Peace be with you

I realized the other day that Priest and Nuns have it made. They decide to devote their entire lives to God (wonderful) AND they get taken care of.

Here are my thoughts on it. They get to do what they want to do every day which is learn, teach and live the lessons of the Lord. Everyday. They are also given a place to live, food, clothing, etc. How sweet is that?! I am not saying there aren't negatives. They may have to move around, they can get called in the middle of the night, often. But on the other hand, they have a really HUGE family. Everyone is happy to see you. "Good morning Father, oh Hello Sister".

The only other job I can think of where you are also taken care of is the military. They house you, give you clothing allowance and make sure you eat. Same in that you may have to move around. Of course, you do have the possibility of getting shot, bombed or just plain blown up.

I thought I would write this because I never really thought about it before, how they are taken care of. They are taken care of so they can take care of us.

Oh, yes and Peace be with you too.

Last night we were watching the movie "You Can't Take it with You". There is a part where all the workers need to talk to the President of the Bank. They pick up the phone and say "Get me Mr. So and So in the conference room".

Siobhan said "That is cool, they can just say who they want to talk to". We cracked up. She didn't get that there was an operator or secretary on the phone who was connected the call.

Ahh, so sweet!

Diane and Eric

The benefit of last minute shopping

As long back as I can remember, my Dad always did all of his shopping on Christmas Eve. I always thought he was crazy. Not to mention he would bring back all his gifts and give them to me to wrap. I don't think he ever wrapped his own gifts.

Anyway, this year I did almost all of my shopping on the eve of Christmas. I think I liked it. Here is why. Let's say you start shopping early (like Oct. for my friend Hope). You have your list of people you will buy for and you start looking. You look and look. You think "maybe" but you keep looking. (Kinda like those papers for college, much better to just sit and write the whole thing at once).

If you are shopping last minute, you have little option. Hmm, would Mark like this? Who the hell cares, I have to get it today or he gets nothing. See, then your mind is at ease. Plus you start being creative. I think Krystal might really like these slipper socks. You see where I am going. I did one store, Target, and I got gifts for everyone (except Eric, I got his somewhere else, no choice). Not only that, you know EXACTLY how much money you have spent because you did it all in one swoop. No holding onto receipts from here or there.

I think I will make it my tradition now. Too bad it is too late to do it with my Dad. Instead I will take over. Took me a few years to think of it, but better late than never. Right?

Merry Christmas Everyone. I hope your holiday is full of family, love and happiness. May God bless you and your family at this very special time.

Emmet Otters Jug Band Christmas

Yes Julie 25 posts

Oh but I plan to take the easy way and post some of my favorite Christmas things, oh and you KNOW there will be some A Christmas Story found here! I do NOT watch American Idol. I don't even want to. I heard this song I think last year and was mesmerized by it. I found out it was by Clay Aiken which shocked me. Not enough to check out any of his other stuff or anything, but this song moved me. Amazing lyrics and I think he does it well. I couldn't find an actually video so I borrowed someone else's. What do you think?

My favorite

I am going to TRY and do 25 days of Christmas but who knows. This is the best song. hee hee

Nablopomo ends today

I made, 30 posts in 30 days. I have to give a HUGE thanks to my husband. Eric sends me all kinds of crap, I mean stuff in e-mails. I hang on to them because I can't throw them away. Oh but it works out perfectly when I need a post. The Year book yourself and your children, he sent those to me ages ago.

My FAVORITE, The best post EVER. That one I will be thankful for always. I wonder Victor, what DID happen with Marjorie? We may never know. Also my Warning post. That photo can change your whole life.

The point is, the man gives me stuff to work with. It helps keep my blog interesting (I hope) and helps clean up my e-mail. hee hee

So congrats to those of you who also completed your 30 posts in 30 days. It IS harder than you would think! Maybe a prize will come our way...

My girls

Favorite Holiday from work

I decided that Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday from work. Here are my thoughts behind this; already I am off two extra days. We usually have this week as casual as well. I took Wednesday off because Siobhan is off school. This is something I will attempt to do every year.

On Thanksgiving Eric and I are very low key. Basically we have one big meal for the day but it does not require us being in the kitchen all day. I buy a Honey Baked Ham which requires nothing and spend maybe 30-45 minutes on everything else. Therefore I am not tired or overwhelmed or even busy. I enjoy my day.

So this year I had FIVE days off work with only one of those as vacation time and it is only Friday and I feel as though I have been off work for a week already. It is because there isn't anything I HAVE to do. I am not driving around, picking up and dropping off. I don't have to go anywhere or do anything other than those things I want to.

Now, on Christmas I will have quite a few days off as well. I think I will be off nine days but they will be busy days. Shopping, getting ready, Christmas, cleaning up, food shopping, New Years. Busy. A break from going to work but not from work.

Last night the kids watched movies. We rarely watch more than one movie around here per weekend so that was a nice treat for everyone. So when I say a favorite holiday from work I mean just that. A favorite holiday FROM work.

A little funny for Thanksgiving

See more funny videos at Funny or Die

Year Book Yourself and your children

Tagged

I was tagged by Jen

1.What is your funniest childhood story? I don't know but I like to tell the one where I pulled out a big chuck of my BFF's hair. Melissa, you got me back though!

2. What would your dream dress look like if you could design it? It would be red, feel like jeans and I would look HOT in it which basically means I would be dreaming.

3. What weird habit does your hubby have? He will NOT take anything from the front. If it is a magazine or a box of cereal, he will take the one BEHIND the one in front.

4. How many cookbooks are in your kitchen? None, dining room. Unless you count my computer which is what I use on those rare occurrences I actually cook.

5. Granny panties or Victoria Secret girl? Whatever is on sale and then whatever is clean

6. Favorite memory from 2008- hmmm, this one is really hard. So I will say it is still coming up.

7. I secretly...want to own a bookstore. A little corner, family run bookstore.

8. I could really go for...rain. It is supposed to rain, but who knows.

9.We are going to have a big snow storm and you will find me..in shock since it doesn't really snow in Southern California. I would be inside with a fire and a great book and movie (yes at the same time) and some hot chocolate.

10. I knew he was the one...when he told me no. He knows what I mean and that is all that matters.

I tag no one, but play if you want to

Response to Best Post Ever

Because it is so good, I will talk about it again. Eric will often play music through our surround sound and play a variety of things. (Tattoo singing is NOT one of my favorites The following video is a song he often tortures me with. (okay it is a little funny)



But one day he starts playing

THIS and I was thinking "What the hell". I hear these people talking and then he turns it off. I told him "Hey put that back on, I was enjoying that". I could TOTALLY hang with that guy. The fact that she has to practically beg him to get FIFTEEN dollars for a hair cut is the reason women should have their own money. Oh gosh, check it out

AGAIN It is SO worth it!

Best Post Ever

Okay, prepare yourselves for my best post ever. I have been waiting and waiting for some way to post this amazing post. I have known I was going to make this post for over two months. My husband has assisted me so that all of YOU may enjoy something we have enjoyed for a full TWO months.

Some of you may not find it amazing. You might even think I have a screw loose, and if that is the case, ppfffttt you know nothing! Nothing I say!

I wish I could leave this post for days as it is well worth it, but since I must blog once a day...it shall find itself reposted or possible a side link later.

Have I built up your interested yet? Okay, let me tell you about my little post. This was originally a record album, you remember those right? Those big black round things that go on a record player. The idea behind this record was that you would play it when you were out and leave it on to repeat itself so people would think you were home.

The topics of conversation are classic. My favorite is when he asked for a black coffee and then proceeds to ask for her to add cream and sugar later. Good stuff

So click the link and at the bottom of this page, once it opens a new window (thanks for doing this Eric) you will find the little play button, click on it and prepare yourself for some odd entertainment.

Play it Safe

*Warning*

*Warning*
There is no way the following photo will not provoke some serious emotion. I fight the tears back every time I see it. It brings raw emotion.


"His picture of an emaciated girl collapsing on the way to a feeding centre, as a plump vulture lurked in the background, was published first in The New York Times and The Mail & Guardian, a Johannesburg weekly. The reaction to the picture was so strong that The New York Times published an unusual editor's note on the fate of the girl. Mr Carter said she resumed her trek to the feeding centre. He chased away the vulture."


See the link here

Red Light

Eric sent me this link. This cat cracks me up. You know the cat does it all the time and they finally decided to get it on video. oh man, crazy ninja cat

My mom got hitched

My mom married Andy yesterday in Hawaii. I seriously don't think I have ever seen such a blue sky! Congrats Mom and Andy!

Early Night

Feels like an early night. Might actually miss Grey's Anatomy. It was probably the bath that did me in.

Woot off in effect yesterday and continuing. Ahh, Andrea got Bag of Crap. Totally jealous. I have been wooting for years and I have only got calendar crap. I think I may have to go check her mail for her. hee hee

I know, crap post, but keeps me in the running.

My favorite Dr. Horrible Song

Go and buy Dr. Horrible's Singalong Blog at iTunes. I LOVE it!

more about me

We left off with my mom remarried. I guess the guy was okay, but at some point I didn't like him anymore. Probably more pre-teen crap than anything else. Here is how I see it but not actually what happened (just goes to show you how we think ALL about ourselves). I had a friend over and my step dad told me to put away the dishes. I said I will do it when Scott leaves and he said no you do it now. I screamed I hate you and went in my room and cried. I think I told my mom I wanted to go live with my dad.

I don't know how it really happened but that is what I remember.

My mom and I went (another day) to the store. We came out and by our car was my dad. Just like nothing. Oh how I cried. I was so happy. We ended up moving out to CA with him. My brother Tony got married and they moved with us (shortly afterwards). It seems my parents were "talking" and got back together. It wasn't until I was about 22 that I learned it wasn't because of my "I hate you" to my step dad.

My mom promised I could take my dog, Bilbo. We moved and no Bilbo. I cried all the time. One night my dad picked me up from skating and said your mom wants to talk to you in your room. I walked in and was knocked down by Bilbo (German Shepherd/St. Bernard mix). I was so happy. I loved that damn dog!

Where is Di?

I am probably right here, in front of my computer. Recently Netflix upgraded the watch instantly to allow for Mac's OS. I am in awe. We have unlimited "instant viewing". I am taking advantage of it too. I have watched the whole first season of Weeds. (A little different, a lot of fowl language, but I like it). I will watch Season 2 and hopefully by then Season 3 will be available instantly. This is GREAT as there are many shows/movies I want to see that no one else will care too.

So, if you are looking for me, here I am. I just can't see you or hear you (I have my head phones on) but I am here. Even if I am not here.

Siobhan skating

Siobhan was invited to a skate party Saturday. This is her first time skating. I have done my two youngest children a disservice. I spent MANY years skating. I probably started when I was about 6. I spent at least every weekend skating. Growing up I would spend at least 8 hours a weekend skating. We would have overnight skates when I literally would not stop skating for 14 hours, and I haven't even taken the little one's. Shameful. I have thought about getting some skates so I can go. Siobhan says she wants to go now. Diego tried but gave up pretty easily. Hmmm, maybe

fire

If you haven't heard, the fires are raging in Orange County. The sky is like something out of a movie. The sky is orange, the sun looks red. There is ash flying all over the place. There are two places for evacuation in Orange County and one is our local high school. They are accepting pets too. It is seriously scary. Usually it is only in grassy areas but last count I heard was 30 houses in Yorba Linda alone. Seriously scary.

My husbands comment to the photo below

There aren't even words

borrowed from http://lpcoverlover.com/2008/09/28/god-have-mercy/

A little bit about me

I was born in July 1969 (I'm 39 STOP doing the math). I have three brothers. Mark, David and Tony. They are 8, 6 and 5 years older than me. We lived in Southern California but moved to a small town in Tennessee when I was about 5.

My dad's co-worker also moved from California to Tennessee and they lived on the street behind us. There were no fences then so Melissa and I spent every minute together. We are still friends.

We had a 3 bedroom house and I was jealous because my brothers got to share a room. I used to crawl in there because I liked hearing them talk. I had one of those play phones you could listen and I would leave one in there and take the other one with me.

My parents got divorced when I was 7. My dad left on April Fools Day. It was raining.

My dad just moved to the next town and I think we spent most weekends with him. After a while he moved back to California. My parents gave us the choice of where/who we wanted to go with. I think that is when Mark left, I just wanted to be wherever Tony was.

We would visit my dad in the summer. I had a whole other set of friends in California. I would see them every year. My dad's parents and sister lived out here. My mom's mom lived here too. We would visit everyone and be spoiled like crazy.

At some point David moved out to Ca with my dad. My mom re-married.

...more next time

working hard

Been super busy at work lately. Going in early, not staying late. ha ha I can't, I have to pick up the kids.I LOVE it though!

We have a wedding this weekend. Siobhan has a skating party and K has a homecoming game. Busy, busy, busy

So you think you can dance?

Dead inside

I have come to a conclusion. When my died, some of me died with him. What I mean is, I am a bit dead inside. I feel as though I will never be the same.

I don't know if it was because it was unexpected. Well, he had a type of leukemia but he could have lived for many many years with it.

I believe I had a very special relationship with my dad. We were very alike in many ways. Even when I was a pain in the arse teenager, I would love to hold his hand. I would sit RIGHT next to him. My grandparents used to laugh at me. I didn't care.

When I got the call that my dad died, we were in the car waiting in the parking lot for K to finish her dance class. I got a call from Eric's Aunt who lived across the street that there was an ambulance at my dad's house. I called and spoke to my dad's wife who said they wouldn't do anything for him. I sort of remember handing the phone to Eric. I was seriously on the verge of freaking out. He said they were taking him to the hospital so I thought everything was okay.

I dropped everyone off at home and headed to the hospital. I remember talking to my good friend Natalie who lost her dad about a year before, I said "no one dies on a Tuesday right?" I got to the hospital and I should have known something was wrong when someone came out and got me. NO ONE takes you where you are going, you follow the colored line on the floor.

I walked into the room where my Dad's wife was crying and as I walked in the doctor walked in, or he was there, I am really not sure. He said "I am sorry, we did everything we could". I surprised myself and calmly thanked him and asked if we could see him as my dad's wife was crying hard. He let us know that he would have a tube still in his mouth. We walked it and it was...odd. I mean there he was. Just laying there. Not moving.

Don't get me wrong. I have seen dead people before. My grandparents, Eric's family members, I was familiar with death. At some point my dad's neighbor John and his wife came by. I calmly went out and told them what happened. Called my brothers. Called my mom. I put off calling Eric. That would make it too real.

Finally I called him. I held it together. I remember putting myself across my dad and thinking "why doesn't he hold me?" Isn't that odd? I went to my dad's house and was there for a few hours. I went home and slept. When I woke up the next morning there was a HUGE spray of flowers from my friend Hope. I sat on the couch, when I saw them I started crying.

I think from the moment I felt I had to be relaxed I did myself a disservice. I should have let go in the beginning. I think I still hold back.

Songs make me cry. Nothing makes me cry. But I never really "got it out" I think it died. I think part of me died. I will never be completely the same. I will never be as carefree. I will never be the me I once was.

Check out my...

Twinkie the Kid. No, that is Diego. He is holding Twinkie the Kid. We were at the 99 cent store and I saw this at the checkout. I had K search for more but she couldn't find them. Classic! You put a twinkie inside. As if you would only eat one!

games

If you have a Mac and want to try games out before you buy them. This site allows you to play for an hour and then it quits or you can buy it. I really like that idea. An hour gives me a great idea of if I will like a game or not. Sometimes it just lets you go to a certain level. Anyway, just an FYI!

Macgamestore

Mad Men

This is my current desk top. Have you ever seen Mad Men? It is on AMC and they just finished Season 2. Eric got Season 1 on Netflix and we were hooked from the first episode.

An Ad Agency, 1960. It is amazing to see how differently women were treated in the work place back then. Not so long ago. You see into each person's life. The story line is amazing and very believable. I am hoping Season 2 comes out on DVD so we are able to watch it before Season 3 starts.

You should check it out!

My husband delivers

Thursday morning I woke up and I said to Eric, "you should find something that will turn on our music from the computer in the morning". He said there is something like that. I come home from work only to find that he not only knew about it but had already purchased it with something other things a few months ago.

I set it up last night and this morning, as I stepped out of the shower I heard music. The computer in the kitchen connects wirelessly to the surround sound in the living room and ta da, my tunes. Wonderful.

It was a little difficult to pick a playlist. What do I want to hear in the morning? It is different everyday. You can set it up all kinds of ways but I will enjoy this. You can snooze it too. How cute is that?

Just when you think you know someone

I spoke to my mom today. She is glad Prop 8 passed. WHAT? Who are you? My mom does not care if people are gay so this took by surprise. I honestly thought she wouldn't want it to pass. Wow. I still love her, I guess. ha ha Just surprised is all.

hodgepodge

I dig the time change. I like it dark when I leave work. I like it dark early. Of course, come summer I will be ready for it to be light again, but for now...

OH, I know I forgot to mention something. For those of you who might stop won't know this but the rest of you do. I HATE Wal-Mart. I don't mean I hate shopping there because it is crowded or the store is dirty. I hate the company. I found out that my daughter (who KNOWS how both her dad I feel) and I thought she felt the same way bought something from there. Bought it and put it in her purse to hide that she even went there. WTH? She better NEVER say another stand up for people rights and bag on Wal-Mart. For those of you who knew Krystal, may she rest in peace. ha ha

I don't get at KFC either.

Diego made cookies

Times, they are a changin

You thought this would be about the new President Elect but no, about the time. Daylight Savings time to be exact.

Last night when my children were ready to pass out about 8:15, I remembered that last year we had a few blissful weeks where the little one's went to bed early. They get tired so early. I wonder if it is because it is so dark outside. Whatever the reason they were ready at 8 (usually go to bed at 9). You can bet tonight I will be keeping a close eye on signs of tiredness and rushing them to bed.

I LOVE my children. I LOVE spending time with them, but if I can take advantage of an extra hour for five or so days once a YEAR, I am all over it.

For all those of you who thought this post would be about Obama. There is no need. The people have spoken all over this great land of ours. He won by a landslide if you will. I can't wait to see what happens.

Yes we can and yes we did!

Good election song, we just disagree

I am off

I am off to vote. Casting my vote. Letting America know where I stand. Letting my voice be heard. What an amazing thing. Odd to know there are people out there who CHOOSE not to be heard. Not to be counted. They think one vote doesn't count. One vote counts. One vote makes a difference.

Let others know how you feel, what you think, how YOU believe. Today is such an important day. Both my husband and I agree that today should be a holiday. People should be off, stores closed, so that the whole US should unite at how important this day is.

I am so excited. I will be online checking for every bit of info I can get. Ahhhh

Scared

To be honest, I am scared. I am nervous. I put my faith in American's last election and look how that turned out. What if people vote for more of the same? What if there isn't any change? My tummy rumbles at the thought of it. I know not everyone who reads this feels that Obama should be the next President but I am sure they want something other than Bush. I think no matter what we will be better off. We have to be!

Eric and I wondered what kind of world our children would be living in four years ago and look. Scary. I am scared. I guess putting my words out there don't help, still scared.

I have taken the day off tomorrow. I want to follow every BIT of election coverage I can get. I care what happens. It matters to me. I am also scared about a few propositions passing. God help us all.

A bit sweet and a little scary

We had record breaking Trick or Treaters this year. They came in waves of course. I guess the kids who were a Marching Band never made it to us but they were good. We could hear them a few streets over.

I love seeing the little kids coming all dressed up. We were on the front porch, had all the house lights off with creepy music/screaming in the background. Kids could not help but look inside. I think we might need to set something up for next year.

Playing the bed game

Oh yeah it is time to blog once a day EVERY day this month. Luckily I have a few friends to help keep me on track.

Last night Diego came in our room crying. He climbed up in bed with us and we all went to sleep. After a few knees in the back and the realization that he wasn't going to go anywhere, I decided to leave. Eric says that Siobhan is on the couch. What the heck?!

This morning found Diego with Daddy, Siobhan on the couch and me in Siobhan's bed. Oh my back....

Family love. Eric and I need a king size bed.

change together

ha ha I am a loser

Sleeping Beauties

They were going to stay up late watching Gidget movies. Obviously they fell asleep on the couch. Even the dog didn't make it!

a few indiscreet words, but still true

What I am currently reading

I am really enjoying this book. It came highly recommended. No,I did not see the movie. I NEVER see the movie first. What would be the point! Pick it up, read it, let me know what you think...

A little sad

'Krystal and I went to K-Mart to pick up some ant gel. (Frickin' ants) There was a lady who was a bit older than me with her son who was about Siobhan's age. She asked for the restroom as he was wiggling around. I said it is straight in the back. She said "I have to get my stuff together. We take the bus, we don't have a car anymore". I don't know what it was about what she said, but it really hit me. I wanted to give her a ride but I thought she might think I was some kind of stalker or something. I don't know...

S's new glasses

She LOVES her new glasses. They came with a little Barbie purse glass case. So cute!

Not feeling so hot today. Check out my horoscope

Your energy is moving up and down in a very extreme manner today -- so it's not wise for you to commit to anything, right now. You won't be able to be as reliable as you usually are, and you could let your friends down. You might find yourself without any energy right when you need it most! So play it safe and try to put off whatever you can put off for a few more days. Instead, choose activities that enable you to take a break whenever you might need one

October? What the...

Two more months until December? Where has the time gone? Then it will be Siobhan's SEVENTH birthday!
Bradley turns 18 next month. 18! My kids will be 4, 6, 18, and 19. Somehow I manage to stay 28 so I guess that is really great!

Tomorrow we are going to Octoberfest. I don't like beer but the company and shows should be fun. Our friend Ken is going and we haven't seen him in a long while. That man is funny! (He doesn't try to be but just is a crack up!)

We have S's Parent/Teacher conference today.She is a good one so that should go well. Next year with Diego...

Krystal's watermelon

Every year Krystal tries her hand at a garden. This year we are really seeing results. Here is a picture of one her watermelons. It is HUGE! Yummy too.

Just a show but he says EXACTLY how I feel

My life

Had a wedding last week. I will post a few pics but you can always check out my Flickr! page. This weekend Siobhan is going with one of my friends to the fair. I know she will have a great time. We are going to the Galalxy game Saturday night. My mom wants us to come over on Sunday for a bbq but I am seriously feeling an illness coming on. Everyone at work is sick. Once I have that sort of asmtha/cold cough, I know! We'll see.

Work is good. Busy! I am filling in for one of the other manager's that is out so I have a few extra staff now.

I am waiting anxiously for the new season of Grey's Anatomy to start next week. It is a 2 hour episode so I need to make sure the kiddies are all tucked in by 8:58.

Eric has to take Diego for a filling today. It is his second one. The dentist said he has good teeth though. hmmm

Half of us went to the eye doctor and got new glasses.Dropped a couple hundred dollars there! Eric is taking the other half in a couple of weeks. He has offered to use his off Fridays for appointments. We have had SO many lately.


Off to work. Half of us leave and half of us get to stay home. I could really use a day in bed!

My favorite song

Bryn Christopher - Quest
Uploaded by di

What Diane Means

You are balanced, orderly, and organized. You like your ducks in a row. No, not true. I am only organized when I need to be, like at work You are powerful and competent, especially in the workplace. People can see you as stubborn and headstrong. You definitely have a dominant personality. Yep You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing. I don't agree with the tightly wound part but the rest fits You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long. oh yeah You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start. ha ha oh my gosh that fits You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection. You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive. You have the classic "Type A" personality. I DO NOT have Type A personality but I am confident for sure You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people. You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts. You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals. okay what do you mean by that? ha ha true You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone. Ah, yes You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together. Yep, yep and yep At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

Siobhan Olympic Swim Team?

From Julie's Bacherlorette Party

Left to right Amber, Beth, Julie (bachelorette) and me! We went to a club in Long Beach called Sachi. They had a great 80's band. We had a lot of fun!