My Nana....

Hello world of blog-o-sphere. I know I have been absent for quite some time. I truly intended to post more frequently, but I am full of excuses of why I have not been updating. Since my last post about my vacation to California, my family and I have had to bear some very sad news.....

Yesterday, my Nana passed away. She was not sick, but she did have some heart problems over the last couple of years. The family seems to think she had a heart attack in her sleep. She simply did not wake up yesterday morning, I have been told she was peaceful and did not feel anything.

My heart literally hurts with sadness from her passing. My Nana and I were pretty close, as far as grandkids can be with their grandparents. I have many fond memories with my Nana that will stay with me the rest of my life.

I remember spending summer days at her place, we would get up in the morning and walk over to the community pool in her neighborhood (the walk felt like forever in the Redding sun)!

I remember afternoons where Nana would make me a sandwich for lunch and Crackers with honey for a snack.

I remember playing Tidlie-Winks and Domino's for hours on end in the living room until dinnertime.

But more than anything else, I remember how much my Nana loved me, and each of her grandchildren so very much. Family was the most important thing Nana ever had in her life. Having all 5 of her kids and most of her grandkids and great-grandkids at her 90th birthday party meant the world to her. I am sad that Nana left us so suddenly, when she was fairly healthy for her age, I only wish there was an opportunity to say goodbye one last time, but at the same time, I am so very greatful that I was able to share her 90th birthday with her, surrounded by the people that love her the most....her family.

I love you Nana, you will be missed so very much!

Vacation Saga: Part Two

I suppose I owe an explanation for the name Hot Shot...or maybe not, but I imagine this post should do the trick.  Hot Shot is my cousin, she is older than me, and because of that, we have never been overly close. I remember the days of visiting Hot Shot in her apartment, and playing in the little kiddy pool she bought for me from Rite Aid. I also remember her cooking me dinner and coloring with me.  As I grew a little older, I remember pretending I was stronger than her and punching her arm, only to get the "I will hunt you down, and beat you" look that caused me to run and lock myself in the bathroom until I knew it was safe to come out! But never before have we bonded like we did on the night of my Nana's 90th birthday party.

Being the youngest cousin on dad's side of the family always had me looking to Hot Shot as more of a sisterly role model. I always admired the way she would carry herself, and stand her own ground when being picked on by the uncle's.

After many people left the party on Saturday night, Hot Shot and I were left with a few Aunts and Uncles sitting in the backyard enjoying our wine.  I'm not sure who's idea it was, but Hot Shot and I decided it would be fun to do a shot of some sort (we have never drank together before since I was always underage). So into the house we went to raid Aunt J's liquor cabinet. No shot glasses to be found, Hot Shot decided to just pour some Bicardi into a couple plastic party glasses, we toasted, we drank....and we realized that there was about enough in each glass for 4 shots! Feeling giggly and warm, and slightly tipsy  pretty drunk already, we just hung out on the back patio giggling and sharing a beer. (I really hate beer)!

Upon the safe return home, I immediately felt the effects of the horrible combination of the wine, bicardi and beer and slept a good couple of hours on the bathroom floor, with a bottle of water and some crackers....

Here's to you Hot Shot! Never again will I let you poor me a "shot" of anything! Next time, I'm playing bartender!

Vacation Saga: Part One

I had the chance to go back to my hometown in Northern-yes even farther north than San Francisco-California recently. Since moving away from Redding two years ago, I have not been back, even for a brief visit. I have to admit, it was nice to be back for the week! Anyways, I left Madison on Friday, and arrived in Redding after several layovers and delays and a whole day spent wasted in numerous airports in the U.S., but, in the end, I made it to Redding only to be greeted upon arrival by my wonderful mom and dad! What a nice feeling, to come home and be immediately greeted by loved ones! We went for a lovely dinner (which I think the leftovers are still in your fridge mom) with some dear friends of the family.

On Saturday we celebrated the 90th birthday of my Nana! I should have previously mentioned that this was the primary reason for my visit also! Saturday was also the 5th birthday of my little Cousin. While my mom and dad kept my Nana occupied at the local casino for the afternoon, I spent the day shopping with my other Grandma and spent some quality time with my little cousins. Later in the afternoon I went to my Aunt J's house where the party would be held to be greeted by Aunt's and Uncle's and Cousins-Oh My! It was quite a turnout!! As I was given the queue to send the covert text message to my mom that we were ready for them to bring Nana to the party (in case you haven't guessed by now, it was a surprise party) the many guests fumbled in the backyard to be out of sight until Nana's arrival. I have never before seen my Nana so incredibly surprised to walk into the backyard before! My dad had to steady her as she nearly fell over backwards at the shock of seeing so many loved ones in one place gathered for the sole purpose of celebrating her 90 years along with her!

As the evening started to calm, and long after Nana had gone to bed, we were still at Aunt J's house with only a few relatives left to enjoy to company. My older cousin, we will call her hot shot (reasoning for this name will be explained in a later post) and I have not seen each other in many years. Let's just say, we had quite a bit of fun that night! More to come in Part Two....keep reading!!!

Things I love today: number 4

MOMS!!!!!

I have the most wonderful mom and mother-in-law a girl could ever ask for! My mom and mother-in-law have been there for me and my husband through good and bad times. They are both the most compassionate, loving, strong women I have ever met. I have learned so much from both women about how to love unconditionally, and be a strong woman myself. Happy mothers day moms, I love you both more than you could ever completely understand!

Other moms that I love and would like to mention (names changed to protect the innocent....)

Sassy: You are an amazing woman! I love you for everything you are to me, and for the mother you are to my nephews!

Hope: I only wish we lived closer! I miss you so much! I love you, and can't wait to see how my little nephews grow up! You are an inspiration to me!

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY TO ALL THE MOMS IN MY LIFE! I AM BLESSED TO HAVE EACH OF YOU IN MY LIFE!

Y6C7223EEPG7

That didn't last long!!!

so only 2 days into my "every day posting" and I forgot to post yesterday! Seriously, just a lot going on this week!!

So I have a hyperthyroid....what that means is that my body is producing WAY too much thyroid hormone, and the only way it can be controlled is by killing my thyroid gland completely. I saw an endocrinologist yesterday, and she set up an appointment for me to do this in June. I will have to take a dose of radio-active iodine that will basically make my thyroid gland stop working. No, I'm not going to start glowing in the dark, at least I hope I won't! So once this is done, I will have to take a thyroid medication for the rest of my life. At least it can be controlled!


Things I love today: number 3

American Idol: Crystal Bowersox

basically, she is awesome! I love how she can sing just about anything and make it sound so effortless and graceful. My votes are on her!!

Things I love today: number 2

Things I love today......

well, mostly just coffee! I have pulled a couple of overnight shifts this week to help prepare our pharmacy for inventory. I was at work until 2:30 this morning counting all those teeny-tiny pills in our robot, and now I'm up again to head into work at 11:00 this morning. So today, my coffee pot is my best friend!

I love this coffee pot. It takes T-Disc's, which are wonderful, they make the perfect cup of coffee every single time and no hassle for clean-up. I have been using this coffee pot for a couple of years now and love, love, LOVE IT!!!!

you can click HERE to get your very own Tassimo coffee pot today!

Back in Business

It has been WAY TOO LONG since my last blog post. I suppose I shall update you on my life since my last appearance:

* I graduated College!! YAY! Finally, I know! But it feels great to have accomplished something so gratifying. I suppose the next step is to start looking for a job....as of now, I am still working at Walgreens, but I will keep you updated on the job search, I promise!

* Jeremy is still working for Verizon, although we are hoping a flying position is in store in the near future, but, again, I will keep you posted on that situation as well.

* My friend that I grew up with, Dominica, got married on Saturday, I am so happy for her, but sad that I could not make it to the wedding. :(

* Another friend that I grew up with, Jessie, graduated college on Saturday also, again very excited for her, but sad that I could not be there for her ceremony. :(

* In Wisconsin, the sun has finally shown itself to us, and ALAS melting the long winter snow. I can actually go outside now without a jacket....I LOVE THE SUNSHINE!!!


Well, that pretty much sums up the last few months for me, I have a new goal, I will try my best to update EVERY DAY!!! Yes, I said EVERY DAY! Now, I know what you are thinking, there is no way she can update every single day, but I promise, I will do the absolute best I can. And to encourage that every day post, I will share with you something new every day that I am loving with a new series that I will call "Things I love today"

Starting toay! :

Things I love today: number 1:

THIS BOOK IN STORES TODAY!

I have added the convienience of the link to Amazon on the left hand side of my page so you can get your very own copy today!