I Love This!

This is the best commercial ever!

Enough for now...

I am famous!

Actually the right word for would be honored beyond belief. Today, I received the Public Personnel Employee Award from the Oklahoma City Mayor's Committee on Disability Concerns. I am totally blown away.

What is that? Well the groovy plaque says: "The Public Personnel Employee of the Year Award recognizes an employee in the public sector who does outstanding work on behalf of Oklahomans with disabilities. The public servant helps person with disabilities live full and productive lives."

It was such a good day, the luncheon was very nice but my two favorite friends at work went with me, which made it even more special. I was so terrified before they gave out the awards that I would be expected to say a few words - I am a writer for a reason! Once they gave out the first award and it was just go up and shake hands with the Mayor and Committee Chair, I was much better.

From what I understand, I was nominated by the head of United Cerebral Palsy of Oklahoma and that made it even more special.

Today was a good day.


From Left: Dana, Mayor Mick Cornett, Pam Henry, committee chair,
Council Member Sam Bowman at the 20th Annual Oklahoma City
Mayor's Committee on Disabilities Concerns Luncheon 

 




















Enough for now...

Shop Till You Drop - Day Two

More pain, more charging, more fun. I think I have a shoe and purse problem.

I also have a black problem, black cape with pockets (so cool it has pockets), black turtle neck, black sweater, black and grey dress shirt and cardigan, black pants, brown poncho and multi-color dress shirt and a purple turtle neck.

Four pairs of shoes and two purses...Garden Ridge tomorrow??? Yes, I am nuts.

This doesn't count the black vest and wind chime I bought at the Affair of the Heart. Wait there's more, I bought mom and Kim's birthday outfit at Affair of the Heart and mom's Christmas at Kirkland's today.

Didn't Obama make it better for us idiots who charge like money grows on trees?

Just in case you'd better click on an ad to make sure I can pay for all of this. Support the Kim's Come to Town fund.

Enough for now...

Shop Till You Drop - Day One

When my sister comes in for the annual Shop-Athon we do it up big but usually don't go to the Affair of the Hearts Mega Event. I don't think I have hurt this bad in a long time. I was shocked that there wasn't more one of kind stuff but hey, I bought Kim's birthday present and Mom's birthday present so that's done.

Tomorrow, Kohl's, Garden Ridge, Burlington, Hobby Lobby, who knows. I hope my feet hold out.

Please I beg you click on the ads to the side as I will be very broke by the time Kim goes home. I must have new winter shoes - click people click!

Enough for now...

William, the Conquerer!

Born October 13, 2010, the same as his Great Grandma.

Enough for now...

Politics, Curse Words and Chinese Food - yep it's Tuesday

I have to admit as political as I can be, I would ban all political ads, if they would let me! Make it where if you want to know who you are voting for - go get the pamphlet. I am slightly "irked" (mom scolded me over using a certan word that's not a curse word but means angry, so I have to get creative with other words that mean angry) over the Democrat Kenneth Corn's ad that accuses Republican Todd Lamb saying he's a crooked and then Lamb's commercials saying he's not. What do you believe? I had to go to Lamb's website to get the following:

“The facts are Todd Lamb has never been a part of any investigation by my office or related to this matter. The advertisement’s implications and innuendo are completely false,” Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater stated.

I almost wish that politicians couldn't talk about their opponents at all in commercials. I wish their commercials could only focus on themselves and what they would do for us, the tax payer. Novel idea huh?

Tangent Tuesday Alert: Has anyone been to the Grand House China Bistro? Oh my, oh my, oh my! It's really good and it's really cheap. I got a meal big enough for two for $6 and there was ambiance to boot. Check it out.

Be sure to click on an ad before you leave as I can't eat Chinese food every day.

Enough for now...

Another One Bites the Dust

Alas another weekend comes and Dana is sick! I am getting really tired of having this weekend disease. This weekend it was that wonderful ringing in the ears and slight dizziness not to mention the everyday headache/allergies.

Why do I push all week long and fall a part on the weekend? The first one of you who says because I am old, I will just slap you upside the head. As I do not feel old, therefore I am not! I refuse to be ... OLD.

If I had not inherited my father's extremely low blood pressure, I would claim to have hyper-tension and that would be responsible for the ear ringing and maybe the dizziness. The odds are better that this crappyness is diabetes as that runs rampant in my mother's family and I fully expect to get it but not right now, please.

Work has been stressful and my teenage years migraines that I totally out grew in my twenties, have come back. When I launched the redesign on the agency website a couple of years ago, it was a migraine a day. Do I now add ear ringing and dizziness to list? Aaarrrggg.

Must think happy thoughts, must think happy thoughts, must think - hmmmpphh!

Okay, I know go to the doctor and find out what it is. I just don't want to! My doctor is great but I always get these things that one, we either monitor for a while and it goes away or the answer is basically "yeah, that happens as 'WE' age." I love it when they talk to us in the we terms.

I already have this weirdo thing where my voice just quits and I strain to talk and sound sick. The doc thought it could be allergies and put on Allegra every day - yeah, that didn't work  as my sinus' were screaming mad over being dried out so much. I don't really want to experiment with meds to find out what this is or isn't.

I just want to feel good and I am a little whiny today!

Enough for now...

Another Spastic Day

I always feel sorry for the three people who read this blog on the days when I got nothing! I am so sick of the crooked or stupid politics, work was mundane and Winston doesn't want to pose for the camera.

So I grab a video clip of Seamus and began editing. I just wish I had a better video camera as I never get high quality if the lighting is not just perfect.

This is another example that you can do anything or say anything to Seamus and he is fine with it. One day, my boys are going retaliate and no more videos until then enjoy!

Click on an ad so that Seamus no longer has to suffer these indignities.
Enough for now...

The Johnny Cash Project - INTENSE

This is so cool. It is set to Johnny Cash's "Aint No Grave" and many frames are artistically recreated from his video be sure to play around on the projects website, http://www.thejohnnycashproject.com/ [It takes a minute for the video to load]. The frame above is my favorite - simple but good.



The Man in Black worked for tips, I am just trying to follow suit. Click on an ad before you leave if you liked this post!

Enough for now...

What's in a Name? Liam is good

Army Nephew Patrick and his wife Stacey are expecting their baby any day now. They have chosen to name him William and call him Liam for short. So just for kicks I went to see what his name meant.

• William - English - Resolute protector; will. 
• William - French - Determined protector.  
• William - German - Resolute protector; will.
• William -Teutonic - Strong helmet.

Resolute protector, I like it. Good, strong name for a boy.

• Liam - Gaelic - Helmeted.
• Liam - German - Variant of William: Will-helmet. Famous Bearers: poet and playwright William Shakespeare (1564-1616) and William Wordsworth (1770-1850).
• Liam - Irish - The Irish diminutive of the name William.
• Liam  - Teutonic - Resolute defender.

Still good!

Then I went looking:

• Dana - Celtic - From Denmark. Dana was the Celtic goddess of fertility.
• Dana - Danish  - From Denmark.
• Dana - English  - A feminine form of the Hebrew Daniel, meaning God has judged, God is judge, or God will judge. Also used as a derivative of the surname Dane, meaning From Denmark.
• Dana - Hebrew - Feminine form of Daniel: God has judged, or God is judge. The Old Testament Daniel was a 6th century BC prophet who miraculously survived the den of lions.
• Dana - Irish - A Dane.

Mom did want a boy named Daniel, so I guess that seems next logical step go for the girl version of the name.

Mom's name:

• Wanda - German Family; Wanderer.
• Wanda - Teutonic - Wander.

Boy is this the truth! My mom would visit every state in the Union if dad would remotely appear interested.

Dad's name:

• Tom - English - Derives from Thomas 'Twin.'.

Hmmm, this one not so much.

Sister's name:

• Kimberly - English - From the wood of the royal forest. From the royal fortress meadow. A surname and place name that can be used for both genders, although it is more commonly used as a girl's name.

Hmmm, this one not so much.

Brother-in-law:

• Rick - English - Abbreviation of Richard 'powerful; strong ruler.' Also a diminutive of Derek, meaning gifted ruler, people ruler, a variant of the Old German Theodoric.
• Rick - German - Diminutive of Richard: Hard ruler.

Umm, I can get in trouble here - not saying a word.

Nephew Patrick:

• Patrick - Irish - Patrician; noble. Romans society was divided into plebeians: (commoners) and patricians: (aristocrats). Saint Patrick - patron saint of Ireland.
• Patrick - Latin - Regal; noble. St. Patrick introduced Christianity to Ireland, and later became Ireland's patron saint.

Yep, this one fits.

Niece Stacey:

• Stacey - English - Diminutive of Anastasia: resurrection; or of Eustace: fruitful.
• Stacey - Greek - Feminine form of Eustace: Fruitful, productive. Diminutive of Anastasia: Resurrection. One who will be reborn.

Since she's currently pregnant fruitful fits.

Nephew Jason

• Jason - Biblical - He that cures
• Jason - Greek - A healing. In Greek mythology, the leader of the group of warrior heroes called the Argonauts.

Depends on what he may be curing, this one scares me. Warrior hero I can see, he who cures not so much.  

This was fun. Do you and your family's names fit? Search your names.

Enough for now...

Green Beans! I need GREEN BEANS!

My little chunky monkey was put on diet a year or so ago and the vet's food was killing my puppy or so he thought. Winston was so hungry that food consumed every waking thought and I wasn't going to be able to do it becasue he would stay in the kitchen and sit by his bowl. When I expressed my distress at seeing Winston so hungry Dr. Hicks said that he could have green beans.

He didn't tell me that greens beans to dogs is the same as black tar heroine - once you give that dog a can of green beans life is measured from one green bean dish to another.  Yes, Seamus too eats green beans and we now buy green beans by the case. Walmart loves mom and me!

Winston knows when it is 7 p.m. and comes to where ever I am and says "feed me now!" as any junkie would. Who knew?

Click on an ad so I can keep enabling Winston's habit!

Enough for now...

My Blue Hippo

Why do we have to grow up and lose the pure joy that a springy hippo can bring? I want to simply throw my head back and squeal like a sissy girl while driving my new Dodge Charger.

But alas that joy will only live in my mind for at least two more years. I want my next car to be bought on my terms with a reasonable down payment.

I am currently paying off the second mortgage I got to buy my new A/C and siding. When I buy my new Charger I want leather heated seats, power windows, power side mirrors and power locks. I want to be spoiled with all luxuries out there? Can you get Roccaro seats with the little knee rest in a Dodge Charger? I had that once and really, really liked them!

I will have tinted windows and a vanity plate that read BLUH1PO. When that day comes, life will be sweet. You know, I hate being a grown up who does the responsible thing! In my 20s I would have bought the car and ate soup for five years.

The whole problem with this dream is that I don't think I can get all my luxuries... Still its a sweet looking car oh, and by the way no more stick shift I want an automatic. Sigh, dreams.

Click on an ad get me closer to my dream car, Dodge Charger!

Enough for now...

Training a dragon has to be easier than a Winston

I cannot wait for this one! "How to Train a Dragon" looks like so much fun. I plan on owning this one just like all my other Disney movies, the majority of which happen to be VHS but I own them none the less.

Now they've come up with Blue Ray, which of course I don't have and probably need to switch over but I was kind of hoping it would go by the way of Beta Max so I didn't have try convert my entire collection over to a new system AGAIN!!!

Enough for now...

The tragic life of a daughter of a donut shop cult member

Did you know that the world will come to an end if my father does not go to the donut shop every single day! Yes, every day! End I SAY!

There is some kind of magic that happens and he must go to Daylight Donuts and get his coffee and cake donuts. Even on the days, that we are going to IHOP to have breakfast, Dad will get back from the donut shop and go to IHOP with us???

Have you ever notice who goes to the donut shop? Who goes and gets the donuts and leaves and who goes gets donuts and sits down? It's only men who eat in the restaurant. I think there's some sort of voodoo that only effects people with testosterone. It causes them to sit and swap WILD tales with each other and forces them to return the next day.

I believe this to be the "Donut Shop Cult" where members will all go out to the desert to commit mass suicide with the poisoned sticky bun when the President's Fat Tsar declares war on donuts with the  "Just Say No to Dough" campaign. Until that happens, a requirement to being in the cult is that you must walk out of the shop with a cup full of coffee and leave the half drank cup in your daughters house.

Every Sunday, when mom and dad drop off Seamus before church, Dad will leave the cult's calling card somewhere in the house - sometimes on the coffee table, in my office, on the kitchen bar half a foot from the trash can and I've even found one in the garage on a shelf with the tools.

You've got to click on an ad as I hear that "Donut Shop Cult" rehab is rather expensive. If you've ever known a cult member click on an ad, let me know I am not alone.  

Enough for now I've gone spastic...

I Need a Hero!

Who was the idiot that thought cancelling "Heroes" before finishing the freaking story was a good idea? Even "Lost" got to finish the story (albeit very very badly) before pulling the plug. With "Heroes" you're left wondering what happens.

Can you image if Tolkien cancelled writing the Lord of the Rings? Froedo and Sam stuck in Mordor, Merry and Pipen on their way with Striker and Gandolf still dead!

I don't care if ratings were not what they wanted, you bring it back if nothing else than to finish the story and not vex your viewers! I am very vexed! Especially when that was the only show on your freaking channel that I watch. Stupid TV executives bring back "Heroes"! Now Mondays are crappy again!

Okay, I am going to need you to click on an ad before you exit as I am going to have to buy the dvd of the never ending story!

Enough for now...

Call me geeky

After Photoshop Elements

After I scanned an old photo of me and my cousins at the lake when we were little, I really wanted my Photoshop to fix it. But the Photoshop I have is for work and I'm not really willing to pay that much money for blogging and Facebook.

This afternoon I found Photoshop Elements for $80 and I love it! I am able to scan in faded and deteriorating photos and correct them. Elements has all the "elements" that I frequently use. I am currently using the trial but fully expect to buy it in thirty days.


Before Photoshop Elements

 If you do much with old photos or want to crop this or that, I highly recommend "Photoshop Elements" from Adobe.

To bad it can't correct my mother's bad habit of cutting off everyone's head.

Click on an ad on the sidebar, so I can afford the $80 to buy Photoshop Elements.

 Enough for now...

28-20 Whew!

I love my football but when we play Texas, I swear I forget to breath.

This year with the fake punt, Landry dropped ball at the end and Texas dropping the kick, I think my heart stopped each one of these times.

I am thoroughly exhausted now, I think I'll go take a nap.

By the way, I have to say I will always pull out this photo when we win as it says it all.

If I am going to attend next years game in person, your going to have to click on an ad on my sidebar, how else will I afford the ticket or just click on the add if your an OU fan.

Enough for now...

Buy Dodge Charger

Dial Me In!

I love the fact that many of the cable channels are comming out with their own original programming. The problem is that you get into a show and after six weeks it's season is over! I barely get the scheduled locked into my brain and its off for six months! I absolutely love "Stargate Universe." I think I am in love with Col. Young, sigh,  (toss up between Young and Michael on "Burn Notice").

The reason for my complaint is that I missed the season opener because I didn't think to channel check for it! I now have to watch it on the internet [thank you, internet for "view full episode] but watching my shows in my office chair is not so relaxing and I have a really nice large screen tv I like to watch my shows on.

My next complaint is six shows do not make a season - I want more, MORE, MORE! So tomorrow should be a good day, Col. Young and OU/Texas. In case you don't know the show here's a commerical for you.

Don't forget to click on an ad - my reservation to the Universe is on hold till I can afford an upgrade - I am no longer flying Stand By! I official have $7.82 toward my First Class Ticket.

Enough for now...
Buy Dodge Charger

Wouldn't that Chafe? Ewww!

Surfing the web, I was looking for a graphic to illustrate the agony I have been experiencing riding my exercise bike 14 miles per day an this popped up and all I can think is "my eyes! my eyes!"

Would you really want to be the person who gets on the bikes after these two? I don't think the disinfectant would be strong enough for me to want to go to this gym! I don't care how carefully they place their towels.

Not to mention, since I've notice at my gym only half the people cleaned the equipment when they get off of it.

Some days it was all I could to do to keep from yelling "hey, you idiot, get back here and kindly remove your stinking sweaty palm prints from that stair master." Instead I said nothing but watched them in total disgust as they moved from machine to machine leaving their gross DNA every where.

Thank goodness I don't have OCD or anything. Today I am totally uninspired to write and Winston is not interested in being the subject of my post. Call it one of mine Weird Wednesday, similar to my Tangent Tuesdays only on Wednesday. So the question of the day, would you ever go to a nudist gym?

If its not evident that I need to get out a little more. this post should do it! Click on an ad and help support a much needed vacation. The $7.15 I've earned so far might get me a bus ticket to Midwest City, who wants to go to Midwest City? Click people, click!

Enough for now...

Why Do Trees Grow

The problem with a large yard with trees is that they keep growing! Every year we have to trim what equals a whole tree. I don't know what one bush/tree is but it keeps growing bigger and bigger. It grows off shoots from the bottom, which means that it was getting wider and thicker. It got so big that it was growing into the house and blocking access to the large gate we put in so that Dad, A.K.A. the lawn guy, could get his riding lawn mower out to the front yard.

So I started trimming the side of the monster bush tree. Originally, mom and I started with trimming so that it would grow away from the house. Then we decided that we really like what it was looking like on that side and decided to do it all the way around. A hour later and much cut out, I ended up with this beauty that blooms weird little white flowers a couple times a year. I think I will keep it now.

Dad and I trimmed my Hackberry tree that keeps trying to grow into my Redbud tree. What's really amazing to me is that when you trim out quite a bit, everything still looks good but you really can't tell a major difference because so much is hidden by growing into each other.

The biggest problem of all is that I guess I am so old that now I when I get ambitious and work vigorously in my yard, I have to pay for it severely that night. I was so sore that I could barely walk. Pitiful, just pitiful.

I have decide that before we tackle this again next year, I am going to buy that miniature wood chipper we saw at Lowe's. Bundling tree branches is for the birds, give me power tools!

Enough for now...

Embarrassing, Just Plain Embarrassing

Have our lawmakers in Washington, DC lost their freaking minds? Is the chairwoman of the House subcommittee on Immigration, Zoe Lofgren, delusional?

Stephen Colbert is funny acting like a newsman, but really? Wasting taxpayers time to have him come and give stupid testimony just proves that the wrong people are in positions of power!

When someone so crudely delivers his speech that includes a "Chilean giving him a Brazilian," I have to admit I'd rather our congress behave like the Asian governments and get in fist fights with each other rather that have embarrassing stunts such as what happened on Friday. Logfren made of mockery of herself and her government, shame on you. Kudos to John Conyers for recognizing how this was reducing his committee to the realm of the ridiculous. We can't blame Colbert for doing what he does - we blame Logfren for giving him the forum!

On occasion I call Winston, Porthos the Idiot, I am going to have stop calling him that as my dog is smarter than most of our Congressional leaders.

Proud to be an American but today thoroughly embarrassed!

Thanks for the support and clicking on my ads. As of today, I've earned $5.97 but the idiots in Washington will require $1.50 - taxes for stunts! I think I need to find an isolated island to buy!

Enough for now...
Buy Dodge Charger.

The Three Musketeers and the Idiot!

When I am totally uninspired to write, spastic nonsense usually abounds and Winston is usually the focus of that spastic nonsense. But today, he was having non of it.

There were strangers to watch and yell at, strangers on the other street he can see through my neighbor's front yard. Strangers nowhere near our house!

I like my little solders, they remind me of my favorite, favorite, favorite book, "The Three Musketeers."  The problem with naming them the three musketeers means that Winston would play the role of D'Artagnan. He's my favorite musketeer and trust me Winston is no D'Artagnan! Porthos maybe with his loud personality but not D'Artagnan.

I got bored decided to make a movie.

$5.46, keep clicking! Ad revenue rising, help click my way to financial independence.

Enough for now...

Should I fire the lawn guy?

I'm not sure but I think I'm not getting my money's worth from my lawn guy. First, I find a sprinkler lodged in the crook of tree, it's been there for more than a month. Then he mowed the edge of my yard with a push mower because its gets closer to the house and fence than the riding mower. The problem? The push mower was set on SCALP and the ridding mower was not. Now there this weird line all around the edges of the yard. 

The problem with firing my lawn guy is that I've known him my whole life and he does my yard for free - he's my Dad! But when your Dad scalps half your yard, you get to make fun of him publicly.

My new trees, well "almost trees," were delivered today. I bought two Oklahoma Red buds and one Oklahoma White buds. The evil electric company, OG&E,  arrived one day this last Spring and announced that they were going to chop down all my pretty trees and leave me with a really ugly sun drenched yard.

Thanks to sun reaching my monkey grass like it never had before  all the tips are burned this year. You don't yank out nine matured trees and the yard survive. So for the next few years my little back yard is going to look pretty weak. But at least I got the new trees in, oh I failed to mention, trees that only the property owner can remove. We were told that the state tree can only be removed by the property owner! Also, they don't grow real tall and should stay under the power lines.

Since I had Precur Nursery deliver and plant my little trees I spent a pretty penny. I need more than $250 to pay for this and my ad revenue is only up to $4.97. Click on an ad when you exit.




My "Almost Trees" in a couple of years they can be called trees

Enough for now...

Stop Calling Me and My Friends Stupid!

We, Americans play by the rules. We go out, when we'd rather not, stand in line and do our civic duty and vote. Then when the ballots do not  shake out to your liking, you established politicians try to change the rules. Shame on you Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski from Alaska, shame on you Republican/Independent Charlie Crist from Florida, shame on you  Democrat/Republican/Democrat Arlen Specter from Pennsylvania!

In good faith we go to the polling place and cast our ballots and trust you to lose with dignity and grace. We trust you to obey your bosses and when they say your fired to accept who you work for and leave. This business about write in, running as an independent or flat out switching is of low character.

I am tired of the politician treating us, the American people, as if we are stupid and don't know who we want to send to Washington. Stop calling us stupid, as I am not. Every month, I balance my bank book, pay off credit cards and on a good month maybe gamble a little. Can Congress say that? The gambling, yeah. The balance budget - not even close!

Murkowski, you have insulted the constituents you claim to represent by announcing your write in ballot campaign and I pray that Alaskans rally around the true winner and show their children how politics is supposed to work. I hope the Republican party rallies to destroy you as an uncooperative and bad party member and ban you for life.

Even in little league sports we teach children to shake the hand of those who were victorious over us and say good game! I am appalled at the poor sportsmanship of the leaders of our country.

Woo hoo, I have now earned $2.71. Click on an ad to right and support my quest to become independently wealthy.

Enough for now...

It's Boomer Season

Yes, even Winston likes football. He really likes his football jersey. Actually number 28 is very appropriate for him because if he ever gets loose, he does a very good impression of A. Peterson. Mom has even tackled him before - not pretty I won't go there.

I am very please OU won yesterday but did they really have to let Air Force get that last touch down? My nerves could have done without that!

I remember my student days when you would go to the first half of the game and it was such a blow out that at half time over to the parking lot of O'Connors. Now, [giggle] I am so spoiled that I don't want to go to the game because I want to see the replays and stats.  I want to see every minute of the game.

It's good times again, go Sooners!

I am now up $2.39 in ad revenue, be sure to click on an when exiting.

Enough for now...

I Predict Rain

The State Fair starts today so that means that rainy season begins. I am not a big fair person and probably haven't been since 1988 or so. The last time I went I went with college friends. Growing up going to the fair meant a new pair of moccasin, funnel cake and rodeo tickets.

I miss moccasins.

Now that I am old, my State Fair comes with the Friends of the Library book sale. My sister's State Fair is Affair of the Hearts craft show in October. Dad's State Fair is any gun show he happens to make. It's amazing how we've all grown out of the real state fair.

I have to admit that the wonder of the fair is not the quality of the work of afghans or quilts made or the pie contests or even the livestock pins - its the weirdos that go to the fair. Weirdos of the likes you didn't think that little ole Oklahoma had!

If I go to the fair ever again, it will be to see the strangest attraction of all - the people who visit the fair!

I have now earn $1.07 - click on an before you exit or I will be force to continue to work at the same crappy job forever!

Enough for now...

Mean People Suck!

It was a toss up for me on whether or not to feature this as my theme song for this day or go with "Mad, Mad World." Today I went with ... Shout, Shout, Shout, Let it All OUT, these are the things I could do without, COME ON, SHOUT IT ALL OUT!

Things that I could do without:

1. Mean people,

2. Mean people,

3. Stupid, mean people!

Tears for Fears is definitely getting better with age! I love this mix and would give anything to see this concert. The orchestra just makes it totally awesome.

I have officially earned .79 cents, click on an ad to the right when you exit, help get me out the world where mean people live!

Enough for now...

DRAINED..........

Today many of things that I put my hopes in all fell apart. ALL FELL APART. It feels like I ran a marathon. Why does emotional stress exhaust you so much?

I am still trusting God to fix my world but for the life of me I don't see how. But all in all, that's not required - I don't have to "see it" for things to get better. I have one option left and its the best one yet - trust God.

Even though I do trust, it doesn't mean the tears won't come or fear won't creep in. Life sucks right now, so while I wait for everything to be fix - I implore each an everyone who reads this blog upon exiting please click on an ad in the left side bar. For every click I earn .25 cents, I am trying to escape my work hell with each entry.

Click me out of my horrible job!

Enough for now...

Letting My Hair Down

Today was a good day. Every month the state's web manager's group meets and shares ideas and new stuff. This month's speaker was the state's CIO. Half of what he said went right over my head as I am not a developer. I am from the PR office and make things pretty.  Sebolith and grouper...huh?

No matter, what I really liked was the exchange after he spoke and the fact that the meeting was over for more than an hour and I was still there chatting with other web nerds. Nothing is more comfortable than a community of like, strange minds. I will never ever forget the story Michael shared about getting beat up in Second Life. Yeah, he was probably not in the nicest of bars but still I am not sure his avatar deserved such abuse especially since it was a crazy girl avatar. Is a boy avatar allow to hit a girl avatar if your in Second Life?

Enough for now...

Do More than Click Like - Say Something!

To build the mosque or not to build? To burn the Koran or not to burn? Fly you flag on the profile. Click like if you agree... Are all these type of apps on Facebook an absurd way of getting out of our civic duty? If we fly the "No Mosque Flag" on our profile does that remove our need to write the Mayor Bloomberg and complain vehemently?

Facebook is great for keeping in touch with friends but we cannot let this stop us from actually raising our voice or writing our letters. As Oklahoman who suffered an attack, we should voice loudly that allowing an Islamic Monument to their victory is not right!

We now live in a global world with news from every corner of the world. Do you sit by and accept what is happening without so much as a shame on you?

Here is link to New York City's Mayor Bloomberg email. No he will not care, yes you will have done something proactive and it's time to start saying "NO" to insane and cruel ideas. More than 3,000 families lost precious members of their families and will have to walk past the Victory Monument to pay their respects? No, that is not right.

Yes, law is on the side of the mosque but human decency is on the side of the families. This is not an Islamaphobic idea either, it is just plain insensitive to the families.

Enough for now...

La Femme Nikita, Which One

In the 90s, I was a faithful watcher of the TV show La Femme Nikita. Because of the show, I rented the American film with

Bridget Fonda and Gabriel Byrne (Point of No Return).  Didn't like Bridget, don't think I'd like the original foreign version with Anne Parillaud.

I am a dork and fell in LOVE with Michael and only watched the show because of Michael. So now they have come out with a new version. It's such a departure from my TV show I don't know if I am going to like it.

Which Nikita do you like? Anne, Bridget, Peta or the new one, Maggie Q?

Torn, let you know after tonight's show.
Enough for now...

Miss Honeydew, Minnie Pearl and Nurse Goodbody

I am now one of those people who work in fear. The slightest mistake has me stressed to max. Today, was one of those days and I just knew that I was going to get ripped apart. I have now progressed (with God's help) from bawling at work over every attack to migraines and nausea on weekends.

Strangely, I'd rather have the nausea and headaches than tears. Girls like me, who cry - can't control the tears, so once you've made me cry then not only am I crying but I am also very, very angry (because of the situation and the fact that you made me cry) it's twice as bad.

I wish I could redirect that emotion into something more professional, such as swearing like a sailor and throwing my stapler, no I take the crap and cry!

This weekend every meal was proceeded with a wave of nausea. Did that stop me from plowing through my Mexican dinner or that pint of ice cream? Heck no, I ate anyway. Eventually, my work life will settle down and you hear me squealing like the sissy girl, I am!

Okay, so you want to know what's up with the picture? A couple of years ago, my sister had the brilliant idea of getting photos of the three of us, so we did. After we had taken enough photos to just be quite a bit silly, Mom thinks that we should take a picture using my new fence as a prop. I don't know why but Hee Haw came to mind and of course I had to share that with them. Not a single picture in front of the fence came out but hey, we did have a good laugh.

I give all my problems to God and trust him to take of me.

Enough for now...

Just Because I Can Remember

I absolute laughed when I stumbled on this but.... it's still good! The world remembers "Dancing Queen" or "Knowing Me, Knowing You" as it's fav. I liked this one, "SOS" and "Fernando." I don't know who that Fernando dude was but you know when "there something in the air, my friend."

Enough for now...

Proof that White Boys Cannot Dance

Lordy, lordy, lordy these two boys cannot dance! I have to admit I have not laughed so hard in such a long time as I did when I watched these guys dance! Okay, the video below is from Big Brother and the head of household, Lane, incurred three punishments for the house and this one was flat out hysterical!

I love mindless reality shows. It's nice to know that there is proof out there that you are not the dumbest person in the world - he / she is on my TV. I can't wait to see how Jimmy Johnson of Dallas Cowboy fame fairs on Survivor.

Enough for now...

Heroes Among Us

You know I have to say that I have lost faith in the men and women we've sent to Washington. I've felt hopeless, that I couldn't change the direction my country is headed. You see, I am a conservative and honestly, that used to mean "one who does not protest."

On Saturday, August 28th, the classiest protest known to man took place. It transcended Republican, Democrat and Independent - it was a protest to the lack of God in our politics, government and yes, our community.

In these times,  I, as a state employee, have to avoid certain phrases such as Merry Christmas and God Bless You. How did this happen? How did WE allow this to happen? We have to decide to be active or loud with our hearts and votes to change the path our country is on. I pledge to you (and hope you make your own pledge) to be front and center every time our voting booths are open. You have no right to complain, if you don't vote.

I am very proud that we have giants who can still move a country into action. I feel like America has a hero in Glen Beck who is willing to remind us of our roots, our constitution, our God.

I give all my problems to God and trust him to take of me.


Enough for now...

Flu Attack!

Do you ever feel that the universe is bent on crashing down around you? I just get back into the grove of writing daily and BAM! I  come down with the meanest sinus-virus thing that knocks you flat on your back.

Last Thursday, I left work not feeling well and headed straight to the doctor's office. Dad came down with it first then mom got and I knew I was not up for the challenge to beat this on my own. So I went and got antibiotics - the nastiest antibiotics known to man! They cause a horrible taste in my mouth all day and night. It's like sucking on a penny, a dirty gross penny!

Well I laid around from Thursday till this morning when I dragged myself back to work. Does the email fairy know that I had been on leave for two and half days? My inbox was stuff with stupid stuff that just interfered with me getting it empty.

I am not well yet but can return to work [yes, I am whiny today].

I will leave you with the funniest biology lesson I've seen in a while. Kids today are so lucky, all I had where those horrible reel to reel films. 

Flu Attack! How A Virus Invades Your Body



I give all my problems to God and trust him to take of me.

Enough for now...

Eat Pray Love

Ironically, I encounter the very same thing this weekend.

EAT
I diet four weeks and cheat on the weekend of the fourth week. So I managed to hit IHOP, Braums, Carlos (Mexican), Little Caesars and York's Peppermint Patties and three bottles of Coke. Today I resume the rabbit food.

PRAY
My life has been a continuation of my previous post with prayer and because of God I will be okay.

LOVE
Okay not the romantic love that Julia was finding in that movie (or for what I can gather from the commercials as I have not seen the movie, lol). Mom, however, hung about the house with me rearranging my closet and just talking  - helping me to keep my mind of the troubles. The ultimate form of love, sitting in my living room when you'd rather be lounging at home.

Enough for now...

My Miracle

Recently chaos has ruled my world and I reached critical mass. On the fourth day in a row where I cried at work because of the nit picky, petty and constant mistreatment from my boss. I was about as low a you can get. No one could help me and I could see no way out. Mom called a family friend, Larry, asked for prayer and we got a miracle.

Larry talked with mom Thursday night and gave her peace and bits of wisdom. Then he called me and left me with the right perspective and peace.

Larry also email much for me to take to heart but this from scriptures rocked me to my core

"I am the eternal God, your Refuge. And underneath you are My everlasting arms.

My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.
So do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to Me. And my peace, which transcends comprehension, will stand guard over your heart and mind."

With a promise such as this, no more of my boss' cruelty, lies or poisonous attitudes can touch me, as He is my Refuge. Through prayer and friendship, I am much stronger at work. It was as if a different Dana went to work on Friday. This is because God sent Larry into our lives and help me and my mom find peace, at this time in our lives we needed Larry. God gave me the strength and calmness we prayed for.

There are precious people in this world and I like to think of them as Angels in Waiting, that's my brother, Larry.

I give all my problems to God and trust him to take of me.

Enough for now...

A Needed Moment of Kindness

I had a really nice conversation with a co-worker on my floor. We talked work and it was really interesting learning about her area. It so amazing how we can work for the same place and I not know what she does really. I enjoyed it.

I am struggling with faith, it's hard to Let Go, Let God. The human in me wants to bash someone on the head. The human in me wants to run away. I will keep trying to have faith and I will repeat this prayer until my world improves.

I give all my problems to God and trust him to take of me.

Enough for now...

Having Faith

I told mom that I've struggled keeping positive in my posts and asked what in the world would I write about tonight. She told me to write this.

I give all my problems to God and trust him to take of me.

And I am to write that everyday until things improve. You know, every time I try to handle my own affairs I tend to mess them up. I need God's help. I know that He will bail me out of this mess as He has always taken care of me. One day, I hope to know what I needed to learn from this ordeal but I know that I will be better for it.

Letting loose and not worrying will be very difficult for me, so pray for me. I guess this is what that bumper stickers means when it says "Let Go, Let God."

Enough for now.

Good Day [Exclamation Point]

For the first time in a long while I had a fun! Another division's administrator ask me to help brainstorm and create a new employee orientation video. While a professional crew is coming in tomorrow to video, she and her staff wanted something more than "torturing the new guy" with a lecture.

So last week, we plotted out that she would take the new employee on a virtual tour of the state office and each unit administrator would be introduced to the camera and then walking to the next office. It was fun brainstorming on what to do, then we took the camcorder and did some practice runs.

Once we were done filming, I went back to my office and edited the pieces together, added transitions, added titles and credits and then added music. I am tickled pink to say that it actually came out really cute and I promise you better than having the division administrator stand up in front of the camera and drone on for 10 minutes.

I need more days like these! Enough for now.

Getting Ready for Liam

I had all but written this day off as one worst in a long time. Then I went shopping for my Army Nephew's new baby. Since they live in Germany and the baby is due in October, we had to get the gifts shipped pretty soon.

I have to say that if I had to go to a mall today, the shopping would have had to wait, I just wasn't up to being in public. But we have the glorious Amazon.com. Mom and I sat down, ordered the gifts and poof we're done! I love technology.

My great nephew's name will be William but they plan to call him Liam. I like it. We won't get to meet the little one until July 2011, which means he'll be nine months old by then. That will be tough but it's life.

Enough for now as I am struggling to stay positive tonight.

Dilemma Read, Play Computer Game, Read, Play Computer Game

Today I got up threw on a pair of jeans and stumbled to the couch and promptly started reading. Totally unmotivated to do anything other than sit and read or sit and play Bejeweled Blitz. Yesterday, I was somewhat productive but didn't finish cleaning the house. I rationalized that I would finish up today [funny].

It's now 6:17 p.m. on Sunday and it's not gonna happen! I did give baby a bath, which didn't set well with him but hey, if I have to take one daily, he can have one twice a month! The funny thing about beagle is that they will endure whatever you are doing to them but if they don't like it, they give the most incredible sad eye stare know to man. Winston has mastered this and I usually end up laughing at him.

I redesigned all my blogs this weekend trying to re-energize my blogging spirit. I kind of feel as though I worked all weekend. While it did keep my mind occupied on things other than work but it was very much like the work I do at work.

My weekend of slothness has a few more hours to go and then to hell I must return.

Enough for now.

It's FRIDAY, F R I D A Y ! ! !

I would introduce to my new boyfriend but it looks like we broke up. I've always liked skinny boys.

I am still trying get my entire backyard watered and have no exciting plans for the weekend. So I am thinking I might blow off any work and read. It is times like this that being single comes in real handy.

If I don't want clean, I don't have to. If I don't want to do anything, I don't have to. Today, I like my life, don't ask me about tomorrow.

Enough for now.

Some Don't Like it Hot!

When are we going to get a break on this stupid heat? Geeze o Pete is it really 105 degrees for the 45th day in row? Okay, I tend to exaggerate when I am unbearably hot. I am sick of having to drive home on the highway only able to touch my steering wheel with the tips of my fingers until the A/C can cool it down enough to actual hold the stupid thing.

The heat is really taking its toll on my yard. I believe there is more dirt showing than grass covering it. BUT that did not stop my yard guy from coming out and spreading fertilizer all over my yard, which means the must water within two weeks. Yeah there's a 30 percent chance of rain on Saturday - like that's going to happen! So yesterday, I started watering my yard and only got the perimeter done. If you water too early you can burn your yard and if you start too late you can't get it all done.

Plus ever move a fan sprinkler without get soak? No you haven't it's not possible. I need rain! I need cool weather.

Enough for now.

Wednesday Wonder

Today, was my telecommute day where I crawl out of bed and go straight to my office. No waking up late and mad dash to dress, no dropping baby off at mom's and no morning rush hour, it's so cool. I do love the fact that it's a great day to tie up a lot of lose ends. Because of telecommuting I feel caught up more that I feel behind, which so great.

What's not so good about telecommuting is that you do work more than your allotted eight hours. I usually start work at 7 a.m. instead of 7:30 a.m. and end when I finally pack up the computer, today that was about 5:45 p.m.

Winston, on the other hand, does not like my telecommuting. I am too pre-occupied with my computer for his liking, so mom and dad have to come get him or he'll sulk all day long.

I love this modern world we live in but I have to say that I also like going into the office. One day a week is fine but more than that and I think I would miss the social and professional interaction that going into the office affords me. I have a couple of good friends and email conversations just don't cut it.

Enough for now.

Sisterly Love

Am I a good sister or what! Kim wants the HGTV $70 K home remodeling sweepstakes so she has been entering the sweepstakes every day for a while now. The problem is that her computer was zapped with a power surge and fried everything. So until Best Buy can finish marvelling at the fried hard drive and tell her to give up the ghost and buy new, I am making her entries! Everyday!

Actually, I find it funny because there's no way she's gonna win but........... if she does, I'm going to be irked for not entering myself! I need a new driveway. I really don't need $70K to remodel my house, I need $70K to pay my house off.

I guess I got burned out on all those Publishers Clearinghouse Sweepstakes when I was a little girl. Mom would let me fill them out and I would study all the magazine stamps that she would not let me order. I probably entered every one that came to our house from Junior High through graduation. What happened? Life scoffed at me and I did not win! I have never entered a sweepstakes again!

Enough for now.

People Come and People Go

Today, I had a really nice surprise. Old job, Co-Worker T. came into the same restaurant I was at. It was really neat to get see him again even if it was for only a couple of minutes.

I have to admit that I liked working with him. Because of Co-Worker T. I am able to do the job I have now. He was patient with me when I was learning how to create websites. He was a good teacher.

Ironically, at a time when I have no faith in workplace decency, I run into one of the few who made work fun, interesting and educational. It's been about four years, since we worked together and I had a little pang of regret when I saw him again. Fun and silliness wrapped around work makes for fond memories.

He appeared to be happy with his current job where he's this big time web guru with a healthy size staff and you know, it doesn't surprise me. Co-Worker T. is good at web design.

After this accidental meeting it brought up many memories of all the people who I've worked with and became friends with and it amazes me how easily you lose touch. I have referred to Friend Ellen in this blog (quite a long time ago) but what I failed to say is that before she was Friend Ellen, she was Boss Ellen. I regret that we've manage to drift apart.

Former Co-Worker Ed has just recently friended me on Facebook and low and behold he has babies, two to be exact!

It's a little sad that it is so hard to stay in touch with the people who we work with after they change jobs. I guess what's really important is that for those moments in time, we are blessed with friendship.

Enough for now.

Revelations of Crappy Life

As I glanced over this, I noticed a prevailing theme running through my entries -- I am tired, and I realized this must be the most boring blog in history. I have done a great deal of complaining that didn't happen before. My job is more stressful, my personal life of late has be more stressful and overall everything sucked! No wonder only two people read this.

Long time ago, when I started this I wanted to be creative and silly, now it is the place to put a voice to my all ills or elude to it least. I am not happy and my blog is reflecting that.

I am not sure that changing my job will make me happy - I believe the culture of the work place is hateful. So I will be just moving from one bad situation to another but staying put is not an option either. I have to try to better my situation.

Where's the creativity in my blogging? It's totally gone. It's amazing how you replay the bad stuff over and over in your mind and the good stuff never comes. With Barack Obama, pretending to be President, this blog should be filled with barb after barb. The drive for writing isn't there because I can't let go of the crap in my life and this saddens me.

When I turned 36, I turned my back on finding that someone special and quit the dating scene. I don't have patients for the game that is dating and honestly, I am afraid I am too blunt for it. Do I regret it? No not really, but there are realities to the single life that I didn't expect. For example: exploring the world is not option for me. I learned that sight-seeing and vacationing alone isn't my thing. I am a social creature and vacation for me have always be a social event. Also, world travel is expensive and you don't just grab a friend and run off to Ireland for the weekend.

Lately, I have come to the conclusion that life for me is something I have to endure, where most people embrace and experience all it has to offer. Now, don't call 911 (or 199 depending on where you live) I am not suicidal, just disappointed. I expected from more from life.

On a brighter note, I am trying to take back control in my life and that is through job searching, losing weight (one, you do better in job interviews if your not over-weight and two, it's either lose the weight or start smoking again and don't like being fat) and concentrating on enjoying the friendships I have and ignoring the bad. So in order to this effectively, it has to start here. No more bitching and moaning, anyone who reads my entries from this point forward has permission to scold whenever I go negative.

I also hope to get back to real blog entries not these two-sentences that take less time to read than it does for the web page to load. I am Dana! Hear me roar (just pray that tomorrow you're not hearing me whimper).

Enough for now.

Weekend Blues

Little man is struggling with grass allergies that make his belly break out with heat and itches. I took him to the vet at the beginning of July and he got his yearly shot but this year's pollen was too tough for him and we had to get another.

I know he really didn't feel good because Dr. Boatsman barely got a wiggle. Winston loves the vet, up until the thermometer comes out, that is. Usually, he thinks its a grand adventure.

If you're looking for a great Vet go to Neel Veterinary Hospital, all the docs are great there!

Who Needs to See Anyway

I went to the eye doctor today and man alive are things expensive! New chicky glasses and contacts. It's rice and beans for the rest of the month!

Today, I feel like seamus. I am so exhausted!

Enough for now...

My Chakras are CLOSED

I am worn out! I have many tedious projects at work and swear the muscle between my shoulders just below my neck is made of immobile steel.

I have started telecommuting once a week and it really allows me to do the big projects that require concentration like captioning a 10 minute video. That would have been impossible without closing my office door. I really like telecommuting. It's cool to be able to crawl out of bed and hit the computer.

Well I am back on my quest to loose weight. The trick this is to stay off the scales. As long as I don't know I am not loosing any lbs, I am not depressed. It's been three weeks and I have not cheated once - send me your good vibes to keep at it. I am one Snicker bar away from diabetes [a family trait of mine].

Enough for now...I leave you with a Seamus' dancing debut, well not exactly.