Happy 1 year Anniversary

Posting for Sunday, July 21st, 2013

 
Here is the 1 year mark of this blog!  I did it!  At times, I wasn't sure I would make the full year, but I stuck to it.  Patting myself on the back now as we speak.  :) 

I wont be posting something every day or for every day but my goal is something once a week, we will see how that goes. 

Thanks for the support I have received during this last year.  It has been fun.  It is time to come up with something new. 

Smile, laugh and keep the faith.....

Naps Soothe the Soul

Posting for Saturday, July 20th, 2013


Think what a better world it would be if we all, the whole world, had cookies and milk about three o'clock every afternoon and then lay down on our blankets for a nap.
Barbara Jordan

Sleep more at night. If it's allowed at work or home, take a nap in the afternoon. You'll be amazed at how much better you'll feel.
Ben Stein

I love being able to take a nap in the afternoon.
Edie Falco

When the going gets tough, the tough take a nap.
Tom Hodgkinson
But the important thing is to lie down and fall asleep. That little nap means you wake up fresh again and can continue.
James Levine
Bosses should sanction the nap rather than expect workers to power on all day without repose. They might even find that workers' happiness - or what management types refer to as 'employee satisfaction results' - might improve.
Tom Hodgkinson

Everything I know I learned from my cat: When you're hungry, eat. When you're tired, nap in a sunbeam. When you go to the vet's, pee on your owner.

I sincerely regret every nap I passed up on as a child.

Getting Paid to do something I enjoy and no stress

Posting for Friday, July 19th, 2013

The plan was to go swimming with my friend Donna today but we decided it was just too darn hot so we headed to Henderson to see Grown Ups 2.  I didn't care for the first one of the movie but this looked laugh out loud funny.  It was in places, and I do believe it was better than the first movie, but not something I will be buying on DVD like I usually do if I like a movie. 

I went to Sweet Pea's and bought a keychain for my keys for Sylvia.  They had to order it because I got it personalized with a C, they will call me in a few days to let me know when it is ready to pick up. 

I have been reading a lot lately, trying to complete my summer bucket list of books.  I have read:

1.  Entwined to you                                                                        Sylvia Day
2. A Stolen life                                                                                Jaycee Dugard
3. Not Young, Still Restless                                                           Jeanne Cooper
4.  Mom & Me & Mom                                                                  Maya Angelou
5.  Always Something there to remind me                                    Beth Harbison
6.  Bloom: Finding Beauty in the Unexpected--A Memoir          Kelle Hampton
7.  Oogy The Dog Only a Family Could love                                 Larry Levin
8.  Waiting to be heard:  a memoir by Amanda Knox                 Amanda Knox

12 more to go on my list!  This has been an exciting ride so far!  Can't wait to see what lies ahead in the other books I have left on my list! 

4 day weekend is here!!

Posting for Thursday, July 18th, 2013

I am off for the next 4 days something that I desperately need even if I sit at home and do nothing, which chances are won't happen! 

Today, I got my right upper eye tooth pulled.  It was in severe decay and I just wanted it out!  I asked the dentist what the chances were that it came out in one piece, he replied 50/50 chance.  Oh great!  He always gives me an extra shot so I don't feel the pain when he is trying to pull a tooth, he did it this time too, only I felt it!  He said he couldn't give me anything else, he gave me what he could under the legal limit, whatever the heck that means!  I was feeling it and that wasn't cool!  I hate going to the dentist, even though mine is a gentle dentist.  He told me I feel pressure, duh. 

I didn't feel too bad once the novacaine wore off but I stayed home anyway.  We will see what tomorrow brings. 

Why are people crazy>

Posting for Wednesday, July 17th, 2013

Picture this if you will, you do something wrong.  The obvious thing to want to know is how to fix it or make it better, and there seem to be people on your path wanting to block your way down the correct path.  Why do people want to stick their noses in where they simply do not belong?  Why can't people just mind their own business and let me figure things out and not make me feel like I am 12. 

I am getting a little tired of it, in fact, I am getting REALLY tired of it.  I hope I can keep my happy go lucky self in check.  I am really trying to keep on an even keel.  Some folks are pushing my buttons and there may just be a sounding alarm soon!

Be on the lookout, if I need help, I will send a smoke signal. 

Zzzzzzzz

Posting for Tuesday, July 16th, 2013

All I ever seem to want to do is sleep after working a 10 hour day.  I manage, somehow, to stay awake for a couple of hours then I am out like a light.  Is this what my life is destined to be like?  I am 40'ish, what happened to those wonderful days when I could sleep til 10am and go to bed in the wee hours of the morning?

I guess those days are looooooooooooooooooooooooong gone.  :(

I would rather be......

Posting for Monday, July 15th, 2013

I would rather be....living by the ocean

I would rather be...doing something I have a true passion about

I would rather be...somewhere in the water

I would rather be...rich in love than rich with money

I would rather be...able to live comfortably, rather than paycheck to paycheck

I would rather be...becoming a writer

I would rather be...living in another era

I would rather be...on vacation

I would rather be...not in pain with a toothache

I would rather be...skinny

What would you rather be?
 

Verdict has been reached....

Posting for Sunday, July 14th, 2013

Sooo... the verdict has been reached and George Zimmerman was found not guilty.  Why can't that be enough and America get on with their lives?  I understand someone died, someone paid the price for another gunshot wound.  I personally am not a gun fan, but what can you do?  If the verdict would have went the other way, would we still hear about this trial on every channel?  I think not. 

Let's let what the jury decide be enough.  Just like in every day situations, you might no agree with some things going on around you, but you don't protest, as a rule.  Let's get the message America, we are the land of the free, let's keep it that way.

My Poems from back in the day posted on Poetry.com

Posting for Saturday, July 13, 2013

 

 

Sweet Love

By Carmen M Dill
I have a friend named Rebekah, who "had" a
friend named Dave
I tried and tried for months to get her to
say his name, but she just wouldn't cave
Now Dave is no longer a friend, he is her
significant other
He is going to be part of her family soon,
just no longer like a brother
The two make the perfect match
Rebekah, you see, didn't need a rope or a net
to make this catch
It was her charm that brought Dave out of his
shell and made him see the light
So just a few months from now a wedding will
take place and everything will be alright
It is my hope that Rebekah and Dave will have
a very happy life
As they say their vows to become man and
wife!

In America

By Carmen M Dill
I sit outside alone and sigh,
And watch all the passersby,
They look serious as if in a hurry,
And some of their faces you can see worry,
The world is just not the same you see,
For you or for me,
Bombs exploded..planes went down,
And all Osama wants us to do is cry & frown,
But as Americans we stand united & strong,
This place we call USA is where we belong,
We'll fight for our people, and for our flag,
Tho' our hearts mourn our hope will not lag,
Our President is leading our way -
And Jesus Christ is lighting our path,
How can we go wrong...you do the Math!!

My thoughts of you...

By Carmen M Dill
Too many memories of a time now lost,
I look back and ask myself what our relationship cost,
The answer is clear and plain for us all to see,
Ever painful it is something that just wasn't meant to be,
I look at old pictures still in the frame,
And I sit and cry muttering only your name,
I only wish you the best that's true,
You were definitely one of the chosen few,
GOD called you Home to help in Heaven above,
You will fit right in my dearest love,
One day I'll see you I know,
And our tears will overflow....,
It will be our special time to live forever hand in hand,
In our new Angelic Land,
Looking forward to that day,
I need to pull myself together and be on my way,
I will pray for you still,
And love you forever and ever, I will.......

The Review

By Carmen Dill
As I head to my yearly review
I wonder if when i come out I will feel blue
I get to the room it is full of light and sunshine
I begin to think this is going to go just fine
I listen to the comments of my boss
The praises are great and very outstanding, now I am at a
loss
You see, I always get a little worried around this time of
the year
But alas it wasn't anything for me to fear
I now have a promotion and more pay, which is groovy
Now maybe I will take my daughter out for dinner and a
movie!

By the way, these were all written in 2012 I think.

Major Burnout

Posting for July 12th, 2013

I am experiencing a major burnout at some things in my life and I don't know how to get out of that rut I seem to be stuck in.  I need some guidance.  I need a flash of light to point me in the right direction.  Oh how I need a genie. 

Guess I will have to rely on myself to get me out of this.  Blah!

Maya Angelou Quotes~~Love her!

Posting for Thursday, July 11th, 2013


Courage is the most important of all the virtues, because without courage you can't practice any other virtue consistently. You can practice any virtue erratically, but nothing consistently without courage.
Maya Angelou

There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.
Maya Angelou


 History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again.
Maya Angelou

Words mean more than what is set down on paper. It takes the human voice to infuse them with deeper meaning.
Maya Angelou

All great achievements require time.
Maya Angelou

Love is like a virus. It can happen to anybody at any time.
Maya Angelou

“We are only as blind as we want to be.”

― Maya Angelou

“Life likes to be taken by the lapel and told, “I’m with you kid. Let’s go!”

― Maya Angelou

“Hope for the best, be prepared for the worse. Life is shocking, but you must never appear to be shocked. For no matter how bad it is it could be worse and no matter how good it is it could be better.”

― Maya Angelou

Unemployment and the toll it takes....

Posting for Wednesday, July 10th, 2013


When we got the news that we were being laid off from Springleaf Financial, aka American General Finance, it was a shock.  True, we knew it was coming, just didn't quite know when that proverbial ax would fall.  So, when it did come to an end, many emotions came along with it. 

My coworkers and I at the time used to sit outside at the picnic table on break telling each other how much we were looking forward to being unemployed for the first time in our lives.  How little did we know, how much it would truly suck! 

Some good things came out of being unemployed, for me I got to see my family more, go see Brittanee's graduation with no restrictions (other than money), help her move to her first apartment away from IU, bond with Pepper, etc.

It also turned me into a person that I can't now identify with.  I had nothing to occupy my time, other than my movie challenge I attempted to complete--watching 100 movies I had never seen before.  With limited funds, I was not able to see my friends as much as I was accustomed to and things just werent the same. 

I don't think anyone can truly know the feeling of being unemployed with limited funds to pay bills, and pray that you have enough money for food at the end of your payday on your unemployment card.  I was fortunate enough to be able to keep my mortgage payments current, thank God.  Other things fell by the wayside.  I alienated people during this time.

Looking back to our foolishness at that picnic before we got the news of getting a severance package and being booted out of the door, this was not a good experience.  Many think when a person is unemployed for as long as I was that I was not actively seeking a job, I was.  I needed that for self worth and get back on track as the person I know I am, truly deep inside. 

True, some don't like me, some never did never will--that is their problem, not mine.  Friends, some, would check in on me from time to time, which was very nice.  Some that I thought would check in, never did.  You quickly find out who your friends are when you are faced with something like this.  I am not making any excuses, just trying to get this out and move on.

Everyone kept telling me I was "entitled" to those unemployment benefits and I should just take the payouts and enjoy my time off.  I did enjoy the time off in the beginning, after I got over being sick.  But I missed the social interaction with people.  Some people offered to take me places, I went on a few occasions but stopped doing that as well, as I am not a moocher.  While on unemployment and the limitations that go along with it, I felt like I was on welfare.  I felt people, and yes, even friends looked at me like a charity case.  Not a good feeling. 

I was in a dark place at times when I was unemployed.  Funny, I got the call for a phone interview appointment one day when I was leaving the Unemployment office, another place where you feel like a number and not a real person with goals and dreams and a shot at being an employed citizen again. I had to go there several times a week to do stuff on their computers, which was gross!  Not saying I am a snob but some of the people there looked like they hadn't had a bath in a mighty long time, not judging, didn't know their situation, but having to touch the same keyboard as them made me want ot hurl! 

Even though the phone interview went well and later was called to accept or decline the job, and even though it wasn't much more money than my unemployment, I jumped at the opportunity to start again in a new company and once again have health insurance and other benefits. 

It has been many years since I have worked somewhere, where I hardly knew anyone.  Here I was thrown into a totally new environment and surprisingly, I was comfortable.  I don't have a lot of strong bonds like I did working at American General, but then again I have only been at Vectren now for 13 months, I am hoping new friendships will come in time.  Don't get me wrong, I have several friends there, only a few close ones, but then again my circle is always and has been a small one.  Those I truly trust, those I thought I could trust, and those that are working to earn my trust. 

I am thrilled not to be unemployed anymore on many levels and now that I am working the shift I wanted to work for years, 4 10 hour days with a day off during the week, the only thing that would make this job better would be to make more money.  I took a heck of a paycut taking this job, but some of the benefits make it worth it.  I would like to venture into the collections side and see how they do things, maybe one day.

The moral to this story, is that, when you talk to someone who is unemployed, don't make them feel like they are less important than you are, reassure them that something will come their way, understand when you invite them places and they can't go, understand when you offer to pay for them to go somewhere with you (some of it is a pride thing), and just be there for them to vent and tell them what is going on in your life, ask them to help you with things they may be worried about.  Even if they can't go and do things with you, make them feel they are still a part of your life and they have a purpose....and most important, let them know, this too shall pass.......

New Direction

Posting for Tuesday, July 9th, 2013

When this blog reaches its year mark on July 21st, 2013, the blog will take on a new direction.  Instead of a diary (if you will), this will still be up and running just maybe not as often as my bucket list (almost a completed self challenge), but it will contain short stories, poems, quotes, maybe a few recipes. 

Basically whatever I feel like adding at any given day.  I am excited about the new project, I have several in the works. 

Thanks for stopping by and we are on the home stretch now, with 10 more days of blogging then I will have logged or blogged 365 blogs!  Amazing!  I will be able to say I finished something, and it has been therapeutic to me at times. 

Keep reaching the goals on your life bucket list...til next time!

Sigh.....

Posting for Monday, July 8th, 2013

Today was a day that seemed to never end.  The first part of the day flew by because we were so busy and then the last part seemed like it was going to go on forever. 

Yesterday I got to go to Burdette, that made me a happy girl.  I love me some water.  I listened to Brad Paisley's Water several times in fact.  Some people like to plant flowers, some people like to sit outside and people watch, some people like to walk on a nice summer evening, this girl loves to swim and loves loves loves water!  One day I will live near the water and can enjoy it whenever I want, instead of having to settle 3 months out of the year. 

It wasn't a bad day.  Just long.  Glad it is over!

In need of a 2nd job

Posting for Sunday, July 7th, 2013

With having Sylvia now and lots of other things coming up, I need a 2nd job.  I have been applying to a lot of different retail venues but nothing has come of it so far.  I don't want to work after my shift at my full time job, I only want weekends.  If you know of anyone hiring for such, hit me up and let me know.  It would be greatly appreciated.

I have been researching like data entry positions from home and things of that nature, but I am not sure how to tell which ones are legit and which ones aren't.  I know for sure I will not send any one any money to start "working" for them. 

I have always wanted to sell Thirty One, I may just look into that in the very near future.  Time will tell what it is I am meant to do until that comes to light, if it does.  Any suggestions?  Fares Avenue just isn't cutting it anymore....

Mother's Day Present for my mom finally planted....

Posting for Saturday, July 6th, 2013

Brittanee had gotten my mom a Japanese Maple Tree for Mother's Day 2 months ago and we had never done anything with it.  I helped plant it today and thankfully it will rain and help the tree grow. 

We were thinking about going swimming but the weather again played a factor and we weren't sure if it was going to rain all day or what.  We played it safe and stayed home.  In fact, we all took a nap.  I read before I fell asleep and couldn't believe after the sleep I just had that I was able to sleep some more. 

It was a very chill kind of day.  We are going to watch the weather tomorrow to see if there is a chance we will make it the pool or not. 

Wish I would have taken the day off after the 4th.....

Posting for Friday, July 5th, 2013

I was super tired and didn't quite feel up to par the entire day, thankfully I only had to work til 4pm but I had put in for auto time at 2pm and hoped and prayed they would let me leave early.  That wasn't the case, so I got to suffer through the day feeling blah.  Lucky me.

Got home had some left over dinner from our grilling out and watched 1 episode of Y&R with my mom and then I think I went to bed before 6pm.  I slept until 5 or so the next morning.  I must have needed that sleep!

Grilling out and going to the fireworks

Posting for Thursday, July 4th, 2013

Another 4th of July.  It is one of Brittanee's fave holidays, mine not so much.  I would be content to watch the fireworks around the neighborhood or on tv but every year Brittanee is home she drags me to the riverfront to watch the fireworks. 

This year the weather was crazy, we weren't sure if it would rain or not so instead of going to the pool like we sometimes to on this holiday, we stayed home.  My mom and Brittanee were in charge of the grilling and I was in charge of the indoor preparation of food.  They grilled chicken breast, porkchops, brats and some mini cheese filled polish sausage.  I was in charge of the corn on the cob, green beans, baked potatoes and angel hair pasta. 

Earlier in the day, Brittanee had made a Pinterest recipe, chocolate lasagna.  It was good but not a favorite of mine.  She also made cupcakes with butter icing, those I have a love affair with! 

Then we went to the fireworks and met Angie, Thomas and Macey there.  We had a good time and I think Angie and Thomas were in awe of our firework display.  Macey was such a good baby girl!  I would have thought all the loud noises would make her cry but she was very happy even though she was very tired!  We got home relatively quick which to me is a good thing. 

Our neighbors house was on fire when we were at the riverfront, the house they say is a total loss.  At first they thought it was a gas leak then they learned our neighbor, PeeWee, was frying fish on the stove and he was outside working on cars.  Smart, huh?  At least none of the animals were hurt. 

Another July 4th in the record books.  See ya again next year, God willing.....

Getting paid to go to Holiday World

Posting for Wednesday, July 3rd, 2013

I had taken off today as a floating holiday and Brittanee and I had decided to head to Holiday World.  Though the water was a little on the cool side, I loved it!  I got some tan, a little burnt but all in all was a great day! 

We rode a few rides in the park and then of course spent the majority of our time in the waterpark, my fave place.  There is nothing like going under water and coming up out of the water to the sunshine on your face. 

I can't explain but I definitely have a love affair with water!  I currently have a sun hangover and am more than ready to hit the hay!

Helping with Brittanee's Challenge

Posting for Tuesday, July 2nd, 2013

So Brittanee's job is having a walking challenge, so many steps in a month's time and if she meets her goal she will get money off of her insurance or $75 in her pocket.  So we have been trying to walk to help her achieve her goal, today after work, we went to walk in Henderson. 

We started by the riverfront in Henderson then walked thru Atkinson park, let me tell you my dogs were barking after this feat.  It was a nice walk, some of the trail was breezy when we were by the river and passed by the trees.  I felt like I was going to keel over and several times my feet felt numb but we made it! 

We walked over 11,000 steps.  Then we went to Roy Boy Shaved Ice in Evansville, because the snow cone place in Hendo was closed already.  I had a wild cherry snow cone and Brittanee had a green apple snow cone!

Incredibly Rude

Posting for Monday, July 1st, 2013

Facebook is a great tool to keep in touch with those you want to, get rid of the ones you don't and maybe reconnect with some that you haven't seen or heard from in years.  This is what I want to talk about.

I had a friend that lived across the street from me for many years and we were close at one time, and then when high school came into our lives we still hung out from time to time, walked to school together on occasion and I thought we were ok friends.  You know how high school is, it throws a lot of other kids in the mix from different schools, so all of you are sharing the same halls, classes, and are forced to connect to some of them on some levels. 

Well because me and S were on different smart levels we were in different classes.  S (who shall just be referred to this to protect the innocent) seemed uncomfortable with me and my circle of friend choices at Bosse.  I, however, saw nothing wrong with my choice.  This one girl in particular we will call her Paula (not her real name, again trying to protect the innocent), smoked, and I knew she drank alcohol but I didn't and I wasn't going to start any time soon.

One day Paula wrote S a note, a crude note, and signed my name.  The reason Paula did it because she thought S was uptight and it was meant as a joke.  Well, S never really talked to me after that, even after Paula admitted she wrote it to look like I wrote it (if that makes a bit of sense to you). 

Soooooo, I found S recently on Facebook and instead of writing something on her page, I sent her a friend request.  Nothing.  Nada.  I waited for 2 weeks, then I sent a private message saying that I thought that it would be cool to catch up with an old friend after all of these years, but since she wasn't interested I told her to have a nice life.  Wow!  She couldn't even respond to that either.  To that, I say, GROW THE HELL UP!

Busy Sunday

Posting for Sunday, June 30th, 2013

The day started with Brittanee and I getting up early and heading to Henderson Showplace Cinemas to watch Monsters University.  I am a BIG fan of Sully and loved this movie as well. 

After that, we ventured over to see Angie, Thomas and Macey.  It was a very nice visit and the first time we got to see the house they moved into several months ago.  Michael, my nephew, was not there, he is driving his semi to haul cattle to California this week. 

Macey is getting sooo big and she is adorable.  She seemed like a good baby from what I could tell, she fought sleep because the poor little thing thought she was going to miss something.  Thomas, who will be 13 soon, came out of his room several times to see us and talk to us which was nice, as he usually is glued to his xbox 24/7. 

It started raining really heavy about the time we wanted to go home so we had to stay a little longer.  All in all it was a nice day, glad we got to see them! 

Funniest Movie of 2013

Posting for Saturday, June 29th, 2013

So Brittanee and I decided to go see the movie, The Heat, with Melissa McCarthy and Sandra Bullock.  We invited Stephani and Ashley to meet us there and see it with us, which they did.  Hands down it was the funniest movie I have seen since Bridesmaids. 

There were multiple times I had my glasses off I was laughing so hard I was crying.  That is the kind of movies they should make more often.  True, it had the f bomb in it more times than I cared to hear, but I guarantee, if you are not easily offended--what are you waiting for, grab your keys and head to the nearest theater and see this movie.  Seriously it is a riot!

Thumbs up from Kazi on this one!

Brittanee's Home!!!!

Posting for Friday, June 28th, 2013

Brittanee came home for the next 10 days, she is on vacation.  I only get 2 days off besides weekends while she is here but we have several things planned for us to do while she is home.  Going to the pool a few times will probably rank high on that list, yall should know by now how much I love water!

Brittanee brought us dinner from Noodles & Company in Indy, it was yummy, but made me sick.  :(  Very nice gesture though!  We always like eating from there.  Used to be a staple for us when we were in Bloomington at IU to visit Brittanee.