SHAWNA'S TELLING STORIES

FAIL

2011-07-06T19:32:00.000-07:00

failed

the challenge.

I just am not that photo gal.

I did enjoy updating my blog though.

Maybe I can put some more stories up.

We will see.

Don't judge me harshly.

Day 07 - A picture of your most treasured item.

2011-07-05T06:34:00.000-07:00

I'm not so much into material things.

My family, my testimony, our pictures.

Those are the biggies...

After that

Really??? Is this what I picked?

Well-

After the headache for a year-

and then about 3 more years of trial and error-

This is my "keep it under control"

High blood Pressure

cure.

All those common side effects

(all but loss of appetite-I wish!)

yeah they are worth it.

I always check to have them!

I never let my perscription lapse!

I take the combo every morning!

I can function!

Life is good!

Day 06 - A picture of a person you'd love to trade places with for a day.

2011-07-03T19:45:00.001-07:00

~Wow~

Such an amazing woman.

The places she's been.

The people she's met.

And to quote her;

" I've always loved what I was doing"

Barbara Walters!

But ...

Only for 1 day!

Day 5 ~ a picture of your favorite memory

2011-07-02T21:32:00.000-07:00

Well it's not my FAVORITE memory

BUT it is one of many ....

Then again,

it's not one picture

it's actually four.

March Air Base had spouse day~

I got to fly in a refueler.

We sat in the net jump seats.

(Think flying sideways!)

We had to carry an oxygen tank.

I got to go in the cockpit.

I laid in the back and watched the plane

fly up below us
and attach to the refueling rod.

I could see the pilot below us!

They come so close.

It was awesome!

Day 04 - A picture of your night.

2011-07-01T21:35:00.001-07:00

Although it was in the triple digits today-

a sweaty 105,

by 7:30pm, I took my walk.

The temperature had dropped.

The breeze was blowing.

The ipod was shuffling.

And

I was striding!

It felt so good,

I walked for an hour!

Day 03 - A picture of the cast from your favorite show.

2011-06-30T14:59:00.000-07:00

Do you watch Doc Martin????

I love this

quirky,

funny,

intelligent,

and

insane

show.

I watch it on pbs...but I have seasons 1-4 boxed set too!

day 2: A picture of you and the person you have been close with for the longest.

2011-06-29T15:43:00.000-07:00

Well, we met in 1978,

married in 1980 and have been together ever since!

31 years and counting!

Challenge....we will see...

2011-06-28T17:27:00.000-07:00

So the challenge for today is my photo and 15 facts....

married to Jimbo ~ love him!

growing my hair out!

family is IMPORTANT!

Love, love, love being grandma!

love my kids!

love to read...can't make the switch to a kindle... love the pages!

puzzles, puzzles, puzzles~ crossword -soduko-etc.!

sunshine=happy; gray days= sad.

I'm walking, walking, walking~5 days each week (more if possible!)

not enjoying all the changes at work (which I usually DO enjoy!)

love being the children singing leader!

native southern California gal!

games! Love them!!!!

reading glasses...really...hmph

do not like tardiness...EVER!

Don't try this.....

2010-07-26T10:50:00.000-07:00

Kayak adventure.....

While kayaking, I turned to look over my shoulder at Diane...then whoosh! I flipped over. It is nearly impossible to climb back on top of a kayak while in choppy water that is WAY over your head. But, with a little help from these fellow kayakers and the knowledgeable fisherman..I did it!

And I DO NOT recommend this to anyone.

fisherman/kayaker shouting very helpful directions.

Steve and Stacy helping me.

I have several bruises under my arms...and at mt ribs....I'm achy and sore BUT I will kayak again!

2010-05-20T18:58:00.000-07:00

It's almost time!
The anticipation is building...
I am going to Kauai!!!
I'm leaving May 23 and will be gone for a week.
AND
While I am there, I am going to do this!
http://www.kauaibackcountry.com/tubing.html
I can't wait!

Croak///!?

2010-04-11T14:25:00.000-07:00

Okay, Enough already!
I had a hint of a sore throat 2 weeks ago.
It turned into an upper respiratory infection.

I DID go to the doctor.
I DID take all my antibiotics.
I DID refrain from speaking for 3 days.
I don't feel bad.

BUT....
my voice is NO GOOD!
It's taking a L O N G time for my throat to heal.
My voice pops and crackles, words fade in and out.

Singing ....
Well, it's painful to HEAR!

Surely,
one day soon,
MY VOICE WILL BE BACK!

singo...this is it!

2010-03-04T17:23:00.000-08:00

So ...this is a sample of Singo Bingo
Each class is given a sheet.
The sheet is slipped into a sheet protector.
Each class gets a dry-erase marker.
A song is called (like bingo)
the class marks the sheet protector
(which wipes off for multiple uses)
Then we sing the song.
Then, on it goes....
I do insist they sing
( and they sing enthusiastically)
After a couple of songs I start asking how close they are.
They ALL get so excited.
We play until time is up.
If a class gets "Singo-Bingo"
We acknowledge it...but keep playing.
Usually I have a treat for all my Great Singers
I wait at the door for dismissal and pass out their goodie.
Everyone WINS...
I start out with songs that are my favorites.
After we've learned a few more "program" songs...
I'll update my singo cards to the program songs.
Including 1st verses and 2nd verses and so forth with
a few activity songs thrown in.
That way it becomes a great review tool.
I'm not the most technical music leader
BUT...
I do serve with HEART and SOUL!

SINGO-BINGO

2010-03-01T21:28:00.000-08:00

Sunday
we played Singo~Bingo!
It is a LOT of fun.
It can get a LITTLE chaotic!
The primary children (ages 3-11)
sang with gusto!
I love to hear their sweet voices singing.
I love to see their excitement.
I love to feel the Spirit!
I love being the Primary chorister!

2010-02-24T18:33:00.000-08:00

I baked cupcakes for Diane's 21st birthday.
We saw some multi-colored cupcakes on a blog.
I switched it up by using these fun colors.
I think they turned out really well.
But...
It was a lot of prep work.
You know...
dividing the batter,
coloring each separate bowl,
spooning each layer,
and yet...
They were really cute!
I'm glad I did it.

yummy

I'll be right there.....

2010-02-17T16:08:00.000-08:00

Work was crazy today....
Owie, my feet are aching.
Tight! My shoulders and neck are sooo tight.
For some reason, I kept getting a Charlie Horse in my left calf.
But...
Put on a smile and acknowledge everyone! I'll be right there.
Shuffle.
Hi! I'm on my way! Smile. (hobble)
Need a refill? Here I come!
ANOTHER TABLE????
I'm going to kill the host....
Welcome...I see you, hang on a moment!
Is there NO END in sight?
What? Your coffee got cold? You want a new cup?
Sure, I'll be glad too.... (Grrr...wait I mean SMILE!)
and so the day went my whole shift except for 1 hour.
So for now....
I'll take a load off, sit and rest.
BUT....
I'll be back tomorrow!
'cause that's the game and I like it!

hi...

2010-01-31T19:25:00.000-08:00

So I had my friend take some pictures of me
and
She's a genius!
I am not usually photogenic.
BUT...
I truly liked these!
Even though it was cloudy,
and there were some sprinkles,
It was a great afternoon.
Thanks, Crystal!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

2009-12-31T14:43:00.000-08:00

It's time...
Let's ring in the NEW~
throw out the OLD~
and begin a fresh New Year.
Do you make resolutions????
I try to think of things I'd like to improve,
or change or discontinue or...whatever-
New Year ~ New You
Although...
I do like the old me (figuratively and literally)
For The Most Part...
so maybe I'll just try to~
# 1. Be Kind to others
# 2. Be Kind to me (when I forget #1)
Have a safe and happy new year!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

2009-12-18T21:56:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas
***
love and joy
***
The Gerardi's

the insanity...

2009-12-10T22:34:00.001-08:00

It's rude!
Lorraine (mom-in-law)
had her final RADIATION treatment.
Given at the hospital.
Loma Linda.
She had to lay still on her back for about 30 hours
while receiving an ultra strong last dose of radiation.
Her hospital bed had steel shields on both sides and
she could only have visitors in for 15-20 minutes MAX.
At the end of this treatment...we were told to pick her up,
they needed the bed and she had to get out. ???
The treatment ended at 10:30 P.M.
That's what time Jim had to go check his mom out of the hospital!
It is beyond belief.
But that's what he had to do.
ARGGGG
Hospital bureaucracy!

Yippee!

2009-12-08T18:13:00.000-08:00

It's taking a long time but it's getting closer!
Today the counter tops were installed...
Say good-bye to little white tiles
and line after line of grout to clean!
Tonight the new faucet, new garbage disposal (it was 20 years old)
and pipes and hoses and knobs and yada-yada stuff
are all being hooked up!
I have photos but can't upload them...
but I did get them on my facebook post.
You can see the beauty there.
Next step...
I am studying the "how to tile back splash"
because that's the next step
that may OR may not happen before our big family bash
~THIS SUNDAY~
wish me luck!

No more white tile squares & grout!!!

2009-12-07T21:05:00.000-08:00

All I can say is
hurry!!!!!
Tomorrow is the big day...
New kitchen counter tops!
I'm a little giddy...
Of course, the house is 20 years old,
and we've been here 15.
Bit by bit, we are doing improvements.
We painted,
inside ~ then outside.
We got laminate floors downstairs,
we got carpeting upstairs.
We've replaced some light fixtures.
We rebuilt our balcony (you can actually go on it now)
and got 1 block wall in the back
(2 to go...we'll see).
We replaced the kitchen appliances.
(wow the oven really does close now)
and now~ ta da! ~ counter tops!
This project (as all of them have been) is
not going totally smooth.
I will keep you posted....

O Christmas Tree

2009-12-06T21:36:00.000-08:00

Jim usually buys a small tree for his parents
every year for Christmas.
But...
with Lorraine in the middle of radiation we thought an
artificial tree would probably be a better solution.
I looked and looked and found a small (4 1/2 feet) tree.
The display really looked nice, but seemed a little pricey.
It went on sale and so we bought it.
Today, we took it to their house and took it out of the box.
It wasn't hard to assemble (hinged branches).
Then I looked at it and my heart sank...
This did NOT look like the display tree in the store.
We have NEVER had an artificial tree so this was something new.
As I stared at the tree longer, I realized that it just needed a little fluffing.
After all, it had been in a box for who knows how long.
So with a few pulls and pushes and twists and fluffs...
voila'
We beheld a beautiful tabletop tree.
Well, that meant we needed to decorate it and so we did!
It turned out even better than I expected it.
And ...
Lorraine loved it!

Can you believe it?

2009-09-30T19:06:00.000-07:00

It was decided,
that we would drive
to Crestline in the In-laws
CAR.
(not my choice)
Jim drove and pulling into
the little town of Crestline...
the car died!
We coasted to the side of the road.
We were in the driveway of a Tax service business.
Fortunately, closed on Sunday.
Maybe the engine is hot? It's not the starter, right?
Something is WRONG. The car will not turn back on.
WELL....
Jim walks to the cabins (about 1 mile) and the owner
drives him back and picks us up and all our gear.
Before leaving, we push the car up the driveway and into a parking spot.
We arrive at the cabins. "We've upgraded you!" Sounds good...
but...In reality, not so great. We had reserved a two-bedroom cabin.
We got a one-bedroom cabin and upstairs a one bedroom/ bathroom room.
Kind of great, it was like a tree house room. The problem was the kitchen,
living room and dining area were all downstairs.
Stairs that were outside.
Meaning, awkward kitchen forays in the night (in nightgown or change back?)
"hang on I'll get it" stop and run up the stairs and then back down again.
Whatever....
The jacuzzi was EXCELLENT!!!
we found yummy places to eat.
the beds were clean and very comfortable.
Back to the car....
Jim and I pushed (yes, pushed) the car about 2/3 of a mile
to the Mechanic, thankfully on the same road.
(no one offer any help until we had to push the car across traffic
and up the driveway of the mechanic. Then 1 kind man ran out and helped. Bless him!)
The mechanic would call us. And he did about one hour later. It (the CAR)
would have to be towed down the mountain...it was too much for his small shop.
Somehow this doesn't sound very encouraging. That CAR is our only transportation.
How's your stomach feeling? Are the juices boiling yet?
Well the tow truck guy is out on a job...back in about 2 hours.
when you're in the mountains these jobs are long and expensive...
So finally, the tow truck comes..Jim will ride with him to Sun City.
The driver will also drop Jim at our house, where Jim will get my car and
drive back up the mountain. The new mechanic will be in contact tomorrow.
Tomorrow is the day our relaxing get-a-way is ending and
we go back down the mountain and return home.
So the CAR had a timing belt blow. This is a very BAD thing to happen.
Little pieces of metal flying around the engine doing lots of damage.
The CAR should be ready in one week...if all goes well.
( I'm not holding my breath)
Can you blame me?

We'll be...

2009-09-26T17:17:00.000-07:00

We'll be comin' 'round the mountain when we come,
we'll be....
Get it???
We're going away for a couple of days.
We are going to Crestline.
We'll be staying here...
http://theplacetorelax.com/
Can't wait!

Oh to be a waitress ~~~~

2009-09-10T17:28:00.000-07:00

Today work was long.
Customers were overall pretty nice.
But on to me...
I hate to recommend things.
I am a
VERY,
VERY, PICKY
EATER.
When I'm asked about things
I don't eat...
I say "oh, That's my husband's favorite"
or
"That is really a popular choice"
or
"It's just the perfect light meal!"
BUT, sometimes....
I will try
to steer a customer away from an item.
"That is NOT sweet,
if that's what you were thinking"
or
"people love this or hate it"
or
" well...."
If you hear these kinds of replies~~~
you might want to reconsider your option!
If you want advice
and
you get advice,
you should TAKE the advice!
And
don't complain later!
But that's just my...
RECOMMENDATION!

The Results....

2009-09-09T22:10:00.000-07:00

lymph nodes
SIGH

wah....

2009-09-01T21:48:00.000-07:00

I had a big old melt down;
crying jag
yesterday.
I feel much better now.
Things are actually progressing
nicely.
Today ~
Lorraine was released
from the hospital.
We were giddy,
we kept repeating
"There's no place like home,
There's no place like home".
Then I broke into song
"be it ever so humble,
there's no place like home."
Now...
Let the healing begin.

summer fun

2009-08-04T21:32:00.000-07:00

So...
Diane and I went to Oceanside.
We went to kayak!
It is such a fun thing to do.
The day was gorgeous....
the weather was warm,
being on the water was refreshing!
We were in the marina
and
by the floating bait store
(yeah it's a dock that's a bait store)
there were many, many pelicans
and
also some sea gulls
and
the best part...
the three seals!
They were bobbing around in the water,
flipping on their backs,
diving and just having fun.
While watching...
one of the seals emerged
about 3 feet
yes 1 yard!
from my kayak!!!
Then I was worried...
would he pop up under my kayak
and
tip me over????
Well of course the seal didn't.
but....
We had so much fun.
I
love
to kayak!
(who knew it was so much fun?)

2009-06-30T18:42:00.000-07:00

Okay....
I don't feel ancient.
I don't think I look ancient.
As of tomorrow...
I will be
52.
The number does not freak me out.
I mean we all know what the alternative
to getting old is.
I do not want THAT!
BUT....
Why does it have to be so hard to stand up?
Or get out of bed in the morning?
Or bend over to pick up something?
Why do I forget simple things
but remember meaningless drivel?
Oh cruel age...
tomorrow is my birthday
so
please
be
kind!
Happy Day!

When you gotta go, you gotta go!

2009-06-10T15:49:00.000-07:00

It's been 18 months.
My last visit wasn't very happy.
I get so frustrated.
He's going to make comments...I already know!
He's going to ask questions...they make me sad.
He's going to suggest things I don't want to hear.
But...
That yearly physical has to be done.
Even when it is sometimes 18 months instead of 12.
He told me I had waited 2 years...since 2007
But it was the end of December 2007,
I make sure he knows!
And...
now it's done.
whew

And it was just the beginning of the day...

2009-06-07T15:44:00.000-07:00

So Monday after nearly incapacitating myself....
Diane emerges from her room 90 minutes later
I hate my bank!
My ATM card won't work
AGAIN!!!!
I'm going to go in and close my account and open one
somewhere, ANYWHERE else.
Then she looks at me,
"Are you Okay?"
I burst into tears and relate my story.
After hugs and consoling...
she leaves for the bank
"I've got to get gas money, my truck's on empty
and the ATM won't work!"
Sorry I can't come with you for support but I'm JACKED UP!
20 minutes later she returns home...
she's nearly
hysterical
"The bank says they've frozen my account.
Someone is SUING me!!!"
She's holding a card the bank wrote a name,
phone number and case number.
WHAT...
Apparently, there is someone in
New York with her same name. The New Yorker is being sued.
And... she banks at our bank!
Unfortunately,
care wasn't exercised
and they froze whatever came up with her name.
That is why her ATM card wouldn't work.
After phone calls and bank visits and more phone calls
we are hoping
(Fingers crossed!)
things will be better this Monday night,
Tuesday at the latest.
***
Mondays,
watch out for Mondays!

Ouch, I think I Cracked My BUM!

2009-06-06T15:50:00.000-07:00

I know I haven't posted for a long time.
I just feel so boring most of the time.
What's going on? The same old same old.
Then,
Monday morning (my day off and nearly always laundry day)
As I head in to the garage to do the laundry
( Yes, I am jealous of everyone with indoor laundry)
(and remember I've lived here almost 15 years)
(and the garage door is the door I use ALWAYS, Who uses front doors? )
(oh, maybe all the people with indoor laundry!)
So, back to my story...
I'm carrying a basket of laundry
=like I've done 52 weeks a year for ALMOST 15 years=
And I step down the first step and as I step down the second step
******OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH******
I step wrong.
I'm not sure how, or what happened.
All I know is it's "slo-mo" time and I'm going
DOWN
And down hard.
WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
Smack on my tail bone.
My mom would call it a PRAT fall.
The basket popped out of my hands.
It was so sudden I couldn't even brace for the inevitable.
Bam...tail bone...ouch...
the force then knocked me backward,
Back hit the wall...thunk...
the force still forcing me,
I toppled over onto the CONCRETE floor...
THUD.
And there I lay.
"I wonder if Diane (sleeping in her room upstairs) heard anything?"
" I wonder if I can move?"
"I know I'm not paralyzed because my bum is ACHING."
"I'm really glad NO ONE saw this."
"sometimes I can be sooo graceful."
"Am I old, how could this have happened?"
And with those thoughts I knew the shock was wearing off and I should
TRY
to move, maybe even get up.
And so GINGERLY I get up...
start the stinking laundry ...
walk in the house slowly...
Then cry like a little girl.
**********
You know from the shock.

Now, don't be all worried.
I'm moving pretty well now,
just a little slow to sit or stand.

The CLOSET under the stairs! OOOOOOOOOH

2009-02-16T19:21:00.000-08:00

It's been haunting us for a while.
Others, who shall remain nameless, were doing it!
The challenge was there!
Could it be accomplished????
Should it?
Would it?
YES
That freaky, messy, cluttered catch-all.
That place where things go to hide and never be seen again.
The CLOSET under the stairs!
Jim and I were both off work today.
We agreed to tackle the job.
Blankets, quilts, shelves, mirrors, pillows,
sleeping bags, a cot, a wig, hula skirts, photo albums,
Mom's books, gift bags, tissue paper, ribbon, boxes,
wreaths, framed pictures, the spare leaf for our table
and lots of toys for the grandsons!
So we sorted,
combined,
trashed,
condensed into new bins,
moved out to the garage,
donated,
and gave away
STUFF.
Then we vacuumed.
And bought some new big boy toys!
Now it's done
and we'll have the boys over tomorrow
to test the new toys out!
Hopefully, that closet will stay clean now!
(BUT I DOUBT IT!)

Oh My What A Day!

2009-02-07T16:04:00.000-08:00

There's a saying at work...
"When it rains ...
The customers POUR in"
And let me tell you--
That was the way work went today.
I am sooooooo tired
We were so busy and we had a sick call.
It was like those work nightmares.
Do you ever have them???
Everything goes wrong and you just can't fix it!
When I delivered mail,
I'd dream about taking a lunch for 5 hours.
Leaving the restaurant, it would be dark and I still
would have all my mail.
Yikes!!!
As a waitress,
the dream is getting so many customers
and not being able to get anything done.
Can't fill the drinks, no glasses.
Out of hot cocoa,
people keep stopping you for other things.
The sweat breaks out it's been 10 minutes.
(they're probably secret shoppers!)
Waking up only pauses the dream.
Dropping back off to sleep only restarts the same dream!
Get me out of this mess!!!
Well
Back to today...
It was the shift that wouldn't end.
It was the never-ending customers.
It was having to make up for the sick call.
I am glad it's over.
Excuse me while I soak my feet.
P.S.
I am wiped out!
and....
Yes,
The tips were GREAT!

The right time and the right place for fun!

2009-01-22T19:37:00.000-08:00

So...
Jim and I went to the movies.
We went at 2:20 and saw 'Last Chance Harvey'.
(Loved it!)
When we were just getting to the car to leave,
someone honked at us!
It was Mike, Melissa, Ethan and Owen...
They were just arriving for 'Bedtime stories'
So....
We turned around and went back to the movies with them.
It was fun to go to a movie with the grandsons.
(the movie was so-so)
Ethan (5 1/2) seemed to love it
and Owen (almost 3) was happy eating popcorn
and switching from Grandmas' lap to Grandpas' lap.
Then.....
We drove back to Mike & Melissa's home and had pizza.
What a fun time we had.

I'm just a bore

2009-01-12T08:55:00.000-08:00

So ?
What's going on?
NOTHING
Besides all my frustrating aches and pains!
( You know; )
(plantar fasciitis in the left foot)
(remember tendonitis in the right elbow aka waitress elbow aka tennis elbow)
(the poke in the eye is healing nicely)
(the sprained ankle is still sore and likes to puff up)
(the sore throat is gone but the nose is still drippy)
(Hawaii-envy my sisters there now!)
(the dental implant is healing nicely, 2 more months to go)
Besides all that stuff-
I did play singo-bingo in primary and that IS fun
I am still working with my gimpy foot & arm
Is that fun?
Well there you have it
my boring post!

Christmas with the Gerardi's

2009-01-05T18:56:00.001-08:00

December 25, 2008

Mom and Dad Christmas morning.
Thanks Santa!

Diane opening goodies from her stocking.

The Girls
Shawna, Melissa, Sara & Diane

The Boys
Jim & Mike

Grandma with Ethan & Grandma with Owen

Sara & Boyfriend Jason

Jim's parents
Rocco & Lorraine.
Yes we had a great time,
and
Hope you all did too!

Oh My Eye!!!

2008-12-31T19:52:00.000-08:00

So you know, Christmas is over.
I have to work on New Years Day.
(no big deal, really)
The game plan was to take down the tree and decorations TODAY.
Got off to a really good start.
Tree stripped down, banister returned to normalcy.
Lights down, cards down, nativities back in boxes.
Time to take the tree out of the stand
(Yes of course it's a REAL tree)
Hubby on the floor unscrewing screws.
Me, holding tree upright (well TRYING to hold tree).
Me "I think it's ready, pull it out"
Hubby "I don't think so but okay"
Anything to keep me happy, right?
So, he stands up to pull tree out of stand.
I go to floor to hold stand down.
Branch on tree pokes me in the EYE!!!
Yes, IT HURTS...
but I am okay.
Pretty huh!?
HAPPY NEW YEAR

Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T19:46:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas!
Hope Santa was good to all of you.
I had a special in with Santa this year!
We had a wonderful holiday.
Back to work in the morning.

Drip, drip, drip

2008-12-15T13:43:00.000-08:00

So...
It's raining outside.
I know it's good for the EARTH!
I just prefer it to rain at night.
I want to be able to do things during the day.
I know I won't melt in the rain.
It's just in So. Cal. people don't know how to drive on wet roads.
PLUS...
The stinking roads are flooding due to new construction
EVERYWHERE
in our neck of the woods.
Plus...
Our new little shopping center is mobbed
with millions (exaggeration? maybe?) of shoppers!
Plus...
I got hungry (just like the crowds shopping)
went to Panda Express and had to wait...and wait...and wait.
Plus...
my little dog (Skeeter) is yapping his head off
because he does NOT want to go out in the rain to do
YOU KNOW WHAT
so he's standing at his doggy door yapping!
Plus...
I think there is Cocoa in the pantry!
I also baked cookies yesterday!
And NCIS is coming on!
Peace on Earth
I'm out of here!

AHHHHH

2008-12-01T18:54:00.000-08:00

We just got back from our little get-away.
It was so very relaxing!
The beach is a soothing place to visit.
There were seals playing in the water.
Yes it was cloudy and a little overcast.
Who cares!
We stayed at the Oceanside Harbor.
Since our favorite place in Palm Springs closed for good
( but bad for us! )
we've been looking for a new haven.
It has to be kind of close
(no wasting time on a long drive).
It has to be quiet and comfortable.
This place is!
Regrettably,
It's also PRICEY.
That's why when we get to sneak off there,
it is such a treat!

2008-11-26T21:23:00.000-08:00

Memory Making
Today was a busy day at work...
Very busy!
My plantar fasciitis couldn't handle it.
:(
Ouch.
But...
I didn't let that stop me
From picking up the grandsons
and
baking cookies.
And
playing!
I love these boys!
We had lots of fun and I just ignored the foot.
Some things are just more important.
Happy Thanksgiving!

1980

2008-11-22T19:56:00.000-08:00

1980 what a year...
My parents moaned in 1979,
no marriages
no grandchildren
so sad.
Well...At the end of 1979
Jim and I got engaged!
Being #4 of 5 children,
my parents weren't expecting me to be the first married.
We set our date Feb. 2, 1980.
Well, the next thing we knew
my next older brother(#3)
the middle child (of course)
announces that he is getting married
AND
guess when????
Just S I X days before his little sister.
Say what???
Oh well, my brother got married Jan. 1980.
Then I got married Feb. 2,1980.
Later...
Surprise, my brother is going to be a father.
Then...
Shawna's feeling nauseous.
Next...
Jim's brother is getting married in Aug.
My brother (#3) is a daddy of a little girl at the end of August.
Followed by...
my brother #2 is getting married Oct. 1980.
Finally...
Shawna & Jim have a baby boy Nov. 1980
E N O U G H ! ! !
My parents cry for mercy.
Thank you
B U T
Let us catch our breath!
No more complaints!
What a Year!

Nov. 20, 1980-I am a mother!

2008-11-20T14:36:00.000-08:00

Happy birthday to my son!
I remember Wednesday the 19th of November.
I was sad that my due date of the 17th
had come and gone.
We went out to eat with Jim's bro and his wife.
We went to Hamburger Hamlet in Costa Mesa.
YUM
When we got home @ 9pm I felt a little twinge!
5 minutes later there was another and then another!
Every 5 minutes for 2 hours the twinges came.
So, following the doctor's instructions,
at 11:30 pm we headed to the hospital.
Walking into the ER the nurse is like "what's wrong?"
I said the baby is coming my contractions have been
5 minutes apart for over 2 hours!
She LAUGHED at us,
said it was braxten hicks
and said come back in a week.:(
That is so hard to hear.
I knew the contractions weren't hard,
but....
they were consistent.
Jim drove me home and I cried.
The contractions lasted all night.
At 8am Thursday November 20th,
I called the doctor
" Now my contractions are 3 minutes apart,
they are stronger and steady.
The nurse told me to return in a week..."
He told me "GET TO THE HOSPITAL!!!"
Because it was the 80's
of course, I went au natural!
And happily at 1:15pm my beautiful,
healthy, baby boy was born.
I'm so thankful for the chance to
be his mom.
He is a wonderful husband,
great dad and
terrific son.
(Glad he's not a teen anymore!)
I love him very much...
Happy Birthday Son!

Fun Day

2008-11-19T21:23:00.000-08:00

Tuesdays are my fun days.
My sis-in-law and I do things on Tuesdays.
This week we went to Ensign books.
OOH the Christmas books, decorations, and
whatever was fun to browse through.
No 2009 primary singing helps yet:(
they are ordered, just not in
Oh, well.
Then onward to the Alley.
I don't know why it can be so fun, it just is!
Searching through all the bric-a-brac
is an adventure.
Oh, I like this, just not for ME!
And
the cards can be hilarious!!!
Next, Check out Mervyns going out of business sale!
Exciting??
No when we got inside everything was 40% off.
The problem was the base prices were
SOOOO HIGH
that even with the discount the prices
were like regular cost. Boo
Yippee, we decided to eat at COSI,
have you tried it yet?
The most delicious flat bread sandwiches
and flat bread pizzas.
YUMMY.
Can't wait for next Tuesday.

SEW - What?

2008-11-09T20:36:00.000-08:00

Do you make your kids clothes to wear?
My mom made me this cute dress
and matching reversable scarf!
WOW!
I loved it...
I remember wearing it a lot.
And I mean A LOT!!!

So this is a picture of Sara
in a dress I made for her.
She picked out the fabric and pattern.
She also chose the special lace collar.
She probably wore this dress
less than ten times. :(
It was hard to make:(
I made matching dresses for
Diane and Sara for Easter one year.
Sadly,
I found that it was just cheaper to buy them dresses
than buy patterns, fabric, notions
and all the time it took me.
Now, I don't even sew.
I think it's becoming a lost art.
Do you sew?

2008-11-07T21:17:00.000-08:00

FAMILY PHOTOS
When we were little,
the milk company would send
a photographer along the route.
He would go to all the houses
and take family photos
for a modest price.
My parents bought these photos
yearly
and I'm so glad they did!
You can see my older sister,
my two older brothers,
my youngest brother,
and me.
WOW,
five kids and we're all smiling
and look good!
How exciting is that!?!

Breathe, and everything is going to be okay.

2008-11-06T20:32:00.000-08:00

Today at work I had to deal with a problem customer.
I have to get it off my chest.
I have to put it behind me.
Breathe, Deeply.
Now this wasn't a problem customer
that didn't like the food.
It wasn't a problem due to a long wait.
It wasn't the service!!!
It was an old man that was creepy.
Ugh
He was trying to grope me.
He was loud and offensive in his speech.
He kept trying to grab my arm
(among other body parts)
(you can't see my shudder but it's there)
He is old and maybe going senile
BUT
there is no excuse for what was happening.
What's sad is that his wife was there too.
She just laughed like it was a joke.
They need to be in a nursing home and not out in public!
My other customers were turning to look.
Then the manager came over and spoke to him.
It was AWFUL!
In eight years this kind of thing has happened only 3 times.
I hope it never happens again.
Thanks for letting me vent.

It's always been the happiest place on earth!

2008-11-06T16:22:00.000-08:00

These are some pictures at Disneyland
a loooong time ago.
You can see my younger brother and me
on the casey jr. train.
We were not wild animals,
we rode in the giant sleigh!
Again my younger brother and me
with our precious grandmother Ruth.
I believe we're in front of the castle moat.
Lastly, Mickey Mouse with us!
I have three older siblings...
where are they??
I'm thinking this was a visit while
they were in school.
How sweet...
But when I looked at the date,
I'm 7 and he's 5.
Maybe we got to play hooky...
Even better!
We went to Disneyland when you used
tickets for each ride
and admittance was
FREE.
I remember we had a drawer full of
tickets,
but only A or B tickets.
E tickets were the best rides.
then D and C.
A and B tickets were pretty
much the lame rides .

Do you remember the tea cups?
I loved them when my older brothers
would spin the wheel so fast
my head would snap back.

This picture was from 5 years earlier.
I'm 2 and my brother is 4
(different brother,younger brother not born yet)
and that's my dad on the Dumbo ride with us.
In the dumbo behind us is my older
sister and brother.
Our family loved going to
Disneyland.

Get out and DO IT!!!

2008-11-04T08:51:00.000-08:00

OOH, it's a drizzly day...
The air is chilly...
The roads are wet...
It's really
FALL!
and
so
enjoy the change of weather
BUT
don't
forget
to
VOTE!
Your preferences are
YOUR
OWN
just
vote!

Table for four?

2008-10-29T19:03:00.000-07:00

So this is what's on my table right now.
Can you see the unique teapot?
Diane made it in her ceramic class;
I love it!

So this is one of the new plates I got to mix and match.
The bowl is from the dishware I got for CHEAP!
and then underneath is the cute napkin.

So these are the Christmas bowls I bought.
They are the same just turned a bit.
It says Peace & Noel.
Can you see the sprig of holly inside.
Oh how much fun I'll have
resetting my table for
Christmas!
I know it's not even
Halloween yet...
but when you see a good deal
you've just
GOT
TO
BUY!

Shop! Shop! Shop!

2008-10-28T17:04:00.000-07:00

OH GEE WHIZ...
I can be quite happy to be a window shopper.
It's fun to go and JUST look at new ideas.
I meet my sister-in-law and we get lunch and have our
Tuesday Adventures.
We've gone kayaking (aren't you jealous),
up to Idyllwild, to Laguna for the Sawdust festival.
Sometimes we have spa days (AHHHHH).
Sometimes we shop.
That's what we did today.
I got new shoes (on clearance!).
I got 2 cute Christmas bowls to mix & match.
I got festive napkins.
I got Christmas kitchen towels.
I got a wind chime.
I got a Santa bag (for Santa).
I got 2 really darling dinner plates (mix & match).
I got a set of dishware to mix with the special plates.
I got to get out of the stores
and
GO
HOME!
No MORE Spending.

2008-10-22T20:33:00.000-07:00

It's been 28 years ago that I quit the Post Office.
I quit just before I was going to have my first child.
No, I'm not pregnant in this picture.
But this is me and my future husband Jim.
This is after two years carrying mail in Fountain Valley.
Did you notice my sweet hair?
What about Jim's HAIR!!
(He now sports a buzz)
and do you love the mustache?
It's just too sad that you can't see my
OH, SO COOL
culottes!
Don't be fooled.
We were the hot young couple.
(That's what we keep telling ourselves)

2008-10-22T16:55:00.000-07:00

Soooo,

It's pretty fun to get an award!
Even though I have been bad about blogging lately...
I mean it's been weeks since I've had an entry.
Well, Amy
THANK YOU!
For giving me the Award
And here goes: These are the blogs I (heart)
Of course, Amy I (heart) your blog!

Ali --Blah, blah blahg

Emily -- palmer family life and times

Crystal -- rockkin robbins

Kelly-- southwell blog
Overleaf misfire
Heidi said
Okay ... I know it's only six, I'm lame :(
You are supposed to thank me and send the award to 7 others
with the same rules.

My Dad and My Mom

2008-10-08T17:46:00.000-07:00

My dad was born in Emery, Utah.
(Oh yeah, A Utah farm boy)
My mom on the other hand
was born in Venice, California.
(A big time city girl.)
My dads dad died young of black lung.
(yes, he was a miner)
My mom was an only child.
( she was raised very adult)
Dads family moved to California.
( dad and his older brother worked to help out their mom)
(there were 3 younger kids to care for)
Moms dad was an engineer and they moved a lot.
( He came from Ireland and traveled the world)
And yet somehow, beyond comprehension...
They met
and dad wooed mom...
and wooed her
and wooed her.
(These stubborn Utah farm boys)
And they fell in
LOVE...
And I love them for that!

2008-09-29T22:21:00.000-07:00

Do you like quizzes?
Your Autumn Test Results

You are a energetic, warm, optimistic person. You approach everything with a lot of enthusiasm.

When you're happiest, you are outgoing and expressive . You love celebrations, and you enjoy showing off a little.

You embrace change. You love change. You see change as a rebirth.

You find love to be the most comforting thing in the world. You feel at peace when you're with your loved ones.

Your ideal day is active and full. You like to keep busy with your favorite things, and you appreciate a routine.

You tend to live in the moment. You enjoy whatever is going on, and you don't obsess over the past or future.

http://www.blogthings.com/theautumnquiz/

Your Power Element is Fire

Your power color: red

Your energy: hot

Your season: spring

Like a fire, you are full of power and light.
A born leader, you easily draw people toward you.
You are full of courage and usually up for anything dangerous.
You have a huge ego and love to be the center of attention.

http://www.blogthings.com/whatsyourpowerelementquiz/

Your Funky Japanese Name Is

Seishiyameinoya = shawna

http://www.blogthings.com/whatsyourfunkyjapanesenamequiz/

Learning to drive

2008-09-29T16:16:00.000-07:00

I can vividly remember learning how to drive!
My dad drove me over to the City in Orange County.
(Now called the city walk, I think)
It was brand new and not too busy.
I had to drive up and down the aisles in dads' old yellow truck.
It had 3 on the column (stick shift)
I had to learn to drive a stick
before I could drive an automatic.
Learning to use the clutch-utch-utch.
It was a little bumpy at first but finally...
I could ease out the clutch and shift into the
correct gear without too much trouble.
Then, my dad would make me park.
I had to back up and down the rows.
Park in a space or parallel park over and over again.
We drove to The City every Sunday after Sunday School.
After about a month,
dad let me drive home from church.
My three brothers ( 2 older 1 younger)
jumped out of the car and walked home instead!
It was so sweet!
And no,
I DID NOT
crash
or hit the curb
or run a red light
or anything else they were sure I would do!

Let's go to the movies!

2008-09-27T22:09:00.000-07:00

We went and saw "Ghost Town".
If you are going on a date or just out with some friends,
consider this movie!
I'm sad because it's not doing very good
but it was a lot of fun.
It's funny!
It's touching!
We laughed and cried.
Go
see
it.

Do you like to go to the movies?
I love to go to the movies.
When I was in high school
my girlfriend and I went to the movies
EVERY
Tuesday afternoon.
It was Ladies day / Seniors day.
We could go for
50 CENTS!
We saw every Burt Reynolds movie made.
We didn't care if we had seen it before.
Most of the time it was a double feature too!
Come on, 50 cents!
We'd share popcorn and have sodas.
Usually some candy too.
The only down side of our fun afternoons...
The Seniors!
They talked rather LOUDLY throughout the whole movie...
Oh well,
50 CENTS
what a deal.

Is that a Santa Ana Wind?

2008-09-25T15:05:00.000-07:00

When I think of fall,
I think of the Santa Ana winds blowing.
Growing up in the O. C. I loved it when the warm winds of fall came.
I loved to ride my bike down our gently sloping street.
The warm winds would push us!
NO pedaling, hands high in the air and a happy smile on my face.
You could smell the wind
(And not in a bad way)
I really love summer BEST!
BUT....
oh those warm Santa Ana winds bring the fondest memories.

We rode our bikes everywhere.
We rode to Jack Fisher Park
about 2 miles away.
We also rode to other parks even farther away.
We rode through the Santa Ana river bed.
(Only when it was dry and that was 98% of the time.)
We rode to the mini golf place.
(It also had trampolines, giant slides, arcades and a pickle barrel!)
We rode in gangs of youth.
My two older brothers, my younger brother, and all of our friends.
Usually in groups of 8-12 kids!
Oh! it was so much fun!
Maybe I should get a bike?
Probably NOT!

Toothache part 2

2008-09-19T16:15:00.001-07:00

So on Wednesday
I went back to the specialist for a consultation.

It was at 3pm after work.
There was time to zip home and change out of work duds.
And then hurry to Murrieta.
Once there it was decided by the specialist to pull the tooth
NOW!
Since the infection had cleared up,
waiting would only let the infection return.
"But I'm here alone...will I be able to drive home?"
"Do you drive with your teeth?" they asked.
(Not usually, but maybe I would need babying on the ride home)
So more x-rays. More info on implants. More papers to sign.
More money than I want to spent for a stupid tooth!!!!
Then into that scary room.
Eyes shut tight and the statement
"I don't want to see anything!"
Shots, shots,shots.
Lots of preparation around the tooth.
(Protect neighboring teeth!)
Then, tug, wiggle, pull, jiggle
Grasp, wiggle, jiggle, tug & PULL.
Repeat over and over.
POP
it's out!
But it's not done yet. Now for the roots
(I'm not kidding!)
Then drill a hole into the jaw
to place the abutment (what the tooth will screw into)
Then pack it all down
Pressure, pressure, pressure.
Then close it all up.
total time
3 hours 45 minutes.
Done.
I am in pain and nauseous from the meds.
It will get better!
Won't it?????

Update: Nauseous free for 2 hours!
Things are looking up!

Can you walk AND talk?

2008-09-15T15:49:00.000-07:00

I am amazed at the fact that I am a waitress.
"So what's the big deal?" you ask.
It's just that I am not known for being graceful.
(not graceful in a dancing way, cha cha)
(graceful in walking and talking at the same time without tripping,
walking into a wall, or just crashing into someone!)
I have many times been described as a klutz.
I could reach out my hand and knock three glasses on the dinner table over.
I repeatedly scratched my husband with my wedding ring.
(and no, it's not that gigantic!)
If there was a crack in the sidewalk,
I would go out of my way
(or so it seems)
to kick it and trip.
Once while I was looking at model homes with my mom
(this is such a fun thing to do!)
I remember that I was in a dress and heels.
(something I'll never forget!)
We were in a two story model.
It was gorgeous, with a sweeping curved stairway
(you know what's coming, right?)
The house was full of people checking everything out.
So just as I got to the top of the stairs...
I turned to look at a picture on the wall.
And then,
as if in slow motion...
I fell!
I rolled down the whole circular stairway
head over heels
dress around my waist
heels flipping off!!!
Everyone was gawking
all eyes on me
I jump up grab my shoes
yell, "mom, we gotta go"
and flew out the door!
Miraculously,
I was uninjured
(Just my pride)
and we laughed hysterically in the car.

Ohh boy did this HURT

2008-09-12T15:44:00.000-07:00

Friday, September 12, 2008

Ouch! It's been a painful weekend for me, my root canal failed!

That means horrible tooth pain over the weekend.

The dentist office has a dentist on call

BUT the phone wasn't working...

I know I called Fri. night,

Sat. morning, Sat. afternoon, Sun. morning,

Sun. night and finally Monday morn at 8 am sharp

I finally got through.

At 8:20 I was at the dentist office.

I left at 9:30 with prescriptions for antibiotics and painkillers.

The pharmacist at WAL-MART murrieta

was a jerk and took so long I just took the papers back

and went to my 11am meeting with a specialist.

More xrays and the kindest, gentlest people ever.

Had to get the gum lanced to relieve infection, pus squirted, GROSS.

The assistant was like OOOOOO and the doctor said keep sucking it up!

Aah the pressure eased.

You should get this root canal redone,

No thanks it's the third time it's failed.

(did you think once a root canal is done you'll never have a problem with that tooth again?)

(Usually, but not always!)

Went to Walgreens for meds, They said about an hour

(just like wal-mart)

And then had them for me in 20 minutes.

Bless you walgreens.

Home to take meds and rest.

Cheek looks like there's a golf ball in mouth.

jaw is sore!

Waiting for infection to clear and then pull that bad boy

and get a dental implant$$$$

No more trips to Maui,

I'll be paying for a pain free mouth instead.

GRACK

Don't forget! Roll off.

2008-09-11T22:07:00.002-07:00

One of the fun road trips we would take
would be going to the
SNOW!!
It was usually Crestline and sometimes Running Springs.
You know, the local mountains.
This time it was just my younger brother, our parents and me.
we were about 8 and 10.
Of course we didn't have any snow equipment
but that didn't stop us!
We would put bags over our socks and then over our shoes too.
We used socks for gloves with bags too.
We would bundle up in many layers of clothing.
We brought big trash bags to slide on.
My dad (the Utah farm boy) would always remind us
"If you're going to hit something just roll off first!"
Okay, okay, okay dad!
So, at the top of the hill sitting on an old cardboard box,
(We used anything)
Me in the lead and my brother right behind me.
Dad gave us a huge push and we were off!
Heading right for a
TREE!
I could hear him yelling
"DON"T FORGET"
but we were going
SO
fast
"ROLL OFF"
I knew it, could I do it?
SLAM
right into the tree.
And then,
Just like we had been trained,
my brother and I both rolled off to the side.
I sat up and waved, yelling:
"We're OKAY"
Then flopped back down.

Let's go for a ride!

2008-09-11T16:08:00.000-07:00

We were a family of seven.
Money was tight.
My parents were creative.
Gasoline was CHEAP!
We took a lot of rides, sometimes with no destination.
My dad would just say " Let's go for a ride"
and off we'd go!
It was always an adventure.
We went to the grand opening of the John Wayne Airport.
Now known as the Santa Ana or Orange co. airport.
We went to the beach, up and down the coast.
We went to the mountains and the desert.
We drove all the way to Corona (before the fast freeway route)
We drove around in an old blue station wagon.
It had a bench seat in the front to seat 3,
a bench seat in the middle to seat 3 more,
AND
it had a flip up 2 person seat in the far back
that faced backwards!!
But,
we usually had extra friends with us and
we would pack that old blue station wagon
with 12 people most of the time.
And,
We always had a great time.
Sometimes,
I tell my kids
"let's go for a ride!"
even though gasoline is now
VERY EXPENSIVE.
There is nothing as sweet!

MY yellow VW is better than your yellow RR

2008-09-10T16:53:00.000-07:00

I had a yellow convertible bug.
One night my roommate and I drove to the Balboa Yacht club.
We had an apartment in Costa Mesa (by So. coast plaza)
We were dressed up and looking good!
When we were inside mingling,
this old man ( 60ish) came up to me.
He said, "hi, how would you like to go for a ride with me
in my yellow convertible Rolls Royce?"
Ugh, he was too old for me!
No thanks I say.
"You know who I am? I'm Joey Bishop..."
I'm thinking so what, maybe you'll impress my mom
or grandma but NOT me.
Once again he tries the ride in his yellow convertible Rolls Royce.
He points out the door and there it was.
And I say (in my 20 year old sassiness)
"Well that's my Yellow convertible V.W.,
I think I'll stick with that!"
So my roomie and I go.
And we left Joey Bishop behind.

ROCK BURGERS, ANYONE?

2008-09-06T10:47:00.000-07:00

My mom went to work when I was finishing 8th grade.
My younger brother was in 6th grade.
My two older brothers were in high school
and my sister was at the local Jr. College.
My sister being the oldest, did a lot to help out.
After two years, she left to go to BYU.
That's when I got to cook dinner!
Oh lucky family!!
Returning home from school,
My three brothers would sweep, vacuum, & load the dishwasher.
I would get to make dinner.
Spaghetti, chili-mac, sweet & sour chicken, hamburger stroganoff,
These I could make!
But the blasted hamburgers....
Every time I made them they were so over-cooked.
My brothers dubbed them Rock Burgers
and YES they were well done.
And NO they were NOT very tasty.
I didn't do it on purpose
and
it didn't get me out of cooking dinner...
But every two weeks we would get to eat yummy
ROCK BURGERS.
Are you hungry?

Today I saw a Grasshopper!

2008-09-05T18:05:00.000-07:00

Today I saw a grasshopper!
It was the big brown kind.
Ugh, I don't like the big brown grasshoppers and this is why...Ready?
I think I was about 10 and I was chasing my brothers out front.
They were driving me crazy ( you know the way brothers can!)
So I ran up the side of the house.
No, I actually ran along the side of the house (I can't run up walls!)
The side yard had a BIG apricot tree.
I' m telling you it was a BIG tree.
I should have been able to miss it, I really should have!
But...
I ran right into a branch. It smacked me SO hard on the forehead.
I fell to the ground and kind of passed out for about 3 minutes.
Ouch, it hurt so bad!!
Lying flat on my back,
thinking maybe I'm dead,
I slowly open my eyes.
There on my nose, right between my eyes,
is a GIANT,
BROWN,
GRASSHOPPER.
Oh, I screamed just like a little girl!
And so what, I was a little girl.
But you better believe me when I say,
" I don't like brown grasshoppers".
That's my story and I'm sticking to it!