is thinking creatively about how we can restore our competitive edge in manufacturing. Who would have believed that there could ever be a time when "the Big Three" referred to Japanese car companies?
How did this happen? And more important, what are we going to do about it?
Name me a government leader who can articulate a plan for paying down the debt, or solving the energy crisis, or managing the health care problem. The silence is deafening. But these are the crises that are eating away at our country and milking the middle c lass dry.
I have news for the gang in Congress. We didn't elect you to sit on your asses and do nothing and remain silent while our democracy is being hijacked and our greatness is being replaced with mediocrity.
What is everybody so afraid of? That some bobble head on Fox News will call them a name?
Give me a break. Why don't you guys show some spine for a change? Had enough? Hey, I'm not trying to be the voice of gloom and doom here. I'm trying to light a fire. I'm speaking out because I have hope. I believe in America In my lifetime I've had the privilege of living through some of America 's greatest moments. I've also experienced some of our worst crises:
The Great Depression , World War II , the Korean War , the Kennedy assassination, the Vietnam War, the 1970s oil crisis, and the struggles of recent years culminating with 9/11. If I've learned one thing, it's this: You don't get anywhere by standing on the sidelines waiting for somebody else to take action. Whether it's building a better car or building a better future for our children, we all have a role to play.
That's the challenge I'm raising in this book. It's a call to action for people who, like me, believe in America . It's not too late, but it's getting pretty close. So let's shake off the horseshit and go to work. Let's tell 'em all we've had enough.
Excerpted from "Where Have All the Leaders Gone?"
Blast from the Past
I managed to send out a bunch of Christmas cards with a long update letter this year to my family and friends some of which I have been out of touch with for an extended period of time. I included some pictures I had taken when we had them done for the church directory in as many of them as I could. I ended up hearing from two of my friends that I have not talked to in quite some time. We are on email and messenger now so we are in regular contact. I am really excited! Anyway, things have changed a lot in our lives, but it is like nothing has changed in many ways. There is nothing like an old friend.
Friday, January 04, 2008
The People have spoken
Well, the first Caucus was in Iowa yesterday and the voting public has spoken. I can't say I was too surprised, but it is going to be an interesting 2008. I may have to get really interested in foreign film, set a new record for how many books I have read in a year or take up guitar playing. I am not sure I have the patience to tolerate the political cloud that is settling over America for the next 11 months. In such a crucial election year, I do want to know my candidates and the issues, but I don't want to eat, sleep and breathe every move each of them make just so one of them can get an edge over the other (compliments of our media.) I feel myself using my NetFlix account a lot in the next 11 months. . .
Monday, December 31, 2007
2007 - A year of big changes
Wow! Where did 2007 go? This year flew by in a whirlwind of big changes for me. My family experience graduations, new arrivals, and early exits.
I started off the year with my annual Market America business trip to Miami. Miami in February is always nice and this past year was no exception. The sun was shining and the trip was very educational. At the end of March, I was able to attend our regional convention in Portland, Oregon. The highlight of this trip for me was my visit with my Uncle Don and Aunt Cindy in Vancouver. I don’t get to see them very often and I was able to combine this business trip with some special family time. It was such a treat for Mom and me!
In late February/early March, my life began a series of big changes. My job was in a state of flux and had been for several months. I had been promoted to Sales Manager in March of 2006 and had two different sales reps work for me- neither of which ended up being a good fit for the company. In March, I was told by the Operations Manager that my compensation package was changing (again) and given a new contract to review and sign prior to the annual stockholder’s meeting. I prayed about what to do. I liked the company. I liked my job, but I felt like I was not growing anymore the way I needed to and I was not happy overall.
In April of 2007, I left the company after 4 years and started working for an Alzheimer’s only care facility. I decided I wanted to work there full time being a care-giver. After being trained, I worked 32 hours per week on the 3-11pm shift. I really liked the work and became very attached to the residents. Unfortunately, my knees did not like the demands of the 8-straight hours of physical labor. I cut back to part-time and worked 4-hour shifts on the weekends all summer and intermittently throughout the fall. They have changed the schedule now so there are no more 4-hour shifts and unfortunately, my orthopedic doctor does not recommend I continue this type of work with the condition of my knees.
I am working with management to find some type of work and schedule that works for both of us so I can still help out. This work is very rewarding and the families really appreciate the caregivers. These residents really need people who truly love and care about them. It is like having 12 grandparents that I don’t want to give up caring for. This job has changed me and I now know that I need this in my life. I never knew what I was willing or able to do until I worked at this facility. The Lord truly challenges us so we can learn more about ourselves every day! It is truly amazing.
In May, I interviewed with a well-established computer consulting company in Montana. The president of the company interviewed me one day and offered me the job the same week. I have been with them since the end of May as an account manager. This week, I was promoted to the Branch Manager of the Bozeman office. I cannot express to you how exciting this is or how much this means to me. I have been wanting to manage an office for years and they feel I have the skills to manage and grow the Bozeman branch. It will be a challenge, but I have two great men to work with me (my technicians) and the management staff who support us are really committed to our success. I am looking forward to what lies ahead in 2008.
Shortly after I took this new job, I received some shocking news. One of my dearest friend's husbands (a friend of mine, too) had been tragically killed in a motorcycle accident. I was a bridesmaid in their wedding. I was there the day they met. I could not believe it! I was devastated. He was taken from us all too soon. I have been supporting my friend these past six months. I have been working through my own grief also. We talk about him often, because she needs to and because we need to. He was the love of her life. I don't think you ever "get over" the loss of someone like this. I don't know, but I do know that it changes you.
In June, I decided to take matters into my own hands and I hired a personal trainer. Shauna has been an amazing support to me and taught me to be accountable and helped me become so much healthier, despite on-going health issues. I have learned to make exercise a part of my life and daily schedule, just like any meeting and put myself and my health first and I am reaping the benefits of my persistence and new habits. I feel so much better. I highly recommend using a personal trainer. This approach has really changed my attitude and my level of motivation, especially when I am being challenged by a flare-up or my body is retaliating. Shauna is my cheerleader and coach in the gym. I let the Lord take care of the rest.
I still have some serious issues with my knees, but I have had problems for years and I have learned to work within my limitations to be as healthy as I can be. My migraines are less and I am pushing myself to become consistent with the exercise that best suits my body. I know that I am not the one in control- the Lord is and He will not give me more that I can handle.
For Labor Day this year, I had some friends come up from Texas for a fun-filled weekend of adventures. I hiked for the first time since my two knee surgeries- YAY! We spent a day at our friend, Mike’s place, and played horseshoes, ate BBQ’d food off the grill and just relaxed. Mike owns a beautiful cabin on a few acres in the heart of the woods outside of Bozeman. His neighbor is a children’s author with an amazing home with spectacular views. Mike and Ben built horseshoe pits on top of the mountain in the forest between their two places. It was a great place to throw shoes. The highlight to that day, though, was Ben’s unique pet, a 650+ pound Minnesota black bear named Buffy. Ben has had Buffy since he was a cub. Ben was called and asked if he would take Buffy and raise him when he was little. Ben has an amazing home for Buffy and is the only “parent” Buffy has ever known. Ben would let Buffy out in the evenings to roam the mountain side like any other domesticated animal. Buffy is an old bear with a cataract and he is minus his front canines. He also has an affinity for animal crackers, which we all found out when we fed him. This bear was amazing! He played with Ben- put his head on Ben’s lap like he was a dog, even ate peanuts out of his hand. I have never seen such a sight! And we quietly watched in awe. I will never forget that day.
On Monday, we went up to Big Sky and rode the ski lift up the mountain. I don’t ski, so I wanted to see what it was like and take some pictures of the area from the top. It was a gorgeous day so the photos were awesome. Then, on the way back down the lift, I decided to take a photo of my friend and this crazy underwear tree near the lift and watched my purse go sliding off the ski lift and land on the ground below us. Fortunately, because we were near this icon, they knew where to look for my purse. We ended up having them send personnel on four wheelers to retrieve it. They said they had never had that happen before. Go figure.
In September, my Grandma and Uncle David made a stop in Montana on their trip to Washington for my uncle’s 60th Birthday. I treasure every minute I get to spend with family, but especially my Grandma because she has been my hero and mentor for years. She is wealth of knowledge and I love to listen to her share stories and tell jokes. My time with them was short, but so special!
I have been blessed this year with my personal successes and big changes and my family has had several also. Jeff took a new (awesome) job as a Vice President of Facilities for Four Winds Resort and moved his family to Michigan. This was a big move for Jeff, as he manages 250+ people. This resort truly values his expertise int the field and both Jeff and Mel love the new little town they live in. Karen sold the farm (literally) and moved her and Danny, who is now a senior in high school, in with her boyfriend, Tom and his family. Tom has kids that are close to Danny’s age also, so now they are one big, happy family. I am so happy for them. Becky, my niece, graduated valedictorian of her class and went off to college this fall. I am so proud! And, I can’t believe I have a niece in college! Sue, although retired from the military still contracts back to them but now gets to enjoy more time pursuing her prowess as an amateur caterer for friends’ parties and office gatherings. Dave was supposed to be deployed to Iraq, but luckily was not. We have been blessed by his reprieve. Steve had a big year. Steve officially adopted Connor in April. Steve and Angie were then blessed with the birth of Arilyn Olivia Clay on November 29th. She was 7lbs. and 19.5 inches. She is beautiful. Mom, Dad and the Macy dog are all still living in Helena. Mom and Dad are enjoying the birth of their latest grandchild (you know how Mom loves babies). Dad is still hunting and he now has the help of Macy. Macy has Mom and Dad trained just the way she likes them.
In October, we as a family, were rocked to the core with the tragic death of our cousins at a world wide horse show in Madison, Wisconsin. A faulty heater malfunctioned in the middle of the night and put out too much carbon monoxide. It was so sad. This was my father's cousin, his wife and their two granddaughters. Devere was a renowned horseman in the world of Clydesdale breeders. Such an unnecessary loss.
On a good note, November was filled with a nice Thanksgiving with family, the birth of my niece and some time off from work. And then December. We were joined by some friends from Texas again, had some good times and them Christmas was upon us. It was Arilyn's first Christmas. She did the same thing as the rest of us. Ate, slept etc.
Today is December 31. I feel like I have had an amazing 2007. There have been some sad times. There were some tough times, but this year has been a year of incredible growth and change for me. I am happier and healthier. 2008 here I come!
I started off the year with my annual Market America business trip to Miami. Miami in February is always nice and this past year was no exception. The sun was shining and the trip was very educational. At the end of March, I was able to attend our regional convention in Portland, Oregon. The highlight of this trip for me was my visit with my Uncle Don and Aunt Cindy in Vancouver. I don’t get to see them very often and I was able to combine this business trip with some special family time. It was such a treat for Mom and me!
In late February/early March, my life began a series of big changes. My job was in a state of flux and had been for several months. I had been promoted to Sales Manager in March of 2006 and had two different sales reps work for me- neither of which ended up being a good fit for the company. In March, I was told by the Operations Manager that my compensation package was changing (again) and given a new contract to review and sign prior to the annual stockholder’s meeting. I prayed about what to do. I liked the company. I liked my job, but I felt like I was not growing anymore the way I needed to and I was not happy overall.
In April of 2007, I left the company after 4 years and started working for an Alzheimer’s only care facility. I decided I wanted to work there full time being a care-giver. After being trained, I worked 32 hours per week on the 3-11pm shift. I really liked the work and became very attached to the residents. Unfortunately, my knees did not like the demands of the 8-straight hours of physical labor. I cut back to part-time and worked 4-hour shifts on the weekends all summer and intermittently throughout the fall. They have changed the schedule now so there are no more 4-hour shifts and unfortunately, my orthopedic doctor does not recommend I continue this type of work with the condition of my knees.
I am working with management to find some type of work and schedule that works for both of us so I can still help out. This work is very rewarding and the families really appreciate the caregivers. These residents really need people who truly love and care about them. It is like having 12 grandparents that I don’t want to give up caring for. This job has changed me and I now know that I need this in my life. I never knew what I was willing or able to do until I worked at this facility. The Lord truly challenges us so we can learn more about ourselves every day! It is truly amazing.
In May, I interviewed with a well-established computer consulting company in Montana. The president of the company interviewed me one day and offered me the job the same week. I have been with them since the end of May as an account manager. This week, I was promoted to the Branch Manager of the Bozeman office. I cannot express to you how exciting this is or how much this means to me. I have been wanting to manage an office for years and they feel I have the skills to manage and grow the Bozeman branch. It will be a challenge, but I have two great men to work with me (my technicians) and the management staff who support us are really committed to our success. I am looking forward to what lies ahead in 2008.
Shortly after I took this new job, I received some shocking news. One of my dearest friend's husbands (a friend of mine, too) had been tragically killed in a motorcycle accident. I was a bridesmaid in their wedding. I was there the day they met. I could not believe it! I was devastated. He was taken from us all too soon. I have been supporting my friend these past six months. I have been working through my own grief also. We talk about him often, because she needs to and because we need to. He was the love of her life. I don't think you ever "get over" the loss of someone like this. I don't know, but I do know that it changes you.
In June, I decided to take matters into my own hands and I hired a personal trainer. Shauna has been an amazing support to me and taught me to be accountable and helped me become so much healthier, despite on-going health issues. I have learned to make exercise a part of my life and daily schedule, just like any meeting and put myself and my health first and I am reaping the benefits of my persistence and new habits. I feel so much better. I highly recommend using a personal trainer. This approach has really changed my attitude and my level of motivation, especially when I am being challenged by a flare-up or my body is retaliating. Shauna is my cheerleader and coach in the gym. I let the Lord take care of the rest.
I still have some serious issues with my knees, but I have had problems for years and I have learned to work within my limitations to be as healthy as I can be. My migraines are less and I am pushing myself to become consistent with the exercise that best suits my body. I know that I am not the one in control- the Lord is and He will not give me more that I can handle.
For Labor Day this year, I had some friends come up from Texas for a fun-filled weekend of adventures. I hiked for the first time since my two knee surgeries- YAY! We spent a day at our friend, Mike’s place, and played horseshoes, ate BBQ’d food off the grill and just relaxed. Mike owns a beautiful cabin on a few acres in the heart of the woods outside of Bozeman. His neighbor is a children’s author with an amazing home with spectacular views. Mike and Ben built horseshoe pits on top of the mountain in the forest between their two places. It was a great place to throw shoes. The highlight to that day, though, was Ben’s unique pet, a 650+ pound Minnesota black bear named Buffy. Ben has had Buffy since he was a cub. Ben was called and asked if he would take Buffy and raise him when he was little. Ben has an amazing home for Buffy and is the only “parent” Buffy has ever known. Ben would let Buffy out in the evenings to roam the mountain side like any other domesticated animal. Buffy is an old bear with a cataract and he is minus his front canines. He also has an affinity for animal crackers, which we all found out when we fed him. This bear was amazing! He played with Ben- put his head on Ben’s lap like he was a dog, even ate peanuts out of his hand. I have never seen such a sight! And we quietly watched in awe. I will never forget that day.
On Monday, we went up to Big Sky and rode the ski lift up the mountain. I don’t ski, so I wanted to see what it was like and take some pictures of the area from the top. It was a gorgeous day so the photos were awesome. Then, on the way back down the lift, I decided to take a photo of my friend and this crazy underwear tree near the lift and watched my purse go sliding off the ski lift and land on the ground below us. Fortunately, because we were near this icon, they knew where to look for my purse. We ended up having them send personnel on four wheelers to retrieve it. They said they had never had that happen before. Go figure.
In September, my Grandma and Uncle David made a stop in Montana on their trip to Washington for my uncle’s 60th Birthday. I treasure every minute I get to spend with family, but especially my Grandma because she has been my hero and mentor for years. She is wealth of knowledge and I love to listen to her share stories and tell jokes. My time with them was short, but so special!
I have been blessed this year with my personal successes and big changes and my family has had several also. Jeff took a new (awesome) job as a Vice President of Facilities for Four Winds Resort and moved his family to Michigan. This was a big move for Jeff, as he manages 250+ people. This resort truly values his expertise int the field and both Jeff and Mel love the new little town they live in. Karen sold the farm (literally) and moved her and Danny, who is now a senior in high school, in with her boyfriend, Tom and his family. Tom has kids that are close to Danny’s age also, so now they are one big, happy family. I am so happy for them. Becky, my niece, graduated valedictorian of her class and went off to college this fall. I am so proud! And, I can’t believe I have a niece in college! Sue, although retired from the military still contracts back to them but now gets to enjoy more time pursuing her prowess as an amateur caterer for friends’ parties and office gatherings. Dave was supposed to be deployed to Iraq, but luckily was not. We have been blessed by his reprieve. Steve had a big year. Steve officially adopted Connor in April. Steve and Angie were then blessed with the birth of Arilyn Olivia Clay on November 29th. She was 7lbs. and 19.5 inches. She is beautiful. Mom, Dad and the Macy dog are all still living in Helena. Mom and Dad are enjoying the birth of their latest grandchild (you know how Mom loves babies). Dad is still hunting and he now has the help of Macy. Macy has Mom and Dad trained just the way she likes them.
In October, we as a family, were rocked to the core with the tragic death of our cousins at a world wide horse show in Madison, Wisconsin. A faulty heater malfunctioned in the middle of the night and put out too much carbon monoxide. It was so sad. This was my father's cousin, his wife and their two granddaughters. Devere was a renowned horseman in the world of Clydesdale breeders. Such an unnecessary loss.
On a good note, November was filled with a nice Thanksgiving with family, the birth of my niece and some time off from work. And then December. We were joined by some friends from Texas again, had some good times and them Christmas was upon us. It was Arilyn's first Christmas. She did the same thing as the rest of us. Ate, slept etc.
Today is December 31. I feel like I have had an amazing 2007. There have been some sad times. There were some tough times, but this year has been a year of incredible growth and change for me. I am happier and healthier. 2008 here I come!
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Christmas
Christmas was really nice this year. This is the first Christmas in a very long time that I can remember where I have not been sick or suffered from a migraine. I am not really sure why, but I can guess that it is because I am so much happier with my life these days and am healthier. The Lord has been good to me this past year!
Christmas eve I spent making the circuit. First I went over to my friend's parents house and then I went to my brother's. Both were nice. I attended church and sang with the choir at the candlelight service. After church, I went back to my friend's to play some game's. We had a blast. We laughed until I had tears running down my face.
On Christmas Day, Mom and Dad came down and we opened presents, relaxed and had Christmas dinner. Macy was all sorts of curious about Arilyn (my new baby niece.) Basically, she wanted to know who was getting all of her attention. I spent time running around chasing my nephew and shooting him with his new nerf tommy dart gun and then he proceeded to beat us all at the game of LIFE. He always wins! It was an awesome day. I had a wonderful holiday.
Christmas eve I spent making the circuit. First I went over to my friend's parents house and then I went to my brother's. Both were nice. I attended church and sang with the choir at the candlelight service. After church, I went back to my friend's to play some game's. We had a blast. We laughed until I had tears running down my face.
On Christmas Day, Mom and Dad came down and we opened presents, relaxed and had Christmas dinner. Macy was all sorts of curious about Arilyn (my new baby niece.) Basically, she wanted to know who was getting all of her attention. I spent time running around chasing my nephew and shooting him with his new nerf tommy dart gun and then he proceeded to beat us all at the game of LIFE. He always wins! It was an awesome day. I had a wonderful holiday.
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Dear Santa (revised)
Dear Santa,
All I want for Christmas is:
World Peace
A on-going RX of Percocet and valium
A new body
A man (preferably alive - baggage is negotiable)
Love,
Julie
All I want for Christmas is:
World Peace
A on-going RX of Percocet and valium
A new body
A man (preferably alive - baggage is negotiable)
Love,
Julie
Dear Santa
Dear Santa,
All I want for Christmas is:
World Peace
2 new knees
An arm that works
Laser eye surgery
60 pounds of fat loss
A man without baggage
Love,
Julie
All I want for Christmas is:
World Peace
2 new knees
An arm that works
Laser eye surgery
60 pounds of fat loss
A man without baggage
Love,
Julie
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Happy Holidays or Merry Christmas?
If I am not mistaken, the reason for the season is the birth of Jesus Christ, hence Christmas. For some reason, we have a faction of people in this country who are screaming loud enough now that they have pushed to make this just another "holiday". A what? I don't care if you are not Christian or don't believe in God, that is your business. Then don't celebrate Christmas, but do understand that the United States of America was founded upon RELIGIOUS principles. Yes, folks, that is right. Check the history books. So, if you don't like Christmas, fine, but 90% of the US population does, so deal with it because you are in the minority and you came to a country that was built upon a religious foundation. You can have your Holiday, too. What I have a problem with is dumbing down Christmas because a few people have screamed, "This religious holiday offends me." Then go back to where you came from because it has been this way in this country for over 200 years and the rest of us like our Christmas with Christ in it!
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Quote for the Day
"Never apologize for showing feeling. When you do so, you apologize for truth."
– Benjamin Disraeli
– Benjamin Disraeli
Saturday, December 08, 2007
Off the Grid
I have been out of town this past week working in Helena and had very limited access to email so I have not been posting. It was a great week! I enjoyed making some good contacts and meeting some new friends. Now I need to catch up on reading my personal email and read the news online. I have really been out of touch.
Sunday, December 02, 2007
Strollin' Strollin' Strollin'
Last night was the annual Christmas Stroll in Bozeman so we bundled ourselves up in our cold weather gear and headed downtown for the festivities with the rest of Bozeman. It was a nice evening, but as predicted, COLD! It was only 10 degrees above zero and we were outside walking up and down 4 blocks voluntarily for 3 hours. I know, I think we are crazy, too.
I am a Rock Star!
Ok, so maybe not, but I learned to play Guitar Hero III this past week and it was so freakin' hysterical! My nine-year-old nephew was assisting me with the tutorials and he was obviously frustrated with my lack of ability to catch on as quickly as he did. I was challenged by the entire concept at first, but I gave it my all. I chose Poison's "Talk Dirty To Me" for my first rock anthem and I was determined to strum my way to victory. Unfortunately, I was having difficulty with the timing of the strumming and remembering where my fingers were placed and adding the whammy bar- ok one thing at a time- folks. I am a beginner. As I said, my nephew was impatient with me not being able to just play and do it all right away, like I should be a rock star without practice. Lucky for me, after I massacred my first song, I decided to turn the guitar back over to him so he could show me how it was done. After he played for me and showed me up, I decided I can do this. I was better than that crazy video game and I chose Kiss's, "I Wanna Rock and Roll All Night." I doubled my percentage! WHEWHOOO!!!! I am a rock star now! Ok. like I said, maybe not, but I can see how this game is addicting. BTW- This photo is from something else, but I could not resist!
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