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Friday, April 24, 2009

Bees...

My friend, Lori, has a fantastic blog that I enjoy reading daily. She is real, funny and her stories about her kids will keep you in stitches. Today she discussed her son and his interpretation of a song at their church. One line of that interpretation being "beebeebee"... well I followed Garrett's lead and stole his line when I discovered a bee in my apartment. My version, however, came out more like a yell/high pitched/typical girl reaction of "beebeebee" !
Where in the world did they come from ?!?!?!!?!?!?! .

I noticed sugar jumping around and chasing something yesterday but I thought it was a fly. Today I noticed a bee on my bedroom curtains so I smashed it with my shoe. I assumed it followed me in while I was doing laundry. Much to my horror there were 6 more bees in my window sill! My poor hunny cat was babying her back paw a little so I checked out the situation and sure enough, there was a stinger in it. I pulled it out the proper way and she is on the road to recovery. My poor baby.

I hate bees. HATE HATE HATE bees...

When I was young I had a bee on my shoulder. Brian, being the older brother to the rescue type, took my jenny doll and whacked me with it.. sending the bee to its death.

In elementary school the "africanized honey bees" came about and the information talks freaked me out beyond words. Don't wear certain colors, run in a zig-zag motion if you are getting chased, they will follow you into the water etc etc. I thought every place in ramona was going to be infested with these things. It was more hype than anything.

Now I have to figure out where these stupid things are coming from. Y.I.K.E.S. Did I mention that I HATE bees?

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Easter Fun


Although it was celebrated a week later, we had a great family Easter celebration. I just love my family. Always a ton of food and non-stop laughter. This auntie went a bit crazy this year but I loved it! A total of 9 easter baskets made, 300 kid eggs, 2 adult eggs and 14 goodie bags... I know it's not all about the stuff but the added joy it brings tops of the day and makes it perfect. We headed to Jim and Jessica's and utilized their big back yard. Tables were set up outside and we let the kids run loose and hunt for their eggs. It was a gorgeous day.. probably in the 80s or so. The only ones that didn't enjoy the warm weather were the sad chocolate bunnies in the easter baskets. They ended up as a pile of brown chocolate with eyes. It was almost funny to see what state each bunny was in.

Big winners for the adult egg hunt were Brian K. and Summer. Brian actually went right to where the first "big kid" egg was hidden but he didn't see it. I had to get creative and make it challenging for the adults this year. Unfortunately that meant I had to encounter countless spiders, a slug that landed on my hand (EW!) and numerous unidentified bugs (shudder).My bestie and her sister in law, amy, brought the kids for the big egg hunt. I think we had 10 or 11 kids total. We let the little ones (2yrs and younger) go first to get a head start then unleashed the big kids into easter egg madness. I think the pictures speak for themselves. I think I am shooting for 500 eggs next year.








Saturday, April 18, 2009

Gettin the Boot

Just when you have lost faith in all people, you have a day that renews your spirit and keeps you going. Thursday was the annual Burn Institute "Give Burns the Boot" Boot Drive. Once a year fire fighters around San Diego County stand on street corners holding their boots and collecting money for the Burn Institute.

We were all a little skeptical this year. It was the day after tax day, the economy is still deeply troubled, and it was spring break. Last year Ramona raised approx $13,000-14,000 but we weren't sure if we would get anything close to that this year. Regardless we woke up early and headed to the streets.

First of all it was great exercise running back and forth between highway 67 and dye rd! Secondly in the short amount of time it took to place some bills or change in the boot I heard some amazing things.. (I didn't know anyone's name so I will make up names for fun)


Sally: " You guys life flighted my daughter from station 81 last year. I was so scared and you guys took such good care of her. She is doing great and today is her birthday! Thank you for everything you guys are doing."


Francine: " I really don't have much and I hate to ask this.. but all I have is a 20.. could I get 10 back? I'm really sorry to ask that"

Gary: "I don't have any money on me but I want to donate. Will you guys be out here all day?"

The stories went on and on. One after another saying thank you and throwing cash in the boots. Some needed change, some had no money on them, some only had a few cents.. but they all donated or made an effort. The one that touched me the most was the lady I talked about above. Yes, she asked for change and some may be shocked by that. Clearly she was sacrificing what little she had to help the cause. Amazing...










Friday, April 17, 2009

Ham Hunters

Normally I do not put off running errands and getting things for family events but this week has told a different story. You see, we are celebrating easter a week later this year for a number of reasons. I signed up to bring the ham. You know.. the big, juicy lump of meat that melts in your mouth and is the main course. For some reason I felt I had all the time in the world... until today. Today was the last day to get a ham for our shindig tomorrow. No problem right? Run to costco, pick it up, come home. Easy....

I had lunch with a friend then we headed to the Costco by her house. We must have done 4 or 5 laps around the meat section but we just weren't seeing the shiny red foil wrapped ham. I finally asked someone and he said they were sold out. WHAT?! How is that possible? It's a week after Easter.. haven't they gotten a new food shipment? Apparently not.

No need to panic. There was an albertsons down the street. They had one.. count them ONE ham left and it was huge. I didn't buy it because I knew it was way too much. We left and I decided to stop by another Costco on my way home. They didn't have any either! It was 7:30 pm and they close at 8:30. I started to feel a little panicky. The next costco was 30min away. I practically ran to my car and drove quickly to the next Costco. They didn't have any either! At this point I was ready to call my friend and have her go back to albertsons to get that one lonely ham! I have to show up tomorrow with a ham. How can we have an Easter meal with no ham? I was wondering if I would have to serve ham lunch meat to my family and friends.

I took a shot at one more store before heading back to Ramona. Jackpot! Stater Bros. in poway had a ton of them. I finally picked one and of course when I get to the register it has no price tag. Awesome. So the bagger high tails it to the meat department to find a price. In the meantime I can see the line behind me getting bigger and people getting antsy. It's like their eyes were burning into the back of my head. Just staring, wondering what on earth could be taking so long when I only had 4 items. The bagger is taking her time so the checker calls back to the meat department. She didn't think the price quoted was correct so she just made up a price.

So 3 Costcos, 1 Albertsons and 1 Stater Bros. later I walked away with a ham that was originally priced at $15.30 but marked down by my new favorite checker to $7.83

So my dear family.. savor this ham while you eat it tomorrow..cuz this was almost the easter with no ham.

Thursday, April 9, 2009

35 Years


My Mom and Dad were high school sweethearts. 35 years later they are still going strong. That is practically unheard of these days! They celebrated their anniversary on April 6th.




My parents have never pretended that life was easy or perfect. They have certainly had their trials, just like any couple. The thing that sticks out the most to me is that they did everything they possibly could to stick it out, get through it, press on. They always put their family first. Never missing a performance, track meet, soccer or basketball game.. One of them was always there.




They even traveled to New York my Junior year of high school when my choir went there for a competition. The other kids in the choir called them " mom and dad". People who didn't know them probably thought they had 50 kids roming around. In a sense, they did.




When times were tough they made sure my brothers and I had everything we needed. They would go without so their kids wouldn't have to. They are the same way even now, eventhough we are all grown. They make sacrifices only parents would make. They work hard every day and put their family first no matter what.




They have been a great example of a strong marriage and amazing parents. I love them more than words can say.




My mom and I used to have a lot of ummm disagreements when i was younger. I had a bit of a temper and that didn't go over well during conversations. Over the years we have grown closer and I truely see her one of my best friends. She is always there to tell me she loves me and to help me stay strong.




I am totally my dad's little girl. he used to give me horsie back ride to bed when I was little. he has a nickname just for me that still makes me blush. He's not one to show too much emotion but I know he has a soft spot in his heart just for me. He's the one that still wants to protect me even after all these years.




I am so blessed by the parents God has given me. I thank God for them daily. I love you mom and dad.. Happy 35th wedding anniversary!

My "Bear"

I was a junior in high school when I found out I was going to be an aunt for the first time. Although I was shocked, I was so excited. Then I found out it was a girl! I rode to the hospital with Jimmy and it seemed like it was taking forever to get there. Then we had to sit and wait until she was born! On April 6, 1998 at approx. 3:10am my first niece, Alissa Renae, was born. I couldn't wait to get in the room and see her.

I will never forget the first time I held her. I looked down at this tiny little girl with brilliant blue eyes and I was in love. A smile formed on her lips when she looked at me. She had this auntie hook, line and sinker with that smile.

My mom watched her a lot so I got to spend a boat load of time with her. I loved her deep belly laugh, her curly blonde hair and her smile that could melt my heart any hour of the day. I've always felt the word "aunt" made me sound old. So I opted for her to call me "auntie". Being the youngster she was, she couldn't quite say the word so it ended up sounding like "tee tee". Over the years it has stuck and my other nieces and nephews call me that. I absolutely love it.

I remember one day I took her to Stater Bros with me. We were walking down the aisle when she spotted a younger guy down at the end. Now we all know kids have no volume control on their voice.. so when she said " tee tee he's cute!".. it came out quite loud! He stopped, looked up and smiled. I couldn't do anything but turn bright red and laugh. For the record, he was indeed a cutie!

Somewhere over time I started calling her "bear". I have no idea where it came from but no matter what she will always be my little bear. She turned 11 this last monday. I stood there looking at her, completely amazed. She's so precious to me. I don't get to see her or spend as much time with her as I would like. I am hoping to change that this year and in the years to come. She's almost as tall as me and that freaks me out like you wouldn't believe!

Occasionally I grab her while she is walking by, pull her onto my lap and try to hold her like a baby. In an exasperated tone filled with laughter she says "teeeee teeee". Oh how I love this kid! She has a knowledge of horses and animals that I am jealous of. She is strong, sensitive, stubborn, beautiful, full of life, smart and funny. I can't believe how big she is getting. This auntie could go on forever but I better stop before I become a blubbering blogger.. more than I already am right now :)

Happy Birthday my no so little "Bear". I love you SO much!

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Selfishness

*A 25 yr old woman is dead, her 4 week old son now motherless and a husband and family left grieving a life that was cut too short. I went to high school with that young woman. I may not have talked to her since I graduatated 10 years ago but I remember her. I remember a smile that touched your very soul. Hugs that would make you feel like the most loved person in the world and joy that could light up a football stadium. Alex Drake is dead because someone else decided to either street race or couldn't control their road rage. Alex was minding her own business. Probably excited about going on an outing with her mom and new baby. The drivers of the other vehicles made a selfish choice and dear, precious Alex paid the price.

* A line of cars (about 10-15) waiting at a stoplight. A truck pulled over on the right hand shoulder with a man standing outside doubled over in obvious pain. It was clear there were no flat tires. He was doing his best to wave and reach out to the cars driving by. Does anyone stop? No. Not until a dispatcher on her way to work realizes this man needs help. Arms stiff, sharp abdominal and chest pains and a hard time breathing. A quick phone call to my dispatch center and the medics are on the way. The patient and firefighters thank me for calling and I remember thinking "why wouldn't I call?" To me, it was obvious he needed help. not once did I feel unsafe pulling over.

* An ambulance, Battalion Chief, Fire Engine, Another Battalion Chief, Another Fire Engine... Lights flashing, sirens screaming, the horn honking... a clear sign to get the heck out of the way. I pull over and what do the three cars behind me do? Pass me and speed up! You have got to be kidding me. Am I the only one that looks in the rearview mirror for more reasons than to check my hair or make-up? I know they are not responding to your emergency at this particular moment but is was someone's emergency.

The selfishness I have seen over the last week or so makes me sick to my stomach. Is everyone so self absorbed that they are not aware of the things around them? Is getting to work/home 2 minutes early really worth increasing your speed a considerable amount and endangering everyone around you? Potentially landing you or someone else in the hospital or dead OR you with a speeding ticket?

Sometimes people make comments about how I am always making cookies or brownies or something for the fire stations. They make me feel like I really have no life and that I sound kind of pathetic really. Sometimes people outright say I need to get a life or do somethng else with my time. Well guess what.. I enjoy doing these things. I honestly do. It brings me so much joy when the crews are excited and they scarf down 5 cookies in one mouth-full. They deserve it. They deal with so much every day. I never want to stop doing nice things for people. Over the last week or so I've seen the destruction selfishness can leave in its wake.

The man I called the ambulance for needed to go to the hospital but didn't go because he didn't have insurance or money to pay. Would I pull over again and do the same thing? Absolutely! He could have passed out there on the side of the road and who knows what would have happened.

The fire engines,battalion chiefs, and ambulance got to the accident scene this morning but almost at the price of someone's life when a car cut in front of one of the fire engines.

Take a moment this week, hug someone you love. Do one nice thing for someone. Think beyond yourself. Please.

Thursday, April 2, 2009

The Good, The Bad and The Udderly Ridiculous


A couple weekends ago my brothers, sister-in-laws and I went to a murder mystery cafe' for dinner. I think we were all excited to get dresses up and go out together. Going into it we knew there was a chance someone from the audience would be picked to be part of the show.


There were three empty seats at our table until Warren, Joyce and Ursula joined us. Warren quickly headed to the chair next to me which gave my brothers their first ammunition for the evening. Warren said " I know a good thing when I see one"... he sat away from his wife and next to me. This would be slightly flattering had Warren been a good looking man in his 30s.. maybe even 40s but NO. Warren was probably about 70 years old. Warren quickly became my friend and "partner" in solving the trivia questions. I have to say that atleast he was more nice than creepy.

The theme was the Hooter County Fair. Fitting as it was, our table was on the "Cow" side of the room as opposed to the "Pig" side of the room. (Just for the record, three of us grew up in Ramona and not once did we ever go cow tipping). Instead of clapping for things we were instructed to Moo. There was a lot of audience participation...Especially when they said "Hooter County". We had to make the "ok" sign with both hands, flips our hands upside down and put the "o' part over our eyes (like you used to do as a kid when you made a batman mask on your face) then flap our bent arms like chicken wings while chanting "Hooooo hoooooo, love them hooters". It was impossible to do without laughing.


Our saloon-girl waitress asked if anyone at the table was available, aka single. Much to my brothers' amusement and without even thinking, my sister-in-laws (you know the girls that marry your brothers but are supposed to take your side on everything and support you when it comes to stupid guys no matter what) throw me under the bus and point at me. Thanks ladies! I sat in fear for the rest of the show. Thinking " what are they going to do when they call me up on stage?", " how badly are they going to embaress me?", " what am I going to have to do". I was a bundle of nerves.

There was a certain town sheriff that rode a pony on a stick. He would move that pony in some suggestive manners. At one point I noticed my brothers texting then whispering to their wives. oh dear god what are they scheming this time? I asked brian what the text was and he said I couldn't read it because it was inappropriate for me. The fear grew.. Later I found out my oldest brother had told the sheriff I would like to pet the pony. Thanks..eww (he played two characters so here he is as a bad guy)

The show continued and it was hilarious! Numerous times we were wiping tears from our eyes or holding our sides from laughing so hard. It was a good night out with the sibilings. Sadly, warren didn't ask for my number and went home with his wife. Too bad.. the old guy kinda grew on me by the end of the night. (totally kidding)

The King family with "Miss" Trampy aka our friend Shawn