Just a few days away

I love thinking about starting a year - a new year to make resolutions, to break resolutions, to get the things done you wanted to this past year - It is a new start - a new year.

At work, the preparations are under way for the big party. Yes, I have a big part in that. We are expecting approximately 1400+ people to attend our dinner. At first we wanted only 800 of our top customers and the response this year is overwhelming. Getting the suites ready and inspecting them take a lot of time, then there are the limos and dinner reservation - and shows. The theme this is year is "Celebrate around the World" the room will be decorated in a blue wash and the buffet lines are all themed for a world fare feast. There will be huge globes hanging from the ceiling and an ice bar - with specialty drinks and the center pieces are amazing. This will be a very trendy event for this property - the demographics are much older - so I hope our customers think this is a great event.

New Years Eve in Las Vegas is getting bigger and bigger each year, it is a wonderful experience, unless you are working it. The people are crazy - they close down the entire strip and it is wall to wall people.

I am so looking forward to another new start, I plan on making a few resolutions over the next couple of days - I have been thinking about this for awhile. Maybe it will be to try something new or something that I have not yet completed or failed to keep this last year.

Merry Christmas

I hope everyone had a great Christmas! Any day that I do not have to go to work is a blessing.

I must have been a very good girl this year as I received lots of nice gifts, audio book, bath and body goodies, pj's, bath robe and a few gift cards (my family knows how picky I am - good job!)

Santa brought Nolan Criss Cross, pj's, puzzles, books, dragons. Matt's big gift was a table saw (I cannot wait to see what he will make). Rich was also a good boy his big gift was an ipod.

Apple must have been busy today - could not get the new software downloaded until a few minutes ago. The message board was full of complaints - it is working now, thank goodness.

I feel horrible, my lil bro's first Christmas without his family. He spent yesterday with his beautiful daughters. Just a little sad for him - divorces stink.

My sister - where do I start, I sent her family Christmas gifts - just a thank you would do - but she does not even give some common courtesy of a phone call. Very disappointing, I do not expect for her to buy gifts for my boys, but I would just like her to once say THANK YOU! Karma - it always catches you!

It was so great to spend time with my family today - I hope everyone took a moment to enjoy this great day.

Did you get what you want for Christmas?

Birthday Wishes

My Aunt's email: Hi Deborah; Happy Birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday, happy birthday, happy birthday to you. I hope you have a great day. Love you, Aunt Betty

Ginger's email: happy happy birthday!ginger

A call from my little Bro - he is the best brother (oh, he is my only).

Molli stopped by with a great birthday gift - thanks Ms. Molli - love ya.

Matt gave me a gift first thing this morning.

My husband is letting me enjoy a spa package (my favorite - The Spa at Lakeside).

Thanks everyone! But I cannot forget to wish Ms G (Gianna) happy 3rd b-day!

I usually really dislike my birthday - but a really good friends recently told "it is a celebration of your life - you have made it this far so this one day is your special day - celebrate and have fun!"

For the first time in many years I did not mind my birthday this year - it was nice.

Unexpected Expenses

We have all had them - just in time for the holidays and your washer breaks and is in need of repairs. Do you call a repair guy or just get another washer?

It seems that I am on the 3 year plan with washers or dryers. The last washer I bought was a whirlpool with a ceramic basin (no belts - all motor driven) to cut down on the number of washers I seem to go through. (I know what you are thinking - stuff it too full, maybe the hubby does, but at least he helps with the wash) So we decided to call a repair guy this time - did we luck out! He is the sweetest (old) guy ever - his name is George, he had to go get another part so I am waiting for his return.

Red, White & Blue Flashing Lights

Why do people NOT pull over to the lights? Here comes an ambulance...Duh! We are a city of rude drivers - very rude. We cannot even pull to the right for an emergency vehicle! I am one of the few that pull over when I see the lights - Are you?

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving! Happy shopping season is among us.

BZZZ

Busy little bee I am, just moved my office. Third office is less than a year. Tomorrow the rest of my staff will move to the newly remodeled office. Today they kept coming down to see the progress, some are excited while others are moaning. Let's hope all the computers and phone lines are moved successfully. Please cross your fingers.

I was sick all weekend - blah! I like to be left alone when I am sick - I do not like to be pampered in any way. My boys do not like to see mom down, they kept checking on me. Sweet boys.

Matt got a 2004 Ford Ranger on Saturday. He is so happy. I am happy we were able to help him.

Nolan, Rich and I saw Happy Feet, great movie, I just wonder how long I will still be able to watch these kind of movies with him. The weekend before last we saw The Escape Claus, it was OK, the first one was the best.

I cannot believe it is Thanksgiving this week. I am Thankful for so much I do not know where to begin.

It has been a very busy month and the next month will be busy with x-mas shopping.

Happy Halloween

We gave out tons of candy tonight. The streets were packed. The most adorable costumes.

But honestly, why do kids go door to door in just street clothes. No mask - nothing! It drives me crazy - It takes away from the fun of seeing all the costumes.

I will say they were all very polite except one child that actually did the "Trick or treat - smell my feet" thing.

Hope you had a safe and fun holiday.

Time Change

I was so glad to gain a little sleep after the long week at work. The time change this year is kinda weird - can't explain it.

This week at work will be trying - I am in the process of re-organizing a department that is totally dependent on paperwork and back-up paperwork. I have created forms for them to use on the computer so they may email to the proper departments - however they still print them up and make copies. It is time this department steps into this century.

I am asking for the gift of patience.

Construction will begin this week on my new offices in the casino - today I picked out cubicle colors, paint and counter tops. I am hoping to create a little Zen.

Sports

Football, basketball, baseball...

Baseball season is ending - It's playoff time! My team (the A's) is out, that is okay, they made it to the playoffs so that was an accomplishment. To be honest the only time I watch baseball is if I am at the game or playoff time.

Football season is going strong and UNLV has a few home games left (yeah me!). I'm not a huge fan of this sport - but with three men in the house, I cannot avoid it.





Basketball - woo-hoo! Okay, Seriously, now I am excited. This fast paced game is for me. Go Kings Go! I wish Las Vegas had a team - I would have season tickets. Tuesday night the Lakers and the Kings were in town for a pre-season game. Rich and I always go - we had a date! Dinner at Bahama Breeze then the game. My team was not the crowd favorite - there were very few of us Kings fans. I had such a good time and the couple that sat next to us were super nice (and Kings fans). The Kings WON!

It's Sunday

I am making a batch of peanut butter cookies, you know the ones with the herseys on top. Oh yummy!

Last night I had a few hours of "Just me" time. The boys went to a UNLV football game, yep they lost AGAIN!

So I began to think, remember when snap shots were just that - snap shots! What do I do with those - I do not want to put them in a box and forget about them. Not much meaning behind the photo except to capture the moment and feeling at the time. Now my photos must have a purpose - not only do they have to capture the moment, feeling, time - I have to be able to use them for a layout. I now look at the colors, the lighting, the background. The one thing I have noticed is that - those photos were taken for a reason and they cannot be abandoned. During my "quiet time," I began going through the photos and putting them in a 4 x 6 flip album, cropping them, putting patterned paper behind them and a few rub-ons to describe how I feel about the photos now. I am over half done with the flip album - it holds 50 photos so it will take some time to finish, but it has given them a new light.

Here are a few LO's I have done recently - enjoy.

Rainy Day

I am enjoying this stay at home day. The last good rainy day was during the week and I could not enjoy it - so today the window are slightly open and the back door is ajar to hear and smell the rain. We even have a little river running from the backyard to the front and down the street.

Chicken noodle soup is for lunch today. What good comfort food will be served for dinner? I'm thinking of something for the crock-pot. There is nothing better than a good movie and popcorn on a day like today - apple slices with caramel.

I am planning to get a few LO's done today or maybe a mini album that will be a x-mas gift. Let's see if I can get motivated.

Fall Clean Up

Yesterday was just a clean up day. Cleaned the backyard, trimmed the plants, preparing for the fall and winter and today I suffer from sore muscles. I totally forget how hard yard work is. I love working in the backyard - it is so refreshing - until the next morning and the lower back is hurting.

I am so excited - tomorrow dinner with a bunch of gals - scrapbook gals to be exact. Dinner at P.F.Chang's and a gift exchange. I hope this gift exchange is better than the previous one I participated in. Cross my fingers - the last one - CKU, two years ago - was a total disappointment and left a very bad taste in my mouth. Anyways, I hope my secret person loves what I have bought for her and I hope she does not already have it.

Way to go Matt!

I am so proud of my son. Last Monday he was laid off from his job - Thursday he was hired at TRUMP! This is so exciting. He is working on the TRUMP Tower! The project is scheduled to end in 2008. He does not love what he is doing - it is hard for him to understand that he has to start at the bottom and work his way up. He is stuck with all the grunt work, but his foot is definitely in the door. What more can an 18 year old ask for! Go Matt! His day starts at 5 am so he leaves the house at 4:20 am.

TRUMP! Woo-Hoo Matt!

Fall is in the air

I went to Michaels last night and bought two fall arrangements. They were 40% off and just too cute. The best thing about the fall is apples with caramel, cooler mornings, halloween and falling leaves. Oh the very best part of fall is UNLV football home games - That means I get the evening or afternoon to myself.

My smarty pants brother called last night just to tell me that UNR was winning - Hello this is my time - I don't care about football.

My husband loves decorating the yard for halloween. So this week I am sure he will start.

I went grocery shopping and bought three different kinds of apples and caramel, so I will snack on them while watching Desperate Housewives. Brothers and Sister - hmm I did not get the wow effect as I did with Greys Anatomy but I can relate to Calista Flockhart's character. Especially with her relationship with her mother.

Ahh, I wish I had another day off from work, the weekend went by so quickly and work is getting so crazy - I need another massage. Lots of change and change is good! This will definately be an interesting week.

A burst of Color

Last night the fireworks were okay. Not the best I have seen but any firwork display is good for me. This morning Nolan and I woke up early to see the Balloons lift off - what a brilliant burst of color over the sky.

The band last night was great - Yellow Brick Road. Lots of 80s music.

The fall colors continue, the plants in the front bloomed.

Just for kicks here's a picture of Kiara.

Just the Thought

Just the thought of Fireworks makes me happy.

Tonight at the Balloon-a-Palooza they will have a firework display. There are a couple of great local bands playing today so later we will be going over. I will be able to see the fireworks from my house. Last night and this morning I can hear the music from Craig Ranch Golf Course.

Nolan went last night with a friend. He came back with an air-brush tattoo.

As a child I remember going to the May Day Dixon Fairgrounds, pulling out a huge blanket and spreading it out on the soccer field. The grass was always cool. Hundreds of families would do this from our small town and as every blast occurred the crowd would "Ooh and Ahh" together.

I remember seeing a firework for the first time, I was so scared. I thought the sparks were going to fall and hit us all. I quickly relaxed and enjoyed the beautiful display of colors.

Do people change?

That seems to be the question I ask myself a lot. I have given my staff the tools to succeed, but there is one in particular that has not come around. She happens to be a supervisor. I have spent time with her and explained to her that her attitude is a choice. She needs to choose the way she expresses herself to others, whether it is her staff, co-workers or other vendors. I have seen progress when she addresses her staff, but today I have recieved a complaint from our limo company. They are concerned with her tone and the tone the rest of the staff takes on. Attitudes are so contagious, like a cancer. So the question is how do you cure cancer...

I am open for advise.

Massage

I was just telling my hubby on Friday - a massage would be great, but I might not be able to get in this weekend since I do not have an appointment. Later Friday, I opened up my email and there is was... An email from Paula the owner of the Spa at Lakeside, offering this weekend only $10 off. First thing Saturday morning I called and had an appointment for Sunday(today). A choice of 50 minutes or 80...hmm, decisions - okay 80 minutes. I must say Rosalee is AWESOME!

My second cousin Beth is now in Italy. She gets to spend her Junior school year there as an exchange student. She is has a great opportunity! Here are some pictures that she took recently.

Hi my name is Debbie and I am a bad blogger

My last entry was ten days ago...

I need blogger support ~ ha, ha, ha...

Seriously I have not even opened up my personal email until today, boy is it full...

Not much to mention but work has been busy - training classes all week, my last class was today. So tomorrow will be catch up day, like a Monday all over - yikes!

I bought a new hoover carpet cleaner. Yuck! is the only owrd to use, cannot believe how much dirt has come out. Not only is it a carpet cleaner but it also does hard floors, so it has been quite a workout.

Total Inspiration

My son has been asking for his room to get painted for a long time - Inspired by Molli's new house and the great paint colors. Nolan gets his wish. He now has a very vivid bright blue room and a couple of new shelves to display his trophies.

Well, the painting did not stop there. (Behr was on sale, mail-in rebate) The living room to the family room is now painted. It looks very grown up with a nice coat of paint. My husband says just because it is Labor Day weekend - doesn't mean my labor. We worked hard all weekend and it shows, the house is back in order and my husband is even giving color suggestions for the hallway.

We are so tired now, I did not even use my 50% off coupon for Michaels - shame on me.

Thanks Molli for the inspiration - I don't think Rich is too happy though, he wanted to relax and play with his new BBQ grill - but the house looks great.

What a bunch of Jerks! ~ A huge improvement

Okay, so school started yesterday, and all these parents are taking their kids to school on the first day. We all have the same purpose - Do they ever stop and think? We all want our children to get there safe, but how can they with STUPID parents. These kids are doomed, parents doing crazy things like pulling into the parking lot and stopping in the left lane - hello - the left lane is for thru traffic. Okay, so maybe you cannot read, you should go back to school to. After leaving the school there are two lane going west, I'm in the right lane, a huge SUV is in the left lane and decides to park right after the stop sign - HELLO - I'm the little gray/silver car that you almost hit.

Okay - maybe it's the car - does it still say 'Please Hit Me!"

So my sister and I have always had our differences, but she is the only sister I have so when something happens to her - I do feel horrible for not being a better sister. Guilty, for not living closer to her. My sister was coming out of a grocery store with her daughter, when a very impatient teenager or young adult driving mom's car decided to go around some slow moving people and hit Shari and Bailee. Thankful, neither of them had any major injuries and my sister took most of the impact while protecting sweet Bailee. Lots of bruising, swollen, cuts, scratches - no broken bones - very sore. So this punk looks at my sister and drives off - someone who witnessed the accident followed this punk and called 9-1-1. He had been arrested and now faces several charges including a couple of felonies, so he is in jail. It is nice to know there are still people in this world to do something nice. I feel horrible for my sister and her children, who all saw my sister covered in blood. She was in shock and it was hard for the EMT's to calm her down, she is now recovering at home.

Yesterday, I also had my meetings with my staff - what a huge difference. I am so proud of the effort everyone is doing. They are working together and are nicer. I just had to tell them - how to do it and give them advice. I am totally impressed - delighted that I have made a difference and ready for their challenges that I have given them. I cannot wait to see their responses now.

The Four Elements

There are four elements to FISH! Play, Be Present, Make Their Day, and Choose your Attitude.

I am still in the beginning stages of making a difference at work, it is a slow process - but I do see change. The attitude thing is hard, I am currently working on the difference of Feelings vs. Attitude.

Feelings can affect your attitude. Attitude is what you present, self image, how you react, what you portray. Inside emotions are your feelings - how your heart reacts.

On Wednesday I will address these issues and begin the next three elements of success for my departments.

Play seems easy, everyone likes to have fun at work. Games, contests, but most importantly it is the attitude that you choose.

Make their day, all right, say one nice thing, that's a start. The res. agents can smile when on the phone, VIPS can greet the guests as they enter the office with a warm friendly smile. ST can not be so RULES, RULES, RULES and be more friendly.

Be present, do not put a customer one hold to long, do not get distracted, focus on the customer and their needs.

Which comes back to choosing your attitude. Be nice! Treat people nice, sounds simple, but I have staff members that need coaching.

I have finished the 3rd book" FISH! For Life", amazing how you can incorporate the above lessons in your home life, no matter what the challenges are in front of you. Now, it is time to apply and take action.

Choose Your Attitude!

Using the FISH! philosophy, I began on Monday with an email to all of my staff. What does the phrase "Choose your attitude!" mean to you. They are all to respond by Friday. Seriously, what people say is incredible. This company is in real trouble if these small departments cannot even give a straight answer. One answer I received is "Well, what goes around comes around." SERIOUSLY! That is what the phrase means to you. Another answered "I choose the best attitude" Duh! What is it? Another staff member answered "I try not to let others upset me and if they do I tell them or walk away." Okay these people need serious HELP! I loved the books so much - I am on to the third called "FISH! for Life". The bad thing is that there are more books - I have been on a reading frenzy! I need to find a way to motivate these people - they are the most disgruntle group of people - and some (okay most) are not nice - who wants to work like that. Day Two, Tuesday, they all received another email with a quote about attitude. Today they will have another email and a quote. I have gotta try something.

Ten Years Old and new book

WOW! Nolan is ten - crazy how fast time goes by. He is getting taller and will be entering the fifth grade. That's my baby! He is an awesome kid. Happy Birthday to you - Nolan!

I went to Borders and bought three "Fish!" books. Guess who was making a special guest appearance - HOOBASTANK! Matt went and saw them perform live at Borders this afternoon.

A friend at work told me how she would like to develop the "Fish Philosophy". It is a quick read that I cannot wait to implement. "Fish!" is a parable takes place in Seattle at the World Famous Pike Place Fish Market. 110 pages of ways to get staff a morale boost and very energizing.
I was so exciting I am on another book called "Fish! Sticks". I highly recommend this book to any manager, supervisor, director, VP etc. These books are so powerful some of my direct reports may get them for Christmas. If you work in an environment that is suffering this is a must have book.

Peaceful Weekend to a Typical Monday

You can hear birds - not pigeons but real birds chirping. Squirrels run from tree to tree, rock to rock. Fish jumping in the water and deer nearby trying not to be noticed. Picture perfect views. It is like a piece of heaven or close to it. Here are a few pictures to best describe the trip.









Now back to reality. I only took one extra day off and it feels like a week. Contract to get approved - yes we have committee just to approve contracts. People to hire - yes, VIP Services is in desperate need of employees. Prepare for the usual Tuesday meetings - agh!

Poor Dog

My poor dog has a sprain in her front left leg, she is on medication to relieve the pain. It hurst to watch her walk, after a day of pain killers she tries to play, but has a slight limp still. It is so sad to see her this way, even worse that we are going to leave her while we go out of town. At least she will be at the vets office so she will get great care while she is recovering.

Okay! Seriously - I have not packed a thing yet. Hubby has done a good job at organizing all the food and fishing gear - I am so lazy right now - here I am blogging away and I should be throwing a few things together for our long weekend out of town.

Last day of school is tomorrow - Nolan is so excited to have a couple of weeks off.

Ahh, It's Friday!

Thankfully, I made it thru the work-week. Impressive. Since once again I got a curve-ball thrown at me. Budgeting stinks! I have to establish room rates, comp rates, observe rates and the number of rooms that will be used each night and the potential revenue that will be generated. Okay, in two days I have managed to get thru May 2007.

On the bright-side - received a box of goodies from Ginger! The foof-a-la buttons a just gorgeous! The summer collection is my favorite. The sizes are awesome. I cannot wait to use them.

Update on the DEFCON convention - yes we have had to throw someone out due to suspicious activity. The last couple of days they have been more noticeable. They wear these medallions of all different colors. Most of them have a skull and cross-bone (the skull is smiling). I thought it was a frog at first glance, to later be corrected. I hope the FBI - CIA and security are having fun and billing this back to the sales agent (it should come out of his commission). By the way - no kidding - the sales agent has recently been promoted. It is amazing - do something stupid and get a promotion.

One more week until we are out of town for a couple of days - I am getting excited.

Just a normal Tuesday

The weekend was as expected, LAZY!!! I did one layout and I did relax by the pool.



The work week has been okay. Tuesdays are filled with meetings. Monday the Board of Directors will have their quarterly meeting and on Tuesday is the vote of the sale (rumor has it that the sale will not go through, just not enough votes). So, there will be changes to come - I am very excited to see some changes.

Looking forward to getting out of town next weekend. The cabin that we will be going to has everything furnished except the food. Bedding, silverware, pots, pans! (shh, I will be taking the clorox wipes) Clothes and food is all we need to take. This weekend will be spent preparing for the next.
I have a friend that had surgery yesterday - thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery - Luv ya Cin!

Lazy Weekend

I have not had one of these in a long time - a lazy weekend. My son had a basketball game at 3:15 pm today, they won. In fact they out-scored the other team so much they had to shut off the scoreboard. Towards the end we were rooting for the other team to just make a basket.

I did find the awesome water that Ms. Molli shared with me - expensive but worth it. Metromint. Peppermint is my favorite. Good news my hubby said that it reminds him of mouthwash, so I get it all to myself. Well not totally to myself - Matt likes it too. Also bought that really yummy tea that we had at CKU, called Zen.

Tomorrow I may do a layout or two, I am definately going to hang by the pool.

X-Mas in July

Too funny - the crop I went to yesterday was Christmas in July and the Slot Tournament at work was X-Mas in July. I got to sit on Santa's lap - you are never too old. Kudos to Sheila - Mrs. Claus and Perry - Santa to dress up when it was 112 degrees.

We had a great time at the crop even if it was a boring crop - the Barbara CD has got to be destroyed. Someone take it and burn it - PLEASE! I completed 14 pages - I give credit all to the page planning that I did last weekend.

The conversation is never good on a Sunday when it starts out - Hi Deborah (no one calls me this - it must be important) It's Dr. Groom - I'm in the office today since I will be going out of town next week - I was wondering if you had a few minutes (okay, this does not sound good). You test results came back with a few abnormalities - one in particular that I need you to see a specialist. You do have a blood-clotting condition and since you identified it early we can start a treatment/prevention program. Now more than ever I have lots of questions.

Four down and one to go

It is almost Friday!

What a blessing. There are a couple of high maintenance people at work - entertainers - so they think. Yesterday they were exhausting, this morning my tolerance level started to slip and by this afternoon it was calm again. I do not understand why?!? They were hired (or contracted) to do a job - Just Do It (gotta love Nike). I totally hate to micro-manage people and I am not a nice person if this happens. Please, I beg these grown men to just do your job. This is just a job - Molli, love your posting.

I am so looking forward to Friday - Saturday - Sunday, even though on Sunday I have to make an appearance at work. Saturday I get to scrap all day with a great group of friends.

An update on my mom's blood work - she re-scheduled her appointment. Love her but she drives me crazy. Procrastination must be her middle name. Mom listen - take care of yourself. As for mine - waiting for the doctor to return my call.

So my major dilema at work - I have to budget next years rooms. Doesn't sound like a big deal but I have only been in this position for 3 1/2 months. I do not know what they did a year ago or 9 months ago. Oh by the way, this was suppose to be done in May - I was just told recently. So now I am scrambling to get historic numbers. So I am told to increase, ok, but what! This is one crazy ride that I jumped onto.

Too Fast and one down...

The weekend went by way too fast. Didn't do too much. Allergy shots on Saturday went well, then off to Nolan's basketball game - he won - HEY! Sunday tried to organize my scrapbook supplies for this weekend...I think I got everything...we'll see on Saturday at the crop.

The previous weekend I did a few layouts and here they are:


Okay, one down (Monday) and four to go. Mondays are always busy and Tuesdays are terrible - the day of meetings. 11 am forecast, noon meet with Cindy F. to go over the Black Hawk Casino, 3 p.m. Defcon and 4 pm Marketing. I can just hope before the meetings everything runs smooth.

Last week Nolan's talent show was so fun and every entertaining. All the kids that performed did an outstanding job. Kudos to the drama and music teachers. Singing, dancing, tumbling, karate and so much more all packed into 45 minutes. I am glad that Nolan participated in something other than sports.

I had to change the date of my surgery - I forgot we had plans on the 3rd of August then the next weekend we are going to Utah - we rented a cabin for the weekend of the 11th. So, the current plans are set for August 31st.

I cannot believe how the fast time goes by. July is more than half over and before you know it my son will be entering his last year of elementary school. Just to think he will be ten in August and Matt is 18 - wow. Crazy - Wow!

I was venting...

Well, after reading back the last posting, I was venting to the WORLD. I was so upset I did not even spell check - how stupid do I feel now.

Thursday I had a OBGYN apt. Crazy, cannot believe we talked about permanent birth-control. I made the appointment - August 3rd, is the big day for Tubal Ligation. The husband has not taken care of his side so I am taking the step. 30-minutes is all it takes and three days off. It is a Thursday, so by Monday I will return to work.

My mom's blood clot condition is hereditary. My grandmother has the same condition since her mid 50's. The same age as my mother. So I told the doctor on Thursday and he ordered a huge order of blood work. I hope it skips a generation (keep your fingers crossed). The lab tech. Was great, no bruising and she took 8 blue vials, 5 purple and one big one. Sounds like a lot, but it wasn't. With any luck I will find out next week if it is anything to worry about. Since I do not smoke and seldom drink we should prevent what just happened to my mother.

Do you know restless legs are caused from your nerves? Okay you are wondering how much time did you spend at your DR. APT. Well my doctor is great and yes we had a lot to discuss. The medication for restless legs is like a tranquilizer and you have to take it three times a day and increase the dosage over time every day. I choose not to go this route.

So did not get to see the movie I wanted to last weekend - I'll try again this weekend. I did get a few layouts done. I might post those tomorrow. Nolan has a basketball practice at 8 p.m. and a game at 2:15 p.m. tomorrow and he has a friend spending the night.

So glad its Friday.

Are you SERIOUS?

Getting put in the hospital was not enough? Seriously! So my mom is in town on business, she will be doing some training at the Metro training station on Cheyenne. I booked her in non-smoking (her doctor did tell her to quit - she must not have) she changed to a smoking room. So she is just here one night and she is getting a few thing out of her suitcase for her wonderful grandchildren and she pulls out a water bottle half filled with "BOOZE". Unbieveable! She said she will set up her own little bar. ONE NIGHT! This is crazy - Does she want to end up in the hospital again? Seriously - STOP! Like the first waring was not enough.

Today is the day of meetings! I usually get out of here late. UGH! Today and tomorrow my son is performing in a talent show at school - I cannot wait to see him - he is going to dance with a group of kids. I did not know he had rythym.

Last night I did get a nice box of goodies from Ginger - thanks.

TGIF

What a long week at work. I just got out of a two-hour meeting and I thought it was going to be 10 - 15 minutes. What a fool I am! Nolan has basketball practice tonight at 8 pm - Who picks 8 pm on a FRIDAY? So I need to quickly figure something to eat for dinner... hmm.... sounds to me left-overs are the way to go. Yesterday Carol, our house cleaner made her bi-weekly appearance. At first I felt guilty about having a "maid" until Barbara at work said "I was not put on this earth to clean - it is just not in me!" I agree - why should I feel guilty... I work hard for my money, I can spend it which ever way I want. The point is - It was really nice coming home yesterday to a very clean home. I am looking forward to this weekend. Maybe a movie - I am thinking the Devil Wears Prada - anyone up for an afternoon movie?

3 layouts and time with the family

I spent the 4th with the family. My husband hates buying fireworks, feels it is a waste of money, but the boys always ask...He must have been in a really good mood. After BBQ-ing steak, shrimp and roasting corn on the cob we went out front with the neighbors and the entire street had it going on.... Nolan had a blast running around with sparklers.




Earlier I was able to complete three layout and here they are....

Stars and Stripes

Last night we went to the 7th annual North Las Vegas Independence Party - It is getting so HUGE! So many people, lots of food, just a great family event. The fireworks were great. Embark (formally Sprint) gave out beach balls, frisbees and kites. That was a big hit with the thousands of kids. On the bad side, the band sounded horrible. Happy 4th!

Pure Exhaustion

What a blast! Had a great time and I finished my album at CKU-A. Danelle Johnson is an amazing teacher but more importantly she has a heart of gold. The class I took was called Personal Treasury A- Z.Danielle, Debra and Molli - wow! You ladies are the best! I had a great time - Thanks for the experience!
I will post pictures later of some of the pages from my album.

Welcome to Summer in Las Vegas

And I am quickly getting out of town.

San Jose, CA Partly Cloudy, 61°
Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
92/64 90/64 88/64 93/66


Las Vegas, NV Fair, 73°
Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
105/78 107/78 110/83 110/83


How Lucky am I to leave this heat? Today is considered hot, tomorrow will be hotter and Friday and Saturday will be scorching.

CKU - Here I come - gotta pack.

CKU, Insurance and Allergy Shots

Had to change my insurance so that I can register my new car. Always a pain - checked also online www.dmvnv.com registration will be approximately $365. Good news my insurance may go lower.

Allergy shots - ugh! One in each arm and now I have to go back every week. The worst part is that they make me sleepy and I do not have time to sleep - I need to pack my supplies for this week.

Going to CKU - San Jose!!! Do you know the way...

Now that song will be stuck in my head for the next two days.

I am getting ready, this morning I finished my pictures and A-Z words

A-Apple Hill, a place we visited in November
B-Brother, Nolan
C-Castle Convicts, have this great picture of Nolan and Matt at legoland
D-Dog named Kiara
E-Education - graduation, scholarships
F-Fishing, blue ribbon at the young age of three
G-Good Friends, Matt, Jordan and Shannon on the way to prom
H-Hands, playing on his psp
I-Innocent, so we think
J-Journey, he is just beginning
K-kindergarten, they are so sweet at this age
L-Little League, from his first baseball team to the last
M-Music, ipod, cds, verizon v-cast
N-No fear, hat, shirt - a direct reflection
O-Original-he is definitely like no other
P-PSP, boys never out-grow video games
Q-Quad, ATV, oops
R-Rangers, Texas Rangers, baseball Team
S-San Antonio Spurs, Life is a game, basketball is serious
T-Tennis, captain play hard
U-USA, 4th of July Celebration
V-Vans, shoes
W-Winter, snow
X- X-tra special, 18th b-day
Y-You
Z-Zodiac - Taurus - and yes he is bull-headed.

So my homework is done. I have a few supplies to pick up. What to wear? What's the weather like? Warm or Hot?

I am packing my supplies very light this time. Two years ago, I was a first timer and brought way too much stuff and had no time to use any of it. I need to buy a brayer, I will never use it again, a waste of money, 1/4 hole punch- Oh No! I just read I need to find more pics for the "Days of my Life" class - Agh, I thought I was better prepared.

Ok - off to the scrapbook store.

Party Crashers

A time to celebrate Matthew's graduation fron Canyon Springs High School. His ceramony was held at the Orleans. History in the making - as his class was the very first to graduate from this school that opened only two years ago. I am so proud of him. We had family and friends over to celebrate - food, drinks, swimming, talking, laughing and a few thousand Africanized Killer Bees decided to join us. When you have kids swimming in the pool and a very loud group in the backyard and thousands of bees hanging out in our front tree can be very stressful. After many, many phone calls my husband finally got a hold of someone to come out last night. This what is left over after the bee-man came to our rescue. A great big thanks goes to the bee-man for coming out when no one else would. All of those bee emergency numbers are so misleading. So if you need a bee-man call Pro-Tech 898-7677. A big thanks also to family and friends that celebrated and shared in Matt's very special day.

It has ought to be a good when...

Your horoscope reads:

Sagittarius (November 22 - December 20)
You're likely to be looking and feeling beautiful and sexy today, and you're also likely to be "feeling your oats," as today you are particularly aware of your own inner power. If you've been thinking about asking for a raise, do it today. If you've been hoping for a romantic getaway, this is the day to plan it. Whatever you start today is likely to be successful, dear Sagittarius - more because of your own determination than anything else.

I did not ask for a raise, but my hubby did bring me home a present. Anyone who know me knows one of my favorite things are flip-flops. He bought me a flip-flop organizer and flip-flop earings & necklace. Presents are always a wonderful thing to come home to.

While at a crop this weekend the follow pages were accomplished:

This one I used Danielle's new cutting system by CM - I loved so much I had to buy one myself.

This last one, I entered into a contest and placed 3rd.