It’s a New Year

I know I’ve really been out of the loop with a majority of my friends and I’m truly sorry, but for some reason I just don’t have the energy these days to be social. I know me…not being social!?! But I finally have a day off and I get to look back on 2009. Yeah it had its major down times, but it was bombarded with some great times that kick the bad times in the butt!

2009 started off with me going down to Las Vegas a few times to see my sister in the hospital which was probably the worst thing that happened to me personally in the year. I hated to see her is so much pain and discomfort, it just broke my heart, but seeing Tiff at Thanksgiving, she looks like she’s taking a slow but good recovery. I also quit my job with a boss I truly adore.

I still miss everyone I worked with at the Document Group, but I quit so I could go on a once in a lifetime trip to Australia and New Zealand. I got to go see the Opera House in Sydney and play with the local wildlife and the people were just amazing.

Once I got back home about a month later, I started to plan my next trip which was to England. I had too much fun in Birmingham playing with my fellow geeks and nerds. Next time I need to spend more than 4 days there!

But the day before I left for England I got the best things that happened to me this year. I got my beautiful Westie twins Nuke and Tazer. These two light up my life everyday!

Once back from England I got to plan yet another trip, this one to Las Vegas, but not for another hospital stay. I got to play with a couple of my girlfriends April and Ashley. I haven’t seen Ashley in years so it was great catching up with her. The best thing was when Ash was being harassed by the Coca-Cola bear. So funny!

Then onto Halloween. I love this holiday. I can honestly say it’s the only holiday I truly look forward to. I elaborate on my rotting corpse which made it “extra special” one can say.

After Halloween, not much happened, mostly due to the overtime at work. As much as I complain about that place, I’m very grateful that I have it. I know so many others that for their Christmas presents from work, they got laid off.

This year I’ve learned to stay in touch with friends old and new, tell your loved ones you love them each time you see or talk with them and don’t let life get in the way of finding new places to venture to, even if they’re all in your imagination.

Here’s to making 2010 the best yet!

Sleepless in Las Vegas

If you’re on Facebook you’ll know that I’ve spent the last 6 days in Las Vegas. Unfortunately it wasn’t for fun. The closest I got to any casino was driving past the strip going from one hospital to another. My sister, Tiffany was in the hospital in major pain. She has been sick for a long time and it was her boss that made her go into the hospital.

I got the call Saturday afternoon, right after my shift at work that she was in the hospital and not doing well. So I got packed up and headed towards Vegas. When I got the hospital I saw Tiff lying there in major pain and it broke my heart.

To make a long week short here is the low down:

~ Tiff has pinched nerves and collapsed discs, basically causing her to have a slow and very painful way that could eventually lead to paralysis. Because she can still feel pain and her legs still spasm, the doctors feel that it wasn’t a cause for an emergency surgery, even though she needs surgery big time.

~ Because of the way the doctors have put in her I.V. and left it in she has an infection (cellulitious) that she’s now fighting off.

~ There was only one hospital in the area that surgeons do back surgery at, and it wasn’t the one that she was at and because insurance is a joke, they wouldn’t pay for the transfer, so we got her discharged and had to transfer her ourselves to another hospital out in Henderson. Here is where we sat for hours in the E.R. with a bunch of sickos. Listening to other’s issues, seeing other’s infections and the smell and sounds of others vomiting…who knows what we might of caught ourselves.

~ So now we wait for 10 days when Tiff can actually go in a see the specialists about surgery.

In the time that I was there, I got very little sleep and what sleep I did get was in the hospital chair and I got to shower only twice. Gross I know, but comfort was not a top priority while there. I did get to meet a couple of Tiff’s friends who are nurses so they’ll be able to look after her until her appointment time, so that’s a great comfort.

I know it sounds like I’m rambling, because most likely I am. Lack of sleep will do that. I just ask that everyone keep Tiff in your thoughts and prayers as she goes through this difficult time.

The view outside the hospital window that we came to know well. If you look if the very far off distance you can see the strip.

It’s The Little Things

For those of you who don’t know, I live at home with my parents. I know it sounds pathetic, but it was my Mom who actually suggested it as I was going to be living all by myself in a apartment and she basically is home by herself a lot of the time because my Dad is out of town for business and is home only 6-8 days for most of the month. She thought instead of two people living alone that it’s better that we stayed together. I have no problem with that, because I do have the best parents a girl could ask for.

The other day, my Dad was at home and my Mom had to have major surgery on her teeth. My father took the time out to be by her the whole day. He isn’t home often, so he spends time catching up on things that need repair on the house and getting ready for the next trip, but he put my mother first. He even spent the whole day on the couch with her, while she slept for 12 hours. He just watched over her, hardly left her side, because the doctor said that she may come down with a fever. It’s the little things like this that make me gleam with delight and brings me happiness to be able to spend time with such caring and wonderful parents.


Quirky Quote: Don't worry that children never listen to you; worry that they are always watching you. ~Robert Fulghum

Be Grateful Everyday

A couple of nights ago, I got a call from my dad, he was coming home from teaching class in Shreveport, Louisiana after only one day of work and I needed to go and pick him up at the airport. This has never happened. Yes, classes sometimes get shortened but not cancelled after one day.

He was teaching a small class of three men that grew up together. They all went to the same High School and even worked the same jobs. They were best buds for years. The first day of any training my father teaches Safety guidelines set out by OSHA. One thing he tells everyone is “Think if you were hurt, what would happen to your families and loved ones”. Well, my dad went to set up the training class and no one showed for the longest time. These three men were in a major accident on the way to work. One may lose his leg, one paralyzed from the neck down and the other was not confirmed with his injuries, but I’m sure it’s not good.

It’s amazing what a new day will bring, even just a few hours. I always get depressed with how boring my life is, but you hear of something like this happening and it puts your own life in to prospective. Be grateful for the things you have in life, even stuff we take for granted such as the ability to walk or being able to lift your arms and give someone a hug, because maybe one day we not have those abilities.


Quirky Quote: As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. ~John Fitzgerald Kennedy

Fire on the Water

Today started out as any other day; I woke and got ready for a day of work. There was a nasty smell in the air, but I was thinking it was just the lovely lake effect aroma that we get from the Great Salt Lake. As I was headed out the door, I heard my Mom exclaim “The pond is on fire”! I looked out the window and say and there’s a small fire on the side of the pond that hold our filter and pump. Having to run outside while the sprinklers were still on and get the hose to douse the flame, I looked like I just got out of the shower.

I’m thinking that there were a couple of tragedies. One of our Japanese pond sails loved that area of the pond as well as some water snakes (Eve isn’t to upset about the snakes). With the small fire went some lily pads and all the electrical equipment. I also believe that it was the sprinklers that kept the fire from spreading out farther.

Nothing like waking up to the nasty smell of burnt plastic, rubber and cannel water.

Quirky Quote: A spark neglected makes a mighty fire. ~Robert Herrick

The Funny Men at Thanksgiving Point

Last night I took my parents out for the 39th Wedding Anniversary and to celebrate I took them to see a couple of outstanding stand-up comics. Opening the show was Kermit Apio. He spoke about living in Hawaii and how some people in the U.S. think that's a foreign place, reminisced about Walkman and made fun of the Wendover tree.

The headliner was Brian Regan, who is probably one of the most brilliant funny men out there. He's very clean with his humor and spoke of thing most everyone can relate to, such as baseball umpires, watching Nova and telling stories of this childhood. Everyone was cracking up!

I had a great time at the show, but if anyone works for Thanksgiving Point, please tell them that they SERIOUSLY need help with their parking. Before the show, we ended up walking 35 minutes to get to the venue because of no parking. We had to go to a neighboring venue (us and about 400 other cars), just to find a place to squeeze our vehicle in. Then, Thanksgiving Point must not know what full capacity is. I'd say the over sold the show by about 800 people. We were there 45 minutes early and we ended up sitting in the very back. We really didn't see the show, but mostly listened to it.

Even with these issues, the show was remarkable. If you can catch either of these comic on stage, I highly recommend seeing them. I hoping they'll will return again next year.

Abbygail “Boober” Gizmo Hale

Abbygail “Boober” Gizmo Hale
May 20, 1993 – July 19, 2008

Last night I got a rude awakening. My baby girl has passed away. Just like my uncle, I knew this time was coming. My mom and I even said just a few weeks ago, how much their symptoms are alike and that they’d probably go at the same time…and they did.

She hasn’t eaten in 5 days and she’s been violently ill. But that didn’t stop me from taking care of her until her last breath. I am grateful that she was able to be at home and not at the vet’s office when she went and I’m very grateful that she came and went into my life…in my arms.

I know she was a brat at times, but she was my little brat. We comforted each other through thunderstorms and she lent me her ears when I need someone to vent to. It’s going to take a lot of getting used to not carrying her up and down the stairs, tucking her into bed, feeding her my table scraps and having her chase after people, especially the kids around the pond. The kids and her both loved that game. Her favorite color was green, so I did get her some green flowers. I know what you’re thinking, that dogs are colored blind, but for some reason, she always knew green things, maybe that’s why she liked the grass so much. When she got older she became more loving. She let me hold her and hug her without her wanting to run off. That’s what I’ll miss most is cradling her and having her head nuzzle in my neck.

Most people think that I’m a fool grieving over a pet like I do, but she wasn’t just a pet, she was my companion for half my life. She was there through thick and thin. That unconditional love doesn’t make her an animal, but a true member of the family

I’ll miss you very much baby girl. Have fun playing with Grandma, Buttons and the rest of our angels!



Quirky Quote: Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole. ~Roger Caras

Wesley Gavin Somers

Wesley Gavin Somers
May 24, 1922 – July 17, 2008

Last night, once I got home from an extremely stressful day at work, I was hit with the news that my Uncle Wes had died earlier in the day. This didn’t come as a surprise to me because he’s been in a nursing home for the last three years, but that pain and hurt of losing someone still hits.

Wes was a loveable man. He greeted everyone as if they have been friends for a lifetime. He was a terrific athlete and loved every moment that he could spend with his family.

We’ll miss you greatly Wes!

Quirky Quote: The death of someone we know always reminds us that we are still alive - perhaps for some purpose which we ought to re-examine. ~Mignon McLaughlin

Independence Day 2008

Independence Day is one of my favorite holidays because it’s filled with fun traditions that I get to spend with family, friends and neighbors.

The parents

Some of the neighbors

Each year my next door neighbor, Alan Sharp, holds a block party for bringing in the holiday. We have the roads blocked as we hold a small ceremony and breakfast afterward. We start with Alan, a retired four-star Air Force General, welcoming everyone and letting everyone know who is new, who has moved and who has passed on in the neighborhood since last year. Then we have the Boy Scouts bring in the color guard and raising of the flag, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the Star Spangled Banner.

The General Alan Sharp *~ * Boy Scout Troop 227

A block party tradition is to bring in the holiday with the noise of a shot gun and this year’s honor went to Dave Jeffs and this year a new tradition began…our own neighborhood classic car show. Yeah, there were only two, but I’m sure there’ll be more next year. Hopefully, my dad will has his car up and running by then.

The rifleman Dave Jeffs *~* Classic Cars

Each year we have a member of the military (retire or active) give a small speech, this year was my next door neighbor to the East, Butch Neiderhauser. He gave a more non-traditional talk about the Confederacy and what a great job he did. I kind of forgot that they played a major role in this nation’s history, and to hear of their stories and battles gives new perspective on the Civil War.

Butch Neiderhauser *~* Getting out the grills

Then it’s onto breakfast. We line up the grills, have a feast for all and catching up with the neighbors. Then once we are all full, it’s the kids turn (young and old) to feed the leftovers to the fish in our pond.

Some of the neighborhood kidlets

After the clean up, the folks and I headed East 180 miles, to Green River, Wyoming to see some family. I love spending time with my extended family. My cousin Chris has the cutest little boy, Jackson. He’s our little entertainer, bringing smiles to all our faces. Jackson is so adventurous, that we took him to ride my uncle Kennard’s horse Partner. This horse is the most loveable creature! He just wants to nuzzle up to everyone and was great with Jackson. Partner’s only problem is that his nuzzling ends up with horse gubbers on your shirt, but it’s all for good lovin’ from him.

Jackson riding Partner

Around 7pm we still had to make another stop, 90 miles West in Evanston. My cousin Troy and his family came down from Wheatland, Wyoming to see his mom. It was the first time in 3 years that I saw them and the first time I got to meet my baby cousin Alley, who looks like a cherub and one of the girlest girls I know. I hope it’s not another 3 years before I see them again.
Evanston is known for all of its fireworks stores and each neighbor, store and the city had huge displays going off at the same time. That town had the sky was lit up like no other! The best I’ve seen in years.

This year was filled with fun and I can’t wait to do it all again next year.

Quirky Quote: Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves. ~Abraham Lincoln

The Graduate

Tuesday, I got to celebrate a wonderful day with my cousin, Candice Anderson. Not only was it her birthday, but she graduated high school. But to top it off, she graduated last month with her Assosicates Degree. Graduating college before High School, how cool is that?!? What a smart kid (yeah I still call her a kid). I wish her the best in life and I know that anything she puts her mind to, she can do it. Congratulations Candice! Now go out into the world and show them what you got!


Random Recommendation: Re-read your childhood favorite story or book.
Quirky Quote: The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet. ~Aristotle

Another Crazy-Fun Weekend

Besides the usual of work and ‘trying’ to get chores done, this weekend was filled with activity. On Saturday, I had to opportunity to go to downtown Salt Lake, something I don’t do too often but should. My friend Adell and I walked around Temple Square taking some great pictures, catching up and seeing how much downtown has changed since it’s under a major remodel. After walking and walking and more walking we took in a movie, “The Fall” (see my review). What an excellent show! I wish they’d do a nationwide release so that everyone can experience it. This is probably one of the best movies I've seen in years!


On Sunday, I got to see my friends Johnny and Emily bless their cute baby boy. I haven’t seen Johnny for so long, because he’s working and going to school in Utah County. I feel sorry that his family doesn’t get to see him much, but it’ll be a good thing once he is finished. Congratulations to the Tani family!



About 3 hours later, I headed out to the airport to pick up my father from his long trip to Tanzania. It’s been a crazy couple of weeks knowing if he really was doing so well there. Then he came home with this huge bite on his arm! It looked so painful and he said that it itches like crazy. He decided not to tell us that he got this bite the third day while there, because it would worry us. He then explained that the bug that got him, injects an acid with the bite, which caused the itching. Thanks for keeping that to yourself Pops! I then spent the next few hours talking to him about all his stories while he was there. I hope to get the stories typed up and on his blog. If you haven’t read the blog, go and check it out. There’s so much you can learn about this place and by the time you’re finished you’ll realize how lucky you have it in this world.
http://ronhaleintanzania.blogspot.com/