Where does the time go???

   Brrrrr......  As soon as I can feel my fingers I'll do an entry.  Actually, I'm just kidding, my hands are warm now.  It broke above 10 degrees and the sun is trying to shine.  Yesterday wasn't so good.  The low was minus 3 degrees, down from 40 and rain at 11pm news.  The wind chill was -25 degrees.  That was during the day while I was out shoveling the 2 ft. drift out of the end of the driveway.  We actually took turns shoveling, two in the house getting warm and two out for 10 minutes, then we'd switch.  It was AWFUL!  My car doors froze and the handles broke(both the front doors) when we tried to open them.  So, I called the locksmith, and my mechanic.  I missed 2 client shifts, but thankfully, my mechanic found a handle and installed it for me yesterday afternoon.  $125 later, I can open the drivers side inside and out, and the passenger side from the inside.  I'm not the only one that had that kind of problem, though.  It's too cold for salt to melt the snow on the roads, so they're snow and ice covered, and according to the weatherman we can expect another 3-6 inches of snow tonight.  :::sigh::: the winter is getting awfully long this year.  Hopefully the groundhog will do what he's supposed to-to bring a mild spring. 

   I talked to Son the other day and he had some great news.  He qualified for a $1000 scholarship.  He was very excited about the extra cash to pay bills and get his car going.  He's overloaded himself with classes and projects again this term, though he was smart enough to schedule everything after Noon.  I'm proud of him, he's carrying a 3.6 grade average.

   My ears are both doing well, although the cold air makes them alittle uncomfortable and putting on a hat is tricky for the left ear cartilage.  I do normally wear Sterling Silver jewelry, so I'll be shopping for some new earrings soon. ::smile::  I'd like to find some coordinated sets to wear on occasion.  I've got at least 4 and a half weeks to go before I can change them out without tearing the healing inside.

   How about a quick Thankful Thursday before this gets too long and you start yawning. 

1. Coffee.  Hot and plentiful.  Actually 4 pots yesterday, although I had help drinking some of it.  ;)

2. My mechanic.  He knows how important my car is to my job and gets me in as quickly as he can for repairs.

3. Tomorrow is February 1st.  That just means that spring is getting closer each day.  It's also my 6 month anniversary for my journal, too. 

4. For everyone that I've had the honor of meeting here.  I really do look forward to coming here, writing and reading about others' lives and communicating through comments. 

5. My tax forms are in the mail!  Now, I just have to be patient for my (little) refund. 

   I haven't been able to get to a computer for the past 2 days, so I have alot of reading to catch up on.  I am going to try to write more often than just once a week, although there's not all that much to report about my quiet little life.  That may be a good thing, though.  Anyway....

                             ~Thanks for Stopping By~

        

  

It's Thursday (already)

Hi,  I'm here for a quick entry and then it's off to work for a short(3 hr) afternoon shift.  I can't believe that it's Thursday already.  I have no idea where the week went.  My Thankful Thursday list follows:

1. A calm, steady, fairly quiet schedule.  I have really enjoyed my time this week, which is probably why it went by so quickly.  I'm not as happy about the paychecks being smaller, but that is a concession that I'm willing to make as long as this doesn't last too long.(I know it won't)

2. That my piercings are finally starting to feel better.  I'll explain below. 

3. That we're going to be warming up by the weekend.  I'm getting tired of the cold(high today 18) and am looking forward to some 30 and sun.

4. I am still cold and flu-bug free!!!

5.  The time I spend here. 

6. OMG I almost forgot the coffee.  Not really, I was just saving it for last. This week it's the flavored coffees that I got for a holiday gift.  Cinnamon Hazelnut in particular.  It's so relaxing to have a nice cup or two after work in the evening.

   Okay, the explanation on #2.  Last Saturday, when I was in Walmart, I went to the jewelry counter and picked out some earrings for my piercings.   I asked the clerk if there was any nickel in them as I'm allergic to it.  "No" she said "there's no nickel."  I picked out the spots to pierce, we did the alcohol swab thing, and the poking and I walked off with what I thought were some very nice piercings.  I was following the directions for cleaning them and things were going well.  They were still sore the next day, but I attributed that to sleeping on my side-both sides, actually.  By day three, they should have stopped hurting, so I called the company and asked if there was nickel in the earring style I had purchased.  "Why Yes,there is a small amount of nickel in the post and backing."  Oh, okay then, I needed to change out the earrings.  I purchased a pair of Sterling Silver earrings and switched them out yesterday.  They feel better today, except for sleeping on my side.  I'm thinking of doing one more.  Only I may just do it myself.  Ya know, icecubes, a big needle, and some alcohol (the swab thingys, too.) 

   Well, my time is up for today, I'll stop back tomorrow.  For now......

                            ~Thanks for Stopping By~

A Meme by Pumpkin!

   This Meme is written by the 10 year old daughter of one of our very prolific journallers-Pumpkin.  You can check out the original questions at http://journals.aol.com/princesssaurora/CarpeDiem/

Pumpkin's Meme:  Who Are You?

1. What is your name? Marsha Leigh-I use my middle name here in J-land.

2. How old are you?    52

3. Where are you from?  Roscommon, Michigan

4. Do you smoke?  Yes, I know-no lectures, please.

5. Do you drink?  Once in awhile.

6. Do you have a family? Please explain, if yes.  I have one son, Ben, he's 22 and lives in Cleveland, Ohio, goes to college, majoring in Art.  I have a brother and nephew, and that's pretty much it for close family.

7. What are you hobbies?  Oh, I like to read, quilt, grow herbs, sew, do puzzles(suduko, jigsaw, crossword).

8. What is your favorite Ice Cream? That has to be plain old chocolate, I like other flavors, but if I had only one choice, it would be Chocolate.

9. What is your favorite animal? Dogs

10. Do you wear glasses? Yes

11. What nationality are your ancestors from?  The Netherlands, someone in the family traced it back to 1652.

12. What color is your hair? Salt and pepper, which is a combination of dark brown and silver.  More silver than brown.

13. What are you wearing now?  A striped turtleneck, dark tan pants, and a muted green flannel shirt.

14. What is your favorite color? Sage green

15. What teacher do you remember most from childhood?  Mrs. Dow, although she wasn't actually my teacher, she was the kindergarten teacher at our school, and for 2 summers I helped her with the Headstart program, before it started being held during the regular school year.  She taught  me alot(without being graded).

16. What are your pets and their names? I rent the house I live in so I can't have any pets, but the last ones were Jed, a brittany spaniel that was afraid of loud noises, and a cat named Peanut, when he came to live with us, he was the runt of the litter and could fit in my hand curled up like a little "peanut", tan and full of mischief.

17. What is your favorite food?  This one is easy, Pizza.

18. What is your job? I am a Home Health Aide, I take care of other people in their homes, clean and run errands for them. 

     Thanks Pumpkin, this was a very good Meme and I hope you enjoy all the answers we give. 

    The librarian has informed me I have about 15 minutes, so that's really all I have time for today.  I'll see ya on Monday.

                              ~Thanks for Stopping By~

 

More Layers

   Okay, here we go with the rest of this meme!  Yeah, it is kinda long, but you learn alot about the particular blogger doing the writing.  I think we left off with Layer 6.....

Layer 6: in the last month-

--Drank Alcohol: Yes, a couple times.

--Smoked: Yes

--Done A Drug: Just Ibuprofen.

--Made Out: :::sigh::: No

--Gone on a Date: See previous answer.

--Gone to the Mall: The closest one is like 75 miles away-No

--Eaten an Entire Box of Oreo Cookies:  When I need comfort food it's salty, No.

--Eaten Sushi:   ;-(~   Noooooo

--Been on stage: Nope

--Been Dumped: Ditto

--Gone Skating: No

--Made Homemade Cookies:  LOTS

--Gone Skinny Dipping: Does the tub count?  Well then, no it's too cold.

--Dyed your Hair:  Not anymore.

--Stolen Anything: A glance at the hot delivery guy-not UPS!

Layer Seven: Ever....

--Played a Game that Required Removal of Clothing:  Yes!

--Been Trashed or Extremely Intoxicated: Not in several years, but yes.

--Been Caught "Doing Something": Yes, also several years ago.

--Been Called a Tease: No

--Gotten Beaten Up: No

--Shoplifted:  Yes, when I was 9, got caught, had therapy, yada yada....

--Changed who You Were to Fit In: Probably as a teenager.  It must not have worked. LOL

Layer Eight:

--Age You Hope to Be Married: Never.

--Number and Names of Children- Benjamin, 22.

--Describe Your Dream Wedding: LOLOLOL

--How Do You Want To Die: When I'm ready, privately.

--Where You Want To Go To College: Community College if at all.

--What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up: A child again!

--What Country Would You Most Like to Visit:  Ireland, England.

Layer Nine:

--Number of Drugs Taken Illegally: 2

--Number of People I Could Trust With My Life: 1

--Number of CD's That I Own: Umm... More than 50.

--Number of Piercings: Right Now-5, tomorrow-7, I have plans to get two more when I go shopping.

--Number of Tattoos: So far-0

--Number of Times My Name Has Appeared in the Newspaper: As an adult, 2.  When my son won the Halloween Costume Contest in 3rd grade, and in my husband's obit.

--Number of Scars on My Body: 5 big ones, 4 small ones.

--Number of Things in my Past I Regret: Oh, that's hard.  There are some aspects of things that I regret, but overall if you change part of something the rest of it changes.  I regret not being able to remember more about my Mom.

   Now that you know "way too much" about me, go ahead, take the time to do this one for yourself.  I don't know how to, but you can copy and paste or something so that you don't have to type this all out.  Check out Dawn's at http://journals.aol.com/princesssaurora/CarpeDiem/.  Then leave a comment so that we can read all the "way too much" about you, too!  For today, I'm moving on to some other things I've got to get done.  Have fun with this.....

                              ~Thanks for Stopping By~

 

Meme, meme, meme ..........

   Okay, this may be a Meme that I have to do in two parts.  It will depend on my timing, here.  I read this at Dawn's(princesssaurora) Carpe Diem, and thought I'd go alittle indepth.

A Meme to peel away the layers of you!

Layer One:

--Name: Marsha Leigh-I've always liked my middle name better.

--Birthdate: October 16th, 1955-Yes that old!

--Birthplace: Grayling Michigan

--Current Location: The Library in St Helen

--Eye Color: Hazel

--Hair Color: Kinda Salt and pepper-more silver.

--Height: 5' 3" on a good day.

--Righty or Lefty: Righty

--Zodiac Sign: Libra

Layer Two:

--Your Heritage: Paternal is Dutch(traced back to 1652 in New Amsterdam)

--The Shoes You Wore Today: Clogs, by Earth something?  They're very comfy.

--Your Weakness: My insecurity.

--Your Fears: There are alot of things, claustrophobia, loneliness(not being alone-that doesn't bother me), my car breaking down on a lonely, empty road, in the dark.

--Your Perfect Pizza:  Well---Lots of cheese, just oozing with cheese, pepperoni, mushrooms and sausage.  Rising crust with cheese rolled in and did I mention the Motzarella Cheese?

--Goal You'd Like to Achieve: Hmm...I don't really have any major goals, just doing my best and being the best person I can be.  Maybe living a more active life, to see all the lighthouses along the coastlines of Lakes- Michigan, Huron, and Superior.  Not really sure how many there are-Lots.

Layer Three:

--Your Most Over-used Phrase: So...  Well....

--Your First Waking Thoughts: Is it late enough for me to get up yet?

--Your Best Physical Feature: My Eyes, I guess.

--Your Most Missed Memory: Doing things with friends and family when I was young.

Layer Four:

--Pepsi or Coke: Pepsi, usually Diet

--McDonald's or Burger King: We don't have a Burger King, but when I'm out of town, Arby's.

--Single or Group Dates: I haven't dated in 23 years.

--Adidas or Nike: Neither.

--Lipton Ice Tea or Nestea:  ::clears her throat:: None of these, I make my own with bags.

--Chocolate or Vanilla: Chocolate, and maybe alittle vanilla as long as it's covered in chocolate.

--Cappachino or Coffee: Yes, Please!  With cream and a few artificial sweetners.

Layer Five:

--Smoke: Yes

--Cuss:Bet your Sweet A**

--Sing: Not Very Well.

--Take a Shower Every day: Every Other Day, I have very dry skin.

--Do You think You've Been in Love: I thought I was, but now I'm not so sure.

--Want to Go To College: I'd like to, but......

--Liked High School: Yeah, the library. I was kind of a bookworm.

--Want To Get Married: NEVER AGAIN!

--Believe In Yourself: Not really.

--Get Motion Sickness: No, I travel fairly well, don't do it much, just well.

--Think You're Attractive: No

--Think You're a Health Freak: No

--Get Along With Your Parents: My Mom died when I was young, my Dad in "93", my "step-mother" was to blame.

--Like Thunderstorms: Not so Much

--Play an Instrument:  To the dismay of my dearly departed Grandmother(my piano teacher) Nope.

    Stay tuned for the second half of this Meme tomorrow.  My time is up for today.  At least that's the plan for now.  

                         ~Thanks for Stopping By~

 

Tuesday news-or not.

   I've gotten in the habit of starting my entries with some hesitation.  Breaking that habit here today.  It's not snowing!  The roads are a little bit slick, some of it is still melting after the plowing.  We didn't really get that much snow or anything, but it just kept snowing, and snowing, and snowing.  I'm not really complaining, it's very pretty on the trees, and in the moonglow last night-beautiful.  We've had our January thaw, now the weather will be turning colder, the lakes will freeze up some, the lake-effect snows will slow down, and then-SPRING!!!!!  Yeah, that's about 3 months away, but it's staying light longer in the evening, getting light a few minutes earlier in the morning.  And this year?  I'm ready.  I usually don't mind winter, and I guess it hasn't been that bad this year, but I am getting impatient for the first spring breezes, the first sighting of a robin.  All I've got to say is that the Da** Groundhog had better see his shadow.  Or is it-if he doesn't see his shadow? The funny thing is that no matter how you look at it, there is 6 more weeks of winter from Feb. 2nd. to the Equinox in March-the first day of spring.  Enough about the weather. 

   I've been spending some evening time with Bro and Potsey, and found out a few things that they haven't bothered to tell me.  We're almost caught up on the rent, cable is going up, the natural gas bill is only one month behind and I know the electric is good, I paid that one, though the new bill is due out anyday.  Things are better at home than they were, and they pointed out that I'd know that if I wasn't gone all the time.  I pointed out that that's the way my schedule is, I go to the library whenever I can to get online-can't do it at home, now can I?  Harumph.  I tried to watch a movie with Potsey, but he has the dreaded, can't stay on the channel through the commercialitis.  By the time we got back to the movie, I had no clue what was going on, so I went to my bedroom and read. 

   Son actually missed his first day of classes.  It was a Saturday and the Metrobus schedule is different on the weekends, so he couldn't get to campus in time for the start of class, said he went back to bed and napped for 3 hours.  He's one of these nightowls that have to be up earlier than they'd like.  The good news is that he may qualify for a scholarship through one of his honors classes.  He has to maintain a 3.5 gradepoint to do this and he's got a 3.6.  Yeah Son!!!  The Gallery opening went well, his professor is pleased with the work they accomplished.  I'll just have to nag him to DO YOUR HOMEWORK, SON. 

    I'd like to Thank everyone that left me a comment in the last entry, the commiserating, advice, and observations are greatly appreciated.  I'm not the only one in this fast paced life that has a lack of contact with friends(or friendships) due to schedules, family commitments, time and distance.  I am very different than the people around me, especially at home, so no, there's not much to talk about.  My options for taking classes, etc., are limited due to my scheduling at work.  There's not alot of social events in the area-a hazard of small town living.  I am, for the most part, realistic about this.  And I do love to come here, feel the warmth and friendship.  What a shame in an era where keeping in contact is so much easier, that we forget how, or who, to stay in touch with.  Anyway, thanks again.

                           

   It's time for me to close this entry out for now, I'm off to find a novel to read, so.....

                           ~Thanks for Stopping By~

Catching up alittle

   It's just one of those weeks, I guess.  I was here yesterday and forgot to do my Thankful Thursday entry.  A quick list follows:

1. The fog is gone, winter has returned.  I'd rather have the colder temperatures than fog-anyday!

2. That I can remember which day of the week it is, now that the holidays are over, the trash goes out on Wednesday, payday, as always, is on Friday, the library has normal hours, and aside from some who are truly ill, all the aides seem to be willing to work their normal shifts!

3. Coffee!  Today it's actually the cool mug I found to put that nectar of the Gods in.  At the Thrift store-a big thick mug that keeps my coffee warm longer and warms my hands.  And it says Blueberries! 

4. That during this particular flu season, I have  managed to stay healthy, despite my errant eating habits during the holidays.  So Far, Knock on Wood!  Keep taking those vitamins!

5. And last, but not by any means the least, my time here.  For whatever reasons-partly my fault, I'm sure, I don't have alot of friends, not many to talk to, go places with or do things with.  The time I spend here keeps me connected to the real world of people.  I'll write more about this below. 

    And this is actually the "below".  With my job, unpredictable hours, and whatever else, I get lonely.  I'm not really involved in the conversations at home which usually revolve around hunting, fishing, people I've never met, or things I have no interest in.  The other day, I was sitting and trying to think of things that I would be interested in talking about, and to my horror realized that I have nothing in common with most of the people in my life.  They're just there, because they've always been-as in related, or I work with-no real interest in my private life, clients-not supposed to discuss my life with them, the clerk at the store, gas station, etc.  Don't get me wrong, I love spending time by myself, reading, walking, writing, or whatever.  But there are just "times"  when I wish there was someone to talk to, be honest with, go have coffee, or whatever.   One of my problems is that, I have bad timing, and I don't want to intrude on other peoples time-I know how precious someone's free time can be. 

   Okay, short of deleting this entry, I am changing the topic.  We got some snow last night.  Here the roads were all dry and it has to go and get crappy again.  Along with that snow(about 4 inches) came thunder, lightening, and wind.  That's something you don't see very often.  Dorothy at the grocery store said she doesn't ever remember seeing lighteneing or hearing thunder with snow.  And as far as I can remember it has been a long time.  But like I said at least the fog is gone.  I Hate driving in the fog!

    I talked to Son this morning.  I had to play alarm clock for him, make sure he got up in time to go to the college for a financial aid meeting, and then a meeting with his Art professor.  He's doing well-as far as someone who's broke, in college can be.  We talked about inconsequential things for a few minutes and I got the impression that he's a little lonely for Mom and suggested we talk again tonight so that he can tell me all about the next term at school.

   That's about it for this entry.  Like I said my life has been quiet and uneventful for the most part lately, yes, that's a good thing-mostly.  So....

                            ~Thanks for Stopping By~

A Meme, not much to talk about.

I'm in kind of a post holidays mind block or something.  I can't think of much to talk about today.  The weather is warmer, like 50, the snow is melting and dirty, it's very foggy-not crazy about doing all this driving.  And work is, well, the same old stuff.  I'm not supposed to talk about work, client confidentiality and all that. I just finished reading Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, waited till the rush was over.  Umm.... So.....

I saw this meme at CarpeDiem and she saw it at Inner and Outer Demons, it easy, so I'll do it.

You

Can

Only

Type

One

Word

1.Where is your cellphone? Trunk.

2. Boyfriend/girlfriend? Neither.

3. Your Hair? Gray.

4. Your Mother? Deceased.

5. Your Father? Same.

6. Your favorite thing? Books..

7.Your dream last night? Forgotten.

8. Your favorite drink? Coffee.

9.Your dream car? SUV

10.The room you're in? Library.

11. Your Ex? Deceased

12. Your fear?  Claustrophobia.

13.Your favorite number? 6

14. Where were you last night? Bed.

15.What you're not doing right now.  Working!

16.Muffins? Blueberry.

17. ?   Huh?

18.Grew up in?  Country.

19.The last thing you did? Drove.

20. What are you wearing?  Clothes!

21. Your TV?  AWOL

22. Your Pet or Pets? Stuffed

23. Your Computer? Nonexistent.

24. Your life?  Lived.

25.Your Mood? Contemplative.......

26. Missing Someone? Son.

27.On Your Feet?  Sneakers.

28. Your car? Old.

29. Your Work? Fulfilling.

30.Favorite Flower? Pansy.

31.Like someone?  Secret.

32. Your favorite color? Sage.

33. When was the last time you laughed? Now.

    That is harder than it looks.  The last answer is because a library patron just came in and said that it's thundering, and I made the comment-ThunderFog!  We've had thundersnow!  Why not?

   I have a long day tomorrow, but most of the day free on Wednesday(one morning client), so I'll see ya then.

                            ~Thanks for Stopping By~

 

 

What do you Mean it's not Monday?

                                               Welcome 2008!

    I am so confused.  For the last two days, I've tried to make it Monday, I'm still writing 2007 on things, and almost forgot the trash for pick-up this morning.  They ran a day late, due to the holiday and we forgot last week.  In fact, if it wasn't for Dawn(princesssaurora) at Carpe Diem doing her Thankful Thursday entry early enough for me to see it, I wouldn't be here right now.  So without further ado, here's my First Thankful Thursday list for 2008.

1. Dawn(PrincesssAurora) at Carpe Diem, who was one of my very first friends here in J-Land.  I wouldn't be writing a public journal if she hadn't prompted me to.  :)

2. Coffee.  This week it's Cinnamon Hazelnut Blend that Potsey got me for a gift.  Yummy!

3. My lighter work schedule.  It's nice to have some time to get things caught up, and move at a slower pace. 

4. Sweatshirts.  Although it's supposed to be 49 on Monday, it's a chilly 17 right now with some biting winds.  Sweatshirts are kind of required clothing on days like this.  Just like Coffee is the preferred drink.

5. That I filled my car up early this morning.  Gas prices jumped 21 cents today.  Whew!

6. That it will start getting lighter by a few minutes each day.  I'm getting tired of driving to and from work in the dark. 

    That's about it for this first Thursday. 

    My New Year's Eve was good, even though I barely made it past 12:30.  My day started at 5:00am, so I did good.  I had a few beers, a couple shots of Spearmint Schnapps and lots of snacks.  I tried calling Son, but he was busy with his own celebration, and by the time he called, I was asleep.  I did talk to him New Year's day and he was already back in Akron, getting ready for the work he's doing at the gallery this week.  We watched some Bowl Games(Michigan won) and had some hot Ham and Cheese sandwiches, plus all the snacks left from the night before.  Now, things can get back to normal(undecorating), although I like the lights we put up.  They brighten up the house.  And yes, I have been eating alittle healthier the last couple of days, although some of those snacks have to be eaten.  :)  I've got to go do some serious grocery shopping and stock up on salad fixings, which I seem to have a real craving for right now.  And salad is very portable.  We have a nice ham bone and will be making some bean soup and corn bread this weekend, another food(soup in general) I've been craving.  I've got to close this entry and go get some hot coffee for my next work shift this afternoon, so.......

                                               ~Thanks for Stopping By~