8 Houses...

My sister Kate "tagged" me for where I'd have my 8 houses if I could have as many as McCain has. Funny, but I actually learned a lot about myself by doing this. I'm evidently pretty easy to please...

Believe it or not, I would LOVE to have a wall tent to live. Maybe not forever, but I would love to have a beautifully decorated wall tent as a "second or third" home. Probably on the Clearwater River - Elmer would like that. I would love to have a farm on the Palouse. The beautiful rolling hills of wheat are so peaceful. Yep, I'd like that...

I would love to have this home near Yellowstone. It's one of only two "big" homes I chose. But oh, isn't it magnificent? And being near Yellowstone - that would be heaven.

I've always wanted to turn an old church or school into a home. I'd love it to be in central Oregon somewhere. Yea, somewhere in the pines... Well, ya gotta have a beach house. This one's in Hawaii - why be anywhere else if you're going to be on a beach?

But if I could only have one other house, I have always been totally fascinated with tree houses. This one looks like it's space age - probably not really my style but I thought it was interesting.

This would probably be my dream tree house. I think I'd like for it to be in Oregon or Vermont. I've never actually been to Vermont but it's the one place in the United States that I would LOVE to see. It just sounds like I would love it there...

But, unless I win the lottery, I have a feeling that my tree house will end up in Kuna, looking something like this...

So if you could have 8 homes anywhere, where would they be and what would they look like? Be sure to let me know if you blog about your choices. I want to see what you've come up with! Who knows, maybe you'll learn something about yourself like I did!

The Genetic Test...

A few months ago, my sister Kate decided she wanted to find out if she had the gene that increased her chances of having breast or ovarian cancer. She talked to her doctor who told her that I should be the one tested since I've already had it twice. It didn't really make sense to me so I didn't think too much more about it until I saw something on the Today Show yesterday. After watching that, I decided that I'd call MSTI (our local cancer center) and talk to a genetic specialist.

She was SO kind and nice and said "Oh my gosh, I can't believe your sister's doctor knew that YOU should be the one tested, she's exactly right." So, in order to let my sisters and daughter know if my cancer is something THEY need to be concerned about, I've set up an appointment and I'm going in for testing next Thursday.

From what I understand, if I don't have the gene, then my sisters and daughter will be no more likely to get either of these cancers than any other woman. But if I do have the gene, then they'll know that they each need to get tested to see if THEY have the gene.

I hope the gene doesn't show up, but if it does, I'll be so grateful that this testing is available and has been done so that they will know their options and can take whatever action the deem appropriate. I'll definitely let you know how the appointment goes and the results of the test once I get it.

Elmer Is So Kind...

No, he didn't send flowers, I'm not being whisked away on some romantic/surprise vacation.

He we so kind as to fix my picture so the old gal has lime green socks. Have I got a good guy or what?

Gotta Love Him. Or Do I?

I know, I've used this picture before, but she looks SO MUCH like me. She even dresses like me - except she's not wearing lime green socks. I think I'm gonna get me one of those pretty hair things too...

Yesterday...
I was in my bathroom putting on makeup. I've got this handy-dandy stuff I put on for "deep wrinkles". Adam, my dear-sweet-wonderful-smart-ass-14-year-old walked in and asked "What's that?"

"It's deep wrinkle cream to keep my wrinkles from getting worse."

Without blinking he replied "You should have started using that a LONG time ago."

I hope he lives to be 15...

Boise Mercury Spill...

I have to post this correction to the post I wrote below. It was not 4.05 millileters of mercury spilled - it was 0.45 millileters. Thank God - Boise would have had to move to California...

Dear God Help Us - We've Had Another Mercury Spill...

Yes, it's true, we've had another horrific mercury spill here in Boise. It seems that during a Science class at Mountain View High School, an old mercury thermometer fell on the floor and broke, spilling 4.05 milliliters of mercury. They've closed the west wing of the school. One student stepped in the mercury and spread it to other parts of the west end. Once again, she's been appropriately scrubbed down with a wire brush and dipped in a vat of bleach to make sure she's squeaky clean.

The school should reopen on Wednesday, provided the chore of digging down 2 feet of the west end of the school goes as planned.

As if we didn't have enough to worry about with the election and the economy. And to think our parents used to stick those in our mouths. Please pray for us...

Prison Break Marathon...

It was an absolutely gorgeous day. 65 degrees and no wind. There were 600 registered runners and everyone had a good time.

These are the formula one flyover planes. It's really hard to get pictures of planes. They flew over 3 times but this was the best picture I got.
And the riot squad. They're awesome.

It was a good day and I think the Peace Officers' Memorial will get a good chunk of money from the event!

Now THIS Would Be Worth Watching...

Andy Rooney's Thoughts On Women Over 40...

My sister sent me the following and since I'm over 40 (or 50), I love it!

As I grow in age, I value women over 40 most of all. Here are just a few reasons why:

A woman over 40 will never wake you in the middle of the night and ask, 'What are you thinking?' She doesn't care what you think.

If a woman over 40 doesn't want to watch the game, she doesn't sit around whining about it. She does something she wants to do, and it's usually more interesting.

Women over 40 are dignified. They seldom have a screaming match with you at the opera or in the middle of an expensive restaurant. Of course, if you deserve it, they won't hesitate to shoot you if they think they can get away with it.

Older women are generous with praise, often undeserved. They know what it's like to be unappreciated.

Women get psychic as they age. You never have to confess your sins to a woman over 40.

Once you get past a wrinkle or two, a woman over 40 is far sexier than her younger counterpart.

Older women are forthright and honest. They'll tell you right off if you are a jerk, if you are acting like one. You don't ever have to wonder where you stand with her.

Yes, we praise women over 40 for a multitude of reasons. Unfortunately, it's not reciprocal. For every stunning, smart, well-coiffed, hot woman over 40, there is a bald, paunchy relic in yellow pants making a fool of himself with some 22-year old waitress. Ladies, I apologize.

For all those men who say, 'Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free? Here's an update for you. Nowadays 80% of women are against marriage. Why? Because women realize it's not worth buying an entire pig just to get a little sausage!

Idaho Prison Break

Next Saturday is an event I look forward to. It's only the second year for this event but it's such fun. It's a half-marathon sponsored by Alladin Bail Bonds and the Prison. We've been very fortunate that they have chosen the Idaho Peace Officers' Memorial as the benefactor. Again this year, we'll be taking our trailer out to sell bricks, shirts, hats, badges, etc.

Whoever thought up this event has done a great job. The race is through the high-desert around the Idaho State Penitentiary. They have an awesome start which begins with the Prison Riot Squad marching out with all their gear on. They "stomp" and yell almost making a war-like atmosphere. Then the formula one race planes do a flyover and finally, to start the racers, the escape siren from the prison goes off. They call it "The most exciting race event of your life!"

Last year we froze our butts off it was so cold. This year, I'm taking Elmer's propane heater he uses in his goose blind and I'll take pictures!

Every Night...

I step outside before I go to bed, and look up into the sky. Someday, I hope to see a ufo.

They fascinate me. I watch everything I can find on tv about them. I don't understand how anyone could possibly doubt they exist. Police officers, military people, and pilots have all seen them. Who are they? Where are they from? Why won't the military admit to what's out there even though F-15s have been seen chasing these unknown lights?

Just one of life's mysteries that absolutely fascinate me! Who knows, maybe someday when I go outside I'll look up and see something myself!

Happy Day!

Last week, my son Jake and his wonderful wife Heather, went to court. It was a very special day. The parental rights of Grace's biological mother were terminated. Grace is now 5 and such a special girl. Bio-mom didn't oppose the termination, rather a sad case, she certainly didn't want/need children. Yet, as I've said before, we received a gift from God when Heather and Jake met. She and Grace absolutely adore eachother and they're an adorable family.

On November 5, 2008 - in 3 weeks, Heather will formally adopt Gracie. Grace is so fortunate, she's had Heather for 3 years, now it will be legal. We're so incredibly lucky !

I Met A Very Important Person Today...

Nope, it wasn't the Governor.

I was "werkin' at the Merc" today and had just finished fixing my lunch when I noticed my co-worker talking to a woman at the counter I had never seen before. She was using hand gestures and speaking very quietly. I thought at first maybe she was deaf, but as I got closer, I realized she could definately hear but I also noticed the obvious discomfort of my 21-year-old co-worker at trying to communicate with her.

I walked to the counter with my lunch and sat next to where she was standing. My co-worker asked me something about Hidden Springs in order to answer a question she had tried to ask him. I looked at her and answered her question. Then, choosing her words very carefully (she reminded me much of myself after chemo, when I couldn't remember the simplest words) and told me that she had had a stroke. She looked to be in her early 30s and so I asked her how long ago it had been and we proceeded to talk about it.

I laughed with her and told her how I had a hard time (still) trying to remember the simplest words. She was such a sweet girl and it was obvious that she was gratful to be talking to someone who didn't speak to her as if she was stupid or deaf (by speaking slowly to her as my co-worker had done.)

So we had a normal conversation and I told her about the barn down the road and told her how to get there. She told me how some of her therapy was to drive and so she had ended up in HS. She actually lives near Micron so we talked some too about the recent fire. After visiting for 10 minutes or so, she decided it would be a good walk to go toward the barn, so off she went.

It was amazing how I felt after she left. I hope she ends up here again. It was such a pleasure to meet and visit with her - it made my day.

I'm So Ashamed...

I started thinking about how easy we have life these days. How "depressing" things are in our nation right now. Then I started thinking about the "real" Great Depression and what times were like back then. Farmers working daylight to dark plowing fields with horses - backbreaking work. Men working 6 days a week while women washed clothes in a tub of water and children had no shoes. How ungrateful I feel. If anything, at this point in my life, I truly wish I had less. I no longer feel the need to have new furniture, a new car, the best clothes. If anything, this economy has taught me that I could live with so much less and probably be happier than I have been in the past.

Proud men of the Great Depression having to stand in soup lines...



and men having to stand in line to get food rations for their families...
and women "pea pickers" who worked grueling hours and working conditions in order to survive...

From today forward, I'm going to think every day about our parents and grandparents who lived in these conditions and held their heads up proud and survived what we can't even imagine. I will be grateful, want and need less, and remember those who lived The Great Depression.


The best things in life aren't things...

I Think They've Kicked In...

Even though the economy gets worse every day, and for the first time since I was in my 20s, I'm concerned about money and wondering if Elmer will ever be able to retire, I think I can at least be nice again. I did however, have to double my dose of happy pills.

I guess I'm like 90% of the rest of the nation right now. I don't remember ever being so afraid of trying to survive the next 3-5 years. I'm also concerned because when the Presidential race started, I was really concerned about how our new President would handle the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Now, I, along with most of the nation, wonder which one will help us through this scary time we're facing. I feel like this is probably the most important election I've ever faced - yet I'm still not quite sure which will get us out of this recession/depression the fastest and best way. But I know I'm not alone.

On a happy note, yesterday I took Adam to get his braces off! He looks wonderful and his teeth are beautiful! I'll post pictures later today. You know how 15-year-olds are, I'm going to have to sneak to get a picture!

I Haven't Blogged For A While...

simply because I haven't had anything nice to say. And my mom always said, "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all."

I see stupid people… they’re everywhere… they walk around just like the rest of us… they don’t even know they’re stupid…


Today, took the cake. I was coming home from Albertsons and came to a stop light at the intersection of 2 subdivisions. As my light turned green, a small SUV came from the left and stopped in the middle of the intersection waiting for the car from the other direction (who had correctly stopped because she saw the light was red). When the car from the other direction didn't go (through the red light) the dumb shit who was stopped in the intersection honked at her and flipped her off. Suddenly, he realized he was sitting in the middle of a red light and that I should have just run his ass over, so he decided to turn and go on about his merry, blame-the-other-person-for-my-dumb-ass-mistakes, life. What the hell. Are people really that stupid?

The other day, I was standing in the aisle of the store looking at something on the shelf and a woman walked past me and almost knocked me over. As I ALWAYS do, I turned to her and said "Oh, I'm sorry" - even though I knew it wasn't MY fault, and expected her to say the same thing - at the very least. She made no eye contact - even though she was standing right next to me and said nothing. It was all I could do to not slap her right across the face and say "Look you dumb ass, you almost knocked me over but don't have the sensibility or decency to say sorry!" I'm only too willing to admit the stupid things I've done (and still do) in life - just ask me, I'll even give them to you in alphabeltical order.

What has our world come to that everybody feels so damn comfortable blaming ANYBODY but themselves for their stupid mistakes in life? I just don't freakin' get it. If you do something stupid - admit it! If you say something stupid - say you're sorry! There's never anything wrong with admitting you're a dumb ass. I've done it so often I can't count. I've apologized to my kids for putting them through some of the things I've put them through in their lives, I've apologized for things I know I haven't even done wrong just to keep the peace in life (such as apologizing every freakin' time somebody else bumps into me). But I'm done. I'm just freakin' done. If your life is so pathetic that you can't even take responsibility for yourself, then keep the hell away from me because frankly, I've got enough of my own problems and I sure as hell don't want to be any part of your sorry-ass life.

My son Jake just posted something on Facebook which I absolutely love: "I'm pushing you down the Stairs of Enlightenment, so that you might find the Floor of Understanding at the bottom." You see, if people would WALK down the stairs of Enlightenment, they wouldn't have to be freakin' pushed. Take responsiblility for your life and what you do to others!

I'm sure that here in a few days, I'll even apologize for this post. But not today. Today, I'm tellin' it like it is.