Some randomness I'm flinging your way...

Usually morning walks are quiet around here. The Midget and I get up early and go for a walk or run around 6:00. It's a nice, cool, quiet time of the day to be out exploring the neighborhoods. Ha! Not today. Today I had crows making a cacophony of cackles and wails. Today I met several people on the street either walking or biking and they all said hello (it's a friendly town). Today I had the woman come out of her office building to meet my dog. Unusual morning!

Do you ever want to tell your boss to mind their own freakin' business? Yeah, I'm there. Since returning from vacation she has been incredibly desultory AND all up in the flavor of my Kool-Aid. It's a bad combination that's bugging me!

I have a bridal shower to shop for and attend on Saturday. The girls are all going to get together and laugh, drink and be merry. Hehe, I found these naughty dice as part of her gift. I'm so bad! ;)

I'm thinking of a hike to Iceberg Lake on Sunday. New territory to cover and it will mean one more trail on my map that I can cross of. Woo hoo!

Have good weekends kiddies. Don't do anything I wouldn't do!

End of July and already I can tell that Fall is on it's way to the Flathead. The nights are getting longer and colder. I've been sleeping on top of the blankets lately and woke this morning around 3:00 a.m. freezing me bum.

The soft, warm blankets were just too hard to crawl out of this morning and I hit the snooze button about 8 times (my alarm is set for 5:30, but no walk this morning. I'll have to make it up to Midget tonight).

I'm looking forward to Fall. Cooler hiking days are on the way. Nice cool breezes at night and warm, fuzzy blankets to snuggle up in.

(P.S. LOVE this video, so funny and these guys rock! Os, we HAVE to see them in concert!) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

He was leaving flowers when I arrived. A peace offering, he said.

I don't want to make him feel like he has to bring me peace offerings.

I don't like having my feelings hurt or being angry because of it either.

I hope that I treat him like he is important to me.

I deserve to be treated and spoken to like I'm important.

He did. He brought flowers.

A visitor from the land of Os!

Pizza, beer, possibly some live music and boy-bullshit (talk) is on the agenda. ;)

Sperry Chalet

My dad is coming to the end of his life.

We are now talking in terms of months, not years.

He is starting to finalize certain things and I've promised to scatter his ashes in the Park.

Throughout my entire life we had somewhat of a tumultuous relationship so I didn't expect to feel this way.

It doesn't feel good.

Another very successful trip to Sperry Chalet over the weekend. A beautiful hike, some hard work, amazing sun and moon rises, goats right outside the window, loads of snow to shovel, great food and people and many, many more memories.

Photos to follow.

Have you ever started a home improvement project and then thought "this sucks, why am I doing this again?"

Yep, I'm there.

But oh yeah, that white wallpaper with the black tulips was gawd awful, who would put that in their kitchen? Geez, it sucks stripping that crap though.

Anyone want to come strip with me? Wallpaper that is.

The Dance

One step forward. Two steps back.



Fuck!

"I see you haven't updated your blog in a while"


Yeah, so?

Can't sleep.

Just got a message from the Major. The situation has worsened where he is at and there have been a lot of recent road side bombings.

Just lying here and all I can think about is how bad it will feel if anything happens to him. How devastating that pain will be. Can't say it out loud. Can't bear to even think it almost.

I rub my eyes and think about trying to send good vibes, healthy vibes, keep him safe vibes.

Now I just ask God to watch out for him and bring him home safely.

LOL, I'm actually watching old episodes of Star Trek


;)


Oh no, not an interstellar incident?

Oh it's on...

"If you saw ME in a police car what would you think I got arrested for??"

Hard at work

Wow, fabulous work weekend out at Field Camp - our field site in Glacier National Park. I worked trail crew this past weekend and hauled and stacked rocks until my hands bled - literally! My back aches a bit, my hamstrings whimper when touched and my fingers can barely make a fist but I feel AMAZING!

A good time was had by all as some hard work and determination paid off and Field Camp looks great. Plus, getting to camp in Glacier Park as a reward for hard work makes it all worth it.

He: "So do you have the Swine flu?"

Me: "Nope. I don't even have the bacon bronchitus or the ham pneumonia."

He: "But you might have the sausage sniffles."

Me: "Yeah, I might have the sausage sniffles."

Update

Dad is still in the hospital. I'm not exactly sure what the problem is but it doesn't look good.

She should be out any time now. Mother's Day in jail royally sucked (good!) and she seems to have had a little attitude adjustment. We'll see how long it lasts.

My niece should be having her baby any minute now.

And I'm getting sick. Of course!

Still in Helena but I plan on driving back tomorrow and back to work on Thursday, unless there is a serious turn for the worst with Dad.

Os, I am so sorry we still haven't gotten together (damnit!). Things have just been crazy. I am going back up to the hospital tonight but should be at Mom's house after that. Call me.

Miss Kalispell, miss home, miss my bed, miss my space, miss, miss, miss...

Family drama

~sigh~ I am so tired!

So, she's in jail. She went to court this morning and hasn't been doing her community service so she's sporting an orange jumpsuit for at least a week. Oh, and she's been evicted for not being able to pay rent - believe me, she is waaaaaaaaaaaaaay over due.

Mom & Dad still need help with the little one. Not sure what to do about that just yet.

~sigh~ Did I mention how tired I am of all this?

A Thing of Beauty is a Joy Forever
Its loveliness increases; it will never
Pass into nothingness; but still will keep...

~ John Keats

Thank you!!

"Wake up Maggie I think I got something to say to you
Its late September and I really should be back at school
I know I keep you amused but I feel I'm being used
Oh Maggie I couldn't have tried any more
You lured me away from home just to save you from being alone
You stole my heart and that's what really hurt"

Happy 4/20

Don't forget to sign the petition >>>>>

It constantly amazes me the number of people who can get a drivers license without actually knowing how to READ!!

EEEE....

It's Os' birthday!!

Happy Birthday big guy, I hope you have a fabulous day!

Love you!!

Yawn

It was an exhausting weekend. I had to come home just to get some sleep. Heh, and then I didn't actually sleep very well.

It was good to see family this weekend but there ended up being some family drama (Os, I'll tell you later). Unfortunately that meant that I didn't get to see Os again this weekend. I'm so sorry big guy and I will do my best to get back there soon and then it's all about you and Howard's and some Kokanee.

For now I'm just wrung out, tired, serious laundry and unpacking to do and no motivation to do it. I just want to sleep...zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

The Major is back in Iraq for his third tour of duty.

Whether you agree with why we are there or not, please pray that this war is over soon and that our friends, husbands, sons, daughters, fathers and mothers can return home soon.

I couldn't bear the thought of him not coming home!

Interesting walk to work this morning. As I pulled up to the corner across from the office a guy on a bike joined me wearing a full blown respirator mask.

Hmm...interesting fashion choice.

Love this video, love this song, love watching him rock that guitar!

I thought I was a fool for no-one
But oh baby I'm a fool for you

Quote of the weekend

"I can't believe you broke the plane."





;)

I had my very first guitar lesson last night, yay me! I learned about frets and strings and strumming and some tuning basics and I even learned an A chord.

I would really like to pick up a decent 2nd hand guitar to learn with. Last night I was just kind of messing around with a friends guitar. The one complication I had was that I'm kind of small with really small hands and the guitar is kind of big and there are some chords that really put my fingers to the test. In fact I can still feel it in the finger tips of my left hand this morning. I even have itty bitty sore spots. Plus the guitar was a little bulky sitting in my lap so I kept having to try and reposition.

Hehe, then he handed me the much smaller electric guitar - woo hoo, that was cool!

My homework is some music theory which I barely remember from my piano playing days waaaaaaaaaaay back in the day.

I am so jazzed. I just want to run out and buy a guitar so I can work some more when I get home. Watch out Os, before you know it I'll be rocking the Casbah. And yes, I will make you listen and help ;)

Hehe...

(click it to big it)

Okay kiddies, here is your chuckle for the day. ;) Have a good weekend and if you can't play nice then at least play dirty!

A week since the accident at the gym and I still hurt. I am so pissed and bummed and angry and sad.

When I moved here I left my home gym, the one I worked at and worked out at. I left behind boot camp and my Wednesday after work class that totally kicked my ass every week but I loved it.

When I left boot camp I stopped running and lifting several times a week. I ran when I first moved here but then it got cold and icy etc. It has taken almost a year but I've gained 10 pounds since I moved here. And not 10 necessary pounds in the "wow, you've added some weight and you really needed it, it looks good" kind of way. More like the "what the fuck am I going to wear?" kind of way - I absolutely hate, hate, hate it with an ever growing passion that makes me want to take a butcher knife and the vacuum cleaner nozzle and do a little home lyposuction.

I was so excited about getting back into boot camp, being back at the gym, working out, feeling good, getting my groove back in a way. Then this! This fucking accident, negligence, bullshit at the gym a week ago and I've been laid up ever since. I was ready. I was geared. I was looking forward to the pain and the ache in muscles after you know you've worked them hard.

Now I feel worse than when I started. I'm no where near to getting back into boot camp shape and to top it all off I can't work out now - my back won't let me.

This morning was spent in tears. Tears of pain, frustration and anger as I had really planned to go back to the gym this morning and start out slow. When my alarm went off at 5:00 this morning there was no way my body was going to allow me to hit the gym.

I am so frustrated and sick of taking Lortab every goram day!!!

First off....

Go sign the petition >>>>>> Click on the blinky link >>>>>>>>




Secondly, HAPPY STEAK AND BJ DAY!!! Have fun ;)

Boot Camp Log - Day 1

05:00 AM - Rise and Shine

05:30 - Report to Boot Camp

05:45 - Finish warm up

06:00 - Begin step ups with 40lb weight on shoulders

06:15 - Down on back on gym floor - severe back injury after fall from bench into wall

06:20 - Moved to low level bed/mat at gym

06:30 - Report to Emergency Room for X-Rays related to severe back injury incurred at 06:15

09:00 - Patient moved from Emergency Room to Home Base

09:30 - Prescription pain killers and muscle relaxers delivered from pharmacy and dispensed to patient

03:15 PM - Patient awake from drug induced sleep/coma

04:30 - Patient check, pizza, diet pepsi and card games provided

08:30 - Additional pain killers and muscle relaxers dispensed to patient. Patient retires for night of rest

~sigh~ :(

Bootcamp

Well, I'm back at bootcamp.

I haven't done bootcamp since I moved from Helena and I feel and look like a slug! I hate it!!

So, the K___ girl and I will be going to bootcamp at the gym a block from my house 4 mornings a week at 5:30 - uugghh, I am not looking forward to getting up for bootcamp again at 5:00 but it will feel good to get back into it, I know it will.

Plus K___ and I will really be able to motivate each other. She is determined to get into great shape for her September wedding and as the person who will be helping her with tons of wedding plans it was up to me to gut up and agree.

Plus it's going to feel really good to get back into it. It's going to feel really good to get back into it. IT'S GOING TO FEEL REALLY GOOD TO GET BACK INTO IT DAMNIT!!

;)

There is nothing like snowshoeing in Glacier National Park on a crisp winter day with sunshine glistening off the snow to force all the gunk out of your lungs and make your muscles feel fantastic.

I've been sick for a couple of days, just a cold I think but I felt pretty good yesterday (the cold medicine helped) and decided to get out and do a little snowshoeing. It felt amazing! My lungs weren't up to going a great distance but the trail we completed was wonderful: great snow, beautiful sunshine, awesome lake and a yummy lunch of homemade pizza as a reward.

My one lesson from yesterday, when you have an open blister on your heel, be careful how you hop into a hot shower - wow, that hurt like hell!

1970...

Was a memorable year:

• National Guardsmen opened fire on a group of students, wounding many, 4 fatally, on the campus of Kent State University
• First Earth Day took place
• ABC began it's long running Monday Night Football
• The World Trade Center was completed
• New York held it's first marathon
• The Beatles released their last album, anyone know what it was?
• Doonesbury cartoon goes national
• The floppy disk was invented
• Charles Manson was convicted of murdering Sharon Tate
• 18 year olds were given the right to vote in federal elections
• Our National Debt: $382 billion
• Richard Nixon was President
• and I was born!!

A Memorable Event Indeed!

Once in a while you just have to treat yourself.

For my birthday this year I decided to treat myself to a little bling. Not that 39 is necessarily a milestone but who cares. It will be my birthday on Friday and I can make a milestone out of it if I want to, right?. Of course right!

I'm not planning any kind of big ta-doo. I'm thinking maybe a little Almond Chicken at Alley Connection, some Huckleberry ice cream for dessert. Maybe catch a movie and something like this little gem on my finger.

(Moose, this isn't the actual ring but the closest I could find to the one I just bought)

It's Montana Jones birthday today!!

Do I dare tell you how old??? Let's see...

• The Mariner 6 Mars probe was launched
• the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the First Amendment applies to public schools
• it was "One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind."
• the average cost of a new house was $15,550.00
• the average cost of a new car was $3,270.00
• gas was 35 cents a gallon
• Richard Nixon became President of the United States
• 250,000 people marched on Washington in protest at the Vietnam War
• Senator Edward Kennedy drove a car into a pond and the body of a woman passenger was found in the car
• members of a cult led by Charles Manson murdered five people
• Wal-Mart incorporated as Wal-Mart Stores, Inc
• Woodstock attracted more than 350,000 rock-n-roll fans
• the US Supreme Court ruled on Stanley v. Georgia declaring "The State may not prohibit mere possession of obscene materials for personal use"
• the first transplant of a human eye took place
• the Pontiac Firebird Trans Am, the epitome of the American muscle car, was introduced
• Sesame Street debuted on Public Television
• and Bell Bottom Jeans and tie-dye shirts became part of the teenage fashion scene...

Oh ok, it's his 40TH BIRTHDAY!!

Go wish Montana Jones a very Happy 40th Birthday!

Foster cat

I volunteer at the local animal shelter and am fostering a cat (I know Moose, who'd a thunk it). His name is Loki and he's a total lover cat. Traditionally I'm allergic to cats, well some cats. I don't know why but some cats make my eyes water and my face get all red and blow up like a balloon. Other cats I'm fine with. Maybe Moose can provide some explanation as to why.

In Norse mythology Loki is a Viking god and trickster. It was pointed out to me that animals sometimes take on the personalities of their names. Well, early this morning I found out that Loki discovered my Jade plant.

Rather than use his litter box he dug dirt out of the plant onto the floor and then used that dirt for his "litter". Smart little guy but not exactly what I was hoping he'd do.

The first night he stayed quiet most of the night. Last night he was up and down, checking things out, on my face, under the covers, moving about and basically letting me know he was there from about 3:30 on.

Hehe, little monster. I think I'm going to start calling him Felix.

"In wine there is wisdom, in beer there is freedom, in water there is bacteria."
~ Ben Franklin

In a number of carefully controlled trials, scientists have demonstrated that if we drink 1 litre of water each day, at the end of the year we would have absorbed more than 1 kilo of Escherichia coli (E coli) bacteria found in poop. In other words, we are consuming 1 kilo of poop.

However, we do not run that risk when drinking wine and beer (or tequila, rum, whiskey or other liquor) because alcohol has to go through a purification process of boiling, filtering and/or fermenting.

Remember, water = poop, alcohol = health; therefore it is better to drink alcohol and talk stupid than drink water and be full of poop!

Thanks George...

For establishing a policy that a President can serve for a maximum of two terms (particularly useful last November)

For issuing the Proclamation of Neutrality

For leading the Patriot forces against the British

For participating in the Continental Congress that addressed the Declaration of Independence requesting our freedom

For joining the states together

For helping to establish the federal government (uh, on second thought)

For having a birthday in February so I can drink Scotch tonight and sleep in tomorrow.

He: So how important is this Valentine's Day thing?

Me: Ya know, it really isn't important. I'm perfectly happy with hanging out Saturday night. We'll make a heart-shaped pizza, watch a movie, maybe play a game and just hang. Sound okay?

He: Yep. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't screwing up or walking into a bad scene.

;)

Ladies don't ya just love it?

"We men love your bodies: your real bodies, not the bodies we see on TV or in movies. It's not just one thing that makes you the center of our universe — it's all of you. We'll deny that we ever bought a John Mayer album if you try to get us to admit it in public. But the guy was right about one thing — your body is a wonderland. Period."

Bitch

Don't call me just to tell me that you're sending me an email - especially when it doesn't require my immediate attention. Just send the goram email already!

"Some board members have commented that the office is a mess." I have about had it this week with kowtowing to board members. We are so busy right now we don't have time for this shit. If they don't like the condition of the office then tell them to either buy more storage options or come in here and clean the fucking office themselves.

"So you're saying that even though the product is under warranty and we've been instructed to NOT replace the bulb ourselves you won't fix it and now you want us to replace the bulb? Ok, how much is a bulb? $400? You want $400 for a light bulb? Let me ask you this, if I smash the projector against the wall will you fix it then?"

The pounding headache I've had all day has not helped my mood. Is it time to go home yet?

Email

"I hope this won't be too insulting to you …….. But do you mind if D__ and I go to church on our own? D__ is nervous, and I really want to make this be a couple thing that we do - as I am hoping to hook him into at least a couple Sundays a month…..and truth be told, I feel ridiculous only showing up when you come with me ------ do you mind?"




~gulp~

Uhm no, I guess I don't mind.

Steadfast

A difficult task at times.

My sister lost her husband two months ago and has not been dealing very well. Her text message to me this morning asked when I was coming home - "I just need you."

My friend Kimme had to put her beloved Golden Retriever down two weeks ago and yesterday they had to put their rescue dog down as well. She isn't dealing very well and I know that my presence would be a comfort to her. If you have never lost a beloved pet then you wouldn't understand but it can be like losing a child. Her heart is broken.

So...

I am planning a trip to Helena this weekend to try and be a rock for those that need me.

Plus there are the friends who write to complain that they never see me and want some time when I'm in Helena next.

Somehow I have to make time for everyone. There isn't going to be enough time in the two days that I'm there to fit everyone in. There never is it seems.

~sigh~ Going "home" is a difficult task at times.

The Killer Within

This may seem like a strange topic to blog about but as someone with a weakened immune system due to repeated bouts with bronchitis and pneumonia (meaning I catch one or the other every year, at least once, ever since being hospitalized as a child) this topic caught my attention and kind of scared the beejeezus out of me.

Sepsis, the body's inflammatory response to an infection -- can kill quickly. Sepsis is a serious medical condition characterized by a whole-body inflammatory condition and the presence of a known or suspected infection. The body may develop this inflammatory response to microbes in the blood, urine, lungs (ie. bronchitis and pneumonia), skin or other tissues

Severe sepsis occurs when sepsis leads to organ dysfunction, low blood pressure, or insufficient blood flow to one or more organs. Sepsis can lead to septic shock, multiple organ dysfunction and death - within a few hours.

Muppets creator Jim Henson died in 1990 from a case of sepsis that started out as pneumonia, an inflammation of the lungs. He was 53.

A fever, a dramatic shift in blood pressure, rapid breathing and extreme confusion are all signs that someone needs quick medical help. Feeling bad all over, a high temperature and either high or low blood pressure, are all indications that your whole system has been infected. It could be sepsis.

The therapy of sepsis rests on antibiotics, surgical drainage of infected fluid areas, fluid replacement and appropriate support for organ dysfunction.

Mmmmm...

I untangled legs and arms from the blankets, the cool air brushing over me as I rolled over in bed. It felt so good to sleep in and the view from my one open eye indicated that it was still dark outside and therefore not time to get out of bed yet.

As I rolled on to my right side I could see light coming from the patio doors in the living room. WTF? Who is shining their headlights outside my house and why are they so bright?

I sat upright in bed for a better look and through blurred vision and foggy brain I sought the clock on the shelf. 9:30? Yikes a bee, 9:30 in the morning? That's sunshine not lights. I slept until 9:30 without interruption, without disruption. No trips to the kitchen for a glass of water. No bathroom break. Just solid sleep, lounging in my bed with the warmth that only body heat can generate inside a soft, sweet shell of flannel and down comforter.

Mmmmm!

A Grand Day!

My morning started out like any other Tuesday, got up, got dressed, went to the office etc. etc. etc.

One thing was different however. At 9:50 I turned the phone off, logged on to ABC News and CNN and prepared to watch the moment I have waited two years for. The inauguration of President Barack Obama was solemn and dignified - except for the smile that crept across his face during the oath of office. It felt good to see so many dreams come to fruition. Dreams that did not belong to me alone - the dreams of so many people - black, white, minority, majority, male and female. Dreams of a better America, not just for ourselves, but for those who come after us. The dream of a better America for those I leave behind is especially important to me now. I have such hopes that tomorrow will be brighter than yesterday.

The inauguration was greeted with smiles and cheers and hugs. Not just on the Mall in D.C. but in my small office, as we gathered around the monitor. We exploded with the cheers of "a new President" - what a grand day

Worst Friend in the World

I have this friend.

Our friendship started out as jokes and funny stories and goofy comments made back and forth. It evolved during hours on the phone, long conversations, secrets shared, stories told. It progressed into the stuff of true friendship: love, respect, honesty, comfort, angry words, torn hearts, reconciliations, kindness, generosity and tenderness.

He has been my confidante, my partner in crime, my sounding board, a shoulder to cry on and my cheering section.

We both have busy lives and busy schedules. He lives far away but we try to see each other when we can. We go for weeks without talking yet each knows that the other is only a phone call away. I know that he would do anything for me.

I forgot his birthday this month. Not just "I forgot to call dwg last Saturday for his birthday" but "OH FUCK, I FORGOT YOUR BIRTHDAY!" Yeah, that kind of forgot, you know that kind.

For that I am the worst friend in the world. I suck! To dwg, I am so sorry I spaced your day and I wish you the happiest of days - not just on your birthday but every day. I love you my friend. Even when we don't talk that often, even when weeks and weeks go by. I love you and am only a phone call away.

I tossed and turned. On to my right side, the pillow nice and cool against my face. Sleep would not come. I rolled over on to my back, looking up at the solar system mobile hanging above the bed. Finally I turned on to my left side, my face buried in the pillow that I'd pulled down next to me.

This went on for an hour or so. Unable to find just the right position to fall asleep in. No matter what I tried sleep would not come. The dog crept up to curl into my chest. Within minutes I envied the slight snoring sound she made, jealous of how easily and quickly she found a warm spot to nestle into and drift off.

I tried every position, every configuration of blankets, every arrangement of pillows and still sleep would not come.

I didn't sleep very well without you there.

LOL!

If anyone ever doubts that God has a sense of humor send them to Kalispell, MT in the winter.

Remember all that snow I've been shoveling for days and weeks on end? LOL! Well it warmed up.


The entire city is almost a lake. I swam through calf deep water to get to work this morning. Oh, and you know that scene in movies where the cars drive by and the person gets splashed with water? LOL! Well, it really happens.

This is my first winter living in Kalispell and so far I have not been disappointed at the adventure of it all.

Just please God, no locusts!

Shoveling Snow

Fluffy, white frosting

I always need good karma

Heavy, wet and cold

Whew, what a weekend - 3 days of shoveling snow. First I had to dig my car out. Then the car port was full of snow so I had to dig my way back in. Next came shoveling the side walks and the areas the snow plows had buried - again!

This morning I once again shoveled the areas of the side walk that the snow plow had buried - yet one more time.

Racquetball was a nice change of activity - except I got beat one of the games but I blame being tired from snow shoveling. Still, I managed to win 2 out of 3 so I'm hanging on to that. No more racquetball losses I tell you, war has been declared, the glove has been slapped - bring it on!

*sigh* and now it's back to work.

Another 3 inches last night and another 10 predicted today...

I survived Christmas and I have just a brief commentary on the experience...


MY FAMILY SUCKS!!!


Fortunately my friends more than make up for it.


Love you guys!!

(Os, got your message - we'll talk)

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

Luke 2:11

Snow Diary

December 8 6:00 PM
It started to snow. The first snow of the season and
the wife and I took our cocktails and sat for hours by
the window watching the huge soft flakes drift down
from heaven. It looked like a Grandma Moses print. So
romantic we felt like newlyweds again. I love snow!

December 9
We woke to a beautiful blanket of crystal white snow
covering every inch of the landscape. What a fantastic
sight! Can there be a more lovely place in
the whole world? Moving here was the best idea I've
ever had! Shoveled for the first time in years and felt like a
boy again. I did both our driveway and the sidewalks.
This afternoon the snowplow came along and covered
up the sidewalks and closed in the driveway, so I got
to shovel again. What a perfect life!

December 12
The sun has melted all our lovely snow. Such a
disappointment! My neighbor tells me not to worry-
we'll definitely have a white Christmas. No snow on
Christmas would be awful! Bob says we'll have so much
snow by the end of winter, that I'll never want to see
snow again. I don't think that's possible. Bob is such
a nice man, I'm glad he's our neighbor.

December 14
Snow, lovely snow! 8 inches last night. The
temperature dropped to -20. The cold makes everything
sparkle so. The wind took my breath away, but I warmed
up by shoveling the driveway and sidewalks. This is
the life! The snowplow came back this afternoon and
buried everything again. I didn't realize I would have to do quite this much shoveling,
but I'll certainly get back in shape this way. I wish
I wouldn't huff and puff so.

December 15
20 inches forecast. Sold my van and bought a 4x4
Blazer. Bought snow tires for the wife's car and 2
extra shovel s. Stocked the freezer. The wife wants
a wood stove in case the electricity goes out. I think
that's silly. We aren't in Alaska, after all.

December 16
Ice storm this morning. Fell on my ass on the ice in
the driveway putting down salt. Hurt like hell. The
wife laughed for an hour, which I think was very
cruel.

December 17
Still way below freezing. Roads are too icy to go
anywhere. Electricity was off for 5 hours. I had to
pile the blankets on to stay warm. Nothing to do but
stare at the wife and try not to irritate her. Guess I
should've bought a wood stove, but won't admit it to
her. God I hate it when she's right. I can't believe
I'm freezing to death in my own living room.

December 20
Electricity is back on, but had another 14 inches of
the damn snow last night. More shoveling! Took all
day. The damn snowplow came by twice.
Tried to find a neighbor kid to shovel, but they said
they're too busy playing hockey. I think they're
lying. Called the only hardware store around to see about
buying a snow blower and they're out. Might have
another shipment in March. I think they're lying. Bob
says I have to shovel or the city will have it done
and bill me. I think he's lying.

December 22
Bob was right about a white Christmas because 13 more
inches of the white shit fell today, and it's so cold,
it probably won't melt till August. Took me 45 minutes
to get all dressed up to go out to shovel and then I
had to piss. By the time I got undressed, pissed and
dressed again. I was too tired to shovel. Tried to
hire Bob who has a plow on his truck for the rest of
the winter, but he says he's too busy. I think the
asshole is lying.

December 23
Only 2 inches of snow today. And it warmed up to 0.
The wife wanted me to decorate the front of the house
this morning. What is she, nuts?!!
Why didn't she tell me to do that a month ago? She
says she did but I think she's lying.

December 24
6 inches - Snow packed so hard by snowplow, I broke
the shovel. Thought I was having a heart attack. If I
ever catch the son of a bitch who drives that snow
plow, I'll drag him through the snow by his balls and
beat him to death with my broken shovel. I know he
hides around the corner and waits for me to finish
shoveling and then he comes down the street at a 100
miles an hour and throws snow all over where I've just
been! Tonight the wife wanted me to sing Christmas
carols with her and open our presents, but I was too
busy watching for the damn snowplow.

December 25
Merry f---ing Christmas! 20 more inches of the damn
slop tonight - Snowed in!
The idea of shoveling makes my blood boil. God, I hate
the snow!
Then the snowplow driver came by asking for a donation
and I hit him over the head with my shovel. The wife
says I have a bad attitude. I think she's a fricking
idiot. If I have to watch "It's A Wonderful Life" one
more time, I'm going to stuff her into the microwave.

December 26
Still snowed in. Why the hell did I ever move here? It
was all HER idea. She's really getting on my nerves.

December 27
Temperature dropped to -30 and the pipes froze;
plumber came after 14 hours of waiting for him, he
only charged me $1,400 to replace all my pipes.

December 28
Warmed up to above -20. Still snowed in. The BITCH is
driving me crazy!!!

December 29
10 more inches. Bob says I have to shovel the roof or
it could cave in. That's the silliest thing I ever
heard. How dumb does he think I am?

December 30
Roof caved in. I beat up the snow plow driver, and now
he is suing me for a million dollars, not only for the
beating I gave him, but also for trying to shove the
broken snow shovel up his ass. The wife went home to
her mother. Nine more inches predicted.

December 31
I set fire to what's left of the house. No more
shoveling.

January 8
Feel so good. I just love those little white pills
they keep giving me. Why am I tied to the bed??

She: I bet you are glad you walk to work this morning huh?

Me: Yep, except for the 5 foot snow berms I had to circumvent


We just got DUMPED ON last night! It is soooo cool. The snow plows are piling snow up in the parking lots higher than my head and it is still coming. I haven't seen snow this deep in a while and I love it. Granted I'm not going to love driving in it this afternoon but I'll make it there and back I'm sure.

On second thought, if you don't hear from me by tonight you might want to call the Highway Patrol.

See ya kiddies :)

Have you ever thought to yourself "I should have just kept my &%#@ mouth shut!"?

Yeah, I'm getting that a lot lately.

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Oooh baby, it's cold outside...

Woo hoo! Over the weekend we got snow. And more snow. And even more snow. It's not too deep in town but the drive to the office Christmas party of Friday night was interesting and the snow kept on a coming. You know what that means, right? Hehe, it's time for snowshoeing in Glacier Park, woo hoo!

Any outside activity right now requires lots of layers because as you can see by that little temperature gauge down to the right - go ahead and look, I'll wait - it is DAMN cold! Still I am so excited that it's finally snowshoeing time.

Grab your gear, grab your thermos full of hot chocolate and Brandy and let's go!!
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Happy randomness

"I've been an awful good girl so Santa baby, hurry down my chimney tonight"...

---

I have been having such strange dreams lately. Last night I dreamed I was filling an endless supply of toilet paper rolls.

I started out strong - full of Christmas spirit, ready for the holiday, eager to pick out presents for those I love, put up my Charlie Brown Christmas tree, played Christmas music, watched Christmas movies. And now...







it's fading, fizzled, dimmed, it's lost the luster, it's etiolating - I'm kind of sad about that.

Now I just want it to be over. I want to start fresh, get on with it all ready, get the holidays over with and move on to a new year.

Bummer!

"For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness..."

Audrey Hepburn

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Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home...

Vegas was fabulous but it is sooooo good to be home. I played with MY dog last night and slept in MY bed.

Highlights:
ZUMANITY - If you go to Vegas you must go see this show at New York New York. The women are beautiful, the men stunning and the show itself, amazing! Favorite parts: The champagne glass, the cage match (one of the performers for the cage match was standing at the top of the stairs when we walked in and I could have drowned in his eyes), the school girl with a twist and Antonio. All together a very exciting, funny and sensual show.

The roller coasters - So much fun. I'm not always a thrill ride kind of girl but had an absolute blast on the roller coasters.

The Krispy Kreme donuts my partner in crime thought to get for breakfast. Yum, yum, yum and so much better with coffee in bed.

Lowlights:
Vegas itself. I haven't been there in several years and I don't feel like I have to go back again for a long time. It's a big city and as such it is often times dirty and crowded and I'm not a huge fan of the street hawkers trying to get you into their time share or the pornography trading cards that get passed out, dropped and on display EVERYWHERE. I struck out on my own one night to get some photos and very quickly developed a "don't mess with me" walk - just straight ahead, on a mission, don't want your trading cards and I really don't want your timeshare. However, the trip was great, a lot of fun was had, the weather was beautiful and I'm glad we went.

Oh but it's good to be home to my mountains and fresh air and even the frosting of snow on the ground this morning.

Happy Thanksgiving kiddies!

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Bright lights, big city, gone to my baby's head...

EEEEEEEE.....Vegas baby!
In 5 days we leave for Vegas for a long weekend of fun, frolicking, roller coasters, as many Elvi as we can find and a bunch more stuff that isn't good for us.

I'm so excited!

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A lesson learned

I took a break between trips to Helena for family and funeral to catch my breath.

A friend came over to listen and console and during my rambling it occurred to me that the ones who love a person most should get to have some say before a sudden death. No one consulted my sister or his children or our family before he died that morning. One minute he was alive and just that quickly he was gone and there was no taking it back.

As I drove back and forth between Kalispell and Helena I remember thinking how sudden death can be and how final it surely is - at least for those left behind. It doesn't quite seem fair that a life that was valued can be gone without those of us who loved him most having some input.

This is cliche and everyone expresses it after a death but it really is true - if you care for someone, love someone, value someone SAY IT! Don't wait, don't think about it too much, don't put it off for even a minute because that minute may be all you have left someday.

I have never heard anyone say that they wish they'd said "I love you" less.

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? DON'T WAIT!

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He: Don't take this the wrong way but you're the reason I don't update my blog as much.

Me: What do you mean?

He: Well, I tell you all my stories so now I don't have to blog about them.

Me: But the rest of the world doesn't get to read about your stories and adventures.

He: Yeah, but once I've told them its out of my system.

Me: Well, don't take this wrong but you're the reason I don't update my blog as much either. I tell you all my stories.

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Juicy

She: The way he feeds me I'm getting fat

Me: You are not, you're beautiful, right C___?

He: She's perfect

Me: It's statistically proven that most men prefer women who are a little juicy. They like curves and some softness and not all hard angles and rib bones

He: I have an opinion about that

Me: Share with us

He: Any man who is a real man doesn't want someone with the body of a 12 year old boy

Me: Hehe

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A death in the family...

can bring out the best in people. Friends who drive you home from work. Friends who come over to help you pack and to remember your toothbrush and to not pack 40 t-shirts and one pair of pants. Friends who make you eat something before you get on the road. Who come over just to give you a hug or an encouraging word. Friends who want to make sure you drive and arrive safe.

Thank you!

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♪ why don't ya come and join me in my new deer stand... ♩



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Happy Halloween!

I love this day! I love all things dark and scary. I love watching scary movies with all the lights off. I love watching kids trick or treat. I love the electricity in the air and the feeling of mystery and mischief. It's all so much fun!

Have a good day kiddies and a ghoulish, spooky night. Whooooooooooooooooooo!

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Strangest thing....

For the last three days in a row I've woken up with a song stuck in my head.

Wednesday it was "Hang on sloopie, sloopie hang on. Sloopie lives in a very bad part of town. And everybody there tries to put my sloopie down. Sloopie I don't care what your daddy dooooooo. Cuz Sloopie you know yeah, I'm in love with yooooooooou." Because once you sing the first line you have to sing the rest.

Yesterday it was "I can't get nooooo satisfaction. I can't get nooooo satisfaction. And I try, and I try, and I try and I tryyyyy. I can't get no. No, no, no."

This morning it was "Rock the boat, don't rock the boat baby. Rock the boat, don't tip the boat over."

Whewwwwwwwwwwwwww

I gotta stop dropping quarters into my mental jukebox.


Happy Friday kiddies!

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I choose Hope!

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Obama '08 - Vote For Hope from MC Yogi on Vimeo.

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Mmmmm....

Cold morning
Short run
Hot tea

That's all I've got so far :)

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"You will travel through the valley of rejection, you will reside in the mourning mists, and you will find your way home, though it will not be where you left it."


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Her: "So what are your plans for Halloween?"

Me: "I don't know yet. There was talk of watching scary movies all night and greeting trick-or-treaters."

Her: "Oh no! Whitefish totally does it up right. It is a blast, you should come. Plus there is a great costume shop there to rent costumes."

Me: "Hmm...maybe."

Her: "We're all going. Do you think K__ would join us?"

Me: "Hmm...maybe."

Blech...warm brandy sucks! :p

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A week spent making memories



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New toyInternet access has been sporadic at best where I'm at so I finally broke down and went to Verizon. It was time for an upgrade anyway so I opted for the whole kit and kaboodle - Blackberry, Internet, modem access, instant messaging and what not. I can do it all now from my hand held. I also set up a new email address just for the Blackberry - pretty cool.

Now I just need to learn how to use the damn thing. Any and all tips are appreciated. :)

"The fog comes on little cat feet..."

Early morning fog from the balcony of Sperry Chalet

Sunrise at Lake McDonald

Glacier National Park

Fish Lake - 6.8 miles round trip.

All in a day's work

"Can you tell me where the bear grass is going to be blooming in two weeks?"

"I was just wondering how much you charge for a pedicure?"

"We stayed at a really nice campground in the park a couple of years ago, but I can't remember the name of it. Do you know which one it was?"

"Can you put me through to the fire manager?"

~sigh~

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Be careful what you wish for little lady, for you will surely get it

I had almost forgotten how good it feels (get your mind out of the gutter Os).

I had almost forgotten how good it feels to really run. Granted my run this morning was a short one, only three miles, but I felt amazing afterward. It was definitely worth getting out of my comfy bed, with the cool fan blowing on my arms, to throw on my running shorts and shoes and get outside.

Today is scheduled to be a scorcher so running tonight probably isn't on the agenda but the rest of the week will be nice and cool so I am thinking a morning run all this week will feel great!

The running high has kicked in again. :)

Sometimes you have to step out in faith and believe that what you have is worth preserving.



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Random thoughts...

I really miss boot camp

April, April, April, it will be here before I know it (yeah, right)

"You can't have your Kate and Edith too"

Watching the sun come up is a little over-rated

As a woman, having someone who will give you an honest male perspective is invaluable (thank you!)

Sleep, I need sleep - although I slept for 12 hours last night

Sleep is peaceful, peaceful is good (yeah, yeah, and a way to escape, so sue me)

It always amazes me the number of people who can't read but still manage to get a drivers license.