Ouchies!

I went to the dr. yesterday for a check up. She loves to schedule me every 3 months or so, for fun. It's all about the billing! Anyhoo, I have not been in since October. I feel fine, plus I don't think I need to go so often. It's pointless. Even my cardio dr. says so. But I guess my primary dr. was mad that I hadn't been billed seen in so long, that she ordered labs done. So I go in today and they take out 5 freaking huge tubes of blood! I was not a happy camper!


To complete my day, I had an appointment with my dentist. Who, as I've probably mentioned before, is one of my best friends. He normally does not hurt me. He has a gentle touch. Today, it HURT! I don't know why. Maybe because I was missing so much blood??

The average adult has about five liters of blood living inside of their body, coursing through their vessels, delivering essential elements, and removing harmful wastes. Without blood, the human body would stop working.
Blood is the fluid of life, transporting oxygen from the lungs to body tissue and carbon dioxide from body tissue to the lungs. Blood is the fluid of growth, transporting nourishment from digestion and hormones from glands throughout the body. Blood is the fluid of health, transporting disease fighting substances to the tissue and waste to the kidneys.



I need to add that lack of blood must makes me cranky! He hurt me & I pinched him. Hard!


Note: It says that we have about 5 liters of blood. Five years ago I had a medical crisis where I bled for about 20 days. Mind you, this was one month after my heart attack. My above mentioned primary doc did not seem to think that there was a problem. On day 20, I could not sit up without passing out. I was really pale and my skin looked translucent. I went to the ER on the truck with flashing lights and was told that my hemoglobin was at 5. Normal is 12 I think. I needed transfusions but my veins were collapsed so they had to go through the jugular. My paramedic husband almost passed out at this point. In any case, I received about 7 pints of blood which equals roughly about 3 liters. So that means that I only had about 2 liters flowing through my body and my primary felt that I should go relax at the beach! I am very blessed that my heart continued chugging along even though there was not much there to pump. According to my cardio, that was the biggest stress test of my life.

Donate blood, I am a living to testament that it does save lives!

I'm a Bad Blogger

Everyone says that you should update your blog regularly. I haven't. Maybe it's because I haven't had anything to write about. Probably means that my life has been more boring than usual. I've been home most of the week. Not much going on. The girls have been busy though.

That's what I miss about being a mom to little ones. Although sometime it was quite hectic, there was never a dull moment. I was always busy & on the go. Now, they rarely need us unless it's for a ride. Athough as of today, Kat is a licensed driver! OMG! Although she is way past the legal driving age (she's 18) I'm still not ready for that! Go figure! Remember, I was the psycho mommy who had her kids in car seats till they were busting out. Then the boosters till they were about my size. Ok, I'm exaggerating, but not too much! I admit that I have always been quite over-protective of my kids. Oh, and riding in the front seat? Get out of here! That didn't happen till they were about 13 or more. I even had a dream once that Kat was driving, from the back seat!

I've come to the conclusion that I need to find friends my age! Now that my girls are abandoning me, I need other people to hang out with. Go to lunch, catch a movie, etc. I can't always count on Danny for that. Problem is, most people my age are not at stage in life that I am. The ones that I do know, have younger kids. Not teens/adults. Mabe there is a Match dot com for friends? LOL! I must sound so needy about now, I probably am!

Anyhoo, in other news, I know this girl who just startd taking that new diet pill Alli. She will be my guinea pig. See how it goes for her. I don't think that I like the thought of walking around pooping my pant! I want a magic pill! I want to take it one day, be thin the next, then go and eat my cupcake!

Remember to visit 5 minutes for Mom 's 4th of July Bash through the 4th. Pinks & Blues girls is also holding a Summer Bling contest, they are giving away Swarovski jewelry to one lucky winner!

Fourth of July Giveaway(s)

The girls over at 5 Minutes for Mom are having another great giveaway. Actually, several giveaways! It's a 4th of July Bash! From now until July 4th, they will be posting various contests. To enter the contests you just need to comment on each contest post and link back to them. Easy peasy! So be sure to visit every day and comment on each contest that you would like to enter.

WW- Wordless Wednesday

Click to Enlarge

Firefighter's Prayer

When I am called to duty,

Whenever flames may rage,

Give me strength to save a life

Whatever be its age.
Help me embrace a little child

Before it is too late

Or save an older person from

The horror of that fate.
Enable me to be alert

And hear the weakest shout

And quickly and efficiently

Put the fire out.
I want to fill my calling

To give the best in me

To guard my every neighbor,

and protect his property.
And if according to Your will

I must answer death's last call

Bless with Your protecting hand

My family one and all.

I have had a very sad day today. The news from SC certainly hits home. A bunch of stuff starts running through my mind. I can only imagine what the families are going through. My thoughts & prayers are with each & every one of them.

Maybe I should build an Ark!

Yes, we needed the rain. Yes, we are in the midst of severe water restrictions. But for crissake, give us at least a tiny break! It has been raining every day for over a week. I don't mean a little sprinkling. I'm talking full blown, thunder & lightning monsoon type rain! I hate thunder. I also hate lightning. Our pool is over flowing & the yard is full of mud puddles. Fortunately the drainage system in our area is pretty good though, so flooding is minimal. At least for now. Along with the rain comes mosquitos & horrendous humidity once the storm passes. Yuck!

Here is a quick clip from my upstairs window.




Father's Day was a bust as we were stuck at home because I refused to drive around in the storm. But Danny was ok. We gave him full & total control of the remote. I hope all daddies enjoyed their day!

Throwback Thursday

The girls over at Pinks & Blues Girls have started posting Throwback Thursdays pictures. In their words, "to post old pictures that make us laugh, reminisce, and - let’s face it - recall some questionable fashion choices!"

I decided to post a couple this week because a) I came across a few pictures & b) Because they don't make me look that bad, yet I can still make fun of the others in the pic.

So without further ado...

Talk about throwback, this picture is circa 1970. This is me & my brother I was about 3 he was 2. Can my dress be any shorter??? For crissakes mom, what were you thinking?? You could probably see my ruffled undies from behind! And what about my brother? He looks like a little old man with his bow tie, matching socks & white shoes!!!

This second picture is only a year older. Around 1971. Looks like my skirt got a tad bit longer. I had those cool pom poms on the side of my socks. My poor brother still looks like a little old man, but he is rockin' those striped pants. And what about my mom? Don't you just love the psychadelic pant suit? I guess that the 70's had big hair too! That updo added about 5 inches to her vertically challenged body. That rusty swing set would tip over whenever we would swing too hard. We thought it was a riot and would jump off befor it fell!

Let me know if you post your Throwback pictures so that I can take a peek!

Oh, and while you are over at Pinks & Blues Girls, be sure to check out their new contests. They're giving away a Stroll-o-meter & a new pink Juicy Couture t-shirt. It sounds like a great prize for moms with little ones. I'll be sitting this one out, since I WON the last contest! (Insert evil laugh here)

Happy Thursday Everyone!

Double Digits!

I just realized that my countdown to our Hawaii trip has gotten down to double digits! 99 to be exact! Wow! Where has time gone?? I am so looking foward to this trip. Everything is booked including our inter-island flights. Which, by the way, I just realized that one of them is on a prop plane! I don't think I am quite ready for that! I may just book another flight and lose some $. Not sure yet. We'll see.

I think that my eyes are getting old. I was at the opthamologist about 5 months ago. Although I still have 20/20, he said to expect to need reading glasses by the time I'm 42. That's in less than 2 years. Well, I'm having trouble with small print. It is starting to look blurry. I mean, this happened from one day to another. I'm hoping that my eyes are just a tad bit tired. I don't want to wear glasses! I'll fight it every step of the way!

Shut The Front Door!!!! I Won!!!

I have just been notified that I won the Think Pink contest over at Pinks & Blues Girls blog! Oh My Gee! As I have mentioned a gazillion times before, I NEVER win anything! So now my girls & I can share the super cute summery Dooney & Bourke handbag & other goodies! Yahoo!

Head on over to Pinks & Blues Girls and take a look around if you haven't already done so. Check out my moment of glory for yourself! LOL! They have a nice blog and host awesome contests! While you are there wish Barry (their
dad/husband) a Happy Birthday!

Thank you Audrey, Jane & Sharon for hosting this contest!

My Simple Blog Story

I got this from Kailani, who got it from Chili of Don’t Try This At Home. Instead of a regular tag our it, it was turned into a group carnival. So why don't you join in. Write our blogging story then sign theMr. Linky here.

I'm jumping in a bit late in the game, but better late than never. Right????

Tell Your Blogging Story

How did you start blogging?
I honestly don't remember. I know that I read a few blogs and figures that this would be a great way to journal my days.


Did you intend to be a blog w/a following? If so, how did you go about it?
No, not at all. Like I said, I was just documenting my day to day life. Mainly for me. I'm so happ that I have made a few blog buddies in the process.

What do you hope to achieve or accomplish with your blog? Have you been successful? If not, do you have a plan to achieve those goals?
I never really had any goals, per se. My one goal was to keep up with the blog. With a few exceptions, I have done that. So I suppose that my goals have been met.

Has the focus of your blog changed since you started blogging? How?
Not at all. It's still just about my own sometimes boring life. But it's my life and I like going back and seeing what I was doing & thinking on certain days. I LOVE contests & that is one thing that I have been sharing on my blog lately as well.

What do you know now that you wish you'd known when you started?
I only wish that I had decided to start blogging earlier.

Do you make money with your blog?
Nope, don't know how to do that.


Does your immediate or extended family know about your blog? If so, do they read it? If not, why?
Well, my daughter snoops around sometimes but not often. My husband knows about it but does not read. My mom is constantly lost in cyberspace. So I guess that the answer is yes to knowing about it & no to reading.


What two pieces of advice would you give to a new blogger?
I am a fairly new blogger. I have only been blogging for a little over a year. My only advice is JUST DO IT! I am totally clueless and through trial & error, I have gotten my blog into somewhat acceptable shape. I haven't changed much, since I don't remember how I did it in the first place. :)
Also, if you visit someone, just say hi and let them know that you are visiting their "home". Comments are quick and easy & brighten peoples days.

Don't forget to sign my new Guestbook at the bottom of the page!

I would love to see who visits.

Mouse for Dad?

5 Minutes for Mom is hosting a Father's Day Contest. You all know how much I love contests! The winner of this contest will receive a Rocketfish™ Twister Wireless Laser Notebook Mouse. Danny will be especially happy with this cool prize. So head on over and enter for your chance to win. Don't worry, I don't mind the competition! :)

New toy! Please play!

I have a new toy! Something which once again, I stole from someone else! This time, the victim is doodlebugsmom.

Scroll down to the bottom & sign my guestbook. Just want to see who my blog buddies are! Whether it's your 1st visit or your 101st, please let me know you visit. Pretty please?

Borrowed (stolen) Meme

For lack of anything better to post, I decided to steal this from Valerie.

1. Elaborate on your avatar.

I don't think I have one. Or do I? Is it that little picture on my profile? If it is, then it's just me!

2.What's your current relationship status?

Married with children.

3. Ever have a near-death experience?

Depends what you call a near death experience. I don't think I saw dead people or a light or anything like that. BUT, I did crash after my cath to put stents in my heart. Internal bleeding & stuff. Got 3 pints of blood. Then 2 months later, I almost bled to death after being ignord by the dr. Got 8 pints of blood that time. Thank God for blood donors!

4. What is the name of the song that's stuck in your head right now?

How to Save a Life, The Frey. I Must be missing my Grey's Anatomy!

5. Name a celebrity you would marry?

Today?

Patrick Dempsey

6. Who will cut and paste this meme first?

Not sure, maybe Mari?<br>

7. Has anyone ever said you look like a celebrity?

When I was in college everyone said that I looked like Susanna Hoffs from the Bangles. Walk like an Egyptian.....

8. Do you wear a watch?

Nope

9. Do you have anything pierced?

Just my ears.

10. Do you have any tattoos?

Nope. Would never get one either.

11. Do you like pain?

Huh? Hell no! Who likes pain? Hence the reason for no tattoos!

12. Do you like to shop?

Uh, ... yeah!

13. The last thing you paid for with cash?

Can't remember.... I rarely use cash.

14. The last thing you paid for with credit card?

Groceries

15. Who was the last person you spoke to on the phone?

Danny, he can't stand being away from me! LOL

16. What is on your desktop background?

My Girls

17. What was the last movie you watched?

The Painted Veil on DVD

18. What was the last book you read?

The Millionaires by Brad Meltzer

Yet Another Fab Contest!

Man oh man! These ladies are on a roll! Pinks & Blues Blog is having another contest for another FANTABULOUS prize that the girls & I can all share. Except for the size small panties though, my booty will not fit in those! So sad! Anhoo, head on over to their blog and check it out! While you are there, check out the rest of their blog and keep the doggy Bismarck in your prayers. Our Krystal was very much a part of our family and when she got sick, it was VERY hard on all of us.

Class of 2007

Well, Kat is officially a High School Graduate! She graduated Cum Laude with a Superintendent's Diploma of Distinction. We are ver proud of her!

The ceremony itself was as predicted. A zoo. Making matters worse was the weather. Torential rain & wind. The location where the ceremony was being held was horrid. We were not able to drive up to the front to be dropped off. We had to park 2 blocks away, and WALK in the pouring rain! Hair & make up on everyone was ruined. Our feet were muddy. We all looked like drowned rats! And we had umbrellas, imagine if we didn't!

They ask that you hold your applause an yelling till the last name is called. As a courtesy to other parents, that may not be able hear their child's name over the yelling. That doesn't stop anyone. There was yelling, hollering, stomping and even air horns. I did hear her name and actually was able to see her walk up to receive her diploma, so I was happy.

'Tis the Season

Hurricane Season that is. It starts today. I woke up to rain and it has not stopped. We just saw on the news that there already may be a sub tropical system out there. Oh joy! That is the number one reason that I hate living here. From now till November we will be "watching the tropics". we are supposd to have a real active season this year. I believe it too. Last year was pretty slow and according to the media, we are due for a big one. Not looking forward to this at all.

Graduation is tonight. Hopefully we won't get drenched!