12/31/2004

Final Friday of 2004

Well it's the last day of the year. It always brings reflections. Happy Birthday to my Mother, although you don't read this I'll say it just the same and will call you later. This year was alot; I think for everyone. We moved twice, second time out of state to new job and new world. We lost some people, who will be greatly missed and fondly remembered. We met new people and gained new friends. We lost a dog, a tankful of fishes, but gained a hambutted cat with his almost humanlike personality. We fought a hard battle to get our president re-elected and won. (I know it just irks the hell outta some of you) We've cried, yelled, and laughed. We learned lessons in life whether we wanted to or not. We saw friends suffer through illness and longed to be able to do something to help. We sent soldiers off to war and prayed they come home safely and wept because some haven't. We saw tragedy on a grand scale both on our soil and across the globe and prayed to God for the safety of all We lived and loved and held onto our loved ones for dear life because life is short and one never knows. We blogged; and boy have we blogged! We blogged elections, crochet, knitting, sex, life, religion, kids, cats, love, hate; you name it someone has blogged it! We all grew a year older and hopefully a little wiser. We hopefully all learned to cherish life a little more and to be thankful for what we have. All in all I guess what I am trying to say is: HOLY FLYING BATCRAP BATMAN! WE MADE IT THROUGH ANOTHER YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Happy SAFE New Year. Please if you are gonna be out, don't drink and drive. (I'll blog the bowl games later)

12/30/2004


First Victim

IT'S HEEEERRRREEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OMG I am soooooooo excited!!!!! *happy dance*

Ch- Ch- Ch- Changes

OK folks... over the next few fews this blog may at times go all funky. Reason being, I am in the process of setting up our own domains website. I will eventually transfer my blog over there, don't know if David will want his there or not. Now why will this blog go funky? Cuz I will be backing it up and to do that I have to change some things. BUT I don't know when or even how long it will take so goes the warning. Once all is done there will be an announcement here.

Totally Thursday

HEY today is our Friday, David is taking off tomorrow. woohoo *does the happy dance* The boy was up at 3 am... never went back to sleep. Why was he up at 3? Beats the hairy heck outta me but I think the cat has something to do with it. He (Hambut the wonder cat) had something to do with David and I having to jump out of bed at midninght and search for the music only to find he had jumped on the boy's Leap Pad (we got him for Christmas) and turned it on. So now... guess who is laying in the middle of the rug sleeping? Yup the cat... Oh well. Working on Crochet thingys today, one is going slow because I am writing a pattern down as I go (omg don't nobody pass out from the shock). HAve to make something for my secret pal too, and I know just what to make. BOWL GAME UPDATES! EV1.net Houston Bowl Colorado 33 UTEP 28 Good game, I didn't really care who won just good football Mastercard Alamo Bowl Oklahoma St 7 Ohio St 33 Was interesting to see the Oklahoma State didn't really seemed to be interested in playing. Although I saw SEVERAL missed calls at late hits and personal fouls on their part. You don't play football with your fists ya goofs! There FOUR count them FOUR bowl games on today.... *faints* It's usually by the time all the bowl games are oiver that I am totally glad football is almost over (that lasts about a week of not having football or racing then I go through withdrawl)

12/29/2004

Ramblings of the mind

Rain falls, As tears from the sky. Clouds part, Sun shines, Birds sing, Mother Nature renews again. -------------- Why has the sun refused to shine when did the smile leave your face why has the world lost its mind How did I make you unhappy When did the rain start to fall -------------- I see a rain type theme building today... hmmmm

My Memes

meme n (mëm): A unit of cultural information, such as a cultural practice or idea, that is transmitted verbally or by repeated action from one mind to another.

Let's use the brain a bit today: 1. If you could be in any movie; What movie would you be in? 2. What period of History would you want to live in and why? 3. Would you rather be a President of the USA or the Spouse of a President? 4. If a book was written about your life, what would the name of it be? 5. Would you rather be a kid or an adult at Christmas? ------------------------- 1. If you could be in any movie; What movie would you be in? No, surprisingly it ISN'T an all girls porn movie! It's a tough one to decide though but I'd have to say one of the "Lord of the Rings' movies just because it was sooo cool. Although I reserve the right to change m,y mind when I think of another one. 2. What period of History would you want to live in and why? Toss up between theMiddle Ages with knights and such Why? Because of the knights and such! or the 1800's America why? Because that is when our Country was beginning to grow and become what it is today. 3. Would you rather be a President of the USA or the Spouse of a President? Spouse definatly, not as much stress 4. If a book was written about your life, what would the name of it be? "Profile of a Nutcase" 5. Would you rather be a kid or an adult at Christmas? Adult... I don't expect great presents like when I was a kid.

15,000

I didn't get a chance yesterday to blog it but Dogwood Dreams passed 15,000 hits yesterday afternoon. Thanks to everyone who has hit me! (ROFL!!!!!)

Weary Wednesday

Tired, didn't sleep well, not that it matters much anyway. Foul mood.... Bowl Games: Independence Iowa St. 17 Miami (OH) 13 Was a pretty good game. Insight: Oregon St. 38 Notre Dame 21 ummm Notre Dame lost.... #$@$%%$!@!##!@#!@#$@# need I say more? Crochet? I'm working on a Christmas order for Rae's daughter. Feel like I am coming down with a cold or something... maybe allergies, they sure haven't given me much of a break since we've moved down here.

For Fun?

Everyone else is doing it so here I go off the cliff. First... Recommend... 1...a movie 2...a book 3...a musical artist, album or song Second... Ask me any three questions you want.. I Swear I will answer them Third.... Copy and past to your blog and see how much fun we can have!!

Quizzes

Quiz Me
Kari was
a Sweet Cult Leader
in a past life.

Discover your past lives @ Quiz Me


discover what candy you are @ quiz me

12/28/2004

Nutcrackers!


You gotta love after holiday clearance sales!!!! These three nutcrackers are just one of Hubby's sweet little gifts to me for no reason other than I love nutcrackers. The little guy is Don Quixote.

Tantalizing Tuesday

The Title? I have no clue... just off the top of my head. Eveyrone has such trouble thinking up titles.... It's not hard no one said it had to make sense or be revelant. Do me a favor PLEASE?? That dear sweet wonderful hubby of mine is having such a rough go of it lately. He was away from his kids and his grandkids for Christmas and we all know how that is. He's so down. He's discouraged about his blog... we all know how that is as well. We've all felt that no one reads us, right? So just stop by and read and say hi. Maybe we can get him cheered up a bit. Excuse me a minute ST LOUIS WON LAST NIGHT WOOHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Bowl Games yesterday MPC Computers Virginia 34 vs. Fresno St 37 in OverTime Motor City Connecticut 39 vs. Toledo 10 ... That was NO game it was slaughter! Tonight is the Insight Bowl (after the Independance Bowl) and Notre Dame's in it! Woohoo!!!! Well that's it for now y'all.

12/27/2004

Elven Cloche

MAde with yarn from a Wish List Elf and a TOTC G Hook from another elf I dubbed this Elven Cloche

By Request


Here's the beast in all it's wonderful clothes drying glory! I would have it open but it's working at the moment hehe, it's one of those extra capacity ones so it's got lots of room inside. It's a Whirlpool.

Gmail

Hat tip goes out to : Beef always wins.: Gmail for this link: Gmail4Troops. Sis I will save a gmail invite for you but the rest will go here once they start taking donations again, so I will have no more invites folks!

Must be Monday

Hubby is back to work ugh.... I hate so much when he's gone. Although I have been such a pain this past week I'm sure he's glad to be away from me. I almost took a picture of my new dryer with it's first load of clothes but I figured that was a bit much hehe I love it though!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Two bowl games today, not big ones with teams I really care about so it'll mean I can watch for the sheer pleasure of watching football. I'm finding it very hard not to be down. Very hard. Yesterday's anxiety is still with me and it's building. Oh well thats life.

12/26/2004

Day After Christmas

It's the day after and I am somewhat glad, maybe we can have a sense of normallacy around. Our dryer SHOULD be delievered today. Can't wait to use it woohoo. Our prayers are with those caught up in the earthquake/tidal waves over in Asia. Tidal Waves Kill More Than 3,800 in Asia Recent Quakes In one story about the Sumatra Earthquake and resulting tidal waves they said the earthquake (8.9) was actually so strong it disturbed the Earth's rotation. I find that incredible and haven't found mention of it anywhere else. I wonder if they meant it literally? Anyway there was also an 8.1 earthquake off Macquarie Island that was felt in Australia and New Zealand. It was said if it had happened under one of Australias population centers it would have destroyed the city. Why am I rattling about that? I have no idea I just found it interesting. The Earth fascinates me with it's earthquakes and volcanoes and tornadoes and such.... One could almost imagine a personality of sorts for it at times. OK well enough rambling. I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas. I made a cloche out of the "pink" yarn I got from an elf in Germany, I'll take pictures later maybe.

12/25/2004

Christmas

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas. I hope and pray you all are where you can be happy and not alone. Our Christmas, although not with everyone we would have liked to shared the day with was still good. The bit of melancholy that usually hangs around in the background is here but I am trying not to feed it. Pictures below of the boy. To those who are not here, Merry Christmas. And to my wonderful Hubby who is taking advantage of his present - NAPTIME ! I love you with all my heart. There is no way I will ever be able to thank you for the presents you have given me year round not just this Christmas. The love you have shown me in the way to short time we have known one another is worth all the presents I could ever have. I love you in ways words could never say. All the money in the world would not buy a present worthy of you. I love you. Merry Christmas David. Kids have both called their Daddy to thank him and wish him Merry Christmas. All liked the gifts we sent and the ones I made, the scarves were a hit. Thankfully! David's daughter told him her and her mom looked to find out if hers was store bought till they figured out I made it! (WOOHOO!!!!!!) Which was probably the biggest compliment I will EVER get for something I have made. The ham is in the oven and I am getting ready to go peel potatoes and get ready the other things to cook. Again Merry Christmas to one and all. And to coin Tiny Tim "God Bless Us Every One"

Once Sean opened tools from Grandma there were no more presents according to him so Mom ended up opening most of the rest.

Good pic of yesterday's events, he got a haricut. I got one too.

The boy and Hambut opening the first present (Hambut is looking for his present which was catnip )

Mom and Daddy got up early, the boy stayed asleep for what seemed like forever.

Hawaii Bowl

Hawaii 59 vs. UAB 40 Ugh... after last years fight at the end of this bowl game I said I wouldn't watch Hawaii anymore, I did watch this but not all...

12/24/2004

Christmas Eve

Well I was set to write a big Christmasy post but read Sis's blog this morning and I think she has something there that says it better so go read hers. HERE And have a Merry Christmas

Bowl Games

#3 GMAC Bowl Bowling Green 52 Memphis 35 Was a good game. #4 PlainsCapital Fort Worth Bowl Cincinnati 32 Marshall 14 Was dissappointed in how Marshell played, in fact I don't think they showed up to play. #5 Pioneer PureVision Las Vegas Bowl Wyoming 24 UCLA 21 Pretty good game. Wyoming played pretty well.

12/22/2004

Champ Sports Bowl

Welll... not much to report about the second Bowl Game of the season... Georgia Tech brought a can o whoopass and promptly opened it up on the field and proceded to wipe the field with Syracuse in an unholy not Christmas spirit sort of way! I LOVED IT! TOTAL SLAUGHTER! Syracuse 14 vs. Georgia Tech 51 It was like 35-6 at the half

SNOW!!!!!!!!!!

12/21/2004


Two more packages delievered but one was presents for the boy and the other was this a present to ourselves. We saw a story on our local news about a woman who really lost alot of weight with this.

Another one of Santa's Elves sent a package to me (I hope you didn't think I didn't know who you were cuz I recognized the addy hehe). With a wonderful book, ball of thread (I know just what to make with it too!) and a hook holder! WOOHOO!!!! even some plastic bags!!! To you non-crocheters, there is a way to take plastic shopping bags and make "yarn" and crochet things out of them. I have a ton that I need to get busy with. Thank you sooo much Elf!

Vist from the mailman who probably hates me by now, revealed two packages form elves. This one contained a book thong. Thanks ever so much!!!!!

Gmail

I have 4 gmail invites folks... Any takers? Either leave a message after the beep err post or email at kariholtz {at} gmail {dot} com

The Underscore: 12 Days of Chrstmas (For the politcally correct)

The Underscore: 12 Days of Chrstmas (For the politcally correct) 12 Days of Chrstmas (For the politcally correct) A fellow PW wrote this and I thought it was funny so I'm going to post it here. The 12 Days Of Christmas (For the politically correct) On the 12th day of the Eurocentrically imposed midwinter festival, my Significant Other in a consenting adult, monogamous relationship gave to me: TWELVE males reclaiming their inner warrior through ritual drumming, ELEVEN pipers piping (plus the 18-member pit orchestra made up of members in good standing of the Musicians Equity Union as called for in their union contract even though they will not be asked to play a note), TEN melanin deprived testosterone-poisoned scions of the patriarchal ruling class system leaping, NINE persons engaged in rhythmic self-expression, EIGHT economically disadvantaged female persons stealing milk-products from enslaved Bovine-Americans, SEVEN endangered swans swimming on federally protected wetlands, SIX enslaved Fowl-Americans producing stolen non-human animal products, FIVE golden symbols of culturally sanctioned enforced domestic incarceration, (NOTE after members of the Animal Liberation Front threatened to throw red paint at my computer, the calling birds, French hens and partridge have been reintroduced to their native habitat. To avoid further Animal-American enslavement, the remaining gift package has been revised.) FOUR hours of recorded whale songs THREE deconstructionist poets TWO Sierra Club calendars printed on recycled processed tree carcasses AND a Spotted Owl activist chained to an old-growth pear tree.

Tuned in Tuesday

Be tuned into what is going on around you. Well this is my last regular pre Christmas post day, hubby is off after today for THE REST OF THE WEEK!!!!!!! woohoo!!!! I will still post but if I am not regular don't freak and think something is wrong. OH if you came for the pics scroll down. Again I thank the elves who gifted me yesterday. Ummmm not much right now I can post on right now. I'm sure I will get some posted later.

Closer shot of Dress.

Closer shot of bonnet.

The mailman stopped again when he came down the other side... He'd forgotten a box. It was this dress handmade by Vicki(mythunderbird) from Crochetville and it's gorgeous! I was sooo in awe of the beauty of this dress, there's now way pics could do it justice and the mom is going to love it. Belle will look so beautiful in it! Thank you so much!

Here's a picture of my Christmas Goodies from a Sweet Little Elf named Marvie Again Thank you sooo much. The Chimes already have new spots to hang and make their music. OH and the ginderbread ones are the first ever holiday chimes I have gotten woohoo!

winter solstice

Winter solstice was overlaid with Christmas, and the observance of Christmas spread throughout the globe. Along the way, we lost some of the deep connection of our celebrations to a fundamental seasonal, hemispheric event. Many people--of many beliefs--are looking to regain that connection now. In many cultures, customs practiced at Christmas go back to pre-Christian times. Many involve divination--foretelling the future at a magic time: the season turning of solstice. In Russia, there's a Christmas divination that involves candles. A girl would sit in a darkened room, with two lighted candles and two mirrors, pointed so that one reflects the candlelight into the other. The viewer would seek the seventh reflection, then look until her future would be seen. The early Germans built a stone altar to Hertha, or Bertha, goddess of domesticity and the home, during winter solstice. With a fire of fir boughs stoked on the altar, Hertha was able to descend through the smoke and guide those who were wise in Saga lore to foretell the fortunes of those at the feast. In Spain, there's an old custom that is a holdover from Roman days. The urn of fate is a large bowl containing slips of paper on which are written all the names of those at a family get-togehter. The slips of paper are drawn out two at a time. Those whose names are so joined are to be devoted friends for the year. Apparently, there's often a little finagling to help matchmaking along, as well. In Scandinavia, some families place all their shoes together, as this will cause them to live in harmony throughout the year. And in many, many cultures, it's considered bad luck for a fire or a candle to go out on Christmas Day. So keep those candles burning! ---- Sacred Plants of Winter Solstice Evergreens symbolizing: Continuity of Life, Protection, Prosperity types: Pine, Fir, Cedar, Juniper, other evergreens forms: boughs, wreaths, garlands, trees divinities: Green Goddesses & Gods; Hertha; Cybele, Attis, Dionysius (Pine); Woodland Spirits traditions: Roman, Celtic, Teutonic, Christian Holly symbolizing: Old Solar Year; Waning Sun; Protection; Good Luck forms: boughs over portals, wreaths divinities: Holly King; Old Nick; Saturn; Bacchus; Wood Spirits; Holly Boys traditions: Roman, Celtic, English, Christian Oak symbolizing: New Solar Year; Waxing Sun; Endurance, Strength, Triumph, Protection, Good Luck forms: Yule log, acorns, wood for sacred fires divinities: Oak King; Oak Spirit; Sky Gods including Thor, Jupiter, Zeus traditions: Teutonic, Celtic, Christian Mistletoe symbolizing: Peace, Prosperity, Healing, Wellness, Fertility, Rest, Protection forms: boughs, amulet sprigs above doorways, kissing balls divinities: Oak Spirit; Frigga and Balder traditions: Celtic, Teutonic Ivy symbolizing: Fidelity, Protection, Healing, Marriage, Victory, Honor, Good Luck forms: crowns, wreaths, garlands divinities: Dionysius; Bacchus; Great Goddess; Ivy Girls traditions: Greek, Roman, English, Christian Frankincense symbolizing: Sun, Purification, Consecration, Protection, Spiritual Illumination forms: incense, oils divinities: Sun Gods, Ra at Dawn, Bel traditions: Babalyonian, Assyrian, Egyptian, Jewish, Greek, Roman, Christian Myrrh symbolizing: Healing, Death and Afterlife, Purification, Inner Peace forms: incense, oils divinities: Isis, Ra at Midday traditions: Egyptian, Jewish, Christian Wheat symbolizing: Sustenance, Abundance, Fertility, Good Luck forms: grain, straw figures and symbols, cookies, cakes, breads divinities: Earth Goddesses; Saturn & Ops; Goat Spirit; Fairy Folk traditions: Roman, Celtic, Scots, Teutonic, Sweedish, Christian Celtic Tree Calendar's Sacred Trees of Winter Solstice: Yew: Last Day of Solar Year; Death. Silver Fir: Winter Solstice Day; Birth. Birch: Month following Winter Solstice; Beginnings.

12/20/2004

Christmas Elf Goodies

I got gifted! WOOHOO!!! Wonderful things!!! Two windchimes and some yarn an ornament and some candy... mmmmmm candy And a sweet card that made me cry. Thank You!!!!! I'll post pics in the morning cuz the boy won't let me bask in my giftedness at the moment because he thinks all packages that come in the mail must be his (most usually are lol)

*Does the Happy Football Dance*

OK I have been ranting, raving, whining, b*tching, and moaning for them to start using instant replays in NCAA Football since well forever. Well looks like next season ALL 6 BCS (or rather BS ) conferences will use instant replay! Full Story Here Let's just hope they can't mess this up in true BCS fashion.

Quizzy Goodness

These are Marvie's fault!!!! Jingle Bells
You are 'Jingle Bells'! Full of enthusiasm and
good cheer, you are excited by the first
appearances of Christmas decorations in shops
and have been heard singing along to the piped
music. Your attitude to Christmas is one of
childlike delight - with a slightly mercenary
streak. You definitely believe in Santa (you
get more presents that way) and will put up
your Christmas tree as early as possible. You
really like carolling, and presents, and mince
pies, and pudding, and will insist on getting
everyone up at dawn to open presents
immediately. So long as the food and presents
are good, you will have a great Christmas.

What Christmas Carol are you?
brought to you by Quizilla Random
You are a Random cat! Also known as an alley cat
or a mutt. You aren't given to high-falutin'
ways, but you're accessible and popular.
People love you for who you are, not what you
are.

What breed of cat are you?
brought to you by Quizilla
YOU ARE BASIL

What herb are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

Until Then

Until Then Hubby saw it on Steve's Blog and had me post it on His blog... I would also like to post it here. It's very moving and a wonderful tribute to the soldiers serving. Not political in my opinion so go check it out. You should also check out the rest of the site: SoldierWorks.com The front page also tells of how the tribute came about.

Mute Monday

I don't really have anything to say, there's 5 days until Christmas. Shouldn't I feel as excited about it as I did last week? Oh, the mitten has a thumb and am over 1/2 through with it's counterpart. They are far from perfect but they are my first mittens and I wasn't using a pattern, just the idea that came from a pattern. I'll post pics later maybe if you are good. Paul requested a hat in the colors of the Alanta Falcons... will work on that when I figure out just what color red to use. I'm so glad he loved his Chief's hat. Makes me feel good. Well time to hang clothes out.

BOOS????

Peyton Manning is one of the best QB's out there if not THE best... and just because he takes a couple knees when everyone knows the game is over and won and doesn't ham it up just to beat a record he gets booed???? WTF are you people thinking? The people that booed are the same people who'd be all over him for running up the score for his own glory!!!! I would bet money on it! Get Real and get a life people!

For Fun

Earth Mama
You're an earth mother! Your friends sometimes
call you Gaea, because you're the original
earth goddess! You and your kids both have
dirt under your fingernails, and you spend as
much of your time as possible out of doors.
Your kids have an incredible appreciation for
nature.

What kind of a freaky mother are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

12/19/2004

Bitch Zone Ahead

Warning Bitch Zone for next 5 miles please observe posted speed limits. I'm sick. Now I know it's the season for everyone to be sick. And Everyone in the family has a cold. I also know that I am the mom and I have to uphold a certain standard of care to my family. When I am sick though I am a big baby. I DON'T want to be big and brave I want wear my pjs and huddle under the covers until I die. I want to be babied. I want no one to get hungry, dishes to not get dirty, kids to not need anything, laundry to not need to be done etc... And when I don't get that I get cranky. I can't help it. It's just the way I am, a big baby. I also feel worthless when I feel bad. I get feelings of being down like everyone would be better off without me and crap. I just really really hate being sick. Soooo you can see how the weekend has been... My being cranky and making everyone else miserable. What fun.

12/18/2004

Mitten


It's a MITTEN pre-thumb of course! First ever mitten I am pleased so far... looks better in person that on here though.

Saturday Saturday Saturday

*YAAAAWNS* It's 8:02AM and I am still in my footie PJ's. We all slept late. In fact David is still in bed, now whether he's actually sleeping through the "Wiggles" on tv and the cat chasing bells through the house I don't know but at least we're TRYING to let him sleep. Last night we went and picked up "Return of the King" extended and watched it. So now we have two complete sets... the non extended and the extended however the Fellowship non ext one is vhs- the rest are all dvd. What relavance that has to ANYTHING I don't know. HAPPY BLOGIVERSARY to Stacie ! You should go give her your good wishes! Not much else to say except that David talked to his son and they got their package and he's already opened the gift I made him (I KNEW he would he can't wait to open presents!) he said he loved it and that's good! I made him a hat in the Kansas City Chiefs colors. Picture after Christmas (there are more than one present in the pic) We're going to do some shopping today (the boy needs Christmas presents)then go eat at Salt Grass Steakhouse.

12/17/2004

Christmas Card

Yummy Yarny Goodness


MMmmmmmmmmmm Secret Pal Yarn and Wish List Elf TOTC Crochet Hook... Lovely combo ya think? What's it gonna be? Hmmm either a mitten OR sock I haven't decided! I just HAD to crochet something with both hook and yarn. They were starting to taught me.

I'm a DOOF!

I so totally blew my secret identity to my secret pal.... I am such a SPAZ!! lol Word to the wise when sending your pal a ecard for their birthday make sure your real info isn't still there from sending off other ecards.

Crappy Gift????

You Are Socks!
Cozy and warm... but easily lost. You make a good puppet.
HEY as a crocheter who makes Christmas gifts I resent the implication socks are a crappy gift!!!! I have seen some beautiful hand knitted and crocheted socks I would love to recieve as gifts!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Finally Friday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well TGIF'NF!!!! Been a loooooooooooooooong week. Made the Hearts Around Doily yesterday... I'll be darned if I didn't send it off with David to have on his desk at work without taking a pic of it! At any rate I didn't change color though so it didn't show up (the hearts) as well anyway. Been thinking of making a ton of them without the last two rounds them putting them together for a heart afghan? What do ya think? OOOOOHHHH I found more gingerbread coffeemate. woohoo. 8 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!

12/16/2004

David

I love you. When life gets you down and things get to be to much just remember that I love you with all my heart, there is nothing that we cannot get through together. Just remember "Illegitimi non Carborundum" You are so important to me and Boo, and there are tons of people who care about you.

Tired Thursday

First off the Bigwig dinner...We didn't go I don't want to talk about it other than to say sometimes you have to realize you need to just cut your losses and go home. ----- I want to talk about kindness, and how it can touch your life. I (as most of you know) post on a messageboard called Crochetville, and never have I ever ran across a group of nicer more caring people then the ladies (and couple men) there. One thing is there is a little girl who is the daughter of one of these ladies husbands coworkers... She has cancer and has been fighting one hell of a battle. What started as a simple request for a pattern for something for this brave little girl has turned into a crusade that boggles the mind and uplifts the spirit. Others upon hearing of this girl requested to make something for her, and have made bears hats blankets pillows. It has grown to the point that they all each made squares for "comfortghans" to be pieced together and given. They wait to hear how this girl is as if she is family. And if that doesn't convince you of their kindness there is the fact that these people will at the drop of a hat, jump to help you if caught in a pattern or needing a certain type of yarn to finish a project (I found myself helping someone in that area the other day) The "wish list" post I made and others have made has been picked up and started there as well, several (including me) have gotten presents for little "elves" helping fulfill wishes. There is also the sharing of ideas... Have a problems with crochet? They will help, I have had someone actually take time to do extensive searches to help me with a simple problem. It goes beyond crochet as well, we have become a type of internet family and if one has a real life problem we are all there to listen and offer support and/or advice. Why am I rambling? I guess it strikes me that in this day and age of strife and turmoil and red state blue state hate and terror, I have found a place where color, size, location, religion, politics, money, job, health, looks don't matter. We are all different, but we take all that out of the picture while there and it feels good to be in a place like that. I truly love that place and the women there. I only hope I come away from there a little better of a person for having known such awesome selfless women. I realize I spent this post talking about that but I just needed to get it out.

12/15/2004

Excuses

I can't do this because... I did this because... My life sucks because.... I can't change because... We've all heard them... Heck most have probably said one or more of those phrases at one time or another. I used to be the QUEEN of making excuses for myself. I don't know if it is only a part of my anxiety disorder or just being human as well but I can make an excuse NOT to do something faster then you can blink and actually believe it myself. I still do it... I catch myself. Doing this Flylady.net thing has helped me see that in my life. Yes I realize flylady is mostly cleaning and organizing your house but hey whose inner self can't use a bit of either? I was stuck in a bad marriage... But I couldn't leave because.... He started getting physically abusive... But I couldn't leave because... I finally obviously got out. I was in a relationship with an alcoholic... I couldn't leave because.... My life fell apart... I couldn't do anything to fix it because... All those things above have worked themselves through. The point I make now is I could have remedied these problems quicker and easier and saved ALOT of grief on all parts by acting in the first place. Instead of making excuses sometimes you have to swallow that fear and JUST ACT. You and only you have the power to change that part of yourself and your life that gives you grief. If you are in a bad situation then do something to change your situation. What? You can't because...? I've heard it and said it myself.... I'm not saying you can easily solve all problems but for every problem there is a solution... My Grandma you'd to always tell me "It'll all work out. It may not work out the way you wanted it to but it will work out." Life doesn't always give us what we want. Usually God knows better than us as far as how things go. That doesn't mean we sit back and wait for something good to happen... We have to make that happen in our lives ourselves. Yes it is hard to start over from a bad relationship with no job or money or bad health or pregnant or no place to live or whathaveyou but there are always resources out there to help. Point is you don't like how your life is then you need to change it. DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!!!!! Don't just sit around and think about how bad your life is and how you can't do anything about it. We are our worst enemies. I can defeat myself before ever attempting anything. I am working hard to get out of that habit. Fortunately for me I have David and am at a happy stable position in my life. David supports me in my efforts to make myself a better person by encouraging me and believing in me. I realize not everyone has someone in their lives like my David but there are places online where people can talk and share experiences and help one another with encouragement. I will be willing to talk with anyone who needs someone to talk to just leave me a message in the comment section. There is also Pastor Rick's blog where you can go for inspiration. There are a ton of messageboards webgroups etc that you can find people in similar situations... Sometimes it helps knowing you are not alone. Just remember that only you can change your life, no one will do it for you. Good Luck.

Sprintel? Nexrint? Sprint Nextel

Sprint and Nextel to merge.
Telecommunications giants Sprint Corp. and Nextel Communications Inc. have agreed to merge in $35 billion deal that would create the nation's third largest wireless telephone service provider. The widely rumored deal announced Wednesday would create a company that would be known as Sprint Nextel that would had about $40 billion in combined revenue in the latest year and would serve more than 35 million wireless subscribers, trailing only the industry leaders Cingular Wireless and Verizon Wireless.

Another Quizz

You Were Very Naughty This Year!
Naughty, naughty! You've given Santa a broken heart. You probably won't get anything from Mr. Claus Except for a well deserved spanking (Which you'll probably enjoy, you sicko!)
oooooh spankings! -------- Adding this here: My Squirrel Name is: using Karen Holtz it's: President Bushkisser using Kari Holtz it's: Lieutenant Nuttykins

Christmas Fun

Your Christmas is Most Like: A Christmas Story
Loving, fun, and totally crazy. Don't shoot your eye out!

Worked up Wednesday

Tonight is the Bigwig Dinner I am a bundle of nerves... I hate hate hate these type of things. And what I hate worse is the fact the boy may be getting sick and I am worried about him to boot. He's to be babysitted by the son of the OM calm thoughts calm thoughts calm thoughts........ Not much else to say I said it all in the football post. I have to color my hair and do my nails but may not do my nails... 'cause if the boy is getting sick I don't want to have to deal with pokey nails.... calm thoughts calm thoughts calm thoughts........ Practised some on my banjo yesterday. This is the first time I have touched it since GPa passed away... It was hard but I made it through. I can't stop just because I miss him I should work harder to honor his memory. Hopefully now that present rush is over I will have more time. Now I will go do my morning reading of blogs and boards.

First Bowl Game O' Da Season

'Tis the Season.... FOR BOWL GAMES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yes folks it is that time of year again. As I haven't had my blog for a year then you don't know this about me. I live for bowl games, my whole year is spent waiting for this time of year and bowl games. (well a bit of an exaggeration but hey) For three years straight I have watched AT LEAST 15 mins (one quarter) of EVERY Bowl game televised that my cable company was kind enough to air. Not a bad feat, last year every bowl game was on and I watched most of all of them. So Last night was The New Orleans Bowl (Obviously held in .... TADA New Orleans!) Which just so happened to feature North Texas and Southern Mississippi. Obviously as NT is here in our city I was routing for them but alas.... They sucked. They do have potential (sp?) though. They have a totally awesome rb #20 J. Thomas who, as only a freshman, was still a driving force with the ball. He reminded me a bit of K-State's Darren Sproles... uhhh that is when KState actually showed up for a real season of football. So anyway SMiss beat NT 31-10 and the first Bowl game o' da season goes down in history. Next up: Champs Sports Bowl which is formerly the Tangerine Bowl (I hate to think they changed the name... It sucks) which is Dec 21st in Orlando, Fla. at 7:45 pm on ESPN (Eastern time) and features: Syracuse vs. Georgia Tech which will be a good game hopefully. The ramblin' wreck from Georgia Tech can be a force sometimes. Oh and for those non football watchers I do crochet during games. Unless the game is really really good then I usually get in trouble for yelling at the TV.

12/14/2004

UNCLE PENN

Oh, the people would come from far away They'd dance all night till the break of day When the caller hollered ""Do-se-do"" He knew Uncle Penn was ready to go. CHORUS: Late in the evenin' about sundown High on the hill and above the town Uncle Penn played the fiddle, oh how it would ring You can hear it talk, you can hear it sing. He played an old piece he called ""Soldier's Joy"" And the one called ""The Boston Boy"" The greatest of all was ""Jenny Lynn"" To me that's where the fiddle begins. REPEAT CHORUS I'll never forget that mournful day When Uncle Penn was called away They hung up his fiddle, hung up his bow They knew it was time for him to go. REPEAT CHORUS
Just reminiscing of times long gone.

ASA: to file for bankruptcy

by Fanball Staff - Fanball.com Tuesday, December 14, 2004 News The American Speed Association is expected to file for bankruptcy as early as next week, which may force them to cease all operations. From Here

Terrific Tuesday

OK Well maybe not Terrific but I can hope... I'll shoot for Good. I dreamed about wooden crochet hooks and UPS last night... odd combo lmao Clearly dreams taken out of everyday life events... I told myself I wasn't going to crochet anymore after I got all that stuff done but last night I was dying to try out my new hook so I will find something to make with it today. lol But at least I won't be rushed to have it done by shipping day. Tomorrow night is the dreaded "Bigwig Christmas Dinner Party"... we're going to Ruth Chris SteakHouse. I asked David last night if it would be rude of me to bring some corcheting to work on if things got boring like with work talk or politics (for those not reading regular the bigwigs are dems) but he didn't think that would be a good idea but did say if it got to that point we'd leave. I love my hubby, he is the best in the world. Kansas City won last night woohoo!!! Although it's a bit late to matter.

Warning Political Post Ahead! Bush photo at farmers' market causes row

Bush photo at farmers' market causes row
Councilman from Lancaster orders picture removed The Associated Press LANCASTER - A Democratic city councilman has demanded that a baker remove photos of President Bush from his stand in Lancaster's venerable farmers' market, saying the city needs a "healing period" following the bitterly contested presidential election. City Council member Nelson Polite approached David Stoltzfus last month and asked him to remove the pictures. When Stoltzfus refused, Polite vowed to pursue a city ordinance that would ban all political items from public places in the city. Polite said the photo offended city Democrats. "I just feel that since it was a close election and the city's so divided, that we should have a healing period," Polite told the New Era of Lancaster. After the New Era published a story about the flap earlier this month, conservative pundits from around the nation skewered Polite as being clueless about free speech. Republican Mayor Charlie Smithgall said would-be tourists have told him they will skip Lancaster -- an old city in the heart of Amish country -- because of Polite's statements. "They're saying, 'What kind of crazy people live in Lancaster? We're never coming to Lancaster,'" Smithgall said Friday. "This hurts the image of the city of Lancaster." In the earlier story, Stoltzfus said that the photo should come down because "this is a public market" and that the public display of political paraphernalia is inappropriate and divisive. "Bush didn't win here (in Lancaster City). It is like rubbing salt on a wound," he said.
Rest of Story I won't be traveling to Lancaster anytime soon. You know folks this just isn't right. Had kerry won I wouldn't begrudge anyone the right to hang his picture up in a booth at a farmer's market, I might not have shopped there but I darn sure wouldn't have thrown a fit and tried to make them take it down. To tell an American they cannot hang up a Picture of the President of the United States... I cannot even find the words to say just how wrong that is. What's next? Bumper Stickers? The American Flag in Public places? Isn't that offensive to some? Take away our pictures, our right to express ourself, our indivuality, and our showing of our patriotism and you have Russia before the fall of communism. HT to Underscore for the heads up on this one. You should go visit his blog.

Cover Your Ears and Close Your Eyes

Jury: Scott Peterson Deserves to Die Scott Peterson is a filthy scuzzy murderous bastard and a legal clean death in a federally funded prison is way to good to the wife and child murdering somebitch. Maybe nailing his balls to a fence post then flipping him over would be a bit better. I only hope that karma kicks in while he is in prison and some big Bubba makes him his dancing partner. Didn't wish to offend anyone I was just stating my feelings on the matter.

12/13/2004

Shipping and UPS and Christmas

Bah humbug... lol not really but shipping $120 for 5 packages ugh... Well two boxes were BIG and heavy cuz it was kids and grandkids presents. Then three small things out for my Secret Pal and a skien of yarn for someone who needed it and a box for my Sis. Christmas has been taken care of. I have a headache. lol I still have to fix go supper. OH UPS is really DA BOMB!!!!! The guy who waited on us gave Sean a UPS race car. We've always gotten great service from them. Better than the postoffice by far. Well I'm done for the night. Off to make supper.

THANK YOU!!!!!


I have a Chirstmas Elf! You know who you are and I cannot thank you enough! It is so beautiful! Hook is from Turn of the Century Again Thank You!

Have I mentioned...

...that I hate wrapping presents? I abhor wrapping presents. It is the bane of my existence. IF there is a hell it will be full of having to wrap presents. I am not good at it. I hate doing it. I never can do it right. Ugh... Next year we get gift bags. OK NOTE to those of you who will reciev presents form me... If you expect neatly wrapped presents then you try to wrap presents with a two year old boy and a curious playful cat. I finally gave up and let the boy help. Hell they probably look better with his help.

It's snowing! And yet they are stiff and somehow not cold... hmmm... go figure!

The Underscore: Sacrifice

The Underscore: Sacrifice Something worth reading. Should be read.

My Mondays Suck Monday

Heh... I'm not even sure why I am bothering to post. I have nothing to say that is redeeming at all today. So far this day has sucked. I have been on the verge of an anixety attack all weekend but have done well at not having one. I have finished all but one present and it will be done today. But I have to wrap all and am worried I will mess it up. Anyway... I get up and have an email waiting for me that was upsetting because a friend is upset with me and I am not sure what I did. I just want to crawl back in bed...

WARNING POLITICAL POST

America's Communist Lawyers' Union (conservative-insurgent.blog-city.com) HT to My Hubby for this one. PLEASE read and pass on.

12/12/2004

So Early Sunday

I SHOULD be against the law for kids to wake up early on Sundays. It really should. Finished Paul's hat yesterday errr rather last night now just finishing on thing and another then I am ready to ship out presents Monday. Good thing too as my hands need the break. Problem is can I actually keep myself from crocheting? I have so many ideas... Not much else going on with me... After the kids get their boxes I will show you what David got me as he got the kids each one too. Trust me though it is beautiful, Sean loves it. Sis, I am working on your blog design on my test blog and will work more this next week as I get time. Wednesday is the Christmas thingy for David's work... (Oh Joy...) At least there (besides David) will be a couple people I halfway know and are OK. So I am not totally thrust in with the wolves. Or rather in this case the liberals. lol Kinda down this morning... Maybe just cuz I didn't sleep well. I'm sure as the day progresses and David gets up things will start looking brighter. I have to get the rest of our outside lights done today. Wrap presents and finish those things I mentioned before so I guess I better get busy. have a good day. Hug someone and tell them how much you appreciate them being in your life!

12/10/2004

A Favor of Blogdom

A friend of ours... (actually more like family even) has an organization called Serenity Through Hope Ministries . At my urging he also developed a blog called Serenity Through Hope. He's got a good blog going and posts daily devotionals etc... Lately he's been feeling like he's not doing any good for anyone and has been debating deleting his blog. I would like to urge my fellow bloggers to not let that happen. So go by read a bit and post to let him know you have been by. I sure he would appreciate it and so would I. Thank You *Gonna sticky this one up top for a bit scroll down for new posts*

For Fun

Your Dominant Intelligence is Linguistic Intelligence
You are excellent with words and language. You explain yourself well. An elegant speaker, you can converse well with anyone on the fly. You are also good at remembering information and convicing someone of your point of view. A master of creative phrasing and unique words, you enjoy expanding your vocabulary. You would make a fantastic poet, journalist, writer, teacher, lawyer, politician, or translator.

Dick Clark's New Year's Strokin' Eve

Sorry couldn't help myself! I saw this on tv last night and forgot to mention this morning. Dick Clark Has Mild Stroke, May Have To Bow Out Of New Year's Eve Best wishes Dick. This blows my therory of him being secret governmental cyborg out to sea huh?

Another view.

OK, this is just too cute to NOT post. First hat I ever "tried" to make was Lion Brand's Chenille Floppy Brim Hat. I got it done and thought I looked horrendous in it so was going to frog it to make it not so floppy... well The boy took it over. Every now and then he get s it out and today he was just too cute.

Bill Moyers Retiring!!!!!!

Bill Moyers Retiring From TV Journalism "I'm going out telling the story that I think is the biggest story of our time: how the right-wing media has become a partisan propaganda arm of the Republican National Committee," says Moyers. "We have an ideological press that's interested in the election of Republicans, and a mainstream press that's interested in the bottom line. Therefore, we don't have a vigilant, independent press whose interest is the American people." What a crock... But at least he's retiring. Maybe this means he won't be spewing forth anymore lies falsehoods idiotic statements slanted so far to the left they look parallel to the ground venom? WOOHOO

Finally Friday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WOOHOO!! YEPPIEE!! YEHAW!! HOORAY!! Only thing that makes me freak is I HAVE to finish a hat at least today. BUT (omg not my big ole but again!) I don't know if my hand will let me. We'll see, some of the presents may be a little late. Although I hate that! People will just have to accept that I am not a machine and if they want something handmade from the heart it takes longer than just running to the local WM and forking over some bucks. 'Nough said we went to WM last night and got my "We have to go to fancy smancy dinner with the bossman and owner for a co christmas thingy and they are democraps" outfit.. WOULD you believe David picked it out for me??? It's really nice too... too expensive for me which is why he picked it out I would have been alot cheaper and he knows it. Sorry I think 30 dollars for shoes is highly outrageous.... (yes I am tight especially when it comes to me) He also bought me this tornado wizardy dragon thingy I had eyed before (I really need to learn not to eyeball things while he's watching cuz it usually ends up getting bought- not that I am complaining) Yeah, he spoils me. Too much sometimes. But I love him, not just becasue he buys me things but because he is wonderfully himself not matter what. Tiff was talking the other day about gingerbread coffeemate, I got some and she's right it's good. Steve (aka blithered) over at American Conservative is back from his blog vacation... Didn't think you would be gone long- it gets addictive! Welcome back to blogdom! EDITED to add- I almost forgot to say the David bought my yearly pair of flannel footie pjs hehe Usually it's Christmasy ones but they didn't have any so these look like a checkerboard with checkers on it. Wore them last night hehe.

12/09/2004

Deaths

Beverly Hillbillies theme singer Jerry Scoggins dies at 93 (Hat Tip to my Sweetie David for the heads up) and Darrell Abbott
COLUMBUS, Ohio - A gunman charged onstage at a nightclub and opened fire on the band and crowd, killing top heavy metal guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott and three other people before a police officer shot him to death, authorities said.
For those who don't know who Abbott was he was the group Pantera.

Special Shout-Out

Wanted to give a special shout-out to Sutty , she's been going through some tough Real Life stuff and just wanted her to know I was thinking of her. So here's for you Sutty: (((((((HUGS))))))) Things will get better. Trust that they will and make the decisions you have to. I'm here if you need to talk just email.

Thrilled Thursday

I so totally have the best hubby in the world. I forgot today was trash day. He remembered as he was leaving to go to work. I said well leaving off the cusswords I said that I would get it and him to go ahead. Well he sits in the car with the lights shining on the yard until I get it down and back in the house safely. He knows I worry and he is just so dang sweet about it. I love you David. Thank you.

In other news: Sis started her own blog! It's about dang time!!! hehe I'm thrilled. Sooo Why don't ya go on over and give her a word or two of encouragement! Rae's Sanctuary On crochet news well I got snowflakes made but not starched so today I'll make a couple more then starch. Finish a hat or two and scarf then will be down to just a few things. Good thing too as my hands about to give out. Just for a smile, it's the Boy:

12/08/2004

Secret Pal Goodness


I have THE best Secret Pal ever. My Winter Crochetville Secret Pal sent me a package. I was working on finishing one more snowflake before starting fudge when I caught something out of the corner of my eye, it was the mm driving up the driveway. (Which means we have somehting to big for the box). Being hopeful I went and met him on the porch and got it and to my delight it was for me!!!!! I opened it up and smelled the heavenlyest (is that a word) smell! It was a jasmine and lavender candle. Also included was lotion and tons of homemade goodies, patterns leaflets (that I didnt have!) and three skiens Jiffy q&E mohair look yarn in PURPLE AND a skien of purple funfur(I'm drooling here) everything was purple and soooo beautiful Thank you so much Secret Pal. You made my day!!!!!! Thank you so much!!!!!!!

100 Things about me (that you probably didn't want to know)

1. I have no idea why I am doing this other than everyone else is. 2. If everyone else was jumping off a bridge I WOULD NOT do it too. 3. I hate heights(See #2) 4. I cannot swim (see #2) I have no desire to learn. 5 I have never had a drivers license 6. I hate crowds 7. I believe that God is both male and female 8. I have naturally blonde hair 9. I haven't seen my natural hair color since my early 20's 10. I've dyed my hair red since the 90's 11. I hate phones 12. I never know what to say on the phone 13. I have 5 children 14. I have two boys ages 16 and 14 who live with their father 15. I have two daughters 10 and 8 whom I lost because of my anxiety at one time and was convinced they would be better off without me so I signed over my parental rights. 16. Not a day goes by that I don't hate myself for # 14 and #15 17. I had a childhood that I would not wish on anyone. 18. David is the love of my life and the best thing to EVER happen to me 19. I didn't finish high school. 20. I don't have a GED 21. I have an IQ of 147 22. I tried to join the Marines when I was 14 23. I have never been happier than I am now in my life (see# 18) 24. I met David while I was pregnant with Sean. 25. Although not biological David has been Sean's Dad in the best way possible 26. I cry sometimes because I wish I had known David when I had all my kids. 27. If I can do it online rather than phone or in person I do 28. I've practiced witchcraft since I was in my teens. 29. I've read tarot cards professionally for awhile. 30. I used to drink alot when I was younger 31. NOTHING on my body is pierced nor do I have any tats 32. I have a skin condition that makes me scar really bad (reason for #31) 33. I have had most of my thyroid removed 34. I am bisexual 35. I'm scared of the dark 36. I doubt I will ever publish this 37. I long to live out in the country back in Missouri and have a garden and a big yard and enough land for David and I to hunt on. 38. I had the last of my teeth pulled a couple days before my birthday this year 39. I am trying to get organized 40. I used to hate cleaning 41. Since I joined Flylady.net I clean more often and don't get overwhelmed and not do it and I actually enojy cleaning 42. I used to write erotica. I even had a website. 43. I'm submissive 44. I believe in Jesus just don't agree with organized religions 45. I want everyone to like me 46. I wanted to marry John Wayne when I was a kid 47. I love it when it storms 48. I wanted to be a meterologist 49. I'm totally convinced either my child or my cat or both are hiding my crochet hooks 50. I miss smoking not the nasty smell and all the bad things assocatied with it but just the act of smoking I miss 51. I sometimes watch chick flicks when David is at work (Like "How to lose a guy in ten days") 52. I hate reality TV 53. I used rodeo until I fell and hurt my back 54. I think my cat used to be human 55. I cuss to much 56. I hate being anxious all the time 57. I love James Bond movies - Sean Connery was the best James Bond 58. I sometimes feel like no one likes me they just put up with me 59. I'm having a hard time coming up with things to put down here 60. I believe there is life on other planets 61. I've seen a UFO 62. I've seen ghosts 63. I ramble sometimes 64. I believe dragons once existed 65. I hate math 66. David and I are not married in the legal marriage license sense of the word 67. In my eyes we are married 68. I'm short 69. I have freckles 70. I once tried to use lemon juice to fade my freckles 71. I love to cook and want a big airy bright kitchen with tons of room to bake and cook 72. I have been told I feel others pain too much 73. I cried when Bob Hope died 74. I cried when Ronald Regan died 75. I cried when John Wayne died 76. I cried when Mr. Rogers died 77. I didn't cry when Arafat died 78. I want to win the lottery just so David doesn't have to work 79. I want to open a craft/herb store 80. I believe there is one God but God has many faces 81. I hate the word Jew... it's just sounds like a bad word. 82. I hate the words stupid and fat 83. I shoplifted once when I was a teen 84. I snuck it back on the shelf later that day because I felt bad 85. I try to look for good in everyone 86. Sometimes (usually) that (#85) leads to my getting hurt 87. I cannot believe I'm not done with this yet 88. I love yarn I am a yarn junkie 89. I haven't felt healthy since we moved to Texas 90. I held a little girl's hand while she died as a result of a drunk driver who walked away unhurt. 91. I say a silent prayer everytime I hear sirens and always have 92. I really used to believe my face would stick that way 93. I love my blog, it's like a part of my family 94. I have read 5 different versions of the Bible straight through 95. I love hot tea especially herbal teas 96. I love clocks 97. I cannot wait until we have the money/room for a grandfather clock 98. I want to start designing crocheted clothes and selling them 99. I hate soap operas 100. I am happy this is done 101. Rachel is my best friend in the whole world she's like a Sister to me!!! hehe (How's that Sis? rofl)

Wish the week was over Wednesday

Boy Howdy... This is the longest week in the history of mankind. David's not well, so I worry about him. They say it'll be two weeks before our insurance cards show up... (oh sure why not we've waiting 3 months already whats two more weeks). I had to watch "A Christmas Story" three times yesterday... I love that movie but... You can get tired of it. The boy loves it though. I have to finish up some things today. The United States Post Office says that December 15th is the last day for Parcel Post, December 20th for 1st Class and Priority mailing in the United States to insure that packages arrive by December 25th. Of course we go UPS. Why? Well there's a UPS store not to far from here and it has better hours and better people. Also on the agenda for today... Starching snowflakes and making fudge or was that starching fudge and making snowflakes... No wait... It was fudging snowflakes and making Starch!!!! FOR FUN:
Your Element Is Fire
Your passion and emotion are as obvious as the brightest flame. You make sparks fly, and your passion always has the potential to burst out. You are exciting and creative - and completely unpredictable. You sometimes exercise control, and sometimes you let yourself go. Friends describe you as sensitive, spirited, and compulsive. Bright and blazing with intensity, you seem mysterious and moody to many.

12/07/2004

'Tis the Season

Yeah like you needed a reminder.... There is one thing I would like to remind you of though. As we struggle to crochet/knit/sew/craft/buy all the presents we have to and do cards and wrap and cookies and fudge and decorate and all the things we do around this time of year please remember DO SOMETHING FOR YOURSELF! We are always trying to get everything taken care of for everyone else this time of year. Sometimes we forget that we need to take care of ourselves as well. So please, even if it is something like hiding and reading for 30 mins or sneaking and taking a bubblebath or meditating or treating yourself to something nice along with everyone elses presents; just do something for you. And for those of us who are stressing over making the perfect gifts remember nothing is perfect! Take Care of yourself and don't get burned out.

Ranting

OK I am going off here... If you don't want to hear just plug your ears cuz it's gonna get loud. First there's Charter. Our wonderful cable company. Which we had hooked up the 3rd of Sept. On that day the people (people they hire to do it not workers of the company mind you - God forbid they have to be accountable for employees) just laid the cable on the ground saying they would have to get someone to come bury it as it couldn't be strung up cuz of the trees in our yard. TODAY yes TODAY DECEMBER 7th (that's a little over three months) someone finally comes to do just that.... Or so I thought. They goofed around for a bit shut everything off for about thirty mins then turned it back on and hung something on the door and hightailed it out (I mean they skeedaddled! FAST!) I had tried to inquire as to whether they were done but he just jumped off the porch without even a word or even looking up. The flag on the door said they came by to bury the cable (duh) but it also said they were unable because (your guess on this one as it had a bunch of checkboxes and none were checked) So I go look and they freaking hung it through the trees. I COULD HAVE DONE THAT MYSELF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! More than that the idiots who installed it could have done that 3 months ago!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHY? Second rant: (Yup folks two for the price of one) I go check the mail and get our gas bill.... Which has doubled since last month. GRRrrrrrrrrrrrrr but it was cooler.... So I'm ok... then I get to looking at the bill... There's two consumption charges on it. I guess you get charged again if you use so much over the first charge? Then a customer charge (WTF is that?) Rate Expense Surcharge Franchise Fee State Occupation Tax WAIT A MINUTE hold the freakin phone!!!!!!!!!!! Back up... STATE OCCUPATION CHARGE?????? What the hairy heck is THAT and why is it on my GAS bill? It's as bad as the DRAINAGE fee (not to be confused with the sewer/wastewater fee) on our Water bill! Who is going to come up with the breathing fee?

Sis


Sis I had some free time. Check your email.

December 7, 1941- Pearl Harbor

TIMELINE
0342 Minesweeper CONDOR sights periscope off Honolulu Harbour ...notifies patrol destroyer WARD to investigate. 0458 Minesweeper CROSSBILL and CONDOR enter Pearl Harbor... defective submarine net remains open. 0600 - 200 miles south of Oahu carrier ENTERPRISE launches 18 aircraft to scout ahead...then to land at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor...ETA 0800. 0610 - 220 miles north of Oahu Admiral Nagumo orders launching of 1st wave of 183 aircraft off three carriers...2 are lost during takeoff. 0630 Destroyer WARD again notified of submarine sighting this time by supply ship ANTARES off Pearl Harbor entrance...Navy patrol plane (PBY) dispatched to the scene. 0645 WARD opens fire on target hitting conning tower...as she closes in drops depth charges..air attack by PBY follows. 0653 WARD'S commander Captain Outerbridge sends message to Commandant 14th Naval District: "We have attacked, fired upon and dropped depth charges upon submarine operating in defensive sea area". 0700 Commander Fuchida flying towards Oahu directs his pilots to home in on local radio station. 0702 Private's Lockhard and Elliott of Opana Radar Station pick up what appears to be a flight of unidentified aircraft bearing in 132 miles north of Oahu...discussion follows. 0706 Private Elliott phones switchboard operator Joseph McDonald at Information Center, Ft. Shafter, telling of a large formation of aircraft approaching the Island. 0715 Capt. Outerbridge's attack message, delayed in decoding is delivered to duty officer, 14th Naval District, and to Admiral Kimmel's duty officer...Japanese launch 2nd wave of 168 assault aircraft... 0720 Joseph McDonald finding Lt. Tyler in Information Center, calls Opana and patches Lt. Tyler thru to Private Lockard who describes the large flight picked up on radar and is told, "Well don't worry about it." ( see Pvt.Joseph McDonald's account under the Survivor Rememberances "An Army Private is one of the 1st to know of the coming attack)" 0733 Important message from Gen Marshall from Washington to Short received via RCA in Honolulu...cablegram has no indication of priority...messenger Tadao Fuchikami proceeds on normal route... 0735 Reconnaissance plane from cruiser CHIKUMA reports main fleet in Pearl Harbor... 0739 Opana Station loses aircraft on radar 20 miles off coast of Oahu due to "dead zone" caused by surrounding hills... 0740 1st wave sights North Shore of Oahu...deployment for attack begins... 0749 Commander Fuchida orders attack...all pilots to begin assault on military bases on Oahu... 0753 Fuchida radios code to entire Japanese Navy "TORA TORA TORA" indicating success...maximum strategic surprise...Pearl Harbor caught unaware... 0755 Island wide attack begins...Japanese dive bombers to strike airfields Kaneohe, Ford Island, Hickam, Bellows, Wheeler, Ewa...Aerial torpedo planes begin their run on ships in Pearl Harbor... ** ATTACK ERUPTS AT PEARL HARBOR** Along Battleship Row, battlewagons feel the sting of the newly perfected torpedoes specifically designed for the shallow waters of Pearl Harbor At 1010 dock violent explosions rock light cruiser HELENA on her starboard side crippling both her and minelayer OGLALA moored beside her.. On the other side of Battleship row, Ford Island, target ship UTAH also feels the sting of the torpedoes...and like the battleship OKLAHOMA begins to capsize... Light cruiser RALEIGH moored ahead of the UTAH takes measures to prevent capsizing... Commander Logan Ramsey of Ford Island Command Center sends out message for all radiomen on duty to send out in plain English "AIR RAID PEARL HARBOR THIS IS NO DRILL"...2nd dispatch orders all patrol planes to seek out enemy... Simultaneously the call for General Quarters echos throughout Pearl Harbor...each ship and their personnel in turn swing into action against the attacking Japanese...one quarter of all guns respond to the enemy... 0800 B-17's from the mainland reach Oahu after 14 hour flight...Aircraft from carrier ENTERPRISE arrive Ford Island...both caught between enemy and friendly fire... 0802 Machine guns on battleship NEVADA open fire on torpedo planes approaching her port beam...two planes hit...however one missile tears huge hole in ship's port bow... 0805 Repair ship VESTAL moored outboard of battleship ARIZONA opens fire...Admiral Kimmel arrives CINCPAC headquarters..Battleship CALIFORNIA receives second torpedo "portside at frame 110"... prompt action directed by Ensign Edgar M. Fain prevents ship from capsizing...High level bombers begin their run "on both bows" of battleship row... 0808 KGMB radio interrupts music calling for: "All Army, Navy, and Marine personnel to report to duty"... High level bombers unleash armour piercing, delayed action bombs from altitude of 10,000 feet scoring hits on battleships... 0810 Forward magazines on battleship ARIZONA suddenly ignite resulting in a tremendous explosion and huge fireball sinking the battleship within nine minutes...concussion of explosion blows men off repair ship VESTAL... 0812 General Short advises entire Pacific Fleet and Washington, "Hostilities with Japan commenced with air raid on Pearl Harbor" 0815 KGMB interrupts music with 2nd call ordering all military personnel to report for duty... 0817 USS HELM first of several destroyers to clear Pearl Harbor spots a midget submarine struggling to enter harbor...shots fired misses target...sub frees itself from reef and submerges... 0825 Using a Browning Automatic Rifle Lt. Stephen Saltzman and Sgt. Lowell Klatt shot down enemy plane making strafing run on Schofield Barracks... 0826 Honolulu Fire Department responds to call for assistance from Hickam Field...3 firemen killed...6 wounded... 0830 3rd call out for military via local radio stations... 0835 Tanker NEOSHO half loaded with high octane aviation fuel moves clear of Battleship Row and oil tanks on Ford Island... Damage reported in city...Police warn civilians to leave streets and return to their homes... 0839 Seaplane tender CURTISS sights midget sub in harbor and commences to fire..Destroyer MONAGHAN heads for intruder at ramming speed... 0840 Submarine surfaces after sustaining damage...MONAGHAN hits sub and drops depth charges as she passes...1st explanation over local radio stations. "A sporadic air attack...rising sun sighted on wing tips"... 0850 Lt. Commander Shimazaki orders deployment of 2nd wave over military bases on Oahu... 0854 Attack run begins...54 high-level bombers hit Naval air stations, 78 dive bombers hit ships in Pearl, 36 fighters circle over harbor to maintain air control... 0900 Crew of the Dutch liner JAGERSFONTEIN opens up with her guns, the first Allies to join the fight...Radios throughout the island crack out urgent messages "Get off roads and stay off.. Don't block traffic...Stay at home...This is the real McCoy"... 0930 Tremendous explosions rocks destroyer SHAW sending debris everywhere... bomb falls near Governor's home... 1000 First wave arrives back on carriers, 190 miles north of Oahu... 1005 Governor Poindexter calls local papers announcing state of emergency for entire territory of Hawaii 1030 Mayor's Major Disaster Council meets at city hall...Reports from local hospitals pour in listing civilian casualties... 1100 Commander Fuchida circles over Pearl Harbor...assesses damage then returns to carrier task force...All schools on Oahu ordered to close... 1115 State of emergency announced over radio by Governor Poindexter... 1142 As per orders by Army local stations go off the air...General short confers with Governor regarding martial law... 1146 First report of many false sightings of enemy troops landing on Oahu... 1210 American planes fly north in search for enemy with negative results... 1230 Honolulu police raid Japanese embassy...find them burning documents...Blackout to begin at night ordered by Army... 1240 Governor confers with President Roosevelt regarding martial law...both agree it necessary that the military take over the civilian government... 1300 Commander Fuchida lands on board carrier AKAGI...discussion follows with Admiral Nagumo and staff concerning feasibility of launching 3rd wave... 1330 Signal flags on carrier AKAGI orders Japanese task force to withdraw... Territorial director of civil defense orders blackout every night until further notice... 1458 Tadao Fuchikami delivers message from Washington...message decoded and given to General Short regarding ultimatum from Japan to be given at 1300 Washington time..."Just what significance the hour set may have we do not know, but be on the alert accordingly"... 1625 Governor signs Proclamation...martial law put into effect...
In honor of those who lost their lives.

For Fun

You Are a Dreaming Soul
Your vivid emotions and imagination takes you awy from this worldSo much so that you tend to live in your head most of the timeYou have great dreams and ambitions that could be the envy of all...But for you, following through with your dreams is a bit difficult You are charming, endearing, and people tend to love you.Forgiving and tolerant, you see the world through rose colored glasses.Underneath it all, you have a ton of passion that you hide from others.Always hopeful, you tend to expect positive outcomes in your life. Souls you are most compatible with: Newborn Soul, Prophet Soul, and Traveler Soul

Tired Tuesday

Sleep has been a problem for the Holtz Household as of late. David never got to sleep good last night. It's 4:41 am and I am here and the boy is sitting on the couch watching Book of Pooh, I thought I might sleep in(as I didn't sleep well either) a bit but as soon as Daddy walked out the door someone started crying. (No it wasn't me lol) Well another day has it's bleary eyed coffee sippin' start. Ahhh, Coffee! I bow down to the greatness that first thought, "Hey, if I roast these beans and then grind them and brew them I will have a good drink." As for the weather we got some heavy rain, a bit of lightening, and some loud thunder but they had weakened down by the time it go to us. So nothing severe. I wish I could talk some and show some crochet but alas... It's Christmas presents I be a workin' on and you cannot see! We watched "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" Last night on of my favorite movie as a kid. Almost daily the boy picks up "A Christmas Story" and asks for "DVD movie Mommy? See Santa Claus?" He loves that movie and will sit through most of it. OH! And had to add: I dreamt about crocheted snowflakes..... It was snowing Crocheted snowflakes.... Man I must really have it bad...

12/06/2004

Speaking of Bad Weather

(I just was in previous post) Have I ever given ya'll my favorite weather link? I love this place especially having family all over the US. Interactive Weather Information Network ----By the National Weather Service The public information area is great for looking at what storm damage there was and where. Good in winter too!

Thunderstorm Watch

Gee wonder why? From NWS. The county to the north of Dallas and Ft Worth with the inverted "Y" (actually being I 35 W and E) is where we are. * Severe Weather Outlook update* DAY ONE...A SQUALL LINE WILL MOVE ACROSS AREAS WEST OF INTERSTATE 35 THROUGH500 PM CST...WITH THE THREAT ALONG AND EAST OF INTERSTATE 35 BETWEEN500 PM CST THROUGH 800 PM CST. THE MAIN SEVERE WEATHER THREATS WILLBE DAMAGING WINDS TO 60 MPH WITH EMBEDDED BOWING SEGMENTS...ALONGWITH LOCALIZED SEVERE HAIL TO THE SIZE OF NICKELS. AN ISOLATEDTORNADO CAN'T BE RULED OUT AS THE LINE OF STORMS MOVES INTO AN AREAOF BETTER LOW LEVEL MOISTURE AND STRONG WIND SHEAR ALONG AND EAST OFINTERSTATE 35. THE LINE OF STORMS IS EXPECTED TO AFFECT METRO AREASOF DALLAS-FORT WORTH AND WACO IN TIME FOR THE EVENING RUSH HOUR. THIS ACTIVITY IS ALL DUE TO A VIGOROUS LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM ANDPACIFIC COLD MOVING TOWARDS THE AREA FROM WEST TEXAS. THUNDERSTORMSARE EXPECTED TO MOVE OUT OF NORTH TEXAS BY MID EVENING...WITH GUSTYSOUTHWEST WINDS OF 10 TO 20 MPH BEHIND THE FRONT.

Moody Monday

that's the way I feel. It was a rough anxiety weekend. Had an anxiety attack in WM. (oh the horrors) I guess it's just the holidays.... I don't know it just seems like every time I open my mouth or breathe it's wrong. I cannot make anyone understand me sometimes and it's frustrating and I take things to far trying to explain what I am feeling and people get mad I guess. Who knows. Anyway I am glad I have this blog to rant and rave on. I hurt my hand... Not so bad I cant crochet but bad enough that it hurts when I do anything. David is going to have a very hard week(edited to add week like anyone could figure what I say half the time lol). Wont go into details here lets just say he'll be the doing work of three different positions and then some this week. I just hope I can keep stuff together enough not to make things worse on him by being a basket case. OHOHOH David and I are getting each other a new CLOTHES DRYER for Christmas. woohoo YEEEHAW! YIPPEEE!! No more hanging clothes out in the cold! woohoo Oh and another OHOHOH P called his Dad this weekend as they were going to get their second pregnancy test... Yeah looks like there will be another grandbaby coming next fall! And speaking of cute Grandbabys here's one

12/03/2004

Wish List Case

Was over at Michelle's blog where she as talking about this. I figure I might as well give it a go. So... first off the technical stuff:
Step One Make a post to your weblog/journal. The post should contain your list of 10 holiday wishes. The wishes can be anything at all, from simple and fandom-related ("I'd love a Snape icon that's just for me") to medium ("I wish for _____ on DVD") to really big ("All I want for Christmas is a new car/computer/house/TV.") The important thing is, make sure these wishes are things you really, truly want. If you wish for real life things (not fics or icons), make sure you include some sort of contact info in your post, whether it's your address or just your email address where Santa (or one of his elves) could get in touch with you. Also, make sure you post some version of these guidelines, or link to this post (it'll be public) so that the holiday joy will spread. Step Two Surf around your blogroll (or friend's blogrolls, or just random journals) to see who has posted their list. And now here's the important part: If you see a wish you can grant, and it's in your heart to do so, make someone's wish come true. Sometimes someone's trash is another's treasure, and if you have a leather jacket you don't want or a gift certificate you won't use--or even know where you could get someone's dream purebred Basset Hound for free--do it. You needn't spend money on these wishes unless you want to. The point isn't to put people out, it's to provide everyone a chance to be someone else's holiday elf--to spread the joy. Gifts can be made anonymously or not--it's your call. There are no rules with this project, no guarantees, and no strings attached. Just...wish, and it might come true. Give, and you might receive. And you'll have the joy of knowing you made someone's holiday special.
Now for my wishes: 1.I wish for someone who has extra baby food and diapers for a almost 7 month old girl in the Springfield Missouri metro area contact me about helping someone who is a single mom who is really trying and going through a rough time. 2. I wish for a complete set of crochet hooks 3. I wish for Magical Needlework: 35 Original Projects & Patterns by Dorothy Morrison 4. I wish for Donna Kooler's Encyclopedia of Crochet by Donna Kooler 5. I wish for more yarn... not picky just yarn. 6. I wish for A car that would make it back and forth to hubbys work daily without fear of breakdown in traffic. 7. I wish everyone would find a way to thank a member of our armed forces. 8. I wish for some windchimes (as if I don't have enough already muhahaha) 9. I wish I'd win the lottery so hubby wouldn't have to go to work so hard everyday (Hey it IS a WISHlist) I forogt it was supposed to be ten wishes lol 10. I wish for anything on my AMAZON.COM WISHLIST Contact info: EMAIL is kariholtz[at]gmail[dot]com

Carnival of the Recipes #16 IS up!!!!!

Carnival of the Recipes #16 is up! This week hosted by Fresh as a Daisy GO now to check it out!!!!

When you work, you are expected to show up for work everyday on time right? Shouldn't you be able to expect to be paid on time?

Now for the real Friday post

Sorry bout the rant folks... just blowing off some steam. It is better to blow off steam than to blow off heads lmao (That was a joke don't nobody go off thinking I'm planning on going postal) I had leg cramp early this morning... those SUCK must be what put me in a foul mood (I'm not really cranky just out of sorts sorta hehe). And I am cold. It's currently 31 brrrr and the floor is cold. NOW I remember why having hardwood floors in an old house was never my favorite! Didn't get much done crochetwise yesterday hope to get a bit done today. Better anyway. I hope today is a better day than yesterday.

Fedup Friday

What we have here is possibly a rant in the makings, consider yourselves warned. I am SOOOOO tired of people who don't care that you are being nice and decent about things and just take advantage of your kindness. ALL my freaking life I have tried to be nice to people. Been helpful and never complained or turned down someone who asked for help. Alot of times without thanks. (Alot of times with thanks and those are the times that keep me going- to those people this is not about you). Likewise, if someone is doing something to help someone and I am somehow involved but at an inconvenience to me I will hold my tongue because someone is trying to do what they feel is right. But when that person gets ultimately jerked around by inconsiderate ungrateful people it pisses me off. When someone does something nice for you whether they are family or total strangers, I do not care who you are, you thank them and treat them with some amount of decency and respect! It's just the right thing to do. You don't use them as the doormat to wipe your feet on. And I should add that goes DOUBLE for family members! END OF RANT please return to your seats

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