Just Me

My Leslie

2012-02-04T10:24:00.002-07:00

Words cannot describe this horrendous loss of such a special person. While I love all of my friends and family unconditionally, Leslie had a special place in my heart. She had such a huge heart that she wanted to share to the world.
The media reports are making me angry. So many assumptions about Leslie, about the family, about Nick. We are united and we all have to grieve in our own ways. It's human nature. I wish the press would just let us grieve - let anyone who has lost someone grieve. What is it? Because it is a celebrity, the family doesn't mourn the same? I'm no celebrity and I can honestly say - we are all grieving this loss. So don't judge Leslie, or Michael Jackson, or Heath Ledger, or anyone by what is said in the media. You only hear partial "truth."
I love you Leslie - we all do. I couldn't even put my makeup on this morning without crying. I had memories of you doing my hair and makeup at Grampa's house for his play. You had such an impact on me and I wish I could have done more for you.

Rest in Peace Leslie.

2012-01-25T15:49:00.002-07:00

Yesterday was the big day -- David turned 18. 18! Can you believe it? It's hard for me to think that I have an 18 year old. Where did the time go? It was mainly a quiet day as it was a Tuesday. I made him dinner - his choice. Anisa came and had dinner wiht us. We watched a movie - his choice. :) And Anisa made him an ice cream cake that was soooo yummy. Now I just need to tackle his graduation from high school.

I started at the gym last week. Down almost 10 pounds! I missed the stretch class today :( My personal trainer I am sure will give me hell about it tomorrow. I'll do my cardio when I get home today. I have to keep myself motivated.

I am missing Alex quite a bit. He's doing really well though and I am proud of him. He's going to try to go to the Naval Academy for a week this summer. He had the 2nd highest PSAT score at his school and his Colonel recommended he try to go.

Gonna keep my pugs... which makes me happy. I love my babies... they keep my going, keep my laughing... it may sound silly... but if it does, that just means you haven't owned a dog, especially a pug. :D

Whine Fest

2012-01-05T20:31:00.002-07:00

Been a lot on my mind lately. Feel the need to write... just not writing what I should be writing.
David had a great visit with his dad and brother. It makes me sad that the time has come for all of us to start going our separate ways. David just started his last semester of high school. He graduates in May and will be moving on to Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff. I am so very proud of him, but the idea of not seeing him every day is hard. I love my kids. It's been hard enough not having Alex here with me anymore. I miss him very much.
Steve tells me that the empty nest thing is a good thing... but i'm not feeling like that yet. I know it will be.... But I have spent so much of my life caring for these boys.... I know that they will always need me, even when they don't want to need me. But I'm just not ready for David to be gone yet.
and then Steve talks about how he's all about making sure other people have a chance at success. Yet, I have found that this is only towards coworkers.... my children don't fit into the desire of success. And that makes me sad and angry too. I know he is not their father, but I was kinda hoping he'd take a small part of the job a little more to heart.
I'm thinking of selling my pugs. Which breaks my heart. They are my babies. But it is just too much. Ariel tries to attack Bambie which doesn't end well for Ariel. Sanders and Prospero get picked on all the time by all the dogs. So I am going to get Ariel spayed and then find a home for her and Hamlet. And then find a home for Pros and Sanders.
and myboss is moving to Switzerland. And that makes me happy for him, but sad for me. I'm not sure where this is going to take me. Technically he will still be my boss. And I dotted line report to 3 other people. I just don't get a good feeling about where I'll be in a few months. Not unelss Theo can work some magic and get me moved into an SAP security role. Application security is what I want to do. And I can do that from anywhere.
Just a lot to take in at one time.

Gerianne & Heather

2011-08-23T14:33:00.005-07:00

Been thinking about these 2 friends a lot lately. Maybe it is because my 20 year high school reunion took place, even though I did not attend. Gerianne was one of my best friends through Jr High and High School. She had the most beautiful smile and laugh. She was always there for me. I used to drive to her house in the mornings so we could drive to school together in our Senior year. She was born in Seattle on June 20, 1973 but died of an aneurysm on May 18, 2003. She was only 29 years old.

Heather I was introduced to in 1997 by my friend Robert. We quickly became close and I loved her dearly. I only wish I had more pictures of her and I don't have anything digital. She died in a car accident in 2005. Her mom died in the accident too. She was a wonderful person who cared deeply for others. There is actually a scholarship that has been created under her name... that is how wonderful she was. It is the Heather Chapman Young Memorial Scholarship

So Heather and Gerianne - I love you both and you are not forgotten.

Let it go!

2011-08-23T14:22:00.003-07:00

I have seen this before but just read it on my BFF's blog so thought I would repost it. It is very true and makes one remember what really is important in life.

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day is not enough; remember the mayonnaise jar and 2 cups of coffee.

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him.
When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar
and start to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full and they agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured it into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with an unanimous "Yes".

The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand.

The students laughed.

"Now" said the professor, as the laughter subsided,"I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life."

"The golf balls are the important things - God, family, children, health, friends, and favorite passions; Things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full."

"The pebbles are the things that matter like your job, house, and car..."

"The sand is everything else -- The small stuff."

"If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued,"there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls.The same goes for life."

"If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff,you will never have room for the things that are important to you."

"So...Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner out to dinner."

"There will always be time to clean the house and fix the dripping tap."

"Take care of the golf balls first -- the things that really matter."

"Set your priorities. The rest is just sand"

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented.

The professor smiled. "I'm glad you asked.It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem,there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend."

So let it go! Focus on what is really important. The little negatives ain't worth it! But do recognize the small positives. Enjoy life - love, forgive, appreciate and take the time. And remember that the smallest gesture of kindness can mean a lot to someone.

A little bit about August 23

2011-08-23T10:08:00.002-07:00

Did you know that August 23rd....

....is when the first picture of the Earth from the moon was taken by Lunar Orbiter 1 (1966)

....is the birthday of:
King Louis XVI, king during the French Revolution (1754)
Gene Kelly, actor, dancer, "Signin in the Rain" (1912)
Barbara Eden, actress "I Dream of Jeannie" (1934)
Shelley Long, actress, "Diane" on TV series "Cheers" (1949)
Rick Springfield, singer (1949)
Kobe Bryant, NBA basketball player (1978)

....is "Ride the Wind" Day

....is the 235th day of the year (236th in a leap year)

....is when King George III declared that the American colonies existed in a state of open and avowed rebellion. (1775)

....is when Napoleon left Egypt for France to seize power (1799)

....is when the automobile tire chain was patented (1904)

....is when Japan declared war on Germany (1914)

....is when the first mid-air refueling was performed (1923)

....is when Germany and the Soviet Union signed a non-aggression treaty (1939)

....is when Cesar Chavez organized the Salad Bowl strike - the largest farm worker strike in US history (1970)

....is when West Germany and East Germany announced that they will unite on October 3 (1990)

....is when the original Shamu of SeaWorld died (1971)

....is Father's Day in Nepal

....is Flag Day in the Ukraine

....is the European Day of Remembrance for Victims of Stalinism and Nazism

Manic Monday.... and Tuesday.... and.... all of it!

2011-08-22T22:38:00.002-07:00

Last week sucked! I had the flu and I tweaked my back. I ended up in the ER on Saturday night because my back hurt so bad I was crying. Thanks go John and Denise for taking me. The ER gave me a shot of Demerol and a shot of Valium. Woo hoo! Loopville was a good place to visit. :D Then on Sunday, Denise came and got me so I could go get my ER prescription filled. I made it in to work today still in pain. Went to the doc where they gave me a shot of Toradol and a shot of Valium. John and Denise picked me up from the doctor as I couldn't drive. The Valium proved useful as tonight was the open house for Mountain Pointe. David's Senior Year! I like all of his teachers and he will have a challenging year. It's now 10:43pm and I am blogging, after getting some work done, and David is doing homework. I think tomorrow I will be tired.
David's homework is for his AP Government class. It's pretty interesting. I like his growing interest in politics. He'll be able to vote in the next presidential election!! Can you believe it?
Okay, I know it's not an exciting entry tonight, but I'm tired and drugged. After the Valium and Toradol wore off, I was hurting pretty bad... so took my pain meds and they are kicking in. While I do enjoy the break from the excruciating pain... I don't like the way these things make me feel. Sometimes I prefer the pain over the loopy, nauseated, vertigo feeling.

Random Word

2011-08-12T10:01:00.003-07:00

Driving to work today I almost got hit by a woman in a Prius talking on her cell phone. I figured since I have posted my thoughts on driving while talking, today I would focus on the word Prius. What does it mean and how did they come up with that name for a car? I went to my trusty friend "Google" and did a search. Wordsmith.org states that Prius is a noun.
MEANING:Something preceding, especially a necessary prior condition.
ETYMOLOGY: From Latin prius (something preceding). Earliest documented use: 1882.

According to Dan Lee, a technical training manager at Gulf States Toyota, Inc., the executives at Toyota arrived at this name because the Prius hybrid vehicle is to be considered the predecessor of car-model designs in the future. The growing world population along with frequent increases in oil prices and conflicts in the Middle East make this technology efficient and desirable.

Read more: How Did the Toyota Prius Get Its Name? | eHow.com

Hutch Dog

2011-08-10T09:04:00.004-07:00

Pugs are awesome! So awesome in fact, that they are famous.... yes, FAMOUS, in India! Do a search on YouTube for "Hutch Dog" and you will see what I mean. Here is a link to a blog type page called Bin's Corner: http://www.binscorner.com/pages/h/hutch-dog.html
Here are a couple YouTube links:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfPGNLluiYQ
www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNLaBA2GFXg

And speaking of pugs...(aww, come on... you knew I would go there!) here are a few new pix of my babies! 5 of them now have owners and will go to their new homes the beginning of September. I still have 1 female left and the little runt, a boy. Sooo cute! :) Maybe I should keep them? Nooooo!! I wish I could!!!

Pug Addiction

2011-08-04T15:07:00.004-07:00

HI - MY NAME IS NIKKI SPAULDING AND I AM ADDICTED TO PUGS!

I hear that admitting your addiction is the first step to recovery... but I am here to tell you that I don't want to recover from this addiction. Pugs are the BEST! True, they aren't the smartest breed out there, but I dare say that they are the most loving and fun-natured. My pugs are my babies. And while our German Shepherd is my baby too, she just isn't a pug (even though she tries to be!).
I had an email today from a person who bought a male from my 2nd litter. It totally made my day! She also sent pictures of little Pierre. I also have another person who I am Facebook friends with who bought a pug from my second litter. My good friend Jackie has my little female from litter 2 and my friend Omar has a male from litter 1. It's great to be able to know how these little guys are doing! I wish I would have done better with my first litter and tracking who had the pups.
So here are some pictures of all my pugs!

Wags to you!

2011-08-04T14:49:00.002-07:00

This blog belongs to my friend Clark - actually it is his guide dog's blog... ;)

http://wagstoyou.blogspot.com/

Forgiveness

2011-08-03T11:16:00.003-07:00

Things have happened in my life and to those around me lately that has had me question what forgiveness is all about. Don't get me wrong - I am all about forgiving someone because to not forgive hurts you more than the person who wronged you. But what causes some people to not forgive? Or to say they do forgive but act in ways that show they don't? Grudges can be debilitating. So what are unforgivable acts for some people?

My first stop was to Google the word. The third on the list was a link from Mayo Clinic. I have a lot of respect for what the Mayo Clinic has to offer and their article on the subject of forgiveness hit spot on. The article is titled: Forgiveness: Letting go of grudges and bitterness

From the article:

What is forgiveness?
Generally, forgiveness is a decision to let go of resentment and thoughts of revenge. The act that hurt or offended you may always remain a part of your life, but forgiveness can lessen its grip on you and help you focus on other, positive parts of your life. Forgiveness can even lead to feelings of understanding, empathy and compassion for the one who hurt you.

Forgiveness doesn't mean that you deny the other person's responsibility for hurting you, and it doesn't minimize or justify the wrong. You can forgive the person without excusing the act. Forgiveness brings a kind of peace that helps you go on with life.
**********************

Fourth on the list is from a Christian website and is about what the bible says about forgiveness. This is a good thing, but also something that frustrates me. While some of the most forgiving and loving people I have met are Christians - some of the most unforgiving people have also been Christians.... especially Catholic. Not to say that all Catholics are unforgiving - I know this is NOT true. But what I am trying to state is that I do not believe that religion has any bearing on forgiveness. Sure, you can say "I forgive you because that is what God/Allah/Goddess would want me to do" but then you are not forgiving the person for YOU, but for your Deity. And that type of forgiveness doesn't work.
**********************

I want to have this topic open for debate. I'm curious to know what people have truly forgiven. I know I have had my share of challenges and while not all have been successfully forgiven, most have. I will end my rant with some quotes:

Anger makes you smaller, while forgiveness forces you to grow beyond what you were.
Cherie Carter-Scott, "If Love Is a Game, These Are the Rules"

If you haven't forgiven yourself something, how can you forgive others?
Dolores Huerta

To err is human; to forgive, infrequent.
Franklin P. Adams US journalist (1881 - 1960)

There is no revenge so complete as forgiveness.
Josh Billings US Humorist (1818 - 1885)

Forgiveness is almost a selfish act because of its immense benefits to the one who forgives.
Lawana Blackwell, The Dowry of Miss Lydia Clark, 1999

The hatred you're carrying is a live coal in your heart - far more damaging to yourself than to them.
Lawana Blackwell, The Dowry of Miss Lydia Clark, 1999

The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.
Mahatma Gandhi Indian political and spiritual leader (1869 - 1948)

Pray you now, forget and forgive.
William Shakespeare, "King Lear", Act 4 scene 7
Greatest English dramatist & poet (1564 - 1616)

Proud Mama

2011-08-03T10:39:00.005-07:00

I'm proud of Alex. He's come a loooong way in the last couple months. The kid I saw over the weekend was not the kid that left my house in February. He is now a Devil Pup! He completed 10 days at Camp Pendleton, which was a condensed version of bootcamp. Yelling, spitting in the face, Old Smokey included!! Here are some pictures of his graduation.

SEMPER FI

Molly Photography

2011-08-03T10:27:00.003-07:00

She's a great and dear friend who is the same age as David. She wants to pursue photography. Check out her blog!

I will remember you

2011-07-29T09:36:00.001-07:00

By Sarah McLachlan

I will remember you
Will you remember me?
Don't let your life pass you by
Weep not for the memories

Remember the good times that we had?
I let them slip away from us when things got bad
How clearly I first saw you smilin' in the sun
Wanna feel your warmth upon me, I wanna be the one

I will remember you
Will you remember me?
Don't let your life pass you by
Weep not for the memories

I'm so tired but I can't sleep
Standin' on the edge of something much too deep
It's funny how we feel so much but we cannot say a word
We are screaming inside, but we can't be heard

But I will remember you
Will you remember me?
Don't let your life pass you by
Weep not for the memories

I'm so afraid to love you, but more afraid to loose
Clinging to a past that doesn't let me choose
Once there was a darkness, deep and endless night
You gave me everything you had, oh you gave me light

And I will remember you
Will you remember me?
Don't let your life pass you by
Weep not for the memories

And I will remember you
Will you remember me?
Don't let your life pass you by
Weep not for the memories
Weep not for the memories

Amsterdam

2011-07-28T13:30:00.007-07:00

I so want to go back to Amsterdam. I'm sitting here not wanting to work. I know, that is bad... but I have caught up on most of my work this week. So, I thought I would post some facts and pictures about/from Amsterdam.

The Netherlands has more than 4,000 km of navigable rivers, lakes and canals.

Amsterdam has over 1 million bikes but only 700.000 Amsterdammers.

Holland has over 15,000 km of bicycle lanes.

When you land at Schiphol Airport, you are actually four meters below sea level.

Amsterdam has over 300 coffee shops which can legally sell up to 5 grams of soft drugs to each person.

Amsterdam boasts more museums of any city in the world, measured per square meters. With over 70 major well know museums in Netherlands of which over 40 are in Amsterdam. They cover every sort of weird and wonderful topic, from famous painters to museums on the history of sex and marijuana.

The Dutch are the world experts on keeping back the water / sea from over running their country and turning it into another Atlantis. During the hurricane Katrina disaster it was the Dutch the USA government turned to for help on how to repair the levies in New Orleans.

If global warming causes the sea levels to rise even a little it could be bye bye Amsterdam as it will be one of the first cities to get flooded, because it’s actually well below sea level and most of the country has been reclaimed from the sea so it is almost entirely flat and is 6.7 meters below sea level at its lowest point.

Amsterdam is built entirely on piles, huge stakes driven into the ground.Central station has 6000 of them keeping it up.

The world famous Koh-I-Noor diamond was cut in Amsterdam.

75% of the entire worlds flower bulb production comes from Netherlands.

What is wrong with people???

2011-07-28T13:08:00.002-07:00

Seriously - I go to CNN.com and what do I see? I see stupid people! They are everywhere!
Ann Coulter thinks you can "pray gay away." There is nothing wrong with being gay! Why does it need to be "prayed away" or "fixed" or whatever? Who is harmed by someone being gay? No one! So shut the hell up!

Casey Anthony mask nets nearly $1 million? Why would anyone want to run around looking like Casey Anthony? First off - even if she didn't kill her daughter - she has serious mental issues. Two, she's probably one of the most hated people in America right now.... some woman got assaulted for looking like her... and you want to look like her on purpose?

Airbrushed ads banned in UK - At least the Europeans aren't completely moronic. They understand false advertising and how these ads appear to the younger generation. Women can't really look like that! And celebs should stand up and state that they do not want to be airbrushed. Famous people have zits and poop too.

Okay, that's enough for today....

Another day...... more money! Ha!

2011-07-27T14:58:00.015-07:00

Another day, another dollar.... I guess using Facebook has dwindled my enthusiasm for a blog. But in reality, the blog is probably a better idea. It has been a year and a half since my last posting and so much has changed. Travels, puppies, new pets, changes in living arrangements and relationships with children, illness, death, life, academics..... you name it.
The biggest change for me was the realization that my babies are growing up. David is about to start his SENIOR year in high school. He's looking at colleges, hanging with his girlfriend of one year and about to start his first job. Alex is now living in Las Vegas with his dad. He's currently at Camp Pendleton doing a Marine Corps thing called Devil Pups. He "graduates" on July 30.
Steve and I are doing great. We had an awesome winter holiday - going to Michigan, Ontario and New York. We visited his sons, Steve and Alex along with their girlfriends.

We then went on to Niagara Falls for a couple of days.

We also drove to Toronto to visit Leslie and Mike. Then it was off to Chautauqua for Christmas and New Year's Eve.

In June, we went to Holland for a week and England for a week. I was able to visit and learn so many things - it was amazing. Stonehenge, Spalding, Stratford, Shakespeare, hillsides, canals, friendly people..... Amazing!

In April, my BFF Stephanie and I spent a weekend in VEGAS! It was a great weekend and we had a blast. The lady who took this picture asked us if we had the same husband because our wedding rings were so similar! Ha! It was hilarious!

In May - I finally finished school! At least for now. Hahaha! I graduated from ASU with my BLS. In February I started a new job, still with Honeywell.

I do have to say - that overall - I am totally blessed.

Ooooops

2011-03-25T09:04:00.000-07:00

Gosh - I really should update this a bit more often!

Whaddya do?

2010-05-20T11:11:00.001-07:00

It's been a rough couple of weeks. I've cried, yelled, been bitchy, slept, not slept, stressed, been in pain, and cried some more. But I am actually feeling a little better today. My back isn't spasming so much. My uncle is coming along. My brother took care of his older sister (actually, he took care of Alex). Sigh... Steve has been mostly great and patient. Altho he had his moments... but hey, give the guy a break, his wife has been a total bitch for a couple weeks! I got my Spring Grades - 2 A's and a B-. So mad about the B-, but it's better than the C I thought I was gonna get. I made an argument about some of the questions on the test, so she said she could tell I understood the material and upped my grade. But now my GPA is only a 3.9 and that makes me sad. :(
Okay, ttyl!

Almost....

2010-05-03T18:44:00.000-07:00

....done with Spring Semester!!

Lloyd

2010-04-20T15:00:00.002-07:00

Rest in peace my dear from Lloyd. There are so many "what-ifs" or "should haves" when you lose someone you care about. Lloyd was no different. I talked to him mostly through Pogo when we would find each other playing games. The last email exchange was when I wished him a happy birthday in December. He had just turned 50. He was one of the most caring people I knew. We became friends when a co-worker, who Lloyd believed to be a friend to him, ended up in jail for domestic violence. Lloyd and I spent numerous hours talking. We went out a couple times, had a few beers. He always had a smile and a great laugh. One year he was my Secret Santa. He gave me two teddy bears that I still have. They sit on the entertainment center in my bedroom, always looking down on me.

Cheers Lloyd Miles Bailey! You are loved and you will be missed dearly! May you find the peace you deserve.

Cruise

2010-03-26T10:07:00.008-07:00

I had the best time on our Mexican Riviera cruise! Steve actually had a good time too and I think I may have him hooked! I wasn't too impressed with Cabo - but I did try the Rattlesnake tequila! Wow!

Mazatlan - I got to spend the day with my mom Patty! We also saw Jorge while we were there. Steve and I both went parasailing - which is so beautiful!!

And of course - Puerto Vallarta! Dolphins! This was probably the most amazing experience I have ever had. They are smart, fun and loving! They love to cuddle and be petted. And we could hear them talking. Just a blast!

Gene Porter was the man behind "The Man."

2010-03-02T09:48:00.001-07:00

Gene Porter, the man behind the hot sauce, dies at 71
Mr. Gene Porter, 71, the owner of Dixie's BBQ in Bellevue, died Sunday of cancer.

By Katherine Long
Seattle Times Eastside reporter

Gene Porter was the man behind "The Man."

"The Man" was Mr. Porter's own secret hot sauce, and at lunchtime Mr. Porter would work his way through the tables of his crowded barbecue restaurant, challenging customers to try a tiny dab of the fiercely hot liquid on a toothpick.

Mr. Porter, 71, the owner of Dixie's BBQ in Bellevue, died Sunday of cancer.

"The Man" hot sauce is legendary, and under Mr. Porter's hand, Dixie's barbecue has become a Bellevue institution since it opened 16 years ago — one that has fed hundreds of people for lunch every day in a converted auto mechanic's shop. For many years, it was considered one of the best barbecue places in the Greater Seattle area.

The restaurant crowd is often standing-room-only, and people have come from all over the world — CEOs from big companies on visits to the Eastside, as well as movie stars like Bill Cosby and sports heroes like basketball great Lenny Wilkens and hydroplane racer Chip Hanauer, said Mr. Porter's daughter, L.J. At various times through the years, the restaurant had served barbecue to practically everyone on the Sonics, Mariners and Seahawks teams, she said.

"People come in from all over the world to try that 'man' sauce," L.J. said. "They come in to get beat up. It's pretty crazy."

Those who dared to taste "The Man" often walked out with bumper stickers to advertise their courage: "I met 'The Man' at Dixie's BBQ. Yeah, baby!"

Those who couldn't take the heat would bolt to the front of the store for a handful of peanuts to put out the flame.

L.J. said her father perfected his barbecue technique through trial-and-error. As for the sauce, "he was just kind of messing around with something one day, and he came up with it, and he started calling it 'the man' sauce," she said.

The restaurant is a family business, L.J. said. Dixie's was named after Mr. Porter's wife. For the red beans and rice and other side dishes, Mr. Porter used his mother's recipes, which were originally developed in Louisiana and Mississippi. And Mr. Porter's son, Alton, runs a barbecue restaurant and catering service, Porter's Place, in Tacoma, as well as Porter's Place & Dixie's BBQ at Safeco Field.

Mr. Porter started his career as an auto mechanic, opening Porter's Automotive Service in 1970 on Northup Way. L.J. said her father was one of the best mechanics in the area.

On the weekends, he'd cook barbecue for church fundraisers, raising thousands of dollars. One day, a parishioner persuaded him to drop auto repair and open a restaurant, she said.

Mr. Porter converted the auto shop into a barbecue restaurant in 1994, and soon after, the accolades began pouring in.

Dixie's BBQ is closed for the week, but L.J. said the restaurant will continue to operate.

Mr. Porter is survived by his wife of 50 years, Dixie; his children, Alton and L.J.; and five grandchildren.

Services will be held at Overlake Christian Church, 9900 Willows Road N.E. in Redmond on Monday, March 8, with a viewing from 9 to 11 a.m., and a service at 11 a.m. Mr. Porter will be buried at Tahoma National Cemetery.

Katherine Long: 206-464-2219 or klong@seattletimes.com

2010-01-27T09:25:00.000-07:00

I am sending this because I recently watched an eye opening Oprah special on cell phones and driving. First, let me start by asking, do you text while driving? Do you talk on your cell phone while driving? If you answer yes to either of these questions or you know someone else who would answer yes to these questions then please go to this link http://www.oprah.com/showinfo/Americas-New-Deadly-Obsession and watch these videos. You will be completely shocked. The full episode is about 40 minutes and is worth every minute of your time. I CHALLENGE you to watch it and take the pledge for a "No Phone Zone".

I learned a few things while watching this show:

You are 4 times more likely to be in an accident if you are talking on the phone while driving
A drunk driver is also 4 times more likely to be in an accident as a sober person (Yes, a cell phone user is equivalent in their level of impairment as a drunk driver)
You are 8 times more likely to be in an accident if you are texting while driving
Your brain cannot multi-task the way we wish it would while driving and talking on the phone, thus impairing our peripheral vision

Happy New Year

2010-01-11T09:37:00.001-07:00

2010 - can you believe it?
I am back at work today after being off since December 24. Well, I worked that day - sorta. I worked from home and there was NOTHING to do!
Not much to write at the moment. Just wanted to say Happy New Year if anyone still reads this thing.

A quick year in review

2009-12-16T13:11:00.001-07:00

The year started out with Steve and I having the honor of attending the inauguration of President Barack Obama. This was an experience that I will never forget! David turned 15 on the 24th of January and the studying for a permit commenced.
March was a busy month. I became football coach for Alex’s team, Mad Dogs. It was a learning experience for all of us! We won our first (and only) game, but it was fun. I also went to Vegas that month to visit my BFF Stephanie! My sister-in-law Jane also came along and as the trio of trouble we had a great time.
April was chaotic. Our dog Prospero had to get neutered. Honeywell announced 10% pay cuts that affected Steve. I tripped over Prospero and gave myself a concussion. And I turned another year older. (Numbers are not important here……)
David went from helping me coach the Mad Dogs to playing on the team as our QB. In his third game, he made his best tackle ever – and broke his right arm! We spent a few hours in the ER and I spent Mother’s Day tending to HIM. We also lost our cat Loki in May. He snuck out one night and owls found him. Honeywell announced more furloughs, this time affecting me. On a positive note, Steve and I saw Styx, REO Speedwagon and 38 Special with my friend Mike.
June 1st brought us 11 puppies. Fortunately I had taken that week off from work. We lost 4 of the pups, but 7 survived and were so darn cute! A few days after they were born, I flew to Virginia to pick up Hamlet, another pug. Yes – we bought another pug. We didn’t think Prospero could get Ariel pregnant. He made it happen the week before he was neutered. Steve injured himself pretty bad by falling off of a ladder into a cactus. He did this the day before he left for an international trip. He visited Prague, Shanghai, Beijing and Tokyo….among other airport stops, such as Moscow!
Alex spent the summer in Las Vegas with his dad. He did some odd jobs for friends of his dad’s and earned enough money to buy himself a 360. He was very proud of this accomplishment! David’s summer was spent going to the orthopedic at Luke Air Force Base on an almost weekly basis for his arm. His BFF Andrew did come down from Alaska for a couple days, which made David happy.
July marked our anniversary – 2 years. We also added yet another new member to our family. Jasmine, a Siamese Lilac Point, was adopted from the Arizona Humane Society. She is a beautiful and very sweet kitty. And David did get his permit on his 15-1/2 birthday.
School started for us in August. David started the 10th grade, Alex started 8th grade. Me? I dropped University of Phoenix and moved over to Arizona State University. A lot more work, but I love it! I started off with only 2 classes (7 credits) to make sure that I didn’t overdo it. We also got a new car in August. We traded in the Mercury Sable for a 2009 Hyundai Elantra. Oh, and I can’t forget the Green Day concert! Best concert I have ever been to.
In September, Steve and I took separate vacations. He went to Buffalo/Chautauqua for a week to visit with his dad. I flew to Seattle to see my family and Stephanie. She and Chad (and Shelby) took me to the Miley Cyrus concert for their wedding anniversary. Mom, Mike and I went to the Puyallup Fair one day. And I got to see my mom Patty too! Visited my Nana in her new place, which is very nice. It was a very busy week, but I loved it. The day that Steve was to return to Phoenix, and while I was at the Miley concert, David called to tell me he hurt his foot. A friend had to take him to Urgent Care. His foot was sprained and he was on crutches for about a week.
October was a nice quiet month. Steve kidnapped me and took me to Flagstaff for a weekend. We rented a cabin at Fort Tuthill. We did some hiking, went to Sedona and just relaxed. It was wonderful.
Alex turned 14 in November and is constantly reminding me how he will be in high school next year. Right before his birthday, the kid broke his finger at school. He was playing football at lunch. We went to John and Denise’s house for Thanksgiving. Our good friends Blake, Amy and Molly joined us. Steve and Alex went camping in the White Tanks the day after Thanksgiving and did a lot of hiking. I joined them on their final night out there.
Steve just celebrated his birthday on December 8th. (Again, numbers are not important here) We had a quiet evening. I made him a steak dinner and we watched a movie.

Decade in Seven Minutes

2009-12-03T08:33:00.002-07:00

Phoenix Sunset

2009-11-16T10:50:00.004-07:00

These were taken last week

Neglectful

2009-11-12T14:42:00.004-07:00

It's been over a month since I posted anything on this. I guess that is the downfall of using Twitter and Facebook. So, let me think... what is new?

David went to his Homecoming - with a good friend of his. Here he is! Ain't he cute?

He currently has a girlfriend, who is very sweet. They have been good friends for a while now and she lives pretty much across the street from us.

Alex is doing good. He's maintaining straight A's in school. He just went on a trip for school. It was 2 nights up in Payson. They refer to it as a Humanities camp. He seemed to have a good time, but was disappointed that the weather warmed up. The team who went the week before they did had snow! And since I posted a pic of David, here is one of Alex sleeping with Sharky.

Steve is also doing well. Keeping busy with work. That man works way too hard!

I only have 2 pups left to sell. It has been really hard letting them go. In fact, the people who took Sharky really pissed me off. But I can't think about that. I have 2 males left and they are so sweet. They are pretty much house broken now. I made the pen smaller and they stopped pooping and peeing in it! YAY!

School is going well. For Winter Quarter, I am taking "Witchcraft & Heresy in Europe." Spring Quarter will be "English 102" and "Introduction to Islam." I'm looking forward to all of them. English 102 is required but I will have to write an essay, which for the most part, I like to do! Islam should be interesting as I don't know too much about that religion. I thought about taking a Buddhism course or Hinduism course. Both of those are beautiful religions.

Well, I best be back to work.

October

2009-10-06T10:52:00.003-07:00

Can you believe it is October already? Boys are on Fall Break next week.
Does anyone really read this anymore? Everyone either follows me on Twitter or is on Facebook. I don't even really use my MySpace anymore. Too many fans on there. And really - they aren't MY fans. I think it is the whole six degrees of separation thing. People want the connection to celebrities.
Aaron did good on Dancing last night. Not one of his better performances, but he'll come back. And that was a difficult dance too! He did about 100000% better than I would ever do. His dance last week was kick ass!! The whole Muppet thing worked!
Okay, back to work now.

Seattle

2009-09-24T08:33:00.007-07:00

Seattle was full of fun and busy! Here are a few pix of my trip!! The order is backwards, but oh well.

Nana with Sam & Eva
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Dawn, me & Vidal
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Me & Sam
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Papa and Dawn
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Crazy!!
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Nana
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Miley Concert
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Miley Concert
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Miley Concert
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Steph, Chad & Shelby (who is hiding) at the Miley Concert
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Harley
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Steph playing on the laptop while I was doing homework
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Shelby Montana :D
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Me and Mom at Bahama Breeze... YUM
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Me with some Washington State Troopers
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In the SWAT van!
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Mom found her cotton candy at the Puyallup Fair

09/09/09

2009-09-09T09:53:00.003-07:00

First off - Happy Anniversary Honey! It is our 3rd 2nd anniversary today!
Secondly - Happy Birthday Dad! I hope you have a great day with Linda and the puppies!

On Thursday, my darling son Alex decided to tempt death. Well, sorta. He was at school, saw a Diamondback and decided to poke it.....twice! Fortunately he was not bit. The thing didn't even rattle until the teacher approached it. Does that mean my son is a Slitheran? hehehe Seriously though, he better not do it again!

I had a wonderfully lazy weekend. Oh, got my first lab grade back for my one course. 99/100! YAY! I was pretty excited.

Now, since today is 09/09/09, I thought I would post some interesting facts on the number 9.

Nine, as the highest single-digit number (in base ten), symbolizes completeness in the Bahá'í Faith. In addition, the word Bahá' in the Abjad notation has a value of 9 and a 9-pointed star is used to symbolize the religion.

The number 9 is revered in Hinduism and considered a complete, perfected and divine number because it represents the end of a cycle in the decimal system.

Important Buddhist rituals usually involve nine monks.

Nine is a significant number in Norse Mythology. Odin hung himself on an ash tree for nine days to learn the runes.

Nine is strongly associated with the Chinese dragon, a symbol of magic and power. There are nine forms of the dragon, it is described in terms of nine attributes, and it has nine children.

A polygon with nine sides is called a nonagon or enneagon. A group of nine of anything is called an ennead.

In base 10 a number is evenly divisible by nine if and only if its digital root is 9. That is, if you multiply nine by any natural number, and repeatedly add the digits of the answer until it is just one digit, you will end up with nine.

On 09/09 in history:

California became the 31st state (1850)

9 Elvis Presley first appears on the Ed Sullivan Show. (1956)

Birthdays

Harland Sanders, "Colonel Sanders", founded Kentucky Fried Chicken (1890)

Otis Redding, singer, "Sittin on the Dock of the Bay" (1941)

Michael Keaton, actor (1951)

Adam Sandler, actor, comedian (1966)
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Today is Teddy Bear Day. A Teddy Bear is a special friend to children all over the world. He's cuddly. He makes you feel secure in an otherwise insecure world. He's lovable. Your Teddy Bear is both a companion and a comforter. And, he's not afraid of the dark. He'll keep you safe.

Spend the day and night with your teddy bear . Cuddle up to him. Talk to him. And, do all of your favorite things together.

Parents and adults: No child should grow up without a teddy bear. If you know of any kid without one, use this day to buy a teddy bear for them.

As we become adults, some find it difficult to give up our teddy bears. We feel there is no reason to give him up. Some adults have their teddy bears around all their lives. Its perfectly normal....and okay.

Have a happy Teddy Bear Day!

References

http://www.holidayinsights.com/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/9_(number)

David's School Made The News

2009-08-28T14:19:00.003-07:00

Valley high school student arrested for gun on campus

PHOENIX -- Police say a Mountain Pointe High School student is in juvenile custody after he reportedly brought a handgun to class in a backpack and told friends he was going to use it in an after-school fight.

The name of the 17-year-old student is being withheld because he's not an adult.

Police say the teenager faces one felony and two misdemeanor charges, including underage weapons possession, bringing a firearm onto school grounds and misconduct involving a weapon.

The incident happened Wednesday at the Ahwatukee school.

Other students reported to school administrators that the student told them he had a .45 caliber handgun in his backpack.

School security removed the student from class, took the backpack away and found the gun.

ASU

2009-08-27T12:19:00.000-07:00

I have submitted my first Lab assignment for one of my classes! YAY! Plus I submitted a pic I took up in the White Tanks and got extra credit! Woo hoo!!!

R.I.P. Ted

2009-08-26T09:24:00.001-07:00

And that's all I have to say about that....

GREEN DAY!!!

2009-08-24T09:20:00.002-07:00

OMG! That was the best concert I have ever, ever been to! They put on a great show! It was even better than their American Idiot tour. We drove to one of the Park and Rides about 5:00pm on Saturday, hopped on the light rail and then had dinner at the Hard Rock. A few drinks later (I was feeling gooooood) we walked over to US Airways center for the show. Franz Ferdinand opened and were excellent. However, Green Day... WOW! That is all I can say! It was non-stop for almost 3 hours! Jumping, arm waving... I felt like I had hit the gym hard when I woke up Sunday morning. :) So cool! Highly recommend going to see them! And I so love Billie Joe!

Driving Test

2009-08-24T08:30:00.000-07:00

Created by Auto Insurance.org

What a week!

2009-08-21T14:46:00.006-07:00

I started Sunday okay - we went to see Harry Potter, which was excellent. But by Sunday evening, I was feeling a little off. I figured it was due to popcorn and soda. Blah! I woke up Monday morning with a migraine... a bad one. I was so sick! Tuesday I got up and still have the migraine. I went to physical therapy anyway but then came home and slept. I felt better so went to work on Wednesday. Yesterday it tried to come back, but I took another Imitrex while at work and it went away again. I'm still having other issues, but at least the headache is gone!
Today has been a slooooowwwwww day. Tonight at 6:00pm there is someone coming over to look at a puppy. YAY! I have been trying to detach myself from them, but it isn't working. They are so darn cute. I told the guy $150. I'd prefer the $200, but the cost of those little cuties is going up because they are eating more! I go through a lot of puppy chow!!!!
I had Alex's "Meet the Teachers" night last night. I am proud of him. He is taking Algebra this year. If he passes the mid-term and final exams, he gets high school credit. If he passes both exams with an 80% or better, he will go into Honors Geometry next year. If he only passes one with an 80% or both are below that, (but still passing), he'll go into regular Geometry. I have David's thing on Monday.
I start ASU on Monday. Woo hoo! Both classes look great. They will be more work than UoP, but interesting. That is the key!!
I'll close out with pictures of puppies.... as usual. Sorry, I posted more than I expected. Can't help it. Hiram, Sharkey and Smokey Bear all need homes.

Smokey Bear (he needs a home)

Stella

Hiram(black), Sharkey(pink), Sanders(light blue), Smokey(dark blue)

David and Sanders

Alex and Hiram (who needs a home)

Hamlet

Hiram(black), Sharkey(pink), Sanders(light blue), Smokey(dark blue)

Hiram, Sharkey, Sanders, Smokey, and Stella

Playing with Mommy (Stella is giving me a bath)

With Mommy

Ariel lounging (And yes, she does this herself)

Prospero and Hamlet snuggling

Grocery Shopping

2009-08-14T10:54:00.002-07:00

David went with me to the store the other day. I like the fact that despite being a teenager, he still can be goofy. Here is a picture taken from my phone to prove my point. This isn't the first time he has done this. Once he did it at Target too. I love his face in this picture. He was totally posing and loved the idea that the picture would get out!

A little humor

2009-08-11T16:24:00.001-07:00

Some good ones in here....

http://awkwardfamilyphotos.com/

New Car

2009-08-11T14:14:00.001-07:00

We got a new car! It is a 2009 Hyundai Elantra. Love it! I'll post pictures soon!

Seems like a long time....

2009-08-03T14:21:00.002-07:00

So much has happened since the 30th! Wow! Okay, so let's see....

I have registered for 2 classes at ASU and start on August 24. The classes I am registered for are:
Dimensions of Liberal Studies

Landform Processes

Two of the puppies are now at new homes. I knew Penelope was going to a new home on Saturday, but the other one was a surprise. I had scheduled too much on Friday. David's therapy was at 3:30 and Penelope's vet visit for shots was at 4:45. So I dropped David off, scheduled his appointments for next week, went home, got Arynn and Penelope and headed back to the PT clinic. Brought the puppy in because it was too dang hot. Well, the one tech totally fell in love with her! She called her boyfriend/hubby who gave the okay. She gave me cash, said she'd do the shots and that she got off of work at 7:00. She arrived about 7:30 and he was gone! :( I cried and cried and cried!

Also on Friday night I took Arynn to Urgent Care. She had kicked the piano and her pinky toe was very bruised and a little swollen. Luckily though, it was not broken! YAY!

David is doing well with his driving. Also on Friday, I let him drive for the first time at night! Told ya it was busy!

I really should get some work done. And I want to get my paper that is due today started! I am soooo bad! I am just so tired of doing these papers. I don't learn anything!!

Yipppeeeee!!

2009-07-30T15:52:00.002-07:00

Alex came home on Monday. I am so happy to have him home!! He looks good and has been having a blast with the puppies. He left when they were a week old! Big difference! He also loved Jasmine, which was his little surprise. Here is a picture of her. She is a Siamese mix and is very sweet.
On Tuesday, Steve and I went to the Diamondbacks game. They played the Phillies. The D'Backs lost. :( But it was a lot of fun!
Wednesday my Blackberry came! YAY! So excited! My new blackberry email is nmspaulding@tmo.blackberry.net. It is sooooooo cool! I love it!
Penelope goes to her new home on Saturday. WAHHH!! But it is a good home and she has a playmate there. I will take Hiram up to Seattle in September. And Leslie will come get Stella in September. We are still keeping Sanders. Still have 2 males and a female left. The one gal who was going to get the one male - well, I haven't heard from her. And the last time I talked to her it was looking like she couldn't take him.
The boys start school in a couple of weeks. Oh boy! I can't believe it is that time of year already! Adam and Arynn go home on the 5th. :( Gonna miss having them around too.

Who let the pugs out?

2009-07-22T15:08:00.007-07:00

So my babies are growing up. I can't believe that they are 7 weeks old! They will be going to homes probably around August 1. Leslie will get hers in September. I am going to be so sad to see them all go! They are so cute and adorable. Here are some updated pictures. The one in the yellow collar is Leslie's. The one in the pink collar belongs to another person who I think will give her a great home. But the females looked so similar, that I had to tell them apart by the collars!

Stella & Mommy

Penelope (in pink) & brother

A little boy

Loving Mommy

Snuggling puppies

A football puppy

Trying to kiss Daddy & Mommy

He's the darkest of the puppies

Little girl sleeping with Adam

Little boy kissing Arynn

Sanders playing "evil jammy monster" with Mom!

From MSNBC.com - New York Times

2009-07-21T10:31:00.001-07:00

NYT: Data shelved on distracted driver risk
Officials: Fears of angering Congress partly to blame for shelving research
By Matt Richtel
The New York Times
updated 8:20 a.m. MT, Tues., July 21, 2009

In 2003, researchers at a federal agency proposed a long-term study of 10,000 drivers to assess the safety risk posed by cellphone use behind the wheel.

They sought the study based on evidence that such multitasking was a serious and growing threat on America’s roadways.

But such an ambitious study never happened. And the researchers’ agency, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, decided not to make public hundreds of pages of research and warnings about the use of phones by drivers — in part, officials say, because of concerns about angering Congress.

On Tuesday, the full body of research is being made public for the first time by two consumer advocacy groups, which filed a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit for the documents. The Center for Auto Safety and Public Citizen provided a copy to The New York Times, which is publishing the documents on its Web site.

In interviews, the officials who withheld the research offered their fullest explanation to date.

‘As bad as drunk driving’?
The former head of the highway safety agency said he was urged to withhold the research to avoid antagonizing members of Congress who had warned the agency to stick to its mission of gathering safety data but not to lobby states.

Critics say that rationale and the failure of the Transportation Department, which oversees the highway agency, to more vigorously pursue distracted driving has cost lives and allowed to blossom a culture of behind-the-wheel multitasking.

“We’re looking at a problem that could be as bad as drunk driving, and the government has covered it up,” said Clarence Ditlow, director of the Center for Auto Safety.

The group petitioned for the information after The Los Angeles Times wrote about the research last year. Mother Jones later published additional details.

The highway safety researchers estimated that cellphone use by drivers caused around 955 fatalities and 240,000 accidents over all in 2002.

The researchers also shelved a draft letter they had prepared for Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta to send, warning states that hands-free laws might not solve the problem.

That letter said that hands-free headsets did not eliminate the serious accident risk. The reason: a cellphone conversation itself, not just holding the phone, takes drivers’ focus off the road, studies showed.

Four times as likely to crash
The research mirrors other studies about the dangers of multitasking behind the wheel. Research shows that motorists talking on a phone are four times as likely to crash as other drivers, and are as likely to cause an accident as someone with a .08 blood alcohol content.

The three-person research team based the fatality and accident estimates on studies that quantified the risks of distracted driving, and an assumption that 6 percent of drivers were talking on the phone at a given time. That figure is roughly half what the Transportation Department assumes to be the case now.

More precise data does not exist because most police forces have not collected long-term data connecting cellphones to accidents. That is why the researchers called for the broader study with 10,000 or more drivers.

“We nevertheless have concluded that the use of cellphones while driving has contributed to an increasing number of crashes, injuries and fatalities,” according to a “talking points” memo the researchers compiled in July 2003.

It added: “We therefore recommend that the drivers not use wireless communication devices, including text messaging systems, when driving, except in an emergency.”

Dr. Jeffrey Runge, then the head of the highway safety agency, said he grudgingly decided not to publish the Mineta letter and policy recommendation because of larger political considerations.

At the time, Congress had warned the agency not to use its research to lobby states. Dr. Runge said transit officials told him he could jeopardize billions of dollars of its financing if Congress perceived the agency had crossed the line into lobbying.

The fate of the research was discussed during a high-level meeting at the transportation secretary’s office. The meeting included Dr. Runge, several staff members with the highway safety agency and John Flaherty, Mr. Mineta’s chief of staff.

Mr. Flaherty recalls that the group decided not to publish the research because the data was too inconclusive.

He recalled that Dr. Runge “indicated that the data was incomplete and there was going to be more research coming.”

He recalled summing up his position as, the agency “should make a decision as to whether they wanted to wait for more data.”

But Dr. Runge recalled feeling that the issue was dire and needed public attention. “I really wanted to send a letter to governors telling them not to give a pass to hands-free laws,” said Dr. Runge, whose staff spent months preparing a binder of materials for their presentation.

His broader goal, he said, was to educate people about the dangers of distracted driving. “Based on the research, there was a possibility of this becoming a really big problem,” he said.

But “my advisers upstairs said we should not poke a finger in the eye of the appropriations committee,” he recalled.

He said Mr. Flaherty asked him, “Do we have enough evidence right now to not create enemies among all the stakeholders?”

Those stakeholders, Dr. Runge said, were the House Appropriations Committee and groups that might influence it, notably voters who multitask while driving and, to a much smaller degree, the cellphone industry.

Mr. Mineta, who left as transportation secretary in 2006, said he was unaware of the meeting.

“I don’t think it ever got to my desk,” he said of the research. Mr. Ditlow, from the Center for Auto Safety, said the officials’ explanations for withholding the research raised concerns. He said the research did not constitute lobbying of states.

And he said it was consistent with the highway safety agency’s research in other areas, like seat belts.

Mr. Ditlow said that putting fears of the House panel ahead of public safety was an abdication of the agency’s responsibility.

“No public health and safety agency should allow its research to be suppressed for political reasons,” he said. Doing so “will cause deaths and injuries on the highways.”

Opportunity missed to save lives?
State Senator Joe Simitian of California, who tried from 2001 to 2005 to pass a hands-free cellphone law over objections of the cellphone industry, said the unpublished research would have helped him convince his colleagues that cellphones cause serious — deadly — distraction.

“Years went by when lives could have been saved,” said Mr. Simitian, who in 2006 finally pushed through a hands-free law that took effect last year.

The highway safety agency, rather than commissioning a study with 10,000 drivers, handled one involving 100 cars. That study, done with the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, placed cameras inside cars to monitor drivers for more than a year.

It found that drivers using a hand-held device were at 1.3 times greater risk of a crash or near crash, and at three times the risk when dialing compared with other drivers.

Not all the research went unpublished. The safety agency put on its Web site an annotated bibliography of more than 150 scientific articles that showed how a cellphone conversation while driving taxes the brain’s processing power, reducing reaction time. But the bibliography included only a list of the articles, not the one-page summaries of each one written by the researchers.

Chris Monk, who researched the bibliography for 18 months, said the exclusion of the summaries took the teeth out of the findings.

“It became almost laughable,” Mr. Monk said. “What they wound up finally publishing was a stripped-out summary.”

Mr. Monk and Mike Goodman, a division head at the safety agency who led the research project, theorize that the agency might have felt pressure from the cellphone industry. Mr. Goodman said the industry frequently checked in with him about the project and his progress. (He said the industry knew about the research because he had worked with it to gather some data).

But he could offer no proof of the industry’s influence. Mr. Flaherty said he was not contacted or influenced by the industry.

The agency’s current policy is that people should not use cellphones while driving. Rae Tyson, a spokesman for the agency, said it did not, and would not, publish the researchers’ fatality estimates because they were not definitive enough.

He said the other research was compiled as background material for the agency, not for the public.

“There is no report to publish,” he said.

This article, "U.S. Withheld Data on Risks of Distracted Driving," first appeared in The New York Times.

Copyright © 2009 The New York Times
URL: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32018629/ns/us_news-the_new_york_times/

MSN Privacy . Legal
© 2009 MSNBC.com

Feeling a bit down

2009-07-17T13:13:00.002-07:00

David's appointment went okay yesterday. His arm is healed, but his range of motion is bad. So he has to have physical therapy.

My appointment today was basically a lose-lose situation. The good news is - no surgery. At least not yet. The doctor wants to try 3 months of physical therapy first. Yes - 3 months of more therapy. I'm not happy. I just want my dang knee to stop hurting! I'm ready to say screw it and just deal with the pain, which is something I may have to do anyway. UGH!

On the upside - Adam and Arynn arrived yesterday. YAY! They were beat and both went to bed early last night. Steve took them to the base today to get their military ID cards. They are pretty excited about that.

John, Denise, Evan and Scott are coming over tomorrow. They haven't seen the puppies yet. We will BBQ and swim and have a good time! :)

And of course, I must close out with more adorable puppy pix. Won't you all be happy when I stop taking pix of the pugs? I know David will be. He complains that I never take pix of anyone or anything anymore - only pugs! LOL

Monday morning

2009-07-13T10:10:00.003-07:00

So this morning the puppies had me laughing. Every morning I get up, take the three older puppies outside and then go feed the little ones (after cleaning up the pee and poopies). Well, they wanted a jail break this morning! Four of them got out and then realized that I was putting their food down. It was funny watching them all try to climb back in very quick to get their food!

Checking in

2009-07-12T20:38:00.002-07:00

Not too much to report - okay, actually there is, but I can't say anything until Alex comes home! Adam and Arynn come on Thursday. David hopefully has his splint off on Thursday. I go see the orthopdedic surgeon on Friday. My last day of this stupid class is tomorrow. I start my next class on Tuesday. I can't wait to get into ASU though. No more team projects. Okay - chat later!!

He's home....

2009-07-10T17:23:00.000-07:00

He's tired.... but he's home....

NEVADA

2009-07-10T14:17:00.003-07:00

He is over Nevada now! Only a little over an hour to go! I'll leave work in about 45 minutes. It only takes 5 to 10 minutes to get to the airport from here. But I'm excited!

More, more, more

2009-07-10T13:21:00.002-07:00

Steve is on his way home!!

I love pugs! They really are so adorable! Here are some new pictures!!

Random

2009-07-07T15:54:00.001-07:00

So I am not sure why, but Gareth and Brenwynn popped into my head today. I do think about them and miss them. David and Alex will ask about them every once in a while. Gareth would be 15 now and Brenwynn will be 13 next month. Anyway, I hope they are doing well.

Michael Jackson

2009-07-07T08:51:00.004-07:00

While I was shocked and saddened by the sudden loss of MJ last month, I have to admit that I am sick of hearing about it! I mean really - there have been other deaths since, there has been other more notable news since - yet MJ is still the large article staring at me when I open CNN.com or MSNBC.com. What about the other news going on?

Steve McNair murdered.

Serial killer in South Carolina

Palin quitting - even tho she says otherwise....

Robert McNamara, ex-defense secretary, dies

Riots in China

Obama in Russia

And that is just a few things!!!! Let MJ rest in peace - let it go!

July 6

2009-07-06T15:52:00.003-07:00

My head is pounding!
Steve is now in Shanghai. He spent one night in Beijing. On Wednesday he heads to Tokyo. Then home! YAY! As much as he drives me crazy, I miss him so much when he is gone.
So I didn't mention our excitement on Thursday morning. Police cars everywhere! Even a police helicopter! I guess a kid who used to live in the cul-de-sac (is that spelled right?) was arrested for breaking and entering and then evading police. He was jumping over fences and everything! David knew the guy sorta. They weren't friends but he had played basketball with him and other neighborhood kids a couple times. He had moved to California but came back but was not welcome back in the house he had been staying.
My appointment at the orthopedic was okay. I have another one on the 17th to meet with the surgeon. They want to scope my knee maybe. UGH!
Puppies are doing well. Here are a couple of pictures for your viewing pleasure.

Canadian

2009-07-03T20:40:00.000-07:00

This was sent to me by a co-worker of mine in Canada. Hehehe I love it!

Happy Day

2009-07-01T15:38:00.001-07:00

First off Happy Canada Day to my friends & coworkers in and from Canada!

Second - a very happy birthday to my friend Marlene Santana! If you need rental help in Mazatlan, she's the one.

I must be crazy

2009-07-01T13:36:00.002-07:00

So I did the craziest thing today! I applied for Arizona State University. I did a preliminary transfer thing and 90 of my credits will transfer. So I do lose some credits from University of Phoenix if I do transfer. I will need to still complete 30 credits. However, I will be able to CLEP some of those - like the math. It will add probably about a year to my schooling, but I think ASU is much more reputable in the business world than UoP. Plus it is cheaper! I applied for the Bachelor of Liberal Studies degree. We'll see what happens.

Dobré ráno

2009-06-30T09:21:00.002-07:00

That is good morning in Czech!

Steve has made it safely to Prague. But it was not without some adventure. Hehe
On Sunday he decided to trim the palm and remove the seed pods. Well, he fell off of the step ladder, which hit him in the ribs as he fell and then he rolled into a cactus. We were up until about midnight, with little sleep and the alarm went off at 4:00AM. He had to be at the airport by 5:00. I went with him to carry his luggage (possible broken ribs here). Then the ticket agent thinks Steve is missing his Visa which he doesn't need one for the Czech Republic. So we spend 10 minutes waiting for the guy to check. But he can't even find Czech in his computer --- he was spelling it Check! Yikes! We finally got through and I took him up to security before leaving for work.
Steve called me at 3:40 this morning and was in his hotel feeling okay. (I think... he woke me up so I only remember bits of the conversation.) I remember him saying that the hotel wasn't as nice as the one in Germany.

Loss of Icons

2009-06-26T09:12:00.007-07:00

Earlier this week we lost Ed McMahon. I know he was on the Johnny Carson show, but I remember him most for Star Search. I loved that show as a kid! And the first winner - Sam Harris! Boy did I have a crush on him. :) I think he also worked with Dick Clark on that show Bloopers and Practical Jokes. Recently he was having negative press regarding his house. He recently had a round of pneumonia and I think he was diagnosed with bone cancer as well. R.I.P. ED!!

Yesterday morning we lost Farrah Fawcett. She was a fighter, that is for sure. I have to admit that I do not remember being a huge Farrah fan when I was a kid. But I do know that I learned to respect her abilities over the years. She was a very talented actress who never seemed to quite get away from being "An Angel". She'd been fighting anal cancer since 2006. I think what saddens me is that Ryan O'Neal finally proposed but she died before they could marry. R.I.P FARRAH!

The shocker was the death of Michael Jackson yesterday. Sudden cardiac arrest. Thriller was the first record (and yes, it was vinyl!) that I ever bought with my own money. I listened to that thing over and over again. I was in love with Michael Jackson! I mean, what little girl could not adore this guy snuggling with a "kitty"? Everyone I knew wanted to be that girl in his Thriller video. Wowsers! I do have something to say to the media out there regarding Michael - YOU all SUCK! I hear you praising him right now, but where were your praises back when he was getting accused of molestation? Sure - he was different. But he was ACQUITTED people! Michael - I hope you have finally found peace. R.I.P.

Random Blogs

2009-06-25T09:45:00.002-07:00

Since I am in such a foul mood today, I'm blogging.

Once in a while I hit the "next blog" button at the top of my screen when I am in my blog or reading my BFF Steph's blog. Some of them are good, some I don't read the language. But today I found a few that I thought were kinda cool - or at least interesting. So here they are:

Mark Blackwell's TNT Updates

The Chai Cyclist

Prime Photos - This one has some nice pix - but my brother's are better!

Okay, back to work. Gotta go ship a laptop to Mexico. Weeeee.....

Playful Pugs

2009-06-25T09:31:00.003-07:00

FINALLY!

2009-06-25T09:24:00.000-07:00

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

GGRRRRR

2009-06-24T09:34:00.001-07:00

And now my AC on my car is not working. More money gone that we don't have! Can I cry?????

Whew - what a day!

2009-06-23T16:20:00.007-07:00

The day started off with getting up early to take David up to Luke AFB to have his cast removed. But first we stopped at Starbucks to wake us up! Dominic, who works there, asked to sign David's cast. David took that as a good omen. We get to the base and they have moved the orthopedic clinic! After finding it, we had his cast removed. It looked funny!! Then it was off to x-ray to see how the bone is coming along. Here is where things get interesting. The x-ray showed that the break is healing but there is still quite a gap. The Major wanted to put another cast of for another 2 weeks. However, after pushing and moving his arm around, he decided that David seems to be doing okay and a brace will suffice. To yet still add to the excitement, apparently David did also break his ulna styloid. So yes - he actually broke 2 bones! That one is healing okay as well. CRAZY! So we have the brace/splint on and go back in 4 weeks.
After leaving the base, David called his best friend Andrew who just arrived this morning from Alaska. So we swung by the airport to say hello and ended up going to lunch. I just love that kid to death! He's one of my own. And his mom Bonnie is wonderful. I got to meet her hubby for the first time and I like him too!

Finally made it in to work at about 1:00. Had my mid-year review at 3:00 which went very well. I do love my job and team, but gosh I wish I had more $$! LOL

I am exhausted as I was up late last night working on my paper that was due. It wasn't a difficult paper, I just didn't have the time to get it done! (Okay, okay - so some of it was because I was lazy!)

I am feeling really bummed about not going to the reunion on Saturday. It is also Grandma's memorial service. But I won't get into that right now. I'm actually mad that I am not going. Oh well.

I will finish off the email with pix of my darling puppies who are now 3 weeks old! Can you believe it??

Kirkland House Fire

2009-06-18T10:09:00.002-07:00

This house is right around the corner from where my mom lives. I was shocked when I read this article!
http://www.kirotv.com/news/19760072/detail.html

Need a nap

2009-06-16T16:05:00.002-07:00

I am still running a fever, feeling achy, headache, tummy pains... but I am at work today. What a trooper! LOL
All 7 puppies now have their little eyes open. They are so darn cute!
Steve is going to the Czech Republic on the 29th. I had his tickets bought and he was going to be gone for a week. Well, customers yelled and screamed so now it looks like he'll be gone for 3 weeks! :( He'll go to Prague, then Tokyo, then Shangai, then Beijing, and then back home to Phoenix! Sigh....
I am so tired and I still have to drive home. Blah! Head hurts.... whine, whine, whine!

My turn

2009-06-15T07:20:00.001-07:00

So I am pretty sure it is my turn with the flu. I have been running a fever, achy, tired, sharp tummy pains, congested... :( sux! Since our short work weeks start this week I am going to take my 4 hours of unpaid time today.
To top it off, we need to get Ariel into the vet. Her one teet is hard and it isn't supposed to be.
Good news is though that all 7 have opened their eyes now. Well, the 7th one was just this morning and his one eye isn't completely opened yet. So adorable.
Back to work so I can get some more sleep later!

New Pictures

2009-06-11T09:04:00.003-07:00

My eyes need a break. I am working on an expense report for someone who was over in Prague.
Here are some updated pictures of all the puppies - including Hamlet and one of Prospero.

So, so tired

2009-06-10T15:42:00.002-07:00

My class is now down to 4 students. Should be interesting. Luckily the instructor counts the DQs as participation. So I answered 2 of the 3 DQs today, thereby knocking out one of my participation days! YAY!
Talked with my boss this morning and I guess Honeywell is changing their tuition reimbursement program. Now you have a max of $5250 a year where before there was no cap. Well, this sux because I passed that after my 3rd class. University of Phoenix is really expensive and those costs just went up to. Currently it is $1545 for 3 credit hours and then $75 for materials. (Why - I don't know... the materials are all electronic!!) As of July 1 the cost will be $1590 for 3 credit hours and $85 for materials. Cost goes up, reimbursement goes down. Thank you George W. Bush and Dick Cheney. I am not sure if I am going to have to postpone my classes after this one or not. The change in reimbursement is supposed to take effect on August 1 and my next class runs from July 14 to August 17. I know damn well we can't afford to pay it out of pocket. Financial Aid take me away!!! Deb is looking into it for me with HR. She's the best!
Alex made it safely to Las Vegas yesterday. Although I miss him already. He'll be back the end of July. All the puppies will be big by the time he comes back! Some of them may even be gone! :( That will make him sad.
I really should get back to work. I'm just fighting a headache and feel achey (or is it achy). Neither looks right!! I know it is lack of sleep and stress, but ugh! About 45 more minutes and then I can head home.

Pugs Everywhere!

2009-06-09T15:33:00.005-07:00

So, it has been a while since I last updated. I'll do my best to capture everything that has happened since May 27.
First off - today is my Mom's bday! Happy Birthday!!!! She's 49 again today.
David's arm is doing better. He had a shorter cast put on a week ago. On June 23 he goes in to have the cast removed, have more x-rays and hopefully have a splint put on. He is currently studying the Arizona Driver's Guide in hopes of getting his permit.
Alex is doing well. He was my life-line with the puppies, which I will get to in a minute. His Dad came and got him today and he will spend about a month in Vegas. He had straight A's in his 4th quarter at school! I was very proud of him.
Ariel had her puppies on June 1. She started whining at about 4 in the morning and popped the first one out at 5:00am. When she hit number 6 at about 8:30 I thought she was done. Then I went to check on her and there was number 7! I had to take David to the doc that day for his cast and was out at the car at 9:30 when I heard Alex scream "MOM!" I went back inside and there was number 8. Alex delivered 3 more before I got home. Her last one popped out at 1:00pm.

We have since lost 4 of the puppies. Three of them were extremely premature, but we tried to keep them around. We lost them on Wednesday, June 3. The 4th one died on Saturday...actually early Sunday morning about 1:00am. I was up and holding her when she died. They all brought a lot of tears. We will bury them in the backyard with Foogie. The other 7 seem to be doing well.

To add to our pug chaos - remember back in March when I scheduled to have Prospero fixed? Well, I had contacted the breeder because of the health guarantee that they have and this was a genetic issue. So, we purchased another pug at a reduced rate and I scheduled my trip in April to go get the newbie. I scheduled to fly out on June 5. Ariel being pregnant was a total shock as we were told Prospero couldn't breed. So even though they were going at it like drunk monkeys, we thought nothing would come of it....especially 11 puppies! So, Hamlet is our newest member of the family and he is really adorable. He is 3 months old and his birthday is March 7. Here are a couple of pix of him.

Oh - and if you are still reading - I got an A in my last class. The one I didn't like.... what was it called? Um... Principles of Investigation...yah, that's it. My class Security of Information Systems and Technology ended up being pushed out as I was the only student. That class now starts August 18. The class I just started today is Physical Security. There are only 5 of us in the class.

School Break

2009-05-27T14:18:00.002-07:00

I finished my Principles of Investigation course on Monday. Whew! I did not like that class! I will probably get my grade in about a week or so. My next class starts on June 9. Here is what I have left in my program:

SECURITY OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGY
PHYSICAL SECURITY
PERSONAL SECURITY
GLOBAL SECURITY ISSUES
TERRORISM
HOMELAND SECURITY AND INTERAGENCY RESPONSE
CAPSTONE COURSE

Plus I have 3 Humanities credits that I still need to take. I will try to CLEP those. If not, there is a World Mythology course that UoP offers that looks interesting!!
My Capstone Course ends on February 22nd. I should be good to not take any more time off after these 2 weeks. I'll get a break at Christmas time too. Once I know when the 2010 commencement dates are I will let you all know. :) Gosh 7 more classes. Well 8 if I don't CLEP Humanities. That is only 24 more credits to go!! And right now I am keeping a 3.85 GPA, which is honors!

Good news - okay news

2009-05-27T10:27:00.003-07:00

David and I both had our appointments yesterday.

David's arm is looking like it is starting to heal. We have another appointment on June 1. So that is good news. Hopefully it will continue. Poor David is starting to get depressed about his cast as it goes above his elbow. He did go put his feet in the pool over the weekend and that seemed to help a bit.

My appointment went okay. Still not sure what is going on with my knee, although they now think it is in the knee and something that would not show on an X-ray or MRI. They had me do squats to see where the pain was. Then they put this numbing fluid in my knee, let it sit for 10 minutes and then had me do squats again. The pain was gone! The pressure was still there - don't get me wrong - but no pain. So they gave me a cortisone shot and told me to come back in 6 weeks. Depending on how I feel then, they may need to scope my knee. Right now my knee hurts! He said that the cortisone would not take full affect until the 3rd day. Lucky me!

Calming Down

2009-05-21T15:20:00.002-07:00

Okay, I'm not feeling so angry now. Still bummed a bit, but it could be worse. We'll just have to really tighten our budget. Sigh.... At least I get 4 hours off a week that I don't have to use vacation!!!

This bites!

2009-05-21T10:02:00.002-07:00

So, now I have to take a 10% reduction in pay too! How the hell do they expect people to survive?? I'm going to have to find a second job. Steve's 10% is supposed to end after 3rd quarter - so the end of September. Mine goes from June 15 to November 15!

This SUCKS!

Getting through it all

2009-05-20T14:34:00.001-07:00

Took Alex into the doctor yesterday. He's got the tail end of the flu and also has an upper respiratory infection. His fever was still over 100 this morning so he is at home today. His last day of school is tomorrow so hopefully he can go.

David is now a Sophomore! YIKES! He finished his finals today and is done with his Freshman year. Can you believe it?? He's doing okay with his arm. He had a bunch of people sign it. I'm sure now that school is over the annoyance factor will kick in. LOL

It has cooled down a little today. I think our high is only supposed to be 95. We had 14 straight days over 100, which broke the May record! In May 2003 it was 13 consecutive days.

May 19 -- 105
May 18 -- 106
May 17 -- 107
May 16 -- 102
May 15 -- 101
May 14 -- 101
May 13 -- 101
May 12 -- 101
May 11 -- 103
May 10 -- 102
May 9 -- 103
May 8 -- 105
May 7 -- 102
May 6 -- 100

Can I scream now?

2009-05-19T09:07:00.003-07:00

David's appointment went okay yesterday. His arm is not healing like they would want. I guess they have seen in other cases that when only the radius is broken, the ulna bone compensates with the muscles, tendons, etc and so the radius bone does not heal. YIKES! So he has another appointment on the 26th of May and then again on June 1.

I think Alex has the flu. He missed yesterday and today. I have him going in at 1:30 today to the doctor. His fever is staying around 101 and I can't get it to drop. :( He's also been puking, feeling dizzy, has a headache and has a sore throat.

Again, this is where I say that I am blessed to have a wonderful boss and a great company who allows some flexibility. I feel like I am working at home more than in the office lately!

I did decide to take 2 weeks off of school. My last day is May 25 and I won't go back until June 9. I have also decided to take the first week of June as vacation from work.

On a positive note - the Styx, REO Speedwagon, and 38 Special concert on Friday night was a lot of fun!! The game Saturday was good, although we lost. But then I had a good time at the after party! So there is some light in my tunnel after all!! Hehehehe

Someone has hijacked my blog!!

2009-05-16T18:16:00.002-07:00

Hi there everyone! I have taken over Nikki's blog. The silly girl gave me her log in and password and I actually remembered it! So while I was in here (updating her background mind you, which she knew I was doing...sort of!) I thought I would post a quick post.

All I have to say about Nikki is that she must be my long lost sister! Twins I think as we seem to be so in sync, and don't they say twins have that kind of connection? She is such a sweetie and I miss her dearly since she is SO far away :(

Love Ya Nikki! You are the best!

Your BFF Steph

My BFF's blog

2009-05-15T11:12:00.004-07:00

She created some scrapbook pages of our trip to Vegas.

Check them out!!

http://itsallaboutscrapbooking.blogspot.com/

Loki

2009-05-14T12:04:00.007-07:00

So as you know, we lost Loki a week ago. It has been really hard. I swear I see him around the house. We all miss him. I wanted to post a few pictures of him, kind of like a memorial.

Another update

2009-05-13T09:52:00.004-07:00

Don't you love my creativity here lately?

So David had his appointment with the base orthopedic on Monday. First off, let me say that I was very impressed with them there!! In fact, since I have to go to an orthopedic for my knee, I have requested the Major that treated David. But anyway, they reset his arm again and put a better cast on it. After the cast was on, they cut it down the sides to allow for swelling. On Monday, the 18th, we go back again for xrays and a permanent cast. He will have to have the cast on for 6 weeks, then go back and have a splint put on for another 4 weeks. So, no football for a while. He will miss playing in his Sophmore year. Here is a pic of him in the new cast from Monday. Oh, and that is Steve play punching him for a dramatic effect. It was a good pose by both of them!

Here are a couple of pix from my team. One is just of David and Alex at home prior to the game. And the other is my team from the 5/2 game. I only had 9 players that day.

Okay, I am trying to think if there is anything else to report, but don't think there is at this time.

Guess I should update

2009-05-11T11:18:00.003-07:00

I know it has been a while, but honestly I have not felt much like chatting or writing. On May 4th I got a call from David's school that he was experiencing flu like symptoms. I took him in and they said he most likely had the flu. We didn't do a flu test though. So he missed Monday and Tuesday. Then on Thursday morning I get up and realize that Loki didn't bother me that night. We look all around the house, but nothing. To make a long story short and not so gruesome, our neighbor found him Thursday afternoon in his yard. We didn't find this out until Friday evening. It looks as if owls got him. So we have lost Loki, our cat for 9 years.
On Saturday, our football game wasn't until 3pm so I figured I would go get a new tire for my car since it went flat on Thursday and I had the spare on it. Well, it needed 2 tires costing a total of $270. I really was not up to going to the game and neither were the boys, but off we went. And it was a hot one too! About 2 minutes into the game, David goes down screaming. He broke his arm. So at 3:18 we are admitted to ER. Fortunately the hospital was only a few minutes away so it was faster to drive him than to wait for 911 to send an ambulance. We spent 3 hours in ER and he has a temp cast on. We go to Luke AFB to see an orthopedist later. He has a 1:00 appointment.
So that is where I stand right now. I am tired and exhausted. I have decided to take a couple weeks or a month off of school when I am done with this class. I don't want to push out my graduation date but honestly I need a break. Wish I could get to Mazatlan for a month. Hehehe

Title goes here

2009-04-23T09:00:00.002-07:00

Couldn't think of anything creative. LOL

Went to the doc yesterday, who sent me to the hospital for a CT scan. The good news is there is no bleeding. So I am told that what I am experiencing is normal. Gosh that makes me mad! Normal? Can't they use a different word? Because I do not feel normal!!! Anyway, so I am just plugging away trying to do the best I can.

I got my grade for my last class! 99.75%! It would have been 100% but one week I only did 7 participations instead of 8. Ooops! :( Oh well - still a good grade and another A for me. My GPA is 3.85 (Dang Java and Algebra courses from my AAIT!)

Okay, back to work....

Concussion Update

2009-04-19T21:35:00.002-07:00

So I did go to the doc on Friday and then to Urgent Care on Saturday. Still feeling a bit disoriented, nauseous, and head hurting... I do okay if I stay laying down... but sitting and standing still make me lightheaded. The Urgent Care doc told me to not go to work until Thursday, no football and no skydiving. So I missed the "game" on Saturday. I say game in parenthesis because it got called right before the half because one of my kids (and Alex's best friend) broke his femur!! We went and saw him in the hospital tonight. He's doing better and should be able to go home tomorrow.
It was not the best birthday.
And I have been sitting too long now so am going to go back to the couch to regroup my thinking!

OUCH

2009-04-17T10:25:00.003-07:00

So last night I am trying to walk into the front door. Prospero, AKA Little Boy, AKA Cone Head, tried going out the door. I tripped over the little guy and whacked my head really hard on the door frame. Was instantly dizzy, headache, nausea... well, I went to football practice anyway where I pretty much just sat there because I was feeling off. I thought I started to feel better and went to bed. However, today it is only getting worse. I have a lot of pressure on the right side of my head where I hit it, things are kinda blurry, I'm tired, can't focus, and still very nauseous. YUCK! I am trying to get into my doctor but they haven't returned my call. So I may end up in Urgent Care later. Steve wanted to take me to ER last night, but I didn't want to go. I know - I am stubborn!

Prospero Update

2009-04-16T08:55:00.002-07:00

The vet said he looked good! YAY! He still has to be cone head for a few more days. He has a scab on his nose that needs to finish healing. I will have to post pictures of him in his cone. So cute!
Gotta get Ariel in to the vet though and get her checked out soon. Make sure she is over her giardia too. Ugh!

Coach Mama

2009-04-15T13:54:00.002-07:00

I haven't done a good job of posting, have I? Things have been a bit crazy and stressful around here. Pay cuts, sick dogs, visiting children...you name it. Anyway, I think things are starting to even out a little bit.
So, about the title of this entry. When I started doing the coaching, David started to refer to me as Coach Mama. Well, it has caught on. Last night I heard some of the boys referring to me as Coach Mama. Also, one of the other coaches was too! I was laughing! I love that name though and think I'll keep it. LOL
Prospero goes to the vet today for his follow-up from his surgery. I think he is doing well.
The visit with Adam and Arynn was good. I didn't get to spend as much time with them as I would have liked. Arynn and I did get our girls day though.
Guess that is it for now....

YAY!! YAY!! YAY!!

2009-04-03T15:13:00.005-07:00

My honey comes home today! He should be arriving in about an hour.. I'm so happy!!

And then Adam and Arynn come in later tonight.

And tomorrow we have a football game! Woo hoo! Go Mad Dogs!!!

So, is anyone interested in buying some aprons? My sister-in-law is making them. They are $35 each or $45 for the bib type. Shipping is only $4.95 for U.S. and I think $12.95 for international. She's gonna do masculine aprons too. And then she will also be doing mother-daughter and father-son aprons. She is so talented. Here are a couple of samples... I don't have pix of the bib type.

...and it just keeps getting better

2009-04-02T13:29:00.002-07:00

So, Honeywell Aerospace announced to us today that some individuals will have to take a 10% cut in pay. Steve is one of those individuals. I may need to cancel going to the family reunion this year - honestly, we have to cut costs where we can too. When Steve gets home (tomorrow, YAY) we will discuss our options.
I take Pros to the vet tonight for blood work for his surgery on Monday. He and Ariel have been busy though, so not sure if we will end up with puppies from him after all.
Adam and Arynn come tomorrow too. That will keep us busy next week. Steve is taking all next week off.
Okay, that is all for now....

April Fool's Day

2009-04-01T13:07:00.002-07:00

I apologize for my blog being so short yesterday. I was not in a good place. I'm still feeling down, but better than yesterday. I just have so much going on and some days I feel as if I am going to explode. I may need to pay my brother for some therapy... not kidding...
So here is a little more detail:
Prospero is going to get fixed on Monday. One of his testicles is stuck and it can cause health problems. I have talked to the breeder and they are going to give us another pug for 50% off. Works for me and Steve. The cost of the surgery is about $700. I was going to put it on my CareCredit card but when I went to use it for their perscriptions on Saturday, it declined. For some reason they cancelled my account and won't tell me why. They said it had nothing to do with my payment history (always on time) or my credit score (which is improving, but not that bad). So I had to pull $$ out of my 401K - which Steve doesn't know about yet. Now you ask why perscriptions? Well, because both dogs had giardia! No, I don't know how they got it.
Jane had her court date yesterday for the bogus charge that her ex-husband lied to the courts about. To sum up, when they divorced, John (her ex) wanted $$ from Nick or the house (which she had prior to their marriage) to go quietly. Jane said "no" and to take the house. John wasn't expecting that. So then he went and said that she trashed it. He had her arrested. The judge was being very partial to John (small town and his attorney was budddies with the judge). Her ex Bob even showed up in support of John. I think it was a scam all along - even the marriage to John was a part of Bob's plan to destroy Jane. Anyway, she pleaded guilty and did a deal so that she wouldn't go to jail for years. Pisses me off! Then she asked me to go into her MySpace page and delete all reference to John and Bob. I'm guessing there is a gag order of some sort but don't know for sure. Just seems weird to me!
Steve is still in Minneapolis and comes home on Friday. I really miss him. I haven't even slept in the bedroom since he left.. it's been hard to sleep. It must be my stress and no one to snuggle with.
Adam and Arynn come down on Friday as well. That should be fun. We haven't seen Arynn in a year and haven't seen Adam since Christmas 2007.
Onto good news regarding the game on Saturday. We did win 27 - 20. It was a good game. Some mistakes, but I was impressed overall. They really pulled together as a team. My Alex, #52, scored our winning touchdown. David did a great job coaching too. It was awesome!
Okay, so there is a quick summary of just a few of the things going on in my life right now. I'll try to do better blogging this month!!

what a way to end the day - or month

2009-03-31T21:27:00.004-07:00

Steve is in Minneopolis. I miss him lots. Jane got screwed by the courts in Florida today., I have little faith in the judicial system.. judges can be paid off. Here is a video highlight of our first game - which we won!! We are the team in red.

Otherwise I am exhausted.

March Madness

2009-03-19T15:34:00.003-07:00

Well, I know that for sports fanatics that will equate to college basketball! But I am talking about my own personal March Madness syndrome here.
I have started a new class. This one is titled Threat and Vulnerability Management. Should be okay... we'll see. I haven't received my grade for my last class - which I totally loved by the way! But as of week 4 I had a 95%. I still believe that this instructor was the best I have ever had.
My football team - Mad Dogs - is coming along! I finally have enough players now. We have a scrimmage tonight. Our first game is on March 28. I pick up the schedules on Tuesday.
Adam and Arynn are coming down for their Spring Break. They will be here April 4th. That should be fun. Steve is getting excited.
Vegas was a blast! Although, my allergies went nuts. The boys also got the stomach flu from their father's house. I was pretty mad about that. But here are a few pix of us in Vegas!!

Okay - I am really swamped at work, but needed a little break. So now it is over and time to get back to work!

Another Woo Hoo!

2009-03-07T21:50:00.002-07:00

So I got another totally awesome response from my professor. :D So cool!! Here it is:

Week 3 Feedback: Awesome class contribution this week Nikki! Each morning I make a cup of coffee and I am always excited to click on your posts and see what you have come up with next! You are really getting the hang of legal analysis and legal writing. Keep up the outstanding work. see you in class Nikki!

I currently have a 97% as of week 3. Week 4 wraps up on Monday and then it is the final week!

Thursday is the day Jane arrives and we head to Vegas! And Steph will meet us there! YAY! I am sooooooooo excited! I haven't seen Steph in over a year!! :( I miss her lots!

I'll try to add some new pix tomorrow. I am so tired tonight. Going to bed now....

Woo-hoo

2009-03-03T20:39:00.002-07:00

So, for those that don't know - on Saturday there was the parent meeting for Alex's football team/league. His team had no coach assigned. No one volunteered. So I spoke up "I know very little about football, but I'll be head coach!" Well, I figured that none of the dads there would go for that... who would want a girly to be a football coach? LOL Yah, well that backfired on me and I became head coach!!
Today was our first practice. It went well. Only 8 of the 13 showed so I guess I have phone calls to make tomorrow. But it was a lot of fun. A great group of boys who want to work hard.
Tomorrow is David's first track meet. He is going to run the 100 and 200 meter races.
Only about a week until my Vegas trip! I am so excited to see Steph and Jane!! We are going to have so much fun!!
School is great. I am so loving this class still. I am getting a 98%. We started week 4 today. Last day of class is March 16. Hopefully my team will have its act together so I can have most of the final done before the Vegas trip. :)
Okay, I am exhausted and want to check my Facebook and MySpace....

Slacker

2009-02-23T19:35:00.003-07:00

Yah - that's me! Geez - the last time I wrote was over a week ago. I am horrible!

I started a new class - it is legal aspects of security. I love it! The instructor is challenging. He's got a great bio! He's a trial attorney. I got an A on my first paper. Here were his comments:

Comments: Excellent first assignment paper Nikki. You already seem to have a very keen legal mind and your grasp of the tensions between theory and practice is very good. Keep up the great work!

Isn't that so cool? I don't think I did so well on this second paper that I submitted today. I have a migraine. :(

All else is good. Going to Vegas in a few weeks. Steph will meet me there. And Jane is going with me! I am so excited! It will be great to spend some time with her and get to know her a little better. She's a great sister-in-law.

Sad news on Valentine's weekend. Nilnett (ex-sister-in-law) sent me a text message. Her daughter's dad was killed on the 14th. Suicide by cop is what it sounds like. So Elena, my baby girl - I am sending you much love.

I promise to try and do better about writing. Just have to get back into the groove.

Happy Friday the 13th

2009-02-13T10:20:00.002-07:00

Wow - I haven't written in a while. Bad me! Just been super busy. Let me think - what is there to update everyone on?
I found a law school here in Phoenix that allows part-time students. And no, it is not "Law Degrees R Us", okay? I checked it out with the ABA and all is good. I really wanted to go to ASU but you have to devote 100% of your time the first year and I just can't do that with my job.
Started another class. I reached my half way point. Once done with this class, I will have 9 left to go! Woo hoo! This one is called Legal & Regulatory Issues in Security Management. So far I like it... but we are still in week 1. But I have an instructor who is a licensed trial attorney, so knows what he is doing. YAY!
Guess that sums it up for now. I know, pretty boring, huh?

Oh, and Happy Valentine's Day!

What is a blog?

2009-02-02T13:43:00.006-07:00

I mean, I know what it is - but to what purpose do people really use it? I have seen blogs for political, for random life things (like mine), for education, for businesses, etc.
I have been meaning to post - most of last week. But last week just wasn't a good week. I'm at work right now and should be working, just not feeling the motivation. I think I am going to ask to work from home tomorrow. I'm having a tough time talking to people or concentrating on work.
My cousin Tim lost his 6 week old daughter last week to SIDS. I can only imagine the heartache of something like that. One minute they are fine, a bit cranky, but they go to sleep... then they just don't wake up. There is not much anyone can really do, which makes it even more sad - that helpless feeling.
Also last week, my Nana didn't do so well. I believe that it wasn't so much her Alzheimer's as it was too much pain medication. She had 2 bottles of the same pain med that told her to take 1 pill 3 times a day. We think that she was taking 6 a day. With her lack of eating properly and her size, that is probably what triggered the events of last week - getting lost, not remembering her middle name, calling people in the middle of the night. Her doctor has now put her into a Retirement home. She did like this one, but I don't think she was quite ready to go.
On Friday, my step-mom called me. My Grandma had passed away. She went peacefully. I know she is better off where she is - and now she is with both of her husbands, my Daddy, Aunt Nancy, Jamie, Uncle Dick, Aunt Mary, Aunt Mildred, her parents, and others she loved who went before her. It is kinda odd because I was thinking about her last week - thinking about the peanut butter candy. Every weekend I make the gravy that I learned from her (actually, my Mom taught me after Grandma taught her) that was my Dad's favorite. In fact, I made it for my Dad on his last birthday when he was here in Phoenix.
Anyway, here are a few pix of some who I love and miss so much! I'm sorry Grampa Charlie but I can't find a picture of you on my computer! :(

Happy Birthday David

2009-01-24T10:57:00.013-07:00

So today my baby is 15! Can you believe it? In 6 months he could get his driver's permit. In another year he could be driving! So all of you better beware! LOL

I am trying to remember where I left off on my last post. I know I didn't say too much. I guess I will just spill the whole story now. And try to add some pictures.

We got into Dulles on Monday night and got our rental car. It was a 2-1/2 hour drive to Dover Air Force Base. We went through Virginia, Maryland, DC, and Delaware on this trip. The room was nice. We got in and then went out to dinner. We finally went to bed about midnight.

Our wake-up call was at 0600. Although I have to admit that neither of us slept much. We left at 0630 to make the drive up to Wilmington, DE. Our train left at 0751 and was due in to Union Station at 0925. We had a delay though and had to stop in Baltimore for a medical emergency. We finally got to Union Station about 0945. We then walked towards the Purple Gate to try to find the person who had our tickets.

Now this was probably the worst part of the trip. We finally met Don at the fence because he was already in the gate. We were stuck in this massive crowd of people and had one situation where I thought I was going to get crushed because people got frantic. Everyone finally calmed down. We stayed along the fence line and the cops opened up another part of the fence and we got in. We then made our way to as far forward as we could. The electricity in that crowd was so amazing. There is no way to describe what the inauguration itself was like. Here are a few pictures.

Looking towards the Washington Monument

Looking towards the stage

Steve and me with the Capital behind us

When the Inauguration was over, we walked around for what seemed like a long time and long distance. Don finally found a nice seafood restaurant to eat at and warm up! We then walked around some more and got some t-shirts. Don and Susan left after a bit and it was just the two of us wandering around DC. There were millions of people but everyone was very nice and in great spirits! Our train back wasn't scheduled until 2200 so we decided to go to Hard Rock to warm up some more. The high that day was 28 degrees. After Hard Rock we walked down to Pennsylvania Avenue to watch the parade. We didn't see the Obamas as they had already been by. Which helped because there were not so many people there anymore. Here are some pictures of the parade.

At about 1900 we just couldn't take the cold anymore and headed to Union Station where we hung out until our train arrived. We finally got back to our hotel room at 0100 and we were totally exhausted from the walking and the cold. We estimate that we probably walked about 5 miles that day.
We slept in later than anticipated on Wednesday. We didn't get into DC until around 1300. But we were able to see a few of the sites. Again there were many people and it made things a bit difficult. Here are some pix of Wednesday.

We had high hopes of going to the beaches on Thursday before we left, but we were just too danged tired. We walked probably another 5 to 6 miles on Wednesday. At least it was warmer Wednesday - a high of 33 that day. We finally made it to the airport and caught our flight home. We ended up sitting next to a great young lady who we spoke with throughout the entire flight. Come to find out she is the granddaughter of Cesar Chavez! I plan on keeping in touch with her. She will be out in Phoenix in March for a dinner dedicated to Cesar and said we should attend. I'm looking forward to having the chance to get to know her better.

That sums it up for now. I am going to go lie down. Came home with a cold and think it has developed into an ear infection.

HAPPY 15TH BIRTHDAY DAVID!!!!!!

Wowsers!

2009-01-21T22:09:00.002-07:00

What an experience. The inauguration yesterday was probably the best experience of my life! The electricity, the emotions, the joy.... all amazing! The crowds though - oh my goodness! That was a lot people! We were very lucky - some people with the purple tickets like we had couldn't get in the gate! Today we went back to DC. Saw the White House, the Lincoln Monument, and the Korean Memorial.

It is late now and I am tired and sore! I will write more when I get back to Phoenix!

Tomorrow, tomorrow.... I love you tomorrow...

2009-01-18T20:03:00.002-07:00

You're only a day away!!

Hehehe!

So, the CARDINALS ARE GOING TO THE SUPERBOWL!!! Can you believe it? YAY!!!

Tomorrow morning we leave for Washington DC. I still can't believe we are going to the Inauguration! I guess we will be about 100 yards from Obama. So excited! Still need to pack!

My BFF Steph and I are going to go to Vegas in March for the weekend. I am so excited. I'm gonna see if maybe Jane wants to go too.

Okay, I should get laundry and packing started!