Does anyone in the WordPress land know how to make this picture appear on my blog as a header all the time? Help me.  Please Obi One, you are my only hope.

Three Days of Rain…I can’t wait!

GET TICKETS Three Days of Rain International film star Julia Roberts makes her Broadway debut in this acclaimed play from Richard Greenberg. Hollywood mega-star Julia Roberts will make her Broadway debut this spring in a revival of Richard Greenberg's Three Days of Rain. The production, directed by Joe Mantello, will run 12 weeks starting March 28.Three Days of Rain centers on Walker, his sister Nan and their childhood friend Pip, who all meet in New York to divide the legacy of their late fathers, who were partners in a renowned architecture firm. In an effort to bring some peace to their own lives, the three search for clues that might explain what had gone on between their fathers, and the women in their lives, decades before. The story then shifts to that earlier time, with the same three actors portraying the previous generation. Both a family drama and a mystery, Three Days of Rain was first produced Off-Broadway at Manhattan Theatre Club in 1997.

He’s Back, Home Depot, 80 Degrees

I am not an oak.

He’s back and behaving.  Okay so I am not an oak, but I am perhaps a strong weed.  He has agreed to counseling. 

It is beautiful in Atlanta and will climb to 80 degrees today.  I am running, not walking to the $100 store (home depot for those that aren’t from this world) and will be standing in line with all the other “dreamers of beautiful yards”. I am even going to try some tomato plants.  Now this is a huge thing for someone that has not walked out in the backyard since last fall.  I really think it would be nice to have one area designated for cutting flowers and then one for a row or two of veggies.  I have such a huge yard - all I need is a green thumb…or perhaps a yellowish blue.

Here’s my backyard now:

 

 

Here’s what I want it to look like:

 

Okay okay, my backyard does not look like a desert, but it will look like a beautiful place to hang when I am done.  Note to self: get the batteries out of my toy, charge them and take an actual picture of the backyard.

 

METRO ATLANTA CHAPTER CONTINUES TO RESPOND TO FIRES; PREPARES FOR SEVERE WEATHER SEASON

2006 – Red Cross Calls I’ve been on:

Already Busy with Disasters in ‘06

Only a couple of months into 2006, metro Atlanta’s Red Cross has already responded to dozens of residential fires including a major apartment fire on February 18. That morning, Red Cross volunteers helped 24 families (more than 60 adults and children) who were burned out of their homes at the Ashley Woods Apartment complex in Stockbridge, Ga. The Red Cross responded immediately and provided financial assistance on-site for temporary lodging, food, clothing and prescription replacements.

On average, the Red Cross responds to three fires a night in Metro Atlanta, the most common disaster nationwide. With little to no warning, a fire can completely destroy the home and belongings of the family surviving it – a devastating experience.

Severe Weather Week Highlights Season of Thunderstorms and More

But fires have not been the only type of disaster so far in 2006. In early January, a tornado ripped through a neighborhood in Fayette County destroying the homes in its path. Georgia is prone to a number of disasters like these, which is why Governor Perdue declared the week of February 19 to 25 as Severe Weather Awareness Week. This time of year presents a great opportunity to begin updating preparations for possible disasters that can occur in this community. Local families need to take steps now to plan and prepare for the expected and unexpected.

In 2005, hundreds of metro Atlanta families experienced severe weather-related disasters, from tornadoes in Carroll, Henry and Paulding Counties to hurricane-caused flooding in Douglas, Cobb, Cherokee, Clayton and south Fulton Counties.

Striking with little to no warning, these disasters offer limited time to plan or gather supplies, which is why advance preparation is vital. While the Red Cross will be there to assist those affected with their emergency needs, the following tips will help local residents and their families plan ahead and respond safely and calmly in the event of severe weather.

How did I sleep last night?

Wonderful.  My marriage has been on the rocks for some time now.  Finally I had enough.  I told him yesterday that we could not go on like this.  We agreed to take some time apart.  It was so nice not to have to walk on egg shells last night.  The kids and I enjoyed the evening.  We watched movies and laughed.  I mean I actually got to enjoy an evening in my home.  It’s has been so bad lately that even the kids did not want to be there. 

 So, he’s not here.  And…I’m okay.

Trying Again…. I am a Non-Sickerette Smoker

I am quitting.  Again.  I am so sick of smoking. I hate the way it smells, the way it looks, the way it tastes. 

It should be easy to quit.  How can I hate someting so much?  As much as I hate it, I love it… the way it smells, the way it tastes.  Honestly.

So, I am back on the patch and drinking tons of wine. I think I have a slightly addictive personality.

Postcards from the Edge…

Okay, I was going through my Grandfather’s things. He was the head of the Department of Agriculture in Washington under President Kennedy. He traveled all over the world and collected postcards. Ironic how he’s been to all the places I want to go. It was not until he passed away that I realized how important he was.  He was just my granddad.  

D.O.G. is getting bigger

For dinner tonight, she ate my cord to the camcorder.  She loves to be held like a baby, however I have the feeling she will get much bigger.  In fact, she will sit at my feet and cry until I pick her up.  I can’t imagine holding her like this when she’s grown.   
 

Just Wondering

blogging wives:

• does your husband blog?
• what does he blog about: personal stuff, news & politics, sports?
• do you read it?
• who started blogging first?

blogging husbands:

• what do you blog about?
• does your wife read your blog?
• does your wife blog?
• who started blogging first?

I Have Something to Say!!!

Oh boy, this is EXACTLY how I feel. I think it’s why I struggle with this blog. Some of my posts I base on what others might think. I am getting better at blogging what I think.

I have something to say. I just need to say it.

I don’t want to live my life making others happy. I want to be happy.

I feel as if there is some time-line I am up against. I’ve spent so long living my life for others and I know that I must begin to live my life now. I don’t want to spend a lifetime dreaming and hoping, talking about the places I want to go, the things I want to do. 

One of the things on my list….New York: I want to ride the subway to Times Square. I want to walk through the beautiful streets of the city. I want to see a broadway musical (since this is my first love). I have imagined this for so long that I smell the hotdog cart, I look up at the tall buildings and just stand in awe … reflecting. I can just see the lights at dusk.

Now my list goes on.  Perhaps I will start a page on “My Life’s To Do List”  

Blog Me

I could not think of a catchy title. It’s Monday (again) and I must go downtown again tomorrow for an award celebration dinner. I just dread these events. I did however find a cute little black cocktail dress that will go great with my strappy shoes I bought in Miami. If I must go, I will go in style!

D.O.G. has been bad today. She chewed a cable cord! She has hundreds of puppy toys, and she finds a small black cord on the back of the entertainment center. Honestly.

My mood today: Agitated this morning. Better throughout the day. I really don’t like Mondays.

 

 

Rain and Monday’s Don’t Mix

I am not a morning person. I don’t like Monday’s and rain just really makes me want to call in sick to work.

I am sitting here with a perfect cup of coffee… just the right amount cream and sugar. The rain makes the cold colder. I know how nice it would be to curl up on the couch and take a day to myself. Shalimar and D.O.G. both had baths and they smell so wonderful. It’s so comforting to just love on them.

Should I call in? Oh there are so many reasons to. Now the thoughts are starting to run through my mind. I hate to call in. The work piles up even more. I feel guilty. Getting up the next day is even worse.

Fine, I am getting in the shower now.

Enough

Enough. That is the title of this blog post.

Enough …

I’ve had enough of the treatment I get from the very person I thought was my soul mate at one time, and now the same person has the power to kill my spirit.
I don’t even know who I’ve become or when it happened.

He makes me sad.

D.O.G.

I think I’m in love! Her name is D.O.G. pronounced (de-oh-gee). She is the sweetest baby. She was born on November 15th and she is a mix of Golden Retriever and Terrier.

She was 1 of 7 little ones. She was free to a good home. Needless to say, she has been held for the majority of her time here so far. She is the cutest thing. I love her. It is so nice to have unconditional love! I can tell she is smart already. I know, I know… but really she is. There’s nothing better in life than a puppy. Hopefully I feel this way in a week.

Gotta walk my D.O.G.

Let’s Go To the Movies

Does anyone else out there ever go to a movie alone and get so completely caught up in it that you have no perception of time or worry about all the crap in your life? When the credits begin, I wish it was the beginning, not the end. I love the movies. I also love broadway. I want to see RENT on broadway so bad.

Well, I have survived another Christmas. Another Griswald memory to add to my disfunctional family album. One of these days I am going to blog all the previous stories from Christmas’ long, long ago.

I am now ready to take some time for myself and enjoy the last few days of the year. I am off for the rest of this week and most of next and plan on using my time un-wisely. In the past 3 days, I have crossed off more of the “movies I meant to see at the theater, but found excuses and never went” list.

Star Wars…(the last one) Great! I loved it. Now I want to own them all and watch them from the beginning.

The Coach… Great! Okay, here is another that I just loved. Coach Carter the bomb.

Wimbledon… Great! If anyone even reads this boring blog you must be thinking I am pretty easy right now. Well you are right.

Now of course, I saw Rent 3 times while it was at the theater. I love, LOVE, love this movie. I am owning it as soon as possible. I felt like I held my breath through the entire movie.

Is it Christmas Yet?

Hello journal…

I took today off. I had errands to run, Dr. Appointments with the kids. It is FREEZING here in Atlanta today. There is even a possibility of ice or maybe even …. ***whispering*** snow.
Oh how I wish it would snow. I must go back to work tomorrow.

I did really good tonight. I thought about what I am going to wear tomorrow. I even got the coffee pot ready to go on auto pilot for tomorrow morning. I am bound and determined NOT to be late. My boss will be so stunned. It’s a given that I don’t make it into the office before 9:00 am. I try my damnest, but to no avail.

Check back for an arrival time (TBA).

Cheers and snowy thoughts. Me

The Georgia Aquarium…I came, I saw, I conquered

What a place. We went to the Ga Aquarium and I can’t even begin to describe the magic that place radiates. I stood at the Baluga (sp?) whales area for an hour.

Here are a couple of photos…(by the way, I came back with an annual pass). Yes, I had to get close to the penguins. They were so cute!

Melissa (a co-worker) and I had the best time. We just didn’t have enough time!

Groovy Baby

I had to go downtown to Atlanta for a huge regional meeting at work. Lots of meetings and the evening theme was the 70’s. Okay, I was born in ‘71 so I was already dreading this … I emailed my friend Kristina to get ideas of what to wear… she sends these pictures over and I am getting more and more anxious. So I finally broke down and got the GoGo dress. It actually went pretty well! On the way back to the office the next day, I stopped by the Georgia Tech campus and had a really good time walking around all by myself. The campus is so beautiful. I walked around wishing I had gone to college. I ended up at the bookstore and bought a couple of Christmas gifts. The atmosphere downtown is great, but the campus is so alive. I really wish I had the chance. Perhaps one day…

My boss and I at the 70’s Party.

Softball’s Over for the Season

What’s worse than putting the boat up for the season? The fact that softball is over. I really hate the winter, the cold, the clothing…UGGHGH! I need to move to the Bahamas!

I play on two teams (both coed). My company team, The Opti-Mystics and our fall league team, Rips-n-Styx.

Ohhh how I love ball and the good times after the games! Our group goes for beer and karioke after the games. You know, I think what I love best is my friends always have my back. I can’t really even say that about my own family.

If anyone reads my blog at all and you would like to see a short video of our season …
follow this link (I put it online) http://www.photodex.com/sharing/viewshow.html?fl=2382112&alb=0

Goodbye Summer….Sniff

My sunset taken from my boat at Lake Lanier

and my boat….

It’s officially to cold to do anything in Georgia. I hate putting my boat up for the winter. I hate not being able to go to the lake. I will miss “jaws” the tube from Hell. I will miss the sunsets and the smell of shrimp & steak on the grill. I will miss the smell of suntan oil and flip flops.

We ended the summer by spending 11 days in Panama City. How I love the sun, water and time to do nothing. I can’t wait until March. Brrrrrrr

Me and my twins at the beach.

Yellow Jackets Stun No. 3 Hurricanes, 14-10

Can I just tell you how much I love John Tenuta? He is incredible! I wish Chan would go anywhere but not at Tech. John would be an awesome head coach.

Calvin Johnson is the man. We are going to kick some major red and black dog crap on Saturday and I can’t wait!

I’m a Ramblin’ Wreck

Tech Bowl Eligible After 30-17 Win over Wake

 

Let’s Sing, Shall We?

 

Ohhhhhhh I’m a Ramblin’ Wreck from Georgia Tech, and a hell of an Engineer. A Helluva, Helluva, Helluva, Helluva, Helluva Engineer. Like all the jolly good fellows, I drink my whiskey clear, I’m a Ramblin’ Wreck from Georgia Tech and a hell of an Engineer.Oh, if I had a daughter, sir, I’d dress her in white and gold, and put her on the campus to cheer the brave and bold. But if I had a son, sir, I’ll tell you what he’d do–He’d yell: “TO HELL WITH GEORGIA!” Like his daddy used to do.Oh, I wish I had a barrel of rum, and Sugar three thousand pounds, a college bell to put it in, and a clapper to stir it round. I’d drink to all the good fellows, who come from far and near. I’m a Ramblin’, Gamblin’, HELL OF AN ENGINEER!

 

Tech Bowl Eligible After 30-17 Win over Wake :: Reggie Ball throws two scores and runs for another

Nothing like a Best Friend and a Good Cup of Coffee

Me and Steph on our “Girls Only” trip to the mountains. There’s nothing like a best friend and a good cup of coffee.

I laugh when I think of all the great times we’ve had over the years. All the stupid things we have done, and the remarkable way our lifes have changed.

I am a Non Sickarette Smoker

October 21st was my quit date. I am finding this cartoon very amusing at the moment! Jersey has also taken the plunge, however she and Kev had the shot. Melissa and I were in the waiting room to pick them up (they can’t drive after the shot) and I had this HUGE paper cigeratte in my mouth when she came out. I don’t think she comprehended it, however I thought it was hysterical. I asked her for her ATM pin number, but she wasn’t that drugged up.

My Latest Coolchet Projects :D

Okay – when I say the word crochet, I see old people. I am not old. So I am not calling this crochet. I think I will call it something cool. Ohhh… okay, here are my lastest coolchet projects

Much better.

RED CROSS – Disaster Volunteer

WSBTV.com – News – Fires Hit Two Metro Apartment Complexes

As a Red Cross Disaster Volunteer, I responded to another fire in Duluth on Sunday, April 10th. I love what I do with the Red Cross. I am on the Disaster Response Team. We were called out around noon on Sunday. I walked through the burned apartmentsdoing damage assessment …. the first two levels only had minor water and smoke damage. The top units were completely burned. There were no ceilings or walls – only a floor.

I will never forget some of the smallest details…they are the ones that stick out in my mind and follow me where ever I go. It was so errie and dark and quiet (all electricity off) so even mundane sounds were no longer. The only thing I hear is dripping water and creaking from three stories above you. Tom, the fireman that escorted me in said we only had a few minutes to spare. One of our jobs is to retrieve medicine, glasses, pets, etc. that we can if the building is not safe enough for people to enter into. We also assess all damage and provide relief to the victims.  Everything was burned. It looked like wet, gray, soggy newspapers. The only identifiable object left was a little ceramic figurine of a tiny African American girl fishing. I ended up assisting several families today. Not only does the Red Cross give money right then and there, but bears for the little kids, clean up kits, care kits. We have food delivered for these folks. I am so grateful to be a part of something that helps bring order to catastrophe. I can't imagine losing everything material in my life.

Another Article:
Copyright 2005 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

April 11, 2005 Monday Home Edition
Gwinnett News; Pg. 8JJ;
Fire at Duluth apartments leaves 31 people homeless

JOHN GHIRARDINI

A Sunday morning blaze at a Duluth apartment complex left 31 people homeless, fire officials said. No injuries were reported.

The fire broke out about 10:09 a.m. in a wall between two units of a three-story, 20-unit building at the Arbors at Breckenridge, said Fire Department spokesman Thomas Rutledge. The building already had been evacuated before firefighters from nearby Station 5 arrived at 10:10 to find heavy smoke and fire pouring from the attic. The fire at one point broke through the roof, Rutledge said, causing a partial collapse at the corner of the building.

"[Firefighters] did a good job of keeping it from running across the attic," he said.
The top two units where the fire began were destroyed. Several other units sustained smoke and water damage, and two others had holes knocked in ceilings and walls.
The fire was determined to be accidental, Rutledge said, though no specific cause has been blamed officially.

Displaced residents said they were told electrical wiring was the culprit. Apartment management declined to comment.

Many displaced residents were members of an extended Pakistani family, said Andy Ali, whose apartment suffered smoke damage.

Ali was on his way back from Alabama when a relative called him about the fire.
"It's not even my fault," he said. "What are we supposed to do?"

The Red Cross will provide shelter for the nine affected families until they can move back in or find other apartments, said Hal Simmons, head of the organization's Disaster Relief Team responding to the call. "The Red Cross was there within an hour and did a tremendous job," Rutledge said.

If you are interested in volunteering – here's a brief description of a Disaster Team VolunteerDisaster Services Volunteer
Every day of the year, 24 hours a day, the American Red Cross is there for you whenever disaster strikes to provide food, clothing, shelter, medications, and encouragement to face the future. More than 65 Disaster Action Team (DAT) volunteers made this assistance possible within Gwinnett County this past year. They responded to 136 disasters (mostly home fires) and assisted 516 individuals with emergency needs.

All you have to do is click on the Red Cross icon to the right of your screen.

Thanks!

Friday Night … Braves and Spring

I am way too tired to invent a cool title, It’s Friday. I am going home to crochet, and get ready for the weekend. Tomorrow we are taking the girls to the Braves Game. Should be an expensive event.

Ashley has had her new cell phone for 1 day, and already used it for 8 hours…sigh, the life of a teenager.

Happy?

Here's the other half of my identity. Everywhere I go, it's a "us" … Am I happy? I think I am. I am not satisfied with things, but it could be worse right?
Me and Brian

High Time to Blog!

Okay, I have decided it is high time I blog. I must be the moodiest person I know. I would also like to keep track of the millions of projects I start and see how many I actually finish.

So on top of working full time, raising 4 girls (two are toddler twins) and endlessly working on projects … I think one little blog site won’t tip over the mountain of life!

So I say Blog Away

Dave’s Funeral

Dave’s Funeral
It’s my problem. I am so tired of feeling like no matter what I do; it’s not great or even good.Dave Gamble was a very important part of my life. When I was growing up, there were so many issues with my home life, and Barbara & Dave were always there for me (my parent’s best friends). I remember poker nights when my parents and Barb & Dave would get together. Dave would do the greatest tricks like blow smoke out of his nose like a dragon (yes from his sickerette) or make his thumb disappear. They accepted me for who I was. They loved me and made me feel loved. I absolutely craved time with them growing up.

Dave passed away today. When I heard the news, I immediately decided I was not going to the funeral. I knew (in my own selfish way) that I would be with the very people I grew up with in my life …. These people knew how things were in my home. But, the entire family was going, so of course I had to go. I immediately shifted into obsession with trying to impress those that would be there. I was going to look my best, and show these people that I indeed grew up and became somebody.

To back up a little, I have a younger sister by 3 years. I was the hyper kid, the tom-boy, the clown at school, the leap before you look kid. Les was the clean, quiet, anti-messy, straight “A” kid. While Les was on the honor role, I was being tested for dyslexia. So she ended up doing everything right, I did not. She finished high school, went to college, and got her masters, and so on. I had my daughter at 17, did not finish school and did not have a long list of accomplishments as she did.In fact there’s not much to say about me … except I am a good mom.

Back to the funeral. It was a beautiful service. We go to Barb’s house and reminisce. Les and I are sitting there with Eric’s wife (Dave’s son) and we are playing with her baby. One lady we knew growing up says “Ed and Gayle (my parents) were here last night. Les…they were telling us how you’ve decided to go into residency.”I sat there. I did not even know. I plastered a smile on my face. Wow! So panic is rising slowly but I am still okay. Eric comes in. Yes, your dad told me the great news. You need to tell Dave (Eric’s brother) because he’s looking into this. Then he turns to me and says “Stacy, what have you been up to these days?” Obviously I was not mentioned last night. I tell him I have twins now. He had no idea. I get up to get a coke and wash down the lump in my throat. How could they not have mentioned me at all?Barb and another lady were in the kitchen. “Stacy, you live right down the street from Eric, you should stop in and see them.” Then she begins telling the lady how I have a new house, and how beautiful it is. My father barges into the kitchen and immediately interrupts. “You should see Leslie’s house, (as he whispers the price) and on and on about how big it is, what a deal, what a neighborhood, and I am invisible to everyone but Barb who just smiles and shakes her head at me.At this point, I am desperately choking down the rising sobs of the little girl inside that was once again a failure. I walk out onto the porch. Barb follows. She tells me she knows how they hurt my feelings and he doesn’t mean it. She tries telling me Dad is really proud of me too, he just has a hard time showing it. Barb tells me how much Dave loved me.I am so angry. This is the reason I do so many different things. Surely one of them will be a topic that my parents can brag about. I work my ass off at work and nothing gets said. I work my ass off at home, but what have I accomplished? I joined the Red Cross as a Disaster Volunteer. I play softball, I coach little league, I lift everyone up around me.Why am I here, and what did God intend for me? I have no talents, and my life is very hard. He gave me an alcoholic father and a depressed mother. My father has never said he loved me growing up. No matter what I do, it will NEVER be enough. I look in the mirror and I hate what I see.I know I am the most selfish person in the world. How dare I take a funeral and make it all about me. I wish I knew how to stop the feelings. Why is my skin so thin? Why can I NOT worry about what they think?How do I stop this pain and frustration? I don’t tell a soul to those who know me now. I am a good actress. I play the part but I am tired of the constant fear and sadness deep inside.