Happy New Year:-)

I hope its a good one......for everyone.


Cheers!

Well, I got what I wished for. He had to go in to work, there was a problem. He didn't get home until 9 and he's got to go back tomorrow. Sometimes being the boss really sucks.

Shit, now I feel bad. He really needed this time off. He has a horrid cold again, and needs rest before he gets sick:/

As for me, I had a friggin panic attack this evening. I HATE those. I know its from stress. I'm better now, thank God.

I finally got Joseph's birthday book finished....only 3 days late, LOL. I didn't get Steve and Casey's stuff until today though, so I couldn't finish it. He absolutely LOVED it. It touched him a lot. When I read what Steve and Casey both wrote, *I* cried.

I got a card from LaDonn today. I was floored. She apologized without apologizing, if that makes any sense. She gave me her new address......they moved to Arizona. Its been a year since I talked to her....she quit speaking to me before they moved, because I she knew I didn't like the grifter who moved in with her. I will have to write her a letter....I am curious as to what has been going on. She didn't mention Nonnie either....I'll bet she passed away:(

I think I will make it an early night.

UGH. I wish he had to work. If he's like this all week, I am taking a road trip:/

Finally, a chance to relax.

It has been a cold, windy, rainy day. It would have been a perfect day to sit on the couch with a throw and a good book. Unfortunately, the house is a pit, so I spent all day cleaning. Both bathrooms got a good scrubbing, the family room got cleaned and the kitchen done.

Tomorrow I am going to work in the bedroom if we don't go anywhere....I got the guest room/Kaya's room done yesterday.

Saturday was Joseph's birthday. I am having a really hard time with the fact that my baby is 13. I don't know why, but it hit me hard:(

He loves the Gamecube he got.

We went to Roy & Eleanors on Friday for Christmas and Joseph's birthday. I am concerned about Roy. He isn't bouncing back from the pneumonia. He is still weak....and I don't think he should be driving. Eleanor hasn't the balls to tell him either. He took us out to see Christmas lights, and I was a freaking wreck with him driving.

Saturday morning, Eleanor didn't even get up. She was up all night coughing. She needs to take care of herself. Roy runs her ragged......I know we should go down more often, but I won't be guilted into it. There is enough going on around here. Steve offered them a house in Talent, but they don't want to leave Santa Cruz....no matter that it would be easier for them to live there.

We spent a few hours poking around bookstores in Santa Cruz(and the music store)....since it was Boo's birthday, he got to choose what we did. We picked up a complete Beatles song book for his guitar. Chris didn't buy it....instead they came back to the thrift shop I was at and told me about it. WHY didn't he just buy the damn thing? Joseph wanted it a lot. I had to go in and get it myself.

Dinner Saturday was pizza.....Joseph's favorite. I didn't complain any....I didn't have to cook;) I made a chocolate cake though:)

Chris worked today, but is off the rest of the week....to use the remaining days of vacation. I think we are going to the Academy of Science tomorrow if it isn't storming....they close Wednesday to be rebuilt, and its free!

Almost time for the Malcolm marathon......must see tv;-)

I've been cleaning all day...still not finished.

BBL when I have a minute to sit.

Merry Christmas! I am beat;-)

Yesterday I did the cookie baking.....9 dozen cookies. I also made the kringle krunch which turned out really well if i do say do myself. We went to the family mass at 4, instead of waiting til Midnight.

Joseph was up at a little after 6 this morning....but he let Chris and I sleep in til 7. He was strumming the guitar when I woke up, then he came in to wish me Merry Christmas. He was freakin thrilled with that guitar! Chris made cinnamon rolls for breakfast and after a cup of coffee, we commenced with the gift opening.

Everyine liked their gifts. Joseph made out like a bandit (again). He really liked the skateboard and the Concert For George DVD. He took his new camera up to Sheri's and took a boatload of pictures.

Chris was happy with his new tools. I'll never figure men out....buy them any kind of tool and they are as happy as a lark.

I was surprised to get the Anthology DVD set. I am happy I got it though. I am going to have some serious telly watching to do here. I got some new baby blue sweats and some flannel jammies. I love flannel. *Sigh* It is so comfy and warm. The Oscar perfume I got is one of my favorites too. We listened to Sheryl Crow on the way up to Sacramento, and Joseph's Bare Naked Ladies cd on the way home.

It was nice to see everyone at Sheri's. Dinner was wonderful as usual. She is a mini Martha Stewart, I swear! Alan and Kate came up, and Al tought Joe some chords on the guitar. Chris was thrilled....Al found some old pictures of Chris' mom and dad.....when they were newly married. She was so beautiful. I wish I could have met her. His dad looks just like Steve.....or Steve looks just like their dad.

ANyway, it was a really nice day....a long tiring day, but nice.
I hope everyone reading had a wonderful day as well:)

I finally got all the wrapping finished! I was beginning to wonder whether I would have it done in time for Christmas, LOL. I've got the stocking stuufers all together and ready to go tomorrow night as well.

We went down to Sue's & exchanged gifts with them. Morgan and Tyler were there. I guess they're babysitting them during Christmas break. Morgan is a crack up. She treats Joseph just like a big brother....and he treats her like a bratty sister;) Tyler is so quiet. He barely came down to say hi before he was back up on the computer. Its hard to believe they are brother and sister....they're as different as night and day. Sue gave us gifts for Kaya too.....I wish I could give them to her for Christmas:(

Traffic was hell. I am so glad we're not going anywhere tomorrow, except for Mass.

I got all the chili fixins for tomorrow.....it will be the traditional family Christmas Eve chili. Joseph is going to make cornbread to eat with it.

I also got the cake mix for his birthday on Saturday. I can NOT believe my baby boy is going to be 13. I found some birthday wrapping paper tonight, and a card. Do you know how hard it is to find a birthday card at Christmastime?

Cookie baking in the morning......guess I should go to bed early;)

Back from Sonora. We stayed at this cute funky little motel. We went to Jamestown yesterday and rode the Christmas train, complete with Santa and Mrs.Claus, and a fiddler named Huckleberry. Not only did he play the fiddle, but the mandolin as well. It was a nice ride.
We ate dinner at the Europa Cafe. I had a grilled veggie panini....oh so good;)

We went into Columbia before dinner...I was hoping there was some special Christmas stuff going on, but there was nothing. We went into the candy store....they had old fashioned ribbon candy like Mom used to get when I was a kid. I had to buy some. I also got some *Kringle Krunch*. Its white chocolate with smashed candy canes in it. OMG it is good. I bought white chocolate chips tonight....I'm making some tomorrow!

We hit some antique stores this morning before we left. I got some old choirboy candles and a Christmas song book.

Thrift store find of the day: Sherpa lined Levis jacket for $2.50....and its a perfect fit!

I've been slacking on this blog. I have good intentions....but have been sidetracked. I will try and do better, I promise;)

I got my hair cut on Wednesday and colored it Thursday. I washed that grey right out, as they say. I would be really grey if I let it go. Not ready for that anytime soon! I take after my mom on that count...she went grey in her late 30s!

I got my glasses today! I was totally surpised....I just ordered them on Wednesday. I guess it was a slow week in the spec making business. I think they are pretty cool.....Chris calls them Bonnie glasses, cause they are similar to the ones Bonnie Hunt wears on her show. They're a cross between hers and that reporter, Ashleigh Banfield. Anyway, its nice to see again ;P
Vanity is a stupid thing. I've needed glasses for years but didn't want to wear them. Now I don't care! It will be interesting to see the guys play now that I can really SEE the stage, LOL.

Chris had to have more laser done on his eye on Thursday.....it was the heavy laser, and he had a headache all day Friday, so he left work early. Now he's on vacation for a week....god help me.

I am still not finished Christmas shopping! I went today and finished Sue & Walts and Roy & Eleanor's gifts. There are just a couple of things I need to get. Chris and Joseph wrapped some of my gifts while I was gone.

I got some laundry done today too.....LORD I do a lot of laundry. Chris and Joseph actually folded a load while I was gone Wonder what got into them. That never happens.

We're going up to Sonora tomorrow for the day. There are train rides at the Railroad Museum in Jamestown....Booboo really wants to go on a ride, so we'll do that. I'm going to try and get the rest of my shopping done too. Keep your fingers crossed;)

Thats it for now:-)

It has been a day.

I made 2 dozen cookies and some fudge for class tonight.

I was going to go order my new specs but I couldn't find the damn prescription. I guess I need the glasses more than I thought, LOL. I looked everywhere and couldn't find it at all. I finally gave up and called for a replacement copy.....and five minutes later found the damn prescription. By that time it was too late to go order them...I had too much to do.

I ran to Staples to make copies for tonight, then forgot to take them. I got Karla a small gift of aromatherapy crap. She is having a hard time. I can't imagine what she is going through....being dumped for a young girl after 26 years of marriage:/ Greg needs his ass kicked. He doesn't realize what he has given up.

I made some gnocchi for dinner, along with a salad and baguette. It was fast and easy.

Class was ok. I swear, some of those kids are wild. I had a time getting them to calm down. Luckily (or not) we didn't do a lot tonight....I had them read a chapter about sacraments, then we had a Christmas party. They may be in junior high, but they are still kids, LOL. They sang and made ornaments. Now I have 3 weeks off before my next class. YIPPEE!! This is my last year teaching a sacrament class. If Karla wants me next year, it will have to be kindergarten or first grade. Nice and easy....cut and paste;-)

The Gomez triplets brought me cookies and a new ornament.

After class, I came home and made 2 more pies for Chris to take to work tomorrow. Thursday night I make 2 more.

I am so ready for jammies now;-)

Sunday, Sunday.

Watched the Niner game this morning. They lost to the Bengals:/ I do miss the days of Joe Montana;)

We went down and spent the afternoon at Sue's house. The whole family was there...Greg flies home to Boston tomorrow. Its a trip to be around Sue and Greg....I revert to being the baby sister. All the 'boys' were there. Funny to call them boys.....David is in his early 30s now, LOL. Its nice to be with them all. Joseph has a blast with Morgan, Tyler and Isabella.

We came home (stopped for a bucket 'o chicken...didn't feel like cooking tonight) and I baked 2 chocolate chip pies for Chris to take to work tomorrow. I have to make 3 more this week. I should make an extra....so we can have one.

Tonight was quiet.....we watched the Survivor finale after dinner. I was glad Sandra won. The reunion show was one of the better ones I think.

Now its bedtime. For not doing much today, I am definitely ready to crawl into warm flannel sheets:)

I decided to decorate the Disney tree tonight. One less thing to do tomorrow. Charlie Brown Christmas, egg nog and tree decorating. Its definitely the season;-)

I tried the reverse lookup to try and find Kezia. No luck. I'm hoping maybe they're just not in the system yet. The white pages search still shows Kelso's address as the old one....SHE isn't anywhere....the girl has no paper trail:/
Frustration is mounting....but I am trying not to let it get to me. Kaya needs us strong when we find her......

Maybe we'll win the lottery....I'm sure if I flashed enough $$ at Kezia, she would do the right thing. Money is the only language she speaks. She is sick and twisted:/

I am so full! It was cold and rainy today so I made a pot roast. It tasted very good. I shouldn't have had seconds of the potatoes & carrots though.

I finally got all the Christmas cards addressed. I addressed the forum cards last week, but still haven't mailed them. I will mail all of them Monday morning.

I got the big tree decorated today. It looks good, if I do say so. Tomorrow I will do the Disney tree. The outside lights look really good! I'm glad I wrapped the tree trunk.
Oops....Charlie Brown is on again....must watch!

More Christmas Wish today. We did 4 hours, and seemed to get a lot done. I think we bagged up gifts for about 100 kids during that time. They sent me to the skating center for free passes that were being donated. I only got 4. I think it pissed some of the ladies off. Teresa called them back and bitched them out for only giving 4 passes. She has more balls than I do. I would have been happy with what I got.

Some of those ladies are really on the edge. Kelly told me it gets intense and to not worry if someone gets snippy. Sorry, but rudness doesn't cut it. Either be thankful for the help and donation, or screw you. Some spirit, huh? I get tired of the bullshit though.

Chris, darling husband that he is....calls me at 3:30 before he leaves work and asks me if I realize that Charlie will be on vacation next week...and Chris the week after. Why should I care? Because I haven't got Charlie and Betty's gift yet.....and he needs to take it in tomorrow. OH!! No problem! I will just run to the 3 or 4 different shops ineed to go to find the 'perfect' gift. As soon as I finish everything I need to do here......laundry, dinner preparations, checking Joseph's math and checking on the progress of the book he's writing.

Its off to Ross, Marshalls and Bed Bath & Beyond. I found Charlie & Betty a great vodka serving thing.....6 glasses and an ice bucket. Then I went to Albertsons and got a bottle of Blue Sapphire to go with. (I'd like a bottle myself, lol) Wrapped in a beautiful package with a festive bow....and voila! Shelly saves the holiday (again)

Tonight was Survivor taco night......and goodbye to Burton (YAY) I was hoping it would be Jonny asshole.......he just makes my skin crawl. I admit it....I am Survivor obsessed.

Got an email from Roberta....they got the Rascal cd Peaceful World we sent. They like it. They will be camping on the Oregon coast this weekend in a yurt. I want to do that someday.....

Tomorrow is Friday! Yippee:-)

And so it goes.......

I'm tired and my back hurts....but its a good tired. Joseph and I went to help at Christmas Wish tonight. I've never done that before. I didn't realize just HOW many kids need stuff for Christmas.....who wouldn't get anything if it weren't for Christmas Wish. We sorted, organized and filled 'wishes'. Some of the wishes really got to me....kids asking for a coat, or new shoes. Makes me realize how lucky we are.

There was card for one 3 month old girl....she needed jammies and diapers. I found a cute outfit for her, some jammies, and then went next door to Big Lots and bought her a special soft dolly, diapers and some crib toys. Somehow, the donations for babies just aren't there yet. Karla told me I can't make it personal....its too hard. I can see she's right, but some of that stuff really touched me.

It is really good for Joseph to be doing this. He 'knows' there are kids who don't have anything, but this really brought it home to him.

We stopped at Burger King on the way home. I wasn't going to cook at 8 pm. Chris stopped on the way home from work and got his dinner.

Adam came over as soon as I pulled in the driveway. He is Joseph's shadow. They sat out on the front porch while Joseph ate his burger. Joseph told him all about the volunteering thing. I wish Adam would do something like that. It might help him......the child is spoiled rotten, but he is a sweetheart.

Chris told me one of his operators died last night:(

He was in his late 50s....and just got custody of his 3 grandchildren. He had the flu....and was coughing so much, his aorta blew. I told Chris he must have had a weak aorta already. Weird, and sad. I just hope Chris doesn't freak whenever HE coughs now. He tends to do that.

Its close to bedtime for me....I am whooped tonight.

I'm in a funk this morning, and I need to get out of it:/

Chris said he keeps trying to call Kezia, but still gets a busy signal on both her land line and her cell. I wonder if I get in touch with the phone company if they can tell me where she lives.....a reverse directory.
My stomach has been in knots....I hope and pray that Kaya knows how much we love her, and that it isn't our idea that she not be back with us. I hope she realizes its her mother keeping her away.

It felt so damn good to write those 2 checks......2 big bills paid off. Yippee!!!

I finally had time to sit and read Sundays paper. So what if it was a day late, LOL. I'm still looking through the ads. I need to get to K Mart tomorrow and pick up some flannel sheets for Joseph's bed.

I found a great gift for Sue and Walt....which is a bonus, because they are so hard to buy for. Its a beautiful dipping set for olive oil. I think I'll pick up a special bottle of olive oil at Nugget...they have so many different kinds.
I still don't know what else to get for Roy & Eleanor, besides the book of lighthouses. I need to get off my ass and get going on shopping:/

The never ending pile of laundry got a little smaller today. I got 3 loads done....and I did 3 yesterday as well.

I got another swap ornament in the mail....the one from Denine. It is so cute. I can't wait to hang it on the tree:-) I have to go pick up the small tree tomorrow for the family room.....and make sure Chris gets all the boxes down from the garage rafters so I can get the trees decorated! I got a new Disney ornament while we were at Disneyland.

I also decided to buy more lights for outside. I am going to wrap the tree trunks in white lights....damn Disneyland anyway for giving me the idea;) Poor Chris just shakes his head.
I've got to get the rest of the indoor decorations up as well.....then I have to start baking and making candy. I have to bake the toll house pies next week for Chris to take to work, since he's on vacation again the week after. I'd better add Trader Joes and Costco to my list of places to go tomorrow.

I also have to pick up the pictures....and drop off 4 more rolls of film.

Birthday's over...so is the Disneyland trip. Both were fun.....Disneyland more so than the birthday. I can't believe I'm this freaking old. Going to Disneyland on your birthday is a hoot. When I went through the turnstile and they scanned my passport, it read *happy birthday Shelly* I was given a badge (sticker) to wear that said happy birthday......so all the workers wished me a happy birthday all day. I admit it, I'm a sap, and I basked in it:) I cry at everything though......the fireworks every night.....the *snow* fall....even the Abe Lincoln thing.
I wasn't supposed to get anything from Chris and Joseph (the trip was my gift) but they gave me 'Let It Be Naked'.......it sounds great. Eleanor and Roy gave me an aromatherapy set. I know I will get use from that. Not that there is any stress in my life. Ha ha ha

Speaking of stress......we heard nothing from Kezia before we left...and still got no answer when we called. I felt horrible not being able to take Kaya with us, especially since she was SO looking forward to the trip. I didn't enjoy myself like I normally would, because I worried about Kaya the whole time. What kind of a mother would do that to their child just to be spiteful? Kezia is an evil crazy bitch. I hope she gets exactly what she deserves. I would gladly dance on her grave....and that is not an easy thing for me to say. I teach Joseph not to hate, but hatred is exactly what I feel for Kezia. Ok, I am a hypocrtite. That was probably spelled wrong, but oh well;)

Greg is out from Boston....we went to Sue's for dinner tonight . I laughed so much. Its so nice to be around people with the same sense of humor as I have. There were a lot of older brother/sister/ younger sister jokes. I wish he ilved out here so I could see him more often.
Sue told me she has Christmas gifts for Peanut...whether or not her f*cking mother brings her back to us before Chrsitmas.

Tomorrow I am paying off 2 credit cards.....YIPPEE!!! I wish they were all paid off........

I can't believe its already December. Only 2 more days til my birthday......I think I'll be going backwards in age now;-)

We went to San Francisco today. It was very rainy.....I really feel for the homeless on days like this. At least *I* can go into Macys or Nordstroms....*they* are out in the weather. Dropping some change into their cups doesn't feel like I'm doing much. *shrug*

We had lunch at Rubios.....they have the best fish tacos! I didn't get any gift buying done....Chris and Joseph bought something at the Disney store. I think it is the flannel nightshirt I was looking at....with Tink on the front:) I did get my new ornament at Nieman Marcus. Its a white owl....its supposed to bring wisdom into the house. LOL....we'll see;) I got it because Joe loves snowy owls.

I bought something for myself at Old Navy too....a tee shirt and a Christmas apron. I'm so bad, LOL. I told Chris its my birthday present.....along with the Disneyland trip;)

We got home and I made a big wok full of fried rice with the leftover pork tenderloin from last night. It was yummy.

Now, I have a freaking sinus headache. Ugh. I think I may got to bed early tonight. Sleep is usually the only way to get rid of these damn things:(

Its a rainy Sunday here. I got some of the endless laundry done today...I even got it folded and put away. (!)

Chris has been trying to call Kezia all day....nothing but busy signals. I wish I knew WTF was going on.

Joseph's cough is better today....Chris' is too, but not as much. I think they both will be better in a few days.

Its Jason's birthday. I try not to think about him too much, because its just too damn hard, but he's been on my mind all day. I hope he is safe and is having a good birthday. I hopehe is spending it with people who care about him.

I was going to take it easy this afternoon....but THAT didn't happen;) Joseph decided he wanted to go to youth group....they were decorating the Veteran's Hall, so I dropped him off, ran to Big Lots......got another lighted tree for outside, and a small tree to take to class Tuesday night and use for the Jesse tree. I'll have the kids make decorations to hang on it.

After I got home from Big Lots, I put the pork tenderloin in the oven, went back and picked up Joseph, then we went to the youth Mass at 5:30. We had a different priest saying Mass tonight, Fr. Francis. He is the Chaplain at the prison. What a ministry THAT must be.

After Mass, I had to stop at the store to pick up cat food....poor kitties were stuck with dry food all day. They like their cans, and get pissed when I don't have it.

Now, dinner is over, dishes are done and I can sit & relax:-)

I think we are going over to San Francisco tomorrow.....Chris is on vacation (god help me)
Anyway....we like to go over to the City at least once during the holiday season......it should be fun.

November 29........6:27 pm

Guess I have fallen into the blogging craze. Everyone else is doing it, so I must as well, LOL. I am going to try and keep up with this, really I am!

I am so glad Thanksgiving is over....and the day after. Note to self: getting up at 6:00 when you don't have to is asinine.

I wish Kaya had been with us for Thanksgiving. I hope her mom brings her back to us. She was supposed to be back last Monday.....but that was before her mom found something to be angry about. I shouldn't be surprised, she does it all the time. She makes me crazy.

Chris and Joseph both still have nasty coughs. I hope they get over them before Disneyland. I also hope Kaya's mother lets her go with us. I wouldn't put it past her to deny her daughter just because she is mad at us:(