Today, I need a turnstile to keep up with everyone!

Whew--my house was like Grand Central Station today! Since neither Doyle or I were working today we slept in, which we hardly EVER do, but it sure felt good. With the weather/work situation this week both of us have been pretty restless. Then the stream of visitors began: first Brad stopped by and surfed the net for awhile. My nephew called and said he & his little girl were on their way to the "farm" from Springfield and wanted to stop by and see us. Zoe & I had fun playing with the "Dora" dollhouse that I got on clearance at Wal-Mart. Then Brad and another nephew Luccus, stopped back by to check out the game camera pics and to surf the net some more. Then we ended up going into town to try out the new Mexican restaurant. There were 8 total in our group, but we got served pretty fast. It was okay, but I prefer the other Mexican place in town. Hard to believe that in a town of about 2500 we have McDonald's, Sonic, Pizza Inn, Subway, Blimpie's, Godfathers Pizza, KFC/Taco Bell, Casey's Pizza, a Chinese place, two Mexican places, a Sports Bar, a Bowling Alley w/restaurant, and three Mom & Pop Cafe's. Plus one of the grocery stores have an eat-in deli. Wow, I've never really listed them all before--that's a ton of places to eat for such a small town. Now, I'm off topic--anyway when we got home Brad and Luccus were gone, so it is quiet for now. I'll try to see Kurt & Zoe again tomorrow before they head back to Springfield, hopefully that will work out.

Weather update--thankfully we never lost power and our road was finally graded late Wednesday night. I ended up working on Thursday (I only missed one day), but Doyle's work was cancelled until Monday. Hopefully next week we will get back to our "normal" schedule.

What we're left with----

These pictures don't really show just how thick the ice is, but it's the best I could do. I tried to get a good shot of the fence with about 2" of ice on it, but not sure if I succeeded. The sun was shining today, but it didn't get warm enough to melt any of the ice/snow and the road grader never made it to our county road, I am pretty much stuck. Doyle's car has been parked at the end of our drive, or we wouldn't have gotten out the last two days. We tried for about 2 hours this morning to get onto the county road and then the highway so I could go to work. We gave up after my nephew had to pull us out of the pile of crap that the highway department pushes to the shoulders. Yes, I want the highway cleared BUT they pile it so high that if you don't have a 4-wheel drive vehicle you get high-centered. Rant over!!! By the way, thanks to Marc for coming and helping. Doyle will be working tomorrow so I will probably not be. The ice and snow is so hard and deep that my car will not make it out of the driveway. We could have both shoveled all day today and still not gotten the driveway done. So, my car will stay in the garage tomorrow and I will stay in the house. We really don't have that much bad weather, so I feel like a total baby bitching so much, but I really just want it to be spring, NOW!!!!

24+ hours & counting

We have now been getting our winter "mix" for over 24 hours. There have been some times when nothing was falling, but for the most part it has been steady. I went to work today, with the help of my person chauffeur. It was slow going, but we left in plenty of time. Two of the tech's and one Pharmacist didn't make it, so we were short staffed and busy. Then Doyle called around eleven and said he was on his way to pick me up, or we probably wouldn't get back home today. So I hurried and helped get everything done and finally left work at 1pm. The roads were pretty crappy on the drive home. It took about twice as long to get here as it normally does and we got stuck in the driveway, but at least we made it. Our Pharmacist on call tonight called a little while ago and told me the hospital is now on backup power. I don't anticipate going to work tomorrow, but we'll make that decision in the morning. A lot of people in surrounding towns are without power, so we'll keep our fingers crossed that we continue to have electricity. Other than the weather nothing else is going on. My nephew Kurt left a "funny" little comment for me on the beer post--it made me laugh--thanks Kurt!!! Maybe someday I'll post about some of the "fun" times you, me, & beer have had!!!

Old Man Winter says boo!!!

Our annual ice storm has started. I can hear the rain, freezing rain, and sleet hitting the house right now. I left work a little early (15 min-wow!) to beat the storm home, and about one mile from the house is a pretty good size hill--I could see cars with their flashers on sitting on both shoulders of the road. I turned and took an alternate route home. I guess one or more cars went into the ditch. All the first responders, police, and an ambulance were on the way when I pulled into the drive. Boy, was I glad to be home. Driving on ice really makes me nervous. It's suppose to get worse through the night and all day tomorrow. They are predicting that we will lose power at some point. We are preparing as best we can--we are total electric! They have already cancelled Doyle's shift for tomorrow, so if he thinks we can make it and we have power he will take me to work, that's a relief. On the bright side--this should all be over by Friday. LOL

Why did I write that last post?

Okay, well after several inquires about my last post, I feel the need to explain. First of all nothing bad happened to cause this decision. I just had my required wellness evaluation at work and although I scored better than last year, my glucose was up (diabetes runs in my immediate family), my cholesterol was up, my blood pressure was up. And to top all that off I don't eat right and don't exercise enough (according to the wellness gal anyway!). So, after thinking--oh, my God, I'm dying here--I decided I had to do something about it. After much debate I know what I won't do--I still won't exercise enough and I'm trying to eat better but I still lose that battle all too often. So, I decided that I could save calories by cutting out my weekend beers, also I think that cutting alcohol helps with the blood pressure. I went for years not drinking a thing, so it wasn't really that hard of a decision. As for the story--I guess I was reminiscing about my youth and some of the crazy things that happened back then. Although I wouldn't trade my life now for anything, I think things were much simpler back when I was a kid. So if you read the last the post and thought WTF happened, rest assured that all is well, I didn't have a meltdown or anything like that. Although when I have to go to the Psych unit at work, there are a couple of nurses that are always telling me they have an empty bed for me--they are kidding, aren't they????

Me & Beer---kaput!!!

Around 1975 my oldest sister introduced her future husband to our family. My parents loved him instantly. That may have had something to do with her being their favorite, but that doesn't really matter for this story. LOL So it became his "job" or "duty" to collect the rest of us after school functions, ballgames, etc.. and get us back to our house. We never wanted to go straight home, we wanted to drive around town like the rest of the kids were doing. So at 14 I started hanging out with my future brother-in-law and his friends. Long story short, we became beer drinking buddies, he always looked out for me and still does to this day. Now I'm not sure where the beer came from because they were not of legal age either, but back then it wasn't such a big deal. We loved those little Miller ponies. They came in a 24 pack I think and you could drink then in a couple gulps. My sister (she didn't drink then) would drive and he and I would party til the beer was gone. Then they would try and get me in the house without my Mom & Dad waking up and catching us. That was a chore on some nights. There's a couple stories that are still told at family functions. Anyway I'm getting away from the real story here. So, beer and I have been friends for a very long time. I don't have a problem or anything like that, it's just my drink of choice when I choose to drink. I think there's nothing better with pizza or when you can get a draft with just a little bit of ice on top at a restaurant, it's just good. But then I get to thinking that since way back in 1975 til now, every really stupid or embarrassing thing I've done, beer has been right there with me. The old saying used to be don't write letters or make phone calls when you're drinking, but now we need to include don't e-mail or text. For a long time I have been really thinking about how I could make my life better for myself and the people that I love. Not that we have a shitty life or anything, I just think as we get older we naturally think about how our lives have been and how we want to spend the rest of it. So for me, I'm saying goodbye to a very old friend, BEER. I figure I gave up soda about 10 years ago and really have never missed it, so I can do this too. It's not even a question of willpower--I'm a VERY stubborn person--when I make up my mind on something that's it. And I have made up my mind on this. Besides, I figure this will help with goal #1 and #6. I'll let you all know how it goes.

Thursday Rumblings

It's going to be a beautiful day here in the Ozarks, 59 and sunny. But I won't get to enjoy it, I'll be stuck inside all day working, YUCK! What's worse, I'll be working in the IV room so that means I'm actually stuck in the pharmacy all day. At least the floor techs can take the outside route to some of the nursing units and get a little of that great sunshine. That's the worst thing about working in our pharmacy-no windows. Truthfully, I'll probably take a stroll after lunch. It will be dusk when I get off, so if I want to have any sun on my face today, it will have to be then. I think the winter blahs/cabin fever are sitting in. Well, that's my griping quota for this Thursday, hope you all have a great day!!!

Home Alone

Just cuz I'm such a nice person, I switched days with one of my co-workers--so instead of Friday off I have today off. She was suspose to close on a house today, but because of the MLK holiday, it got pushed back. She wanted Friday off to get things done at the new house before they move in. It's kinda nice to be off and HOME ALONE. My household chores were pretty much done over the weekend, so having today off means I can play. Course, the bad thing about having today off is that there is absolutely nothing but Inauguration activities on all day. Now, normally because I love history that would be a good thing, but since I am not really an Obama fan, this could prove to be a problem. Maybe I should say honestly it's his policies and agenda that I'm not a fan of. But he is our President so I will respect him for that over the next four years. Maybe I'll just mute the tv and turn the ipod on!!! I love all the pomp and pagentry of events like this.

On a side note--I have a really good friend out there who is going through a rough patch right now, and I want her to know that I'm thinking of her and hoping things are better SOON. Keep your chin up sista, you are one of the truly genuinely nice people that I have ever met in my life. You should know by now, but I'm telling you again--I love ya!

Lazy Sunday

Whew--what a lazy day! Not that I havn't done anything, I've done all the laundry (last load is drying now), cooked (biscuits & gravy for breakfast and some supper too!), and even cleaned a couple of bathrooms. I watched Gran Torino, at home, not at the theater. I have a connection at work, what can I say?? I still have Eagle Eye and Taken to watch here at home, but havn't found the time to do that. I had promised to have Gran Torino back to work tomorrow for the next person to watch so I had to get it watched today. It was really good. Out of everyone at work that had watched it, the reviews were mixed, I am on the side that liked it! Someone at my work has a friend who has nothing better to do than pirate movies over the internet. Hey, he's done his time at work and now he chooses to spend his retirement doing this. We just reap the benefits of it. I admit sometimes when I'm watching and the little words on the bottom of the screen say "you are responsible for the contents on this disc" I get a little nervous but then I remember I'm watching on a DVD player--someone else downloaded it on their computer. They will never find me!!!! I still support my local movie theater so I can't feel too bad. In the current economy we must all do what we can to get by, right?? Well, tomorrow is once again Monday and unlike some government employees that shall remain unnamed (Holly) I have to work on MLK day, sucks, huh? So, I am off to finish up the laundry, and housework that I left to type this little message, oh and watch the football game. Later---

S=Saturday, Springfield, & Shopping

Got up my normal time today, got myself ready and we headed for Springfield. Stopped at the truck stop for breakfast and were in Springfield by 9am. I hit Michael's, Hobby Lobby, & the Scrapbook store---I pretty much stuck to my resolution of not buying anything new, except for some solid cardstock, which I actually needed. I may have picked out some new things for Valentine's day, but we won't tell anyone!!! HaHa I will be using them to make Emily & Patrick a card this year. We also spent some time in Lowe's, Doyle had to get his fix also. LOL We had lunch with Kurt & Holly at Logan's. It was really good, 2 for 1 drink specials too! Then we made a stop at Sam's and then came home. Sam's is always sooo crazy, no matter what day of the week or time that you go. I'm always so happy to be done shopping when I get out of there. Too many people!!! We'll spend a quiet night here at the house and tomorrow will be filled with laundry, housework, and I hope a visit from the kids and grandkids.

Brrrrrr

The cold weather from the north finally caught up with us here in the midwest. It was about 10 this morning when I left for work. Tomorrow morning is suspose to be even colder, 0 to -5. That's just too cold for anyone!!! Just got back from town and the sky is beautiful, the stars are so bright tonight. I would have loved to star gaze for awhile, but it's too cold for that too. Days like this make me long for the warm beaches of Florida that I love sooo much.

Tomorrow is finally Friday, I have to work but hopefully it will be a quiet day. Today wasn't too bad, steady but not crazy. I'm looking forward to the weekend, I'm in the mood to do something. Something other than work around the house that is. Saturday is suspose to be much warmer, so maybe we'll actually get out of the house. Don't know about anyone else, but I'm definitely ready for spring.

Blessings

We had a great Sunday at our house. It was Brad & Chely's anniversary and they wanted to spend a little time down at the Abbey farm so we had Emily & Patrick with us for the afternoon. We all enjoyed supper together last evening. I can't believe that Brad has been out of the house for seven years now, seems like only yesterday I was crying my eyes out just thinking of him moving out. We are so lucky that we live close, not a week goes by without Brad stopping by or us going by their place. We get to see the little ones every week. I know a lot of Grandparents that live away from their grandkids so I do realize how very blessed we are.

Now once again we are back to our weekly grind--work! Yuck, and I don't know why I say that because I have a job that I love and appreciate. I think it's just the going that I dislike. Driving to West Plains never bothered me until I started having to do it for work. Luckily I work four 10's so that does save me from driving that fifth day. The weather is suspose to turn cold tonight with a chance of a little snow, so I'm already dreading getting out in it tomorrow. Course I just need to look north to Doyle's family and once again count my blessings that we live in Missouri, not Minnesota!!

Girls Time

Today has been a great day. Doyle & I went out for breakfast, which is what we do almost every Saturday. Later I met Holly & the girls for a movie matinee. We saw "Bride Wars", it was a pretty good movie, definitely a chick flick. Then we had an early supper with Doyle and my nephew Travis at the mexican restaurant. We were at the restaurant for about 2 hours visiting. It was good to spend some time with Holly, Alexa, & Taylor. Seems like when I go to Springfield to see them we are always on the go, it was nice to just sit and talk. Now I am home for the night and just unwinding. Tomorrow will be spent getting some things done around the house and getting ready to go back to work on Monday. But right now I really don't want to think about that, I just want to enjoy what is left of a great day!!

All bummed out!

Well, it happened---my team lost the National Championship game last night. I had a bad feeling about the game ever since it was announced, but I also felt that OU had a good chance to win. They played a tough, tough game and ended up losing by 10 pts. I feel that it was a closer game than 10 pts, but that was the final tally. BUT---there's always next year, so I will be packing away my OU flag until next August. No matter that they lost or not, Oklahoma Sooners football will always be #1 in my heart. Boomer Sooners!!!!


I am home today, had planned to go to Springfield but just didn't feel like it when I got up this morning. So I will get my laundry, housework done today. Holly & the girls will be done here this weekend so we hope to have lunch together on Saturday and take in a movie. That will be my pleasure item for this week (see my 2009 goals). I also need to whip up a card for Brad & Chely's anniversary. They will be married 7 years this Sunday 1/11. Gosh time does fly by. I'm going to see if they want me to make lunch for them, possibly lasagna, or whatever they would like on Sunday. We'll see, maybe they would just like the $$$ and go out to eat??

Back to work!

Well, after our excitement of the past weekend, nothing much has been happening here in the Kruse world. Just work and the usual household duties. I need to get busy and finish a scrapbook that I am working on. I started it before Thanksgiving and had to put it away for the holidays. I'm anxious to get back to it, and finish it. I have soooo many pictures and so many plans for them that sometimes I just get overwhelmed by it all. Sooner or later it will all get done and my family will have some nice books to look at instead of photo boxes full of loose pictures. All in good time!!!

Wake-up Call

This is not the way I want to start my Sunday: Woke up at 5:45am by a Sheriff's deputy knocking on your front door. I asked Doyle, is that someone knocking?? So I peeked out one of the front windows, and the guy standing there says "Sheriff's Department". My heart sank--but I opened the door and he was just checking on us. Our neighbors to the south & north had both been broken into. Both were home sleeping at the time. So Doyle dresses and goes to check out some items that were recovered that didn't belong to either one of our neighbors and sure enough the Skilsaw and gas can (full of gas) were ours. So the guy had been in both of our storage buildings. The duputy checked all our screens, seems that is how the guy liked to enter, to make sure he had not tried to enter our house. I told Doyle it was probably some meth head and the deputy replied "well, he does have some problems". Anyway Doyle got his stuff back and the deputy was very nice. I have always heard bad things about our Sherriff's Department, but our experience was a good one. Hopefully that is the last time we will ever have to deal with them. Knock on wood! Our neighbors to the south are an older couple, not in real good health, so I am just glad the guy didn't harm them. Our other neighbors caught the guy in their home and had him sitting on the couch when the deputy's got there. He still resisted and got tased.

On a brighter note, Brad & family will be coming for lunch today. I watched Patrick last night while Brad and Chely went to the movies. Emily was staying the night with a friend. So I am anxious to see them. Boy, do we have a story to tell today.

A very nice surprise!

I was working away yesterday and got a text from Chely--she was at the hospital to get her ultrasound. The Imaging Center sent all their patients for the day to the hospital, so she wanted to know if I wanted to join them for the sonogram. So within seconds they were at our window and I was out the door. I waited with Emily & Patrick while they took all the measurements, etc..
Soon Brad showed up to get us, and he was grinning from ear to ear, so I knew before we got back there what the baby was. Sure enough, we are getting another GRANDSON!!!! Emily started to cry (she wanted a baby sister), Patrick was happy (he wants a baby brother), until I tried to explain to Emily that she doesn't have to share her "girl " things, but Patrick will always have to share his "boy" things. Patrick wasn't so sure then. Anyway, that didn't really console Emily, so I took her to the vending area and bought her a soda, that seemed to help. The tech said everything looked great with the baby. He has 10 toes and 10 fingers. He was playing with his ear. It truly is amazing, it just seems more special when it's your grandchild, than it did when I saw the ultrasound with Brad. Funny how as we get older, things hit your heart harder. Brad & Chely have already decided on a name, but I'll keep that little secret til he makes his debut the end of May/first of June. Needless to say it was a great Friday.

2009

Well, the new year is finally here and with it comes my annual resolutions or goals as I'm calling them this year. Hey, everyone needs to shake things up once in a while!! Here's my list, some are the same ones I make every year and some are new for me:

1. Get healthier
2. Reconnect with family and friends
3. Be a better organizer (personal and home)
4. Buy less/have less stuff
5. Use or eliminate 50% of my current stash of crafty supplies before I buy anymore
6. Do one thing a week purely for pleasure (crafty or otherwise)
7. Be a better person!!!!

Share your goals for 2009 with me by commenting on this post. I hope you all have a great new year.