Thursday, December 31, 2009

2009: WHAT A YEAR!!!

I'm jumping on the perverbial bandwagon and posting my year in review.  It really helps to look back over the year and see what all we've come through.  Having a blog is very telling.  For instance, I was looking back through all my posts in 2009, and the very first one dealt with Commitments, Not Resolutions.  Well, I made three that I have NOT stuck with!  I guess this is why I am not even going to bother with the whole resolution thing this year.  I'm just going to enjoy the new year and what it holds for me, and I'm just going to do the best I can. That's good enough for me.

The rest of January's posts dealt with me trying to help my husband get through a major onset of depression.  It was a very low point in our lives where I could not help him, no matter what I tried.  We dealt with this off and on throughout the year.  Things really hit rock bottom for him before they got better just a couple of months ago. Since then he as been doing well. I think they finally got his medication correct.

February started with a post about how our beloved Shitzu, Marsh, came up missing.  It was like losing a member of our family.  We still wonder if he's out there somewhere. :*(  It was also this month that I posted about my feeling about turning 40.  I also began a series on "Monday Memories" posts in which each Monday I would copy a letter that I had written to my children beginning 15 years ago.  I got a lot of nice feedback from my readers on these posts.  If you haven't read them, you may want to check them out and maybe do the same for your children. These letters are priceless, and I only wish I had continued writing them back then.  Make sure you look through all of them, as I posted one each Monday until they ran out.

In March I voiced my feelings about my struggle with giving tough love to my oldest son who would not grow up, gain responsibility, and get a job.  Little did I know that life was going to hit him smack dab in the face and force him to become responsible.  But even as I write this, he is still out of work.  True, the economy is pretty bad when it comes to new jobs.  I'm still holding out hope that he will be able to find a good one after the first of the year.

My April posts reflect me going through daily activities that go along with life.  We saw Justin's band play at he local coffee shop.  We went on trips to hear Jordan play bass guitar with the high school show choir.  He also turned 15 on April 24.  (Now the fun is REALLY about to begin when he turns 16!!)  Chase went to his first prom, and I put together a slideshow with the pictures.

In May, I had an epiphany about myself.  We also got the first picture of our first grandchild via ultrasound.  And, I could not let the month go by without acknowledging the 1-year anniversary of the passing of my mother-in-law whom we still miss oh so very much! 

We became bikers in June and had a few subsequent posts about roadtrips that we took.  We celebrated our 22nd wedding anniversary.  I became a mother-in-law on June 26 when Justin and Chelsea went to the courthouse and got married. 

In July, we found out that we were going to be grandparents of a granddaughter!!  This was great news, as I have been outnumbered by males for way too long.  The girls are catching up, slowly but surely!  Then I posted about my grandma name.  I have since come up with "Granda" as my grandma name.  Later in the month, I did a light-hearted post, courtesy of my sons, about what they would like on their grocery list. Then, onto a more serious post about how we never stop worrying about our children, no matter how old they are.

My August posts seem to reflect lows and highs of different things I was going through in the course of daily life.  Kevin's dad got some really great news in that he found out that, after battling bladder cancer for the last few months, he was cancer free

We were full-fledged into school, work, football, and band in September.  Chase had a very disappointing game when he missed the pass that would have won the game against Southside.  He also turned 18 on September 15th, and I posted the story about how I gave birth to him in the car on the way to the hospital!

Tournament of Roses Parade, Pasedena, Californina, January 1, 2011:  That's the news the Albertville High School band received in October!! Since Jordan is part of the band, he will be going, which means that we will have the opportunity to go with him!  I'm so excited. I hope we can afford to pull this one off! 

October also saw Chase being recognized in the senior show at half-time at the last home football game.  It was a sad time indeed as I contemplated on where all the time has gone.

The big news of October was the BIRTH OF MY GRANDDAUGHTER, AMELIA JAYNE!!!  Nothing could top that.  That WAS my November. :)

And well, for December, you can just look back over the last few posts.  Nothing major.  Just Christmas planning and such.  On my very last post before this one I contemplated what a difference a year makes.  Well, if you have read any of what I've said in this post, you will see that just one year can bring many changes.

So, to all my readers, I wish you a very Happy New 2010.  May it hold happiness and love for you and your families.

GOD BLESS!!

Monday, December 28, 2009

What a Difference a Year Makes

It's Monday after Christmas, and I must say that I have been on a de-cluttering mission!  It started yesterday when I decided to take down the tree.  That almost wore me out!  We opted for a real tree this year, and it had gotten to the point that if you touched it, you could hear the pine needles falling and hitting the floor!  I took special care this time to wind the lights in a way that will, hopefully, keep them from getting all tangled.  I had to buy lights this year because my others were tangled beyond straightening out!  I should know.  I must have spent 2 hours trying to get them straightened out!  I finally gave up.  I surmised that it would probably be worth it to just buy new lights each year, and be done with it.  We'll see how next year goes.  We'll see if I did a good job on winding up this year's lights.

Christmas was good all around.  Kevin kept saying that he didn't like shopping for me, so I finally gave in and printed a list of things that I wouldn't mind having.  He must have been relieved because he took my list, and he did very well with it.  Of course, I would have liked for him to surprise me.  But hey, let's face it, it's better to get something than nothing!!!  I was very pleased.  Chase and Jordan's main presents were Ipod Touches.  They were very pleased, as well.  We bought Justin an acoustic guitar.  Chelsea got a nice clock to hang on the wall, and a zebra-printed pillow and vase.  We got Millie a "light-show" toy that shines on the ceiling and plays either music or ocean sounds.  I wouldn't mind having one of those, myself!  Well, I'll take the ocean sounds.  I can do without the light show.

So now we look forward to 2010.  May it be just a little less eventful than this year was!  I had no idea at this time last year that my son would be married and have a child!  What a difference a year makes!  Looking forward to 2010 will see Jordan turning 16, which means another driver in the house.  My boys are growing up.  Chase will be graduating from high school.  He is probably going to go to the local community college.  He has no firm plans as of yet, though.  Me, I'll still be workin' for the man...or women, in my case. :) hehe!

Bring on the new year!

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Christmas 2009: We Survived!


Here I sit on Saturday night.  The festivities of Christmas are over.  I was worried about hosting a Christmas get-together with my side of the family, but things turned out great.  There was no fussing, and we had a great time together.  Everyone was not able to come, though.  My brother was sick, so my mom fixed a plate to carry to him.  My mom and dad came, as well as my sister and brother-in-law.  A little later, one of my nieces showed up with her husband and daughter.  That was it.  We had plenty of food.



After they left, I set in to wrapping presents.  I made a mental note to myselft to not wait until Christmas Eve night next year!!  I wrapped presents until after midnight!  I seem to recall doing the same thing last year.  So, two years of that has taught me better!  I was exhausted! 

We woke up early Christmas morning (around 6:30).  The main present that my boys (ages 15 & 18) got was and Ipod Touch.  They loved them!  Well, Chase had a hard time getting his iTunes to cooperate, but he eventually got it, with a little help from mom, of course!  At 8 a.m. we headed over to the community building where Kevin's dad lives.  The guys got "volunteered" to cook breakfast this year. 



Hubby, Kevin can cook!!



Above & Below: Kevin's brothers cooking their part!


We had pancakes, sausage, and bacon. The food turned out really well!  Everyone decided to dig in!



Here's the bunch enjoying the food and fellowship. I told them to look. (Pardon the train wrecks!)


Later that evening we reconvened at Kevin's dad's (Ray a.k.a. Pops) house so that Justin could celebrate with the Rowell family.  We had finger foods and dessert.  Everyone sat around talking and telling funny stories and laughing.  We had a great time.  I could tell that Pops was really enjoying having the family over there, however crowded it was.  If you've been reading my blog, you will recall that my mother-in-law passed away in 2008.  This was our second Christmas without her.  I know that she would love knowing that we were all there enjoying Christmas.  I just wish she were still here...


All this brings me to today.  Justin, Chelsea, and Millie just left for home a little while ago.  Millie is growing and changing everytime I see her.  She is such a precious little doll.  The house becomes lonesome for awhile after they leave.  How I wish they lived closer!


  Now, on to 2010!!!

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

It's Just Another Dysfunctional Family Christmas

As far as I know, I have all the food and most of the presents bought for Christmas.  I have to get just one more gift this evening, and that part will be done.  I've decided to have Christmas Eve supper for my side of the family at my house.  I'm a bit nervous about this because my side of the family is the dysfunctional side.  We all seem to have one, don't we?  Well, my mom never plans anything.  She just says something like, "I may cook a ham, and people can stop by if they want to."  We used to get together at her house every Christmas Eve night.  That was back when things were simpler.  Everyone's kids were young.  Everyone was still married.  People would lay off the booze for the day.  Now, the kids are older.  There are great-grandchildren now.  Couples are separated.  Some are just living together.  Most of them are down on their luck.  Mom is gripey, as usual.  She doesn't care what she says to us.  She will use the opportunity to cut down those who make her mad throughout the year.  We all try to ignore it, and hold our tongues, but a person can only take so much!  I told her that we were going to do this at my house, and I didn't want any fussing, or I wouldn't do this again.  She said, "Well, if you're gonna be that way about it, let's just call it off!"  She TOTALLY missed the point!!  Does that mean that she plans on fussing?  Probably.  It's ingrained in her.  She's always done it.  I even bought her a little sign one time that said, "If momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!"  Boy, they hit the nail on the head with THAT one!  I think she did that little sign.  She can't take a joke either.  Everything has to be so serious all the time.

Anyway, she called this morning and said that she didn't guess that they would come, that she would just cook at her house on Christmas Day.  She tried to attribute her change in attitude to the weather because it is supposed to be stormy.  But, I knew that something was up.  I believe that my mom is depressed and needs medication.  Believe me, I've been around it enough to know!  She's feeling sorry for herself, and she wants everyone else to feel the same.  But, you know what?  I told her that we were still having it at my house on Christmas Eve at 5 p.m.  I talked to my dad later, and I told him about my conversation with her.  I told him to make sure that he comes and brings her with him.

This should be interesting...

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

What's on Your Christmas List?

Isn't it funny how the types of items on our Christmas lists change over the years of marriage?  When we were first married, I DID NOT want to get any type of household items from my husband. (i.e. vacuum cleaners, coffee pots, toasters, etc.)  I felt that he should get me some type of personal gift. (i.e. jewelry, jewelry, or jewelry)  :)  But, I'm here to tell you, after 22 years of marriage, I want a dishwasher for Christmas!!!  I wouldn't mind some jewelry, too.  But, after years of hand washing dishes, a dishwasher would be heaven!!  It would save me so much time.  Time that I can spend blogging or on Facebook or catching up on some DVR shows.

Well, this evening I set the plan into motion.  I'm not very picky.  I just want a dishwasher that will work.  I went to Facebook and posted, "I want a dishwasher for Christmas.  Anyone know of a good deal on one?"  Later tonight, one of my former co-workers commented my post and said that she had one for sale for $50 that still works fine.  She had just gotten a new one.  I jumped on that mighty quick!  We are going to pick it up tomorrow!!!!  I have an idea where it will go, I just hope that it is not too hard to get it all situated and working.  It will be an early Christmas present, but hey, I've been waiting for this for years!

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

A Tough Decision

Jordan is facing a tough decision, and I am not sure how to guide him in making the right one.  There's no cut and dry here.  He is contemplating playing football next year.  This may seem like a no-brainer, but he would have to give up A LOT in order to play.  Jordan is in band.  He has been in band since 7th grade, which makes 4 years.  You cannot play football AND be in band. I mean, the logistics of that make it impossible.  How are you going to go into the locker room at half-time for your butt-chewing, if you need to be out on the field performing the half-time show?  :)  I'm making light of it, but my heart goes out to him. 

I know what I want him to do. I know what his dad wants him to do.  Band.  But, it's not our decision to make.  You see, Jordan played football in 7th grade.  I say that he played, but he was lucky to get into the game for a total of 2 minutes!  I love our football team, too.  But, around here, you go will go farther with band than you will with football.  Our band is AWESOME!!  As I have mentioned in previous posts, they have been to Macy's about 4 times, been on a Bahamas cruise twice, been to Hollywood, California once, and they consistently get top honors in all competitions that they enter.  In 9th grade, the senior band members voted Jordan as the "Most Outstanding Rookie."  Before his 8th grade year, the middle school band director asked Jordan if he would learn to play bass guitar so that he could play bass when he got into high school (he initially played alto sax).  Jordan also plays bass guitar in the jazz band, which is about 20 members chosen from the 200+ member regular band.  He played alto sax in the marching band in 9th grade.  This year, the band director asked Jordan to go ahead and begin learning the bass guitar music for the half-time show because he "needed someone he could depend on."  The current bass player is not very reliable.

So, you see my hesitation at the thought of him giving all of that up to play football, in which there are so many unknowns. Will he get to play? Or, will he stand on the sidelines hoping that they will put him in? Wishing he had not quit band. 

 I talked to Jordan about this.  I asked him what he wanted to do.  He isn't sure.  He has quite a few friends that play football who are trying to talk him into playing.  But, they don't really know Jordan's experiences with the band.  Jordan said that if he didn't play football, then he will never know if he was good or not.  He will always wonder.  I told him that I wanted for him to decide and NOT because he knows what his dad and I want. 

This is so hard.  I gave him a suggestion.  I told him to go talk to his counselor at school because that's what she does.  Provides guidance.  He said that he might do that.  I just want him to make a decision that he can live with.

THE ROAD NOT TAKEN
Robert Frost

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Notes To Self

Do you tweet?  I do.  I'm talkng about Twitter.  If you tweet, you can follow me.  Just look up "sandysmile".  You can "follow" celebrites who tweet, which is pretty neat.  Some that I follow are: Dr. Phil, Ryan Seacrest, The Ellen Show, Taylor Swift, and many more.  But now, back to the title of this post.  Today, while waiting at a Redbox kiosk to return a movie, I tweeted, "Note to self...Don't wait until 8:30 to turn in your DVD's at the only Redbox in your city."  Later, I found that NoteRobot retweeted my post.  It seems that NoteRobot's sole purpose is to retweet others' "notes to self."  So, I thought it would be fun to post some of the notes of what people are making to themselves.  The name after the @ symbol is the Twitter name of the person posting.  Some of these are hilarious.  Here goes...

(@shannonbigalke) Note to self. Coffee at 8pm = tasty, but not wise.  (I agree, especially if you are planning to go to bed anytime soon.  ~Me)

(@AlexxxCastro) note to self: never put hairspray in hair. leads to hair falling and looking Indian. (I would love to see that!    ~Me)

(@shazeinidris) Note to self ; Never love in vain

(@bnbllngsly) Note to self. Don't make fun of NJ at a holiday party in NJ. Not everyone shares your POV on the garden state.

(@sereeena) Note to self: never ever wear a "talk nerdy to me" t-shirt to work. EVER.   (Did this person get beat up?! ~Me)

(@razzberries) thats it! i am offically giving up on trying to be a ballet dancer! note to self: where did i even get tht idea?     (Never give up your dream!!   ~Me)

(@Busymom) Note to self: a little food coloring goes a long way.

(@amyjrocks) Note to self: marry someone decisive. Otherwise we will get nowhere in life.

(@luvskinnyjeans9) note to self: u hav got to stop stuffing finger sandwhiches in ur purse. XD   (Too many office parties, maybe???    ~Me)

(@HelenMelon27) Note to self: if the dust bunnies sit up and beg, you've let vacuuming go for too long...
(HA! I can relate!!! ~Me)

And the best note of all:

(@phelippa) Note to Self: Remember that Jesus is the Reason for the Season. (Amen!    ~Me) 

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

What's on Your Christmas List?

Hey all! How does this fine Tuesday find you?  I'm makin' it.  We're gearing up for Christmas.  I haven't bought the first gift yet.  There's nothing like waiting until the last minute, is there?  I told my boys that I wanted them to make a list of some things that they want for Christmas.  It doesn't mean that we are going to get them everything on the list, but it will insure that they get things that they want.  As for me, I thought might like to have a Nintendo Wii.  Yes, you heard me right.  I thought that the Wii Fit would be something that I could get into.  Anyway, after really stopping to think about it, I need a more practical gift.  A dishwasher.  I hate to wash dishes, and this would be something that would help me out tremendously.  So, that's what's on my Christmas list. 

What is the one thing that you really want for Christmas this year?

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Thanksgiving Is A Word of Action




Thank God for dirty dishes; They have a tale to tell.
While others may go hungry, We're eating very well.
With home, health, and happiness, I shouldn't want to fuss;
By the stack of evidence, God's been very good to us.
~author unknown


I want to take this opportunity to wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving. Whether you are in the States and celebrate Thanksgiving or not, it is a wonderful time to take a moment and give thanks to God for the many blessings that he has provided.  Sometimes our lives get hard.  It's tough to see the good things.  But, there is ALWAYS something that you can be thankful for.

Today I am thankful for so many things.  Some of these things I often take for granted, such as my health.  I'm thankful for my wonderful family, immediate and extended.  I'm thankful for the precious healthy granddaughter that He brought into my life.  I'm thankful for my job, my home, my transportation, my husband of 22 years, my boys (who will be out of the house much too soon...one already is), and so much more. I'm thankful to our soldiers who have fought, who have died, and who are spending their Thanksgiving away from their families today to protect this country that I love.

And last, but CERTAINLY not least, I'm thankful for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for dying on the cross and rising to go prepare a place for me so that I may be with him in Heaven one glorious day.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING to everyone!

May your dressing be tasty
May your turkey plump,
May your potatoes and gravy
Have nary a lump.
May your yams be delicious
And your pies take the prize,
And may your Thanksgiving dinner
Stay off your thighs!
~Author Unknown

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Let The Spoiling Begin

Hi. My name is Sandra. It's been 6 days since my last blog post. : )  It really seems like it has been forever.  My life has gotten soooo busy!  I thought that once football was over, things would be a little more laid back.  But then, along came Millie.  (A good thing, of course.)   And, I missed 2 whole days of work, which put me MAJORLY behind on things!  I still have not gotten caught up!  Work has been so hectic.  I have had teacher receipt books out the wahoo.  When I FINALLY got them processed, it was time for the teachers to turn them in again!  Next week, the kids and the teachers are out all week for Thanksgiving.  I am scheduled to work Monday through Wednesday.  I will probably take 2 of those days as vacation days, but I am going to use one of them just to get caught up at work.  It's amazing how much I can get done when no one else is there.  It's a whole different world at school when all is quiet.  That's not to say that I don't love all my teachers there.  I admire them for the job that they do.  I couldn't do it!  Just give me some numbers to work out, and I'm good.  They can handle all those little kiddos, the good and the bad.

I have been so frustrated with my cluttered, dirty home.  I come home from work.  I cook, although I've been trying to get out of THAT as much as possible, lately!  (I HATE to cook!)  Then, I try to get some laundry done, along with a little of all the other stuff that needs to be done.  Mix all that in with trying to stay caught up with "Dancing With The Stars" and "The Young and The Restless", and you can see why my house looks like it does.  I mean, I have to watch DWTS on my DVR before I hear a spoiler about who went home on the show.  And, as for Y&R, what would Jack, Victor, Katherine, Lilly, Daniel, Cane, (add more characters here) think if I couldn't catch up with their lives, at least weekly?!  I guess my priorities are a little out of whack...or maybe not.  I feel like I work hard.  I deserve some down time to enjoy some guilty pleasures, right?  Well, I did something today that I have never done before.  I splurged and hired my niece to come clean my house.  I cannot tell you how wonderful it felt to come home to a clean, great-smelling home.  It was HEAVEN!!!  Now, I am paranoid that I am going to turn around and it is going to be messed right back up...like it always is.  But, hopefully, it will stay this way for awhile.

So, tomorrow is Friday. TGIF!!!  Guess what?!  My baby, Millie (along w/her parents) is coming to stay for at least one night, hopefully two!!  I told Chelsea that I was gonna hold Millie the WHOLE time!  Chelsea said that she was going to sleep.  I said for her to just go ahead and sleep all she wants, I'll take care of that baby.

Let the spoiling begin!!  : )

Friday, November 13, 2009

Busy Week and a Grandma Name



It's been such a busy week! This grandma business is very tiring! I've been to Scottsboro and back a total of 5 times this week. I'm going back tomorrow.

Chelsea had a time with her blood pressure. It seems that her liver tried to shut down on her after the birth, but she is better now. She just has to stay on medication for the blood pressure now. Millie developed jaundice yesterday, and when I went to see them in the hospital last night, they had her in an incubator with a light and a blanket over it. I was afraid that I wouldn't get to see her, but they brought her in to Chelsea just before I left. She was mad! I suspect she was hungry and wanted her mommy!

They were able to go home today. I've talked to Justin a few times. Things seem to be going well. I figured that we would let them get settled in, and we'll head over that way tomorrow. I wish they lived closer, but I realize that it could be like some grandparents I know whose grandkids live across many states. So, I can't complain too much about an hour.

I finally decided on a grandma name. After much contemplation, it just came to me one day at work. It was nothing that I had even thought of until that moment. Since my name is Sandra, I decided to play off of that name and call myself "Granda". I've got mixed reviews about it, but I feel comfortable with it, and it finally clicked with me. Of course, it will probably come out of little Millie's voice differently, so there's no telling what I'll actually end up being. But, Granda is fine, for now.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Meet My New Granddaughter!!

Amelia Jayne Rowell "Millie" was born around 3 a.m. on November 10, 2009. She weighed 5 lbs. 11 oz. and was 19.5 inches.

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Last Bike Ride of the Year?

It's been awhile since I last took a motorcycle road trip.  We have had lots of wet weather, and it has been cold.  This past week has been really nice.  I wasn't sure that I was up for a road trip today.  Even though it was fairly warm, when you get on a bike and start riding, that wind will cut right through most of the stuff that you can put on.  I don't have any chaps yet, so I wore my jeans and put on wind pants over them.  I wore a t-shirt under my sweatshirt, and I put on my gloves.  I did okay for the most part.  I could tell that, by the end of the day, it was starting to get colder, especially when we would ride through the shady spots.  This will probaby be my last ride this year.  I am NOT into freezing!  I can hardly stand cold weather!  We were gonna ride up to Chattanooga, but decided that it would be too late and too cold by the time we made it back home.  So, we decided to ride toward Weiss Lake and then we circled around and stopped at Noccalula Falls.  It was very pretty there, and there were a lot of people out and about!  I got some good pictures.  Kevin's brother and his wife went, too.  Pics to follow below. 

The next time that I will be posting you will get to see pictures of my new grand daughter that should be here sometime tomorrow!  OH BOY!!  I can't wait!

Kevin


Me


Cool shot


Noccalula Falls





Charlene & Bruce

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Great News!!! It's Time!!!

On the way to the first round of the football playoffs last night (we lost), Justin called and gave us some news.  They are inducing Chelsea Monday morning!!!  Wow.  Monday I will be a grandma! 

Chelsea went back to the doctor yesterday, and they decided to induce since her blood pressure was high, and she is already dilated to 2 cm.  It just does not seem real to me.  I'm sure it will when I see that beautiful baby girl!!  Little Millie.  :-)  I will meet my new grand daughter on Monday.  So, be praying that everything goes well. 

I'll definitely be posting pictures soon!!

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

My Superstition of Black Cats



A cat as black
As blackest coal
Is out upon
His midnight stroll,
His steps are soft,
His walk is slow,
His eyes are gold,
They flash and glow.
And so I run
And so I duck,
I do not need
His black-cat luck.
~Author Unknown


Are you superstitious?  I am, just a bit.  It's only for certain things, though.  But, the main one is black cats crossing my path.  Call it coincidence if you want, but I have found that any time that a black cat crosses my path, something bad happens.  While I can't recall the specifics, because it has been awhile since it has happened, it happened enough for me to take note of it. 

What led me to this post?, you say.  I was driving back from the gym tonight (yes, I'm still going), and I got right to where you turn onto the road that I live on.  A black cat darted right across in front of me.  In a split second I thought, "What am I gonna do?  Chance it?  Or, turn around and go the other way?"  I immediately stopped, backed up, and turned around in someone's driveway, and went around the block.  I just didn't feel like taking a chance.  After all, Justin is waiting to see if he got the UPS job, and Chelsea will be having that baby this month.  Better to let all that be than to risk having a black cat cross my path.  Or, does it still count if I am ON that path and the black cat crosses it?  Even if I turn around, did it not cross my path?!  Okay, I think I've lost my mind.  I am thinking about this WAAAAYYY to much!  Is it bad to admit that I have stopped and turned around before when a black cat crossed my path?  Because I have.  This was not the first time.  I know that you probably think that I am off my rocker.  Maybe I am.  I have even looked closely at the cat to see if it had any other colors on it...or if it was just dark grey.  Because, you know, the superstition only applies to totally black cats...at least where I'm concerned. 

I looked for the top 10 list of superstitions, and I found such a list out of Britain.  I would go as far to say that the same would apply to the U.S.  I've also checked the ones that apply to me.

1. Breaking a mirror

2. Walking under a ladder 

3. Friday 13th 

4. Opening an umbrella indoors 

5. A black cat crossing your path  √ √

6. The sight of a single magpie

7. Spilling salt

8. Placing shoes on the table or on the bed

9. Treading on cracks in the pavement

10. Walking over three drains


What are you superstitious about? 

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

What's On My Mind?

The Aggies go to Hartselle Friday night for the first round of the state play-offs. Wish us luck!

I'm still going to the gym.  The treadmill is as far as I've gotten.  The weight hasn't fluctuated a lot, but I'm hangin' in there!  It's a little discouraging, though.

Justin called today after he and Chelsea had gone to the doctor. He said that the doc didn't think that she would go for 3 more weeks, and her blood pressure was a little high.

My simplifying has slowed down.  I'm slowing trying to get rid of the clutter in my house.

Work has calmed down a bit.  Payroll is almost due again, and I'm trying to get a jump on it so that it won't be so stressful.

It's not long until Thanksgiving.  I think hubby's side of the family plans to have ours at Cracker Barrel again like we did last year.

Thanksgiving is going to be a busy time.  The Friday after is the big state rivalry of the Auburn/Alabama football game. WAR EAGLE!!  And, the baby is due that Saturday.  I hope she don't decide to come during the big game!!

I'm still trying to get caught up on The Young and The Restless.  I have about a week's worth to go.

I'm LOVING "Dancing With The Stars".  The guys on there are so hot!!

I've got to get back into my couponing.  I am missing some really good deals!

Hubby is doing much better. I'm so glad. 

I have the best blog friends and the best all-around friends that a girl could have. I love ya!

Justin goes for his interview as a UPS driver helper tomorrow. PRAY HARD!!

Monday, November 2, 2009

Give Me Chocolate and No One Gets Hurt!


There's nothing better than a good friend, except a good friend with CHOCOLATE.
~Linda Grayson, "The Pickwick Papers"

Forget love-- I'd rather fall in chocolate!!!

Isn't it funny how we women sometimes just have to have our chocolate?  Today at work I got a sudden urge for chocolate.  I had a few suckers and such, but they were no match for my chocolate craving.  I immediately had to leave my office in search of the fine delicacy of creamy chocolate.  I tried the front office.  I said, "I need chocolate!"  No luck there.  I went into the office next door.  No chocolate there, only gummy crabby patties, which would've been good on any other day.  Not today, though.  Chocolate was the only thing that was gonna get the job done.  I had the option of walking to the vending machine on the back 40.  I always joke that by walking that far, I have already worked off whatever I am eating/drinking!  But, I didn't really want a regular size candy bar, just a couple of small bites of chocolate, because you know that I've started going to the gym.  Well, I wasn't having any luck, so I went back to my office to work.  It's hard to work when your mind is on chocolate, but the wheels started turning, and I remembered where I could find some chocolate.  Our principal keeps a bowl of those snack size candy bars and such in her office.  She was out today, so I went back to the front office and told them my plan.  Well, by then, I had one of the other girls wanting some chocolate, too.  So, we snuck into our principal's office and raided her candy bowl!  We got some Mr. Goodbars, some malted milk Whoppers, and a few Hershey's kisses.  I took mine back to my office.  It was pure bliss!!  The Mr. Goodbars really hit the spot.  And then I was ready to get back to work.  Craving gone.  I thought it a bit funny a little later when I heard another lady going around asking people if they had chocolate. It's just one of those things that most women can't live without!

This guy found a bottle on the ocean, and he opened it and out popped a genie, and he gave him three wishes. The guy wished for a million dollars, and poof! there was a million dollars. Then he wished for a convertible, and poof! there was a convertible. And then, he wished he could be irresistible to all women... poof! he turned into a box of chocolates.

Put the chocolate in the bag and nobody gets hurt.

Man cannot live on chocolate alone; but woman sure can.

Simply put... everyone has a price, mine is chocolate!

Sunday, November 1, 2009

How We Spent Our Halloween Night

I hope everyone had a safe and happy Halloween.  Seeing some of those little boys dressed up made me miss those day when I carried mine trick-or-treating.  We headed out to Scottsboro last night to see Justin's band play.  All the guys dressed up.  The bass player dressed in a toga costume, the lead guitar player dressed as Super Mario, the singer dressed as the "Fight Club" guy, the keyboard player dressed as a caveman, and Justin dressed as an 80's rocker.  The band, Wild Tangent, plays rock songs.  I think the people at the club wanted to hear some country music.  Wild Tangent does not do country.  So, they rocked on, anyway.  There wasn't a big crowd.  It wasn't a great night.  We left a little early, wishing we had just stayed home.  But, Justin wanted us to come see them, so that's what really mattered.  I think next Halloween we'll just stay around home.  So, how was your Halloween night?

Friday, October 30, 2009

Happy Halloween... for the slightly bent!!

I got the following in an email this week.  They are hilarious!  I hope you enjoy them.
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!











And, my personal favorite...





Wednesday, October 28, 2009

The Countdown

Do you know what today is?  That's right!  It's October 28, exactly 1 month until my new grand daughter is due.  I'm still not sure that it has even sunk in, yet.  But, in about a month or so, I will be a new grandmother!  I'm also ashamed to say that I have not picked out a "grandma" name.  I've got to get on the ball!  I STILL have not found anything that sounds fitting. 

Speaking of Justin and Chelsea, the last update I gave you had Justin out of a job.  That has not changed as of yet, but there is hope on the horizon.  He applied for a driver's helper for the upcoming holiday season with UPS.  He has an interview next Thursday!  I know it is only seasonal, but it's better than nothing!  It would be great if it would get his foot in the door with UPS.  But, I don't want to get ahead of myself.  He is also checking into taking some classes to keep his schooling going.  We all know that education is the key to a better future.  He doesn't want to live in Scottsboro for the rest of his life. 

Justin and his band, Wild Tangent, are playing a "gig" this Friday and Saturday night in Scottsboro.  They are actually going to get paid.  It probably won't be a huge amount by the time they divide it 5 ways, but it's a start. 

On a different note, Chase and Jordan had their pictures in the same local newspaper on the same day this week!  At first we heard about Chase's pic.  We immediately went out and bought a few papers.  There was an awesome shot of him diving to make a tackle.  Kevin said that Superman didn't have anything on Chase!  So, we were all happy about the pic.  The next day at school, I was showing it around to some of the people I work with.  Kevin called me after lunch and said that Jordan was in that paper, too.  His picture was in an insert about half-time shows.  He was standing there jamming on the bass guitar.  So, I was a proud momma, indeed!

Monday, October 26, 2009

Taking It Easy Today

I did it!  I am taking a vacation day to just stay at home all by myself!  I love my family, but it is so nice to have just a little time at home alone.  I'm not sure what I will do today.  Just hang out and play it by ear, I guess.  I will probably do a little house work because it is so much easier to do when there isn't someone messing things up right up behind me.  I may catch up on some of the stuff I have recorded on my DVR.  I am WAY behind on The Young and The Restless.  So don't worry too much.  I plan to do more relaxing that houseworking! 

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Where Has The Time Gone?

Last night was our last home game of the season.  This also means that it was senior night. :-(  It was be Chase's last game at Aggie stadium.  This can't be right!  It was just yesterday that he was playing on the junior high team.  Wasn't it?  Maybe not.  But, time goes so quickly.  He said that he is ready for it to be over.  He just doesn't realize.  These people that he has gone to school with since kindergarten will go their separate ways.  Some, he will never see again.  It's like a family.

I remember my graduation.  It started raining at the last minute.  It was supposed to be held at the football field.  Instead, they had to move it all indoors while we waited under the breezeway.  I'm glad the plans changed that night, because I remember looking around at all my classmates and wondering if I'll ever see half of these people again.  Isn't it too bad that we often realize this stuff too late?  If only we'd had more time.  Now, through the miracle of Facebook, I have had a chance to reconnect with lots of those old classmates.  It has been wonderful.  Even if it is across the miles, I can keep up with what is going on with my friends.

So, last night they recognized the seniors at the football game.  I was dreading this night all season.  I did okay when Justin was a senior.  But, for some reason, it seems to be harder this time.  Maybe it is because I still had two others in school.  Now, I will be down to one.  Boy, I really will have a tough time when he's a senior.  I don't want to think about that right now!  I still have 2 years after this one.  Then, I'll be blogging again...if I can fight through the tears! 

Here are some pictures of my little boy who is growing up faster than I want him to! 



Chase #35 in 7th grade;   #26 Jose  (a fellow team mate)




Chase #11;   #23 Jose now;  (#60 is not the same kid in the picture above)





Chase's introduction during senior recognition last night
I Love You, Chase!!

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Simplify

That's what I'm trying to do.  I am so sick of all the clutter around my house.  It just makes the housework so hard.  I have just started noticing all the crap that is everywhere.  It's just in the way.  I have started working on getting it cleared out.  I've started in my kitchen.  I'm trying not to get overwhelmed and crash and burn. (With Flylady's help)  Just a little at a time.  It's gonna take awhile, but I know that if I just do a little each day, I'll start to notice.  I guess it took me finally getting tired of it to start doing something about it.  So, my motto is going to be SIMPLIFY.  I'll keep you updated on my progress.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

No Pain No Gain

I joined the gym today.  The local radio station is sponsoring a free month to get people to feel the benefits of exercise. I feel them alright!  I walked for 30 minutes on the treadmill, and you would think that I ran a marathon!  I'm not sore.  I'm just drained!  I'm sure I'll feel better tomorrow after I get some rest.  My friend, Penny, is going with me tomorrow.  She has been going for a couple of weeks already.  We are going to encourage each other.  So, hopefully, this will be the turning point of a healthier, leaner me.  I'll let you know how it goes.

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Five Little Pumpkins

I love Fall, and I love Halloween.  I'm still a kid at heart.  I remember reciting this poem as a little girl.  I had forgotten the words, so I looked them up.  Now, I'm sharing them with y'all.




Five Little Pumpkins Sitting On A Gate

Five little pumpkins sitting on a gate,
The first one said,
"Oh my, it's getting late."
The second one said,
"But we don't care."
The third one said,
"I see witches in the air."
The fourth one said,
"Let's run, and run, and run."
The fifth one said,
"Get ready for some fun."
Then whoosh went the wind,
and out went the lights,
And five little pumpkins rolled out of sight!

Saturday Thoughts

Good Saturday morning, friends.  It's one of those cold, windy, cloudy days here in Alabama.  At least it's not raining...yet.  I've been a bit down and out the last few days.  Feeling sorry for myself for feeling more like a maid and less like a wife and mother.  Things are getting better, but I still do 99% of the housework around here...and hold down a full-time job.  Lately it's been more than a full-time job.  I've had to bring some things home to work on.  But, I am seeing a light way down there at the end of the tunnel. 

We headed out to Scottsboro last night.  Our football team played there, and since Justin and Chelsea live there, they invited us to eat supper with them.  It was a good time.  They cooked barbeque chicken, green beans, potatos, shells & cheese, and rice.  Chelsea is really beginning to poke out there!  It's just a little over a month now until Millie will make her appearance.  It's gonna be so great!  Justin still hasn't found a job.  He is feeling pressure from Chelsea's parents, mainly her mom.  It's a bad situation because I don't know enough about Scottsboro to even go help him look for a job there.  Around here, I know the places to go, and we have some connections here and there that could probably help.  Justin wants to live here.  He wants for them to be truly out on their own.  Instead, they live in a mobile home that her parents are paying for, behind their house.  As long as that's the case, they are going to be nose-ing their way into their business whenever it's convenient for them.  I told him that Chelsea would have to be the one to get tired of it before anything would be done about it.  I hope this situation works itself out soon.

On a positive note, our team won last night!  It was another muddy one, but they pulled it out.  The season is about to wind down. There's just a few more games to watch Chase play.  He did ask me what I thought about him playing baseball this year.  I told him that it was entirely up to him.  He used to play, and he was pretty good.  And then, back when Kevin's mom passed away, it was around the time to try out again.  He decided not to. There was just too much stuff going on.  He didn't play the following season, either.  But, I think that since this is his senior year, he has decided to give it another go.  We'll see.  If so, I'll have to get the warm clothes and portable heater ready because baseball starts in February, and it is one cold season! 

So, have a great weekend, friends. 

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Rain Rain Go Away!!!




I'm so sick of rain.  It has rained almost every day for the last few weeks.  I'm beginning to wonder if I should start looking for the Cullens around here because this is how I envision the way Bella described the rain in Forks.  The vampires would go there to live because there was little chance of them being exposed by the sunlight.  So, be on the lookout for some pale individuals with supernatural powers around here.

But, isn't it funny how the weather affects our moods?  It seems that most of the people I've talked to lately have been down and out, including me.  It's just a dreary state-of-mind.  I wonder if it is because God just wants us to appreciate things, like the sun.  It did briefly peep out today.  I noticed it.  I told the girls in the office to hurry up and look because it probably wouldn't be out for long.  I was right.  One girl, Cindy, that I work with said that all this rain makes her feel like everything is dirty.  She said that her floors get mud and wet stuff tracked in, and it doesn't do any good to clean them, because they are just gonna get that way again in a matter of minutes.  I heard another person mention that the animals were pairing up outside...waiting on the Ark, no doubt. 

It's just hard to have a good outlook when it has been so dreary.  We have sat out in a couple of football games right after a big storm and watched the players do their best to hang onto the ball all the while slipping and sliding in the mud.  There's another game tomorrow night, and I haven't heard how the weather is supposed to be.  Let me guess.  Rain.  I do remember hearing that it is supposed to get really chilly this weekend.  Maybe our first real feel of Fall? 

I'll take it...as long as Mr. Sunshine comes along with it! 

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

California Dreamin'

We received some exciting news yesterday. Our high school band as been accepted to march in the 2011 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California!!! WHOOO HOOO!!! We went to Hollywood with them back when Justin was in 9th grade. That was 2003. We had a blast! I am really looking forward to this. We have a little over a year to save up for it. We don't know the cost yet, but hopefully, they will shed some light on that at the next band booster meeting. They are very good at allowing the kids to do fund-raising for these trips and all the profits go straight to that student's account.

I am so proud of our band. They have an awesome program every year. They have marched in the Macy's parade about 4 or 5 times...I've lost count. They've been on a Bahamas cruise 2 times. And remember, this band has over 200 members. They are extremely well-behaved, which allows them the freedom to be able to go on these great trips.

Here's a video from their half-time show last year.

Sunday, October 11, 2009

He'll Take You Back...

just like He has me many times. With all the things that have been happening in my life lately, I have felt Him trying to get my attention. But, I have been ignoring Him. Do you ever do that? I knew He was there all the time, yet I felt like I had let him down, and if I would just ignore Him, then I could go on handling things myself, when all I had to do was to turn to Him for help. He always takes me back, no matter what I've done or how I've treated Him. He loves you and me that much. Please continue to pray for me and my family.

Saturday, October 10, 2009

A Fun Week at School a.k.a. Work

Our homecoming game was NOT a good one.  We got beat 37-7.  Bummer.  I don't know why we always play hard teams on homecoming!  We had rain and tornado warnings all around, and the game was delayed about an hour.  It wasn't quite as muddy as it was when we played Etowah, though.  But, you could see the water splash up when the players got tackled.  Chase got the breath knocked out of him during the last minute of the game.  He was okay. Thank God.  But, the funnest part of the week was the festivities leading up to homecoming night.

At my school we started out with "Hats off to the Aggies" day on Tuesday.  We all wore our hats to school.  And then, on Thursday we had "Roll Over the Wildcats" day.  We all wore our "biker" gear.  We were a scary bunch!






Recognize this chick?

On Friday, our senior football players visited classrooms to read the kids a book.  Those little kids had a blast...and I suspect those players did, too.  They got to see how those kids look up to them.  Since Chase is a senior this year :*(  , he was one who got to come.  Later, we had a pep rally at our school and the cheerleaders from the junior high came.  It was a fun week.

Here's a slideshow I made to recap the week.


Thursday, October 8, 2009

A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Homecoming Parade

So, you probably know that one of my sons, Jordan, plays bass guitar in the high school marching band. (I might have mentioned it a time or two!)  Well, during the parade, there is no need for the bass guitars.  Who wants to push that huge amp all over town?!  So, Jordan's backup instrument is the alto sax.  Most of the band members have to wear white gloves.  Since Jordan plays bass, he has no need of white gloves...until he is going to play saxophone in the parade!  So, he and I take off after school today to the only place in our podunk town that I know carries white band gloves (or white gloves of any kind, for that matter!).  It turns out, they are closed on Thursdays.  We tried one of the local tuxedo rental stores.  No dice.  So, we just about decided to just let him explain to the band director that he has no white gloves since he doesn't use them anymore.  So be it.  But, I had one more hat trick that I wanted to try. 

F-A-C-E-B-O-O-K

Here's what I posted:  "HELP!!!! Does anyone know where to get white band gloves besides B&C Music?!!! They are closed today. :( "

To which came the reply from a co-worker friend: "I don't know about band gloves but I was just in Wal-Green's in the halloween stuff and they had black gloves and white gloves."

BINGO!!

I headed straight to Walgreens, which is only about 3 minutes from my house.  Made my way to the Halloween section and desparately started searching for white gloves.  After a few minutes, I spotted the black gloves, looked hanging behind them, and lo and behold, there were the coveted white gloves that Jordan needed.  Who cares that they were Dracula gloves?!  They were white.  They would serve the purpose.  And, they were only $2.99!  I snagged those babies right up, paid for them, and took them home to Jordan.

Jordan put them on his massive hands only to realize that they barely fit over his hand.  The bottoms of the fingers came up to his knuckles, but they would do.  I carried him to meet up with the rest of the band.

So, when the band came by during the parade, I looked and looked for Jordan wielding his saxophone.  I couldn't find him!  Well, we have over 200 in our band, so I decided that I must have just missed him.  But then, there on the back row, he came walking by, no saxophone, just walking.  But, he had on those Dracula gloves...or so I thought.

This is the sweet part.  There is another bass player in the band.  He's a short, scrawny little fellow; one grade ahead of Jordan.  He doesn't really look like a bass guitar player, whatever one is supposed to look like.  After we all got home from the parade, Jordan said that he didn't have a band hat, anymore, so they just had them to walk with the band, no playing saxophone.  He also told me that someone else in the band had an extra pair of "real" band gloves, and they gave them to him to wear.  Well, the other little bass player dude asked Jordan if he had any white gloves.  Jordan told him that he did, and that they would actually probably fit him better anyway.  He also told him that they were Dracula gloves.  To which he replied...

"Sweet!"


Jordan (in black) & the other dude (with the Dracula gloves)

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

One Step Forward, Two Steps Back

That's the way things are going, lately.  Kevin is doing a lot better, as far as I can tell.  We go in the morning to the mental health center to start that process.  It will be good to finally get an evaluation done by people who know about this stuff.  So, this situation is moving right along now, but...

Justin called today and said that he doesn't have a job anymore.  He went in to work this shortened-already 3-day week today only to be told that they did not need any of the temps anymore.  So, he went back home.  He still technically works for the staffing agency, so he is going to talk to them tomorrow when he goes to pick up his check.  Maybe they will have something else for him.  He said that he really wants to find a job on his own.  That would be great.  Then maybe he could get benefits.  But, now is not the best time to be looking for a job.  I worry about him and Chelsea.  The baby will be here around the end of November, and I really hope he has a job way before then.  She is on Medicaid and WIC, so at least that is taken care of.  Please just keep them in your prayers. Pray that he will find the right job soon.

On a brighter note, it's homecoming week in Albertville.  We play the Ft. Payne Wildcats, who have beaten us about 9 times in a row.  I wonder why our homecoming is always scheduled with hard teams?  I mean, how fun is it to celebrate a loss at the homecoming dance?!  My boys are dateless this year.  That's fine with me!  Those homecoming corsages are expensive!  I asked them if they were going to the dance, and they both said that nobody goes to those.  Oh well.  Things have really changed since I was in high school.  Tomorrow evening will be the homecoming parade.  I'll take pictures and post some.  It's time to make this blog groovy again.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Just A Quick Update

So, things are moving right along.  Kevin is feeling a lot better.  He said that he still doesn't feel totally like he thinks he should feel, but the medicine does take time to really start working.  We are still going to the mental health center on Thursday to get the ball rolling on that.  Hopefully, we will get him back on track soon.  I can already see a major difference in him.

Justin and Chelsea came down for the weekend.  That little belly is really starting to grow!  It won't be very long now.  I still haven't figured out what I want my grandkids to call me.  I am still holding out for a hip grandma name...and nothing that everyone else is being called, either.  I better put on my thinking cap and decide, or it will be decided for me.

Justin called me Monday morning and said that the place where he has been working cut his hours down to 3 days a week.  This is just after he went in on Saturday and worked overtime!  He said that he is gonna have to start looking for another job.  He is still technically working for the staffing agency, so I told him to talk to them and see if they had anything else full-time.  I was disappointed, as was he.  We really hoped that this would turn into a regular job for him.  Oh well.  I guess things happen for a reason.  There must be bigger and better things out there for him.

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Getting The Runaround


(Picking up where I left off with my last post.  This was written on Thursday.)
The next morning after the ER visit, I proceeded to call the doctor's office that the screener told us to. The lady I talked to told me that she would have to call back that afternoon to see what they could do. She didn't call back. I called back around 3 p.m. and got their voicemail. I left a message to see if she had found out anything. When I talked to Kevin a little later and told him that I was trying to get him an appointment with the psychiatrist, he decided to try to call for himself. They answered the phone this time. The lady told him that she was still trying to work something out, and that she would call him between 4:30 -- 5:00 p.m. She didn't! I called at 5:30 and left a "nice" little message that my husband needed help, and it would be nice if she would do, at least, what she said that she would do.

The following day. (Wednesday) She must have gotten my message. She called Kevin. She told him that she knew it was frustrating, but they were booked solid, and she was hoping for a cancellation, or to be able to move some people around so that they could help him. Kevin told her that he just needed some medication until they could see him. She told Kevin that she would have to talk to the doctor, and she would call him back. Sure. Kevin and I were both beginning to get very irritated. I got home from work that day, and she still had not called him back. Surprise. Surprise. So, I proceeded to call. Got the voicemail. I was very nice and considerate and told her that Kevin just wanted to know if she had gotten a chance to talk to the doctor yet. A short time later, she called back and talked to Kevin. She asked him his age. Told them that they were booked solid into January, and that they had thought that they could send him somewhere else to be seen...but he was over the age limit! WHAT?!! Kevin was so mad!! I was, too. He told her that whatever happened would be on that doctor's hands. He hung up and threw his phone across the living room. He screamed. He hit the wall with his fist a few times. He grabbed his head. He asked why he wasn't important enough to get some help.
And, she didn't bother to call back...

What is a person to do that needs psychological help around here?!! We must live in just a God-awful podunk place. Of course, they told him that he could go back to the ER if he got bad. We CANNOT do that EVERYDAY!!!! He's out of work, and he just needs to be properly diagnosed and given the proper medication. That's all we ask. Is that so much?!

After all this took place, Kevin's sister called their brother who had dealt with a similar situation in his family. He suggested Brookwood Medical Center in Birmingham. It was 1  1/2 hours away, but he said that they could help Kevin. So, we took off there last night. They asked Kevin if he would be willing to stay. He said that he would be fine with whatever because he just wanted to get better. We followed a security guard to the psych ward. They asked Kevin to turn out his pockets. They checked him for weapons and such. They gave me a paper with instructions on how to get in to see him, and the visiting hours. I gave Kevin a kiss and left him there. The look on his face when I walked out said, "I'm sorry I am letting you down." But, he's not. I love him. I just want him to get better and enjoy life again. It will be better on us all.

I got a call from Kevin this morning (Thursday). He seemed okay. He told me that he DID NOT belong on that floor. There were some looney toons there. He said if he stayed on that floor much longer, he WOULD be crazy! He told me that they had mentioned moving him. The nurse didn't even think he belonged there. I haven't heard from him any more today. Visiting hours are from 7:30--8:30 tonight. Maybe he won't have to be in there for very long. Let's hope so.

UPDATE:  (Saturday Morning)
Kevin called me around 4:00 on Thursday and said that he didn't care WHO I had to talk to, to come get him out of that place!  I wasn't sure if I would be able to do that.  I didn't know the policy on that, but he DID check in of his own free will.  I called back, and talked to the head nurse and asked her if it would be possible for Kevin to check out, since he had agreed, voluntarily, to stay.  She was very nice.  She said that she would have to contact the doctor and get an "Against Medical Advice" release.  She was able to do that.  I talked to Kevin, and he said to get down there as fast as I could.

I programmed the GPS, and I headed down to Birmingham.  Went down to the psych ward.  Pressed the button on the intercom outside the doors and told them that I was there to pick up my husband.  They said that they would bring him out.  A few minutes later, there he was.  He couldn't get out of that place fast enough!  He said that he would get himself straightened out.  He did not belong on that floor with all the drug addicts and just plain out crazy people.  All he had wanted to do was to get some rest and medication that would help him.  Instead, he said that they did "activities" all day, and he told us some stories about his "room mate", and some of the other crazies in there. 

Friday we went to his regular medical doctor.  She knows his situation, and she knows the family situation, also, because she was Kevin's mother's and daddy's doctor, also.  It helped him a lot to tell her what was going on.  She prescribed him something for his anxiety and something that is a mood stabilizer.  She told him to keep the appointment that he has with the mental health center on October 8, and then just do whatever they think is best.  She gave him a release for work, so he is going back tomorrow.  (Sitting at home all day was not helping him!)

So far, things have been great.  I think that just knowing that there ARE people out there that are trying to get him back on track has helped him.  It was just frustrating to me to realize that someone who needs help IMMEDIATELY is unable to get it unless they go to the ER, which is just a temporary fix.

And, by the way, I will never recommend Dr. Ciaccio in Guntersville to anyone.  We never talked to him, but his receptionist does NOT have good skills in dealing with people.  The last time that Kevin talked to her, and she was putting him off...again.  He told her that whatever happened would be on the doctor's hands, then he hung up on her.  Threw his phone across the living room.  And hit the wall with his fist a few times.  She didn't even bother to call back.  We haven't heard from that office since then.