Saturday, September 30, 2006

Nichole brought me this poem tonight....


Children's Eyes

What kind of world is it my friend that little children see?
I wonder if they see God first because they just believe?
Do they see strength in caring eyes who watch them as they play--
or maybe love through gentle hands that guide them on their way?

Do you think they dream of future times when they would be a king---
or just enjoy their present life while with their friends they sing?

Do they see the acts of kindness done for people who are poor?
Is the very best in everyone what they are looking for?
And when the day is over, as they close their eyes to sleep,
do they look forward to tomorrow with its promises to keep?

If this is what the children see, then it should be no surprise, the world be a better place
if we all had children's eyes.
Poem from Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul 3

This is a picture from a good friend. She volunteered in Africa last summer. This is a little girl she worked with in the orphanage. As I was skimming through my pictures, Nichole thought this would be perfect for the blog tonight....What do you think?

Just one more....

I was getting ready to sign off and I came across a picture Diane sent me. Isn't this funny? I need to go...my kids are standing here demanding I get of. OOOPS!! I really need to go....Savannah is screaming, "Mom, Gabryel has my dress on and he won't give it back!!" LOL Hey, Diane if you get this note....call me??? Love you all!!! 4 we definitely need to chat this weekend and I will make sure I find a soft chair. LOL Miss ya tons....The kids are really screaming now!!!! Got to go!

How about a big kiss!!!

I saw this pictures and it reminded me of my evening with my kids. I have been recieving wonderful kisses and hugs from them all. Needless to say some of them were pretty slimy!! LOL I have been having trouble with my aol and so I haven't been on all day!!! So, I just wanted to drop a note and say,"Hi" I need to go put two of the grandkids to bed now....But, I plan on returning in the morning. Love you all! Thanks for dropping by....

Thursday, September 28, 2006

Thank God it's almost Friday!!!!




I spent all evening sitting in the traffic. I couldn't wait to get home!!!! When I got here, I quickly ran down stairs to check my mail and I found this wating for me. Thanks Diane:D I hope this makes you laugh (just as much as it did me;) Well, my daughters have been acting out so bad and one is driving me crazy with the question of "When am I done being grounded?" I just found myself wanting to scream this! "When hell freezes over!!!" Can anyone else relate to me???? I have to go... they're up stairs screaming!! Have a happy friday!!! I will chat tomorrow.....

Saturday, September 23, 2006

My little friend from Iraq is in danger!!! Please pray for her and go to her blog?! It is a must read!!!

I need to yell S.O.S!!! Actually, I really need to yell S.O.C. Which means "Save Our Children". And scream, "Can anyone see the danger in Iraq?" I hope by now you can all see my frustration. So many people will not see a child beyond their front door. BTW, if neighbors wouldn't put me in jail I would yell from my front porch to get peoples attention!!! That is who I am! I don't want to get into politics...but, I don't feel it is right to let this go on unnoticed. I will stand up and do all I can for a child in need. You bloggers need to too!!! I want to blog today about my friend "Sunshine". Her blog is http://livesstrong.blogspot.com/. That is exactly what she does... She "Lives Strong". She is a young girl of 14 and she needs our prayers!!! Having spoke with many Christians the first question they ask is, "Does she know the Lord?" I need to respond with, "Yes...but, fear is fear!!" Please put yourself in her home. In her family. She is a big sister, a daughter, and a young teenager!!! I met her through my son Josiah. He introduced me to her last Christmas. She is the person who gave me the desire to blog. Although, I feel the need to let you know Neurotic Mom help me put this desire into action. Thanks Neurotic mom:) So, anyway, Josiah is a boy full of compassion and came across her blog and said, "Mom you need to read her blog. Her name is Sunshine and she is incredibly strong for her age. She is the same age as Alyssa ( my daughter). And I can't imagine what any of my little sisters would do if this happen to them". Of course with this information I had to go to her blog. Here is where I started:
I'm Sunshine
From Iraq
I was born in 29/1/1992 , I grow up among well educated family. My school is far away from my home & the way to it is dangerous , so every day considered as a challenge. I have many dreams & ambitions, I wish that one day they become true . I want to be an engineer in the future , my mom always support me to accomplish my ambitions … optimism is my strategy always… Computer & internet are my life & what I do in my spare time , But if we don’t have electricity, I spend my spare time reading , writing, listening to music ,& doing some handmade work … I found that Blogging is a great way to express my thoughts , opinions, & feelings to the world ,to get friends & to share them my happy & sad moments….
This is sooo powerful because it is written through the innocence of a child. You can see her honesty in the words she types. When I first started reading I was comforted to see life wasn't as bad as I had imagined. She said, "This is what life is really like living as an a child in Bagdad". She spoke of how it wasn't as bad as the press made it sound. She showed precious pictures of her family and a birthday party. I was able to see life through her eyes. As I continued to read the many posts I was shocked to see the change. The violence had moved to her part of the city and her parents could no longer protect her from danger. It is now all around her!! I'm glad that by blogging other bloggers can see the changes one goes through in life. She was a child without fear and after a few posts was soon a brave young girl who has to cling to God for protection. Yet through everything she has hope in people and in life. Please read this post and go immediately to her blog and comment. Encourage this young girl that life is worth fighting for. This is a concept which most of have forgotten. She is here to remind us of what it is like looking through the eyes of yet another hurting child!!! Please note...this is not a political blog and to comment politically to a child her age will only increase her fears....also, anger towards adults....
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Good and Bad news ..
The day before yesterday at afternoon I felt so happy when I knew that my grandparents will visit us next week , as you know they live in Baghdad , and we didn’t see them for 8 months because the road to Baghdad is very dangerous and most of the time locked by US troops , and I can’t spend long time in the car in such hot weather because I have asthma , I talked to my grandma few days ago by internet as there is no phone services between us , and I told her about my mom , and how she misses them ,and that she became very frustrated and angry person , in the same day grandpa decided to risk and come to Mosul next week .We made a good program to them , they will stay only 5 days in Mosul, in the first day they will rest, then in the next day we will visit the uncles and relatives , the next day in the morning we will go to Kurdistan ( YES , I am sooooo excited, we will go to Dhook which is about 30 minutes by car , and we will visit a near by summer resort ) , next morning we will have our breakfast in a Casino near the Tigris river , (I went there few days ago , and took pictures and video to show you ) , then in the next day we will celebrate my grandma’s birthday . please pray that they will arrive Mosul safely and have a comfortable and quick journey.yesterday my mom and I began to prepare and clean the house , windows and everything , and I wanted to organize my room , it was in a horrible condition ( but now it is organized) , as my room very very hot I didn’t enter it or organize it since 4 months , I have only a fan , and the air-cooler doesn’t work !! ,anyway at 10:30 am while I was cleaning the floor and my mom was organizing the library, heavy shooting began , I told my mom to go downstairs , because there are big windows in our living room, but she replied “ no , just stay away from the windows “ suddenly many near by explosions were heard , without any word, I carried my brother and ran , my mom and sister ran too , we hide downstairs for an hour , the sound of the explosions and shootings were so high , my brother was very scared , he hold my mom so tight , my grandma’s face looked pale, and everyone was tired from the uncomfortable sit !!!! I remembered the old days when we used to hide under the stairs or stand near the corner for 5 and 6 hours , everyone was praying for the policemen, national guards, and the neighbors safety, and that the good guys win the fight against the bad, and that’s what happened , after an hour our policemen and national guards with the help of the US troops who came after an hour with many helicopters defeated the terrorists.My family members didn’t injure ( thank god ) , but bullets entered the walls and hit a neon ( small losses ) , but a woman and boy were killed when a mortar fall on their house , & the dad was badly injured , in the same time another neighborhood witnessed a fight , 8 citizens were injured , and one man was killed .We were happy in the day before , then we became upset and scared in the next day, we kept hearing shootings and explosions all the day , my brother couldn’t sleep at night , he was very frightened.In the same day I was checking my E-mails , and I found an offline message from my grandma says “ yesterday your grandpa went to the market , and while he was shopping, the US soldiers started to walk in the street , they were many , your grandpa asked a soldier gently whether he can depart , and do you know what the soldier answered ? he said “shut up”. ! grandpa turned to another soldier and asked him the same question – son , can I go of please ?- and the soldier replied “ we are leaving, in a moment “.“ I chatted with grandma I was so angry , that soldier’s attitude ,affected my respect to the military so badly, because the soldiers should represent their country’s ethics and leave a good impression , this bad soldier was so impolite and rude , I told my grandma ( relax grandma , the soldier’s parents didn’t behave him well , that’s in case he has parents , I am sure that he lives in a box under the bridge ,and he is blessed to sleep in a tank ! ) and I still mean what I said , my grandpa is very educated wise respectful man , and he is loved by everyone, , my grandpa is a civil engineer , studied in USA , he traveled round the world because he worked for the “Arab organization for the industrial development” , that soldier SHOULDN’T talk to grandpa like that.Sunshine Please pay Sunshine a visit! Read her blog and the links to her family and friends....Another powerful blog!http://aviraqi.blogspot.com

Thursday, September 21, 2006

I'm not going to post again today because another blogger is in need of some MEGA LOVE!!!

It is three a.m. and I can't sleep. When ever that happens I know God is either asking me to deal with something or a friend is hurting....Well in this case my friend is hurting. It is http://4its-worth.blogspot.com/. Today, I would like you to read a portion of her post and run right over to her blog and finish reading it. Life is sooo hard at times and I believe blogging is a way of helping people in time of need. My friend needs all of you!!! Please show her who bloggers really are and be there for her and her hubby right now!!! Here is a portion of her post from last night: I have had a lot of Black-heart days lately. The summer heat has given way to the dullness and chill of fall. My constant companions from the lazy days of summer have gone back to school. This ongoing wait for my surgery has taken all that I am. The pain that has become my companion is unwelcome yet ever-present. Missing the newness and eager anticipation of the school year has seeped into my heart. Being at home, without children has left me as an outsider; mom's groups and Church groups facilitate for moms and tots..not moms and nots.It's a frustrating feeling. And I take it day by day. But unlike depression, where one can not see an end, I know that this situation, this feeling is temporary. So why the post? I am looking for help. My resources for R&R are tapped out.What do you do? On the days when you would rather climb under a rock, how do you get yourself on top of the rock again? What music do you listen to, who do you call, what do you wear, where do you go, what do you watch? I would love to hear what others do to break the blues. I'm not going to post today because another blogger needs you all...so pass on by me.....it is now time to reach out to my friend....Remember, remind her that bloggers WILL be there when times are tough. DAY OR NIGHT!! I'm sending you a big hug S!!! Love ya tons and I am praying that this helps....also, remember all you have to do is call;)

Wednesday, September 20, 2006

Savannah! This picture is for you:o

It's been a wonderful 2 days:) I'm sure when I have been working for weeks I will post about the dark and dreary office. But, for now it is sooooo much better than my old job and guess what? I got to pick up my blazers from the drycleaners!!! YES! My life is finally returning to normal!!! But...(yes I need to add "but") I leave the house at 6:40 am and Savannah has decided that this is her chance to rebel! She is refusing to brush her hair. So all the dark glossy strands of hair that once flowed down her back is now a nappy, tangled mess:O She is convinced that she can brush over the top layer and I will not notice. However, the bump in the back of her head is a dead giveaway!!! So Savannah...this picture is for you!!! LOL PLEASE BRUSH YOUR HAIR IN THE MORNING!!!!!
BTW! I will be checking my blog from the office...ahem...on my break;) So, if anyone wants to drop me a note...I will be waiting...ahem...on my break that is!!!

Tuesday, September 19, 2006

Yes!! The weekends will be mine again!!!



Hi Guys!!! Yes! It has finally come:) I will now be working for Verizon! I have totally enjoyed all the friends I met at my old job...but, it is time to move on:D Life has changes and sometimes they catch you by surprise and sometimes you find yourself yelling at God, "Anytime now Lord!!!" Well, please pray that I am all that they ask for in an employee? BTW...I will be able to blog on my lunch hour...and check my mail throughout the day...HOW AWESOME IS THAT?!! LOL I will now have the time to go back to my old ways...which means I will soon be relaxing on the weekends. Again, means more time to chat with all of you:D

Saturday, September 16, 2006

My children came to me

and said, "Mom, please put this on your blog so that adults can see what life is really like?" Even though I don't really like the music, the words and video really communicate life.

Are you stressed? I have a cure!!

My kids are absolutely driving me crazy!! Anyone who knows me will totally understand this post!! I recieved a phone call yesterday (at work) informing me that my child was acting out. So...immediately I ask, "Which one?" The teacher responds, "Well both of your girls". So then I assume they were teaming up to defend themselves against some bully. "Well, not exactly"the young teacher says. I'm now thinking, "Get on with it woman I'm at work". Then she proceeds to tell me that the two girls were out of control in class screaming at each other. Please note this is a special class for children who are Developementally Delayed and have emotional problems. "What??? You mean they were screaming at each other? In front of the class! Great!! What next?" I mumbled. She continues, "I'm concerned that you and your family may need therapy..." Okay! Now I am totally ticked off! I then tell the teacher, "I'm at work and I will deal with this later". Thinking okay she will say, "I understand..this can wait until Monday". But nooo!!! She interrupts me with, "I'm concerned that we aren't working as a team". Okay, I'm a counselor. I have been working with kids with "Attachment Disorder" forever and then I attempt to educate her on my daughters illness and how we as a family are seeking help from the school psychologist... She then interrupts, (yes again) "Well, I'm concerned that your daughter isn't eating". "OMGosh!!! She looks fine and we give her lunch money everyday!" I thought. So I respond, "Do you see her eat?" She says, "Well, she has been begging for money and only when we give her money, is she able to eat. Is your family having money problems?" I am soooo angry and I firmly tell her, "I have to go and I will be in on Monday to discuss this with a person who is old enough to have children and is a specialist in "Attachment Disorder" and "Borderline Personality Disorder". I go about the rest of my day stirring about this teacher and how uneducated she is. Then the school psychologist calls and apologizes for the call from the teacher. "Thank goodness! He has known me for 6 years and knows my kids," I sighed. So, everyone went to bed early and this morning I awoke to two girls asking for me to go to the store to get tampons".....One saying, "I don't know why, but, I can't stop eating...especially chocolate". So I ask you, "How could have this entire conflict been provented?" Do you see why this post was much needed today??? Okay...now I feel better:) Thanks for listening to my venting:)

12 step program to overcome addiction to e-mail...



Okay, everyone I have a challenge for each of you. Imagine your sitting in group therapy for a 12 step program to over come addiction to e-mail. What would your first confession be? You are probably saying to yourself.."Oh no! You first Diana!"...Well, okay...here it goes..I'm ashamed to admit this...but...(gulp)...(sigh)...(turn red)..I leave the spam mail on so it appears like I have more mail!!....Now I must slouch down in my chair and pray that I am now invisible ....Okay your turn?

Friday, September 15, 2006

Written by my son Josiah on September 14, 06....life in the ER

This blog is written for those of you who have the ability to care!! Don't rush through life without seeing what God is trying to tell you. Life is filled with so many lessons. I believe God uses the most painful situations to create compassion deep within each of us. So often people take life for granted. But, in our family that is not so. We have survived September 11. But, before that we survived my brain surgery. I know my kids were deeply effected by me losing my eyesite and balance. For a year they were reminded daily that they could lose me at anytime. Through alot of hard work I was able to walk again and through a miracle my eyesight (which was gone for seconds at a time) had returned permanently. The Doctors have said I am now healed and life will return to normal. I ask you, "After so much trauma does life ever become normal for anyone?" For the Albertsens the answer will always be "No". I'm not saying we live in fear of disaster. We value life. The reality is you will never know what lies ahead. My son wrote this on his blog yesterday. It is amazing how one post can remind you of life and how precious it is....Please read this and value the wisdom that comes from trauma. Josiahs words.....
Now I'm tired.
About ten minutes ago I really didn't think that I was tired. I've worked 16 out of the past 24 hours at my new job as a security guard for Presbyterian/St. Luke's Hospital. I took this job because it will be flexible for when I go back to school and the pay is nice. After a marathon day and night shift I feel like I've come out wiser and that I've experienced a lot. I've worked at a hospital for over a year valeting cars, but I never worked inside one. The situation inside is much, much different.There was a kid yesterday who was breathing hard and crying as another guard and myself escorted him, the EMT's and his mom to an ICU room from the Helipad. It was a "hot drop", which means that every second counted and the helicopter pilot couldn't waste any time to stop the motor before the child was unloaded and taken in. The propellers were loud, the EMT's were yelling stats at the nurse, and I helped as much as I could with opening doors and clearing people out of the way once we got out of the elevator and into the halls. We reached the ICU and than doctors swarmed into the room he had been wheeled into and everyone was moving everywhere. The air medics moved back from the group to collect their things and headed back to their helicopter. A few hours later I was doing my rounds and I walked by to see all of the cords unplugged and his face and body covered up with sheets. None of the expensive equipment was hooked up to him anymore. The doctors were putting away their cords and cleaning up the room, but other than that the once busy scene was now silent.I walked by and said nothing, because there was nothing I could say. I had no connection to the family or the doctors, and yet a feeling of sadness rushed over me that was hard to shake. I realise now that I had probably walked by many other people who were close to death in that same ten minute span and didn't even realise it. Later on in the shift I pushed a body to the morgue from a different area of the hospital and felt the somber, creepy feeling again. This was my first shift of my new job.When my shift was up I walked over to Abby's apartment. I got inside and laid down my head to try and relax. I dozed off and had a few terrible nightmares. When she got home she sat beside me and I was almost instantly calmed. We relaxed, watched Curb Your Enthusiasm, laughed, and ate dinner. It was enough to prepare me for work again. She dropped me off at midnight at the ER, we kissed goodbye and I walked in. When I entered I encountered a quiet scene, and than a song from a music box played on the PA system which meant that a baby had just been born somewhere in the hospital. The doctors and nurses of the ER didn't move from their tasks or even move their heads. They kept up with their paper shuffling, their chatting with eachother, their typing, and their answering of the phones. The patients in the room slept peacefully to the consistent, steady beeps of their heart monitors.I took another moment to reflect. These lives that we lead are precious.
9:09 AM - Josiah

Sunday, September 10, 2006

I try not to cry

We miss you!

My mother always said, "If you don't have anything nice to say, Don't say anything at all!"



If you are hurt by this blog please move on. I am not out to hurt anyone! So please do not send comments of, "Please continue to hurt". The US and Canada derserve what they get!" "I hope you & your family die!" "The US must die!" "Destroy Canada!" Those are hurtful and totally inappropriate. So I ask you, "Do I go to your blog and say hurtful things because you believe differently?" I ask for the same respect!!! Blogging is for venting, keeping people up to date on your life, and supproting others. If anyone agrees with this please comment? Warning...I will be doing a post this afternoon on September 11 and what it means to me. If this is painful, please move on. I am not out to bring others pain.....

Friday, September 08, 2006

My secrets keep pushing me into a world only I know, and cause me to feel like a shadow forced to wear a mask.

Here is an excerpt from my book. Perhaps this will help others understand me. And give you an idea of the confusion I experience at times. My daughter found this picture and I decided to add it to my words. This is a picture of all the many people who died on September 11. Note, this is how my book begins. Only by acknowledgment can one find healing.

It was 3:00 am, the morning of nine-eleven-two thousand three. The flashing lights from my clock lit the room. It was too early to be awake, a heavy sick feeling rested in my stomach. Was it the memory of my husband’s family, and the friends they lost this day, two years ago...? Or could it be that this day held something even more frightening…? My mind drifted back… My husband was born and raised in New York before he began his trip out west to attend Bible College. It was there we met, in the early 1980’s, and were married shortly after. The mid-west would become our home, but New York City was where my new family lived. After twenty years I felt like I was part of this large family and New York was my favorite visiting place, with so much love and happy memories. Every visit meant that incredible view of the Twin Towers from my in-laws window. The view shared so many people on their way to work everyday, each with a different face, and a different story to tell. The morning of the attack seemed like any other morning. I was in my home switching the channels on the television when, in a flash, fear filled the air. A plane had hit one of the towers, and within minutes, another plane went soaring through its twin. Instantly, a blanket of confusion and grief covered the United States. Knowing that my brother-in-law worked as a New York City police officer, the reality that his life could be in danger was causing my family to panic. He managed a brief phone call assuring us that he was alive, but as the phone went dead seconds later, I felt myself slipping. I was losing all my happy memories and the only past I had chosen to tell my children. As the day went by, it felt like weeks. Once again, death was only moments away from those I love. The day America lost so many lives reminded me of my loss also, the loss of my own childhood and the reality of the dark cavity resting within me. I was no longer able to forget my childhood and to tell only the stories of my life in New York City. Now, this incredible city would be another tragedy from which I must run. As I lay in bed, I closed my eyes tightly and curled up, wanting to forget about the huge dark cloud and the belief that there was nowhere to hide from danger. It would become impossible to escape from the flashbacks of my past. I slowly pulled the covers up over my head and tried to return to sleep. Soon enough, the alarm clock went off and my day began like every other. My secrets keep pushing me into a world only I know, and cause me to feel like a shadow forced to wear a mask. I drag myself out of bed, the darkness ever-present around me. Which mask should I wear today? Mother? Wife? Or one of the many other masks I have stored away? I turn on the light and step onto the stage we all call life..... I no longer wear a mask....but, the pain is still very real. In the past the very mention of this war brought anxiety.

Through the writing of this book I have found the courage to stand tall and acknowledge that September 11 triggered all the many losses I experienced in my childhood. The war is not only between countries, but, a battle within each of us. We need to face our past and quit fighting it. Blogging is an important process of healing for me therefore I feel the need to let you know that I write in first person. I am not a victim....I am one who has the strength to tell what is...even if it makes others uncomfortable. Only by acknowledging your past can you give it to God and find healing!!! If you have an elephant in the closet, do you pretend it's not there? Or do you let it out and see it for what it is? BTW The longer the elephant is in the closet the bigger it gets!!! I challenge you to search yourself and find out what September 11 means to you! Acknowledge the lost ones who have died, and the lost child within yourself.

Wednesday, September 06, 2006

Josiah's girlfriend Abby!


Well... here is my first born son "Josiah". We had a birthday party for yet another Albertsen on Sunday. It was Nicoles 15 birthday. Her birthday party will be in the next post:) In our family every birthday is like Christmas. Not because of all the gifts, but because a birthday is a reason for us all to come together and have fun:) So, this Saturday I did my usual. I called everyone the day before. You mothers know what I'm talking about. The mothers gentle reminder, "Are you coming to the party? You know she is really counting on you being there. If you don't come she will be devistated" BTW... When all else fails use Mom's guilt!! It always works! LOL So...like always I was successful in bringing the family together for yet another birthday! I know you are probably thinking, "So what does Josiah have to do with this post? Get on with the story woman!" We try and do something fun with each get together. This weekend we played UNO. It is a wonderful card game that requires alot of yelling in order to win. Guess what? I won 1 game:) Tee Hee! But...this woman here won 2!!! The young woman is my sons girlfriend Abby. She was actually brave enough to enter our loud, crazy and out of control home. Children were running everywhere!! I had to laugh to myself as I heard Josiah whisper to Abby, "My family..yeah..well it can be crazy around here..." What he really meant was, "Say the word and we are out of here!" LOL Abby stayed and we all had a blast! She is awesome and welcome into our home anytime:)
Here is Josiah, Abby, and Smiggen (the dog). BTW again..Savannah told me how to spell the dogs name:) Stay tuned for Nicoles birthday party in the next post!!

Tuesday, September 05, 2006

Okay! Okay! I promise I will stop...just one more post....

There are many signs you need to watch out for that could mean you are yet another surf junkie addicted to the internet...
You find yourself typing "com" after every period when using a word processor.com You turn off your modem and get this empty feeling, like you just pulled the pin on a loved one. You start introducing yourself as "Jon at AOL dot com" Your wife drapes a blonde wig over your monitor to remind you of what she looks like. All of your friends have an @ in their names. You can't call your mother...she doesn't have a modem. Your phone bill comes to your doorstep in a box. You laugh at people with 14,400 baud modems. You move into a new house and decide to Netscape before you landscape. You refer to going to the bathroom as downloading. You tell the cab driver you live at http://69.luck.street/house/bluetrim.html Your spouse makes a new rule: "The computer cannot come to bed." You ask a plumber how much it would cost to replace the chair in front of your computer with a commode. You start tilting your head sideways to smile. :^) You turn on your computer, and turn off your spouse. Your best friend is someone you've never met. Your spouse says communication is important in a marriage...so you buy another computer, and install a second phone line so you can chat. You begin to wonder how on earth your service provider is allowed to call 200 hours per month "unlimited." Your dog has its own home page.....


Buddy@Albertsen.com

The difference between a man & a woman....

The differences between how a woman and a man uses a drive-through banking machine. Here is his and hers ATM usage explained...
HIS
1. Pull up to ATM
2. Insert card
3. Enter PIN number and account
4. Take cash, card and receipt

HER
1. Pull up to ATM
2. Check makeup in rearview mirror
3. Shut off engine
4. Put keys in purse
5. Get out of car because you're too far from machine
6. Hunt for card in purse
7. Insert card
8. Hunt in purse for wrapper with PIN number written on it
9. Enter PIN number
10. Study instructions for at least 2 minutes.
11. Hit "cancel"
12. Re-enter correct PIN number
13. Check balance
14. Look for envelope
15. Look in purse for pen
16. Make out deposit slip
17. Endorse checks
18. Make deposit
19. Study instructions
20. Make cash withdrawal
21. Get in car
22. Check makeup
23. Look for keys
24. Start car
25. Check makeup
26. Start pulling away
27. STOP
28. Back up to machine
29. Get out of car
30. Take card and receipt
31. Get back in car
32. Put card in wallet
33. Put receipt in checkbook
34. Enter deposits and withdrawals in checkbook
35. Clear area in purse for wallet and checkbook
36. Check makeup
37. Put car in gear, reverse
38. Put car in drive
39. Drive away from machine
40. Travel 3 miles
41. Release parking brake

Monday, September 04, 2006

Sunday, September 03, 2006

I guess I shouldn't complain....


I have to work tomorrow and I find myself wanting to complain....but, then I saw this picture. I realized I could have it much worse....LOL BIG BUMMER!!! BTW!!! Those of you who I tagged earlier...I know who you are and where you live!!!! LOL

Saturday, September 02, 2006

I've been tagged and my computer is acting up!!!!

I am having problems with my computer and I think part of it is my cordless mouse! Don't worry Karin...I'm going to do my tag tomorrow!!! So all you out there...get ready!!!! Here are the questions I will answer in the morning:)
1) Are you happy/satisfied with your blog with it's content and look?
Yep!! I love it:) I think your blog is an expression of who you are. I don't know...What do you guys think? When you read my blog...what does it tell you about me?
2) Does your family know about your blog?
Yep (again) and they never visit it. But, they always want to make sure they contribute to it through art, pictures, or a joke:)
3) Do you feel embarrassed to let your friends know about your blog or you just consider it as a private thing? It depends. Sometimes I want to keep it private. Because it is how I vent my feelings about my day. Then other times I want to share it with the entire world! LOL
4) Did blogs cause positive changes in your thoughts?
Yes!! It has helped me a ton! Every day I look forward to coming down to my office to see who has visited. It is fun to know that you have a huge family (around the world) who know sooo much about you and yet keeps coming back:)
5) Do you only open the blogs of those who comment on your blog or you love to go and discover more by yourself? I try to blog surf. But, it is hard to do. It seems like there is never enough time in a day. So, I guess I would have to say, "Not as much as I would like". But, often I will hear about another blogger through a friend. Then I absolutely have to pay that blogger a visit:)

6) What does visitors counter mean to you? Do you care about putting it in your blog?
YEP!!! How fun!! I love to see who has visited and where. HELLO!! Who doesn't?
7) Did you try to imagine your fellow bloggers and give them real pictures?
That is obvious if you look at my blog:) Okay...next question...
8) Admit. Do you think there is a real benefit for blogging? Again...absolutely!!! It helps you connect with people around the world.

9) Do you think that bloggers society is isolated from real world or interacts with events?
If you blog surf you know the answer to this question. Everyone has a comment about what is happening in the world. If you missed the news that day...just go to the bloggers:)
10) Does criticism annoying you or do you feel it's a normal thing?
Yes...it annoys me. But, I am getting used to it. My fellow bloggers have helped me see that they aren't worth your time....Right Karin:)
11) Do you fear of some political blogs and avoid them? I don't fear them at all. I just really believe that we are all free to believe what ever we choose. The first time someone starts bashing my religion is when they have crossed over the line. Then I have no respect for them. I live by the belief that you don't need to preach your religion. People will learn your values by your actions. Christ walked amongst those who did not believe as He did. My desire is to do the same:) So...what I am really trying to say is, "Actions speak louder than words". I can shout from the highest mountain my values. But, if I don't live them, then they mean nothing!!! Do you know what I am trying to say? Okay...I will step off my soap box now:) LOL

12) Did you get shocked by the arrest of some bloggers?
Actually...I don't know anyone who has been arrested? I'm not quit sure what this question means...someone has to fill me in:)
13) Did you think about what will happen to your blog after you die?
LOL No...hahaha I won't be here anyway...but, I do hope that I have given something to someone by my words:)
14) What do you like to hear? What's the song you like to put its link in your blog?
I love all music. I am always changing my videos...actually...that reminds me...it is time to update my videos:) My music expresses my values and gives people an idea of who I am:) BTW I'm a crazy country girl from the ghetto!!!! LOL hahaha
15) Five bloggers to be the next "victims"? Let's see ...
OMGoodness!!! Okay...I didn't want to leave anyone out:) I just had to post a bunch of you:) If I didn't post you or you just want to be tagged...well, consider yourself tagged!!! LOL Sorry Karin..I tried to post only 5..BTW You can be tagged again here:)
1) http://the-moo.diaryland.com/ Moo...I know you have something to say? Please share chic??? Moo...Luv you:) heheh
2) http://www.4its-worth.blogspot.com/ Hi Sweetie! I can't wait to read your questions...WHERE ARE YOU????
3) http://joarduo.blogspot.com/ Hey lady!!! Welcome aboard:) Please come and share:)
4) http://thelifeofaneuroticmom.blogspot.com/ Lise...look what you have created? A monster I tell you! LOL
5) http://janey-demeo.blogspot.com/ My dear friend:) It was wonderful chatting with you today:) When you get your computer going be sure to let everyone know who you are!
6) http://fortresslife.blogspot.com/ Hi Betty:) Looks like you are going to share soon...I can't wait!
7) http://neababyblu.blogspot.com/ NEA!! Thanks for being so willing to go first:)
8) http://crazybloggincanuck.blogspot.com/ Amber!!! Welcome back!! I can't wait to find out what you have to say:) You are always so sweet to me! Let your hair down!!!
9) http://unseenchildfoundation.spaces.com/ Diane! Gotcha!! hahaha I just had to catch you by surprise:)
10) http://uaecommunity.blogspot.com/ clay I have been looking for you!!! Dude! If you happen to see your name here...Please drop me a note!! I can't find you!!!
11) http://avloomat.blogspot.com/ AKU Don't be bashful!! LOL
12) http://sgfenlaw.blogspot.com/ Fennymun! It is very simple...answer the questions and let us get to know you:) LOL
13) http://moreno4.blogspot.com/ Hi Nicole!!! All I have to say is "Let it go!! I can't wait to hear what my shy friend has to say:)
14) http://noteworthystuff.blogspot.com/ Kim! I can't comment on your blog...but if you get this...know you are invited:)
15) http://help4onemillion.blogspot.com/ Feel free to join us Stacy!
16) http://funnylikethat.blogspot.com/ Hi in training!!! Don't be shy!! Stay awhile and let us know who you are:)
17) http://sittingonadonut.blogspot.com/ Don't sit on a donut girl!!! Please share:)
18) http://meaningless-blather.blogspot.com/ Hey dude! Speak up! What would S want you to do? LOL
19) http://ettonim.blogspot.com/ Hi my little friend Minotte!!! Step up and be seen..no need to be quiet here:)
20) http://my3littlerascals.blogspot.com/ Miss yah lady! Comment so others can get to know you and what you do:)
21) http://breakinsanity.blogspot.com/ You had better answer these questions!!!
22) http://neverland82.jeeran.com/ Well girl! LOL You were the first one to tag me:) Look what you started! hehehe
23) http://livesstrong.blogspot.com/ My little friend from Iraq!! Sunshine you're such a sunshine to all you come in contact with:)

What matters most is how you see yourself...

Hi everyone!! I am determined to keep my promise and blog everyday:) My computer is acting up and so I need to sign off. But, I just wanted to take time for my friends. BTW...I've just been tagged by Karin...so beware!!!! I hope to be back on in an hour:)

Friday, September 01, 2006

WELL!! HELLO WORLD!!! MISSED ME YET???


Well...Hello world!!!! Missed me yet? I totally missed you all:) I have been very busy...but, I made myself a promise to blog everyday:) Even if it is just a few words! LOL I must be getting old because it is Friday night (9 pm) and I am ready to go to bed. So, can you tell I need to get my beauty sleep? hahah! Also, what do you think of my converse shoes? I need to crash, but look forward to chatting in the morning:) Yeah!!! It's a three day weekend and I don't have to work!!!! I can't wait to wake up and blog!!! Night All!!!