A Little Happiness Sent to you...

Wow!!!!

2011-03-29T18:13:00.000-07:00

It seems that the summer went by SO FAST! But then again, it is almost time (again) for my birthday! *YAY YAY* Over the summer, we did make trips to the Twin Cities a few times...good times! The 1 that we made in July was, like, the ultimate in good times for me at least! Rae, Alicia and I took down a friend of mine to the airport there so she could fly home. Well, she had to be to the airport by 5 A.M. and I almost made it! LOL. In reality, she did make it there by then but got caught in security and then her flight ended up taking off early (seriously I KNOW!). So, she ended up on a flight about 5 hours later...but by then of course my phone was dead so I didn't know that until 4 or so hours later. But I left the airport and I was almost lost...trying to find my way back to the hotel that I had left Rae and Alicia at...so, of course I do have a few strings down there...and 1 of them is a pilot out of MSP so I had to call him for directions...HEHE! He then gets me on the road back and hangs up...and not 2 minutes later calls me to ask "WHY am I not there?". So, it was story time...until my phone dies. :P But we made it a whole day trip...and that was a lot of good times...Shopping at Mall of America, Maplewood Mall and Roseville finished off with Hard Rock Cafe! Then to come home (and oh yeah I hadn't slept yet either since before we left Wahpeton) and I had to drive because Rae wasn't driving in the Cities. We stopped in Albertville Outlet Mall and did, yet, MORE shopping! Oh it was worth it though! Then came my step-dad's birthday...and the day that we got a new...DOG! His name is Buddy...AKA Lucky! We are pretty sure that he is deaf and blind in 1 eye so that is how he got his nickname. He was actually 1 year old on Christmas Day. So now we have the 2 dogs and Oreo seems to like him. She likes to have a playmate though. He is a Dauschaund and she is Border Collie/Blue Heeler and he likes to pretend that he can run as much and fast as she does...LOL. She runs 1 step and he has to go like 3-4 steps to match her 1...It is actually kind of cute to watch them. We did actually have a temporary dog also about 2 weeks ago. A Min-Pin/Terrier mix. Her name was Baylee and Rae was dogsitting for a girl she knows. That lasted about 2 days until Rae realized that with going to school and working it is actually hard to take care of 3 dogs. Now of course the subject of Ryan. Well, he came again in February and I was actually in St. Cloud with my mom and grandma. Then a few people started "snooping" aka asking questions turns out that he is actually...MARRIED! Ok, so I would have NEVER guessed that in a million years!! When I was told that my head just spun...good thing that I was just a passenger at the time and not the driver yet. So, needless to say I was 1 *shocked* girl! We stopped for lunch and met my grandma's nephew and then went to the home that my grandma's sister had recently been moved into (at the tender age of 99 1/2 that is). Well, sadly she recently passed away and that was tough for my grandma. My mom and aunt went with her down to St. Cloud for the prayer service/funeral and then my grandma stayed down there with family for about a week or so...then her nephew brought her back to Wahpeton and then he ended up getting stranded here due to a massive snow storm that pretty much shut down a portion of the tri-state area...in March that is! Not as bad as last year though when we got a snow storm in April...that will not happen this year though! We already do have enough snow...and then of course we are right on 3 rivers. It won't be as bad as 1997 flood of the Red River Valley but this 1 is going to hit Fargo pretty good...LOL. They were not prepared for 2009 and now they think that they are prepared but now that the mayor isn't talking to media anymore there are a few speculations that they aren't as prepared as what they should be. I just hope that they are. I know that we are ready and waiting now. That's all that we can do. But, well I am off now! I need to run some errands yet before I get to finally go to bed. Since I have been up since 5 A.M. I am actually looking forward to bed tonight. I have some shows to catch up on...Bring them ON! I have an addiction...Army Wives! I have watched the latest episode and I *CRIED* through the whole D*MN show! If you are into that show it is a definite must watch! TATA! LoVe, ~Joy~

2010-08-11T00:41:00.000-07:00

Strange but true facts:
Yeah don't know what else to say...It has been a *LONG* Day! I know that everyone has them but it seems that just today went longer than normal...OY VAY!
I am kind of procrastinating!!! I am supposed to be looking up some Football games for my aunt so that we can plan on when they want to go down for a game...and YEAH I am going with them! Watch out...I'M COMING BACK AGAIN! HAHA
Night all!
LoVe,
~Joy~

P.S. And we are going to Montana in December!!!! A friend of ours moved there and wants to see my smiling face! Ok, all of ours!

SUMMER!!!!

2010-06-27T02:02:00.000-07:00

Has finally arrived!!!!! I am actually excited over this fact because it means more time outside...and of course trips! HAHA we went to Minneapolis/St. Paul this week and got home Thursday...Pretty good time had by all...We went with our Aunt, Her Husband and Sister (Rae) and I. Our Aunt had some appointments and an eye surgery to do down there so we went did all the pre-op on day 1 then just hung out and did some little stuff and had supper...day 2 was the surgery and then Rae and I went to a mall with our Aunt and hit up a movie that night. Then the final day we had to be up and out of the room before her appointment because we figured that it would be a long appointment...since the previous days had been EXTREMELY LONG! The doctors and staff were all very nice and helpful though so that made it tolerable! The resident that we met with the 1st day was a cutie...and if I was in the market would have been trying to go for him...HAHA! :)

On that happy note...RYAN!!!!! Unfortunately I had no time to call him and tell him that I was going to be in the metro area this time...but I am going to be back there it looks 2 times in July as it looks now...and I know that he is coming to Wahpeton soon also. :D He once made me a promise that I would promise him to go to the zoo with him...so I am going to hold him to holding me to my promise...I am *CONFUSED* right now I think!

But I am off now...Going to shower and sleep...AHHHHH!

Take care and Love ya all LOTZ!

OOPS!

2010-04-30T23:47:00.000-07:00

AND Happy Belated Birthday to you, Ryan! Yes I remember that you are 359 days OLDER than I AM! HAHA!
See you soon!
Yes, I am struggling to make a trip to the cities...but recently found out that I have a meeting for work in St. Cloud coming up...so, looks as if that could be the day! *YAY* *YAY*

Belated...Birthday Greetings to you and me!

2010-04-30T23:40:00.000-07:00

Last week was my birthday! That was a good day! My mom and I have the same birthday...and we both had to work that day...she had a "mandatory" meeting at work and then my boss asked me if I would work that day...and since I didn't/couldn't get into the doctor that day for my annual audiology/ENT appointments I decided to work. Not that bad...then we headed up to Fargo for some *YUMMY* Paradiso! It was overall good!
Then 2 days afterwards was prom in Wahpeton...so it was pretty chaotic in our house that day with people in and out all day long. My step-dad bailed out early in the afternoon! HAHA smart man! He went out to the farm to get some stuff from storage...and I think just because he didn't want to be here with all the girls in this house! HAHA
Well, HAPPY WEEKEND!!!!
Until later!
Love,
~Joy~

2010-04-15T23:40:00.000-07:00

Ok...It has been a while again...I KNOW...SLACKER!
Well, let's see...HMM...Brandon and I *finally* called it off in September :(
Just decided that with me traveling so much...not only for work but also family we just figured that it was for the best...kind of sad after all that we had been through over the last few years...but also for the best I hope. Also, there was kind of a twist to the story. But to make it even stranger is the fact that some girl was claiming that she was having his baby...turned out to be made up to see what would happen. Just plain evil on her part I think, but we remain friends still and hope to be able to remain friends for a really long time.
Ryan on the other hand...He lives in the Twin Cities and we met actually in my town. We became fast friends...and the 1st night that we met we ended up talking for about 2 hours. It was a lot of fun just to meet someone new and to take an instant liking to them. I can tend to be on the shy side sometimes...but with him it seemed that we were long lost friends. Then he came back through in September...And I was actually getting ready to leave town again...just like the 1st time he was here! So, we talked about our adventures of traveling and where the nest things are to see/do in each of the major metro areas. He gave me some great ideas for the Twin Cities and I gave him some great ideas for Grand Forks, Fargo, Bismarck, Minot and Dickinson!
Unfortunately, when he passed through in March though I was out of town...State Hockey in Fargo. That went well! The girls played HARD and came with 6 out of 15 so overall they were happy! 7 games in 3 days though so they played a lot of games. After we got home from the weekend most of them went to sleep for about 2 to 3 hours. I know that I would have...but I had to unpack and pack to leave again almost right away! HAHA
It's now almost my Birthday again! I am hoping to get to the Twin Cities soon after! I am going to be looking at my schedule and "TRY" to squeeze in a trip down there...And hopefully get to the Festival of Nations again this year. Oh what fun!
OK, so that's all for now!
Until we meet again!
Love,

~Joy~

On that note...

2009-10-09T23:05:00.000-07:00

...Shoot ME! I AM SICK! I've had to trudge through work all week while running a fever...and if you remember I am not the one that really gets sick that much anymore. This STINKS! Off to bed because I have a birthday party tomorrow. Oh yeah!
Nighty night Lovers! HAHA

Life is...well...you know!

2009-10-02T22:09:00.000-07:00

Ever have one of those days where you want to STRANGLE EVERYONE! Think that you can tell that was one of them for me! AHH YES!
My sisters' friend has been sick since last Saturday I think it was...WELL, today she went to the clinic to get the results of her tests and SHE HAS H1N1 virus. So, she was the 1 that went with us to the college visit...and yeah you have the virus for 2 weeks before you get the symptoms...Now I play the wait and see game! Here's to hoping that it's not me...or anyone else that I know. I would probably kill someone since I haven't gotten the flu in like 4 years now! *YAY* Go me!!!!!!!! My biggest fear is that if I do get it than my Meniere's acting up and the 2 mix together is a recipe for DISASTER!
Off for now! I have been loading pictures on the computer so I can clean off the disc...and than take more tomorrow. My moms' aunt turns 98 today and tomorrow is the party for her! Than next weekend is my step dad's moms birthday. All the pictures!
Have a great weekend!
Love,
~Joy~

So yeah...My rant maybe a little...

2009-09-29T22:55:00.000-07:00

This week...well it started off Great! I was all pumped and ready for it to begin...I mean after all it is a short one that is! HAHA I had to go to my aunt's and than had to go to Minot for a few of her doctor appointments that is(and I drive her there since 1 of them is an eye appointment). SO, the moral of the story is that I left after work on Monday night...and if you know me you know how much I prepare in advance to go on a trip! My nature of course is to wait until the last possible second to get all the stuff organized, packed and loaded into the vehicle. I (well my mom) decided that I needed to take toys, play sets, kids stuff out to my aunts' place for her husbands' grandkids and nieces and nephews. So, they have to load that during the day while I am at work than the mess comes because mom has her car at her work, my sister has her car at school and I have mine...YEAH so than they decide to switch their cars and I still have mine and have no idea what to do next but I am at work and decide not to worry about it then. Eventually it all works out in the end as always. Now I am off and need to get home to shower, do my hair, makeup and PACK (shudders) HAHA! I hate that word A LOT! You would think that I would be used to packing and unpacking every week but I definitely am not. Just from this last summer that is
Well in other news...my little sister did her 1st college visit 2 weekends ago now...Strange but true! She went to tour University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. I think that she enjoyed it and she is looking into going there and majoring in Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences. Yeah true. But she got to meet with a member of the Criminal Justice department and talked to them. Now she also has the application process, transcript transfer, and of course the ever loved ACT's to do yet! She hasn't even done those yet. She was supposed to but she had to cancel because she had a Staph infection in her foot and she had to do IV treatments every 12 hours and they happened to coincide with the treatments so we re-scheduled the ACT's.
NOW, here is my RANT...Since when is customer service is THAT HARD! I mean REALLY! I recently stopped at a Drive Thru and I guess that since it was in a small town in North Dakota I figured that maybe they would be half way pleasant...OH NOT! It was 10:45 P.M. and all but still I mean I even said thank you and was nice but do you think that they could be? NO! HELLO! Really???? That was the type of visit that will make me think twice before returning there ever again...OH wait I don't normally stop in that town just because it is usually not the route that I take to go out west but Monday night I had not eaten before I left home and by than I was starving but really I would think that the way that the people were I could have just went somewhere else...and next time I will. I than thought that maybe I could call the survey number on the receipt but there was none so now I can just stalk the people that I need to talk to...and I will! I do happen to know a few people that work for that corp and I can talk to them. It would not be the 1st time that I have complained to him and I hope that it will be the last! Although I know that he does appreciate the information and that he does his job seriously because he did tell me that the last time I had a horrible experience he told me that he would be going back there to confront them and tell them that he did have a talk with someone that said that she will never be going back there again...and he knows that I do mean it! There are so many choices out there that I can choose another place next time...AND INTEND TO! So, now I need to go off and stalk someone's email address.
Ok, I am off my soap box now! HAHA! I love to rant sometimes and I have been bottling this one up since Monday night...although when it was happening I was on the phone but I was/am the person that if I am at a place I will either hang up the phone or I will put it off to the side while there is a person looking at me or waiting for me just because I do find it to be a common courtesy to pay attention to the person that you are looking at and not to the person on the phone because you can always talk/call the person back.
Now, I am off to bed. My last night in Minot and then I am off to my aunt's again and than to Grand Forks. I want to see someone BUT I am sure that he is in the Minneapolis region working there now...or Michigan. If only I knew because that would make next weeks' trip so much easier. Also if he is in Minneapolis or Michigan he will be in Grand Forks in 2 weeks when I am there and GUESS WHAT!?!? I will see him then!
"He" is kind of a long, weird and complicated story...BUT let's just say that I am going to *finally* admit that YES I do like him! Never thought that I would have to admit it but I am going to. So I can't wait to see him again! The last time was nice but it was an adventure to see him and take much grief about it!
Night~ Love ya much!!!

~Joy~

Yay! to you

2009-06-05T00:52:00.000-07:00

Yay! To chocolate veeam muffins and caffeine free diet coke at 3 a.m. I guess! I had to bring my sister to school today so I've only been up for like 20 hours and I'm still going! Not too sure how much longer though! She is taking an extra class in summer school and then doesn't take it during the year...so they get done early or have an extra hour break during senior year...that would have been nice when I was in school! HAHA
But she can't drive and won't be able to for a while! She had foot surgery on Tuesday and the bone shattered into 3 pieces instead of 1! Ouch! So, no work or play for her...and it's the summer before senior year! That sucks for her!
Take care! It's late and I'm off to bed now! Supper is over...for now!
Love ya all!

A Little Update!

2009-05-31T22:22:00.000-07:00

Hello! My name is Joy and I'm a little slacker lately! HAHA yeah seriously since I got the computer back from the shop I just haven't been on it that much! As it is I'm on my blackberry now doing this update! Ok so we recently had my birthday! Yes I had a lot of fun! I had a doctor appointment in Fargo that afternoon...new doctor at that! My ent retired last year so the new doctor came and I was kind of wondering about him at first! I mean not too many people out there have ever been diagnosed with Meniere's so when I found out there was a new doctor I kind of worried...but turns out that he is very good and he was willing to listen and talk...he had to read through my entire file while we talked...HAHA that didn't take forever or anything. It went well and then I was of for my hearing test next! Yay for good news though! My hearing did improve in both ears since last year! I was pumped when he told me that! That was the best birthday present that I could ask for.
Then there was *prom!* yeah my sister went to 2 this year! She is now dating a guy from the Breckenridge so on April 4th was prom in wahpeton and the 25th was his prom...that made for an interesting month! Then Easter included that month...I wonder where the month went to! Hehe
Now it is summer again. I'm excited for summer! I already started traveling...on Memorial day I went to Western North Dakota to see my aunt in her new town. It was interesting driving out there but I succeeded! It was a good 3 days out there and then on the way home I went through North Dakota and had to stop at my dads grave to talk to him. It's been a long time since I had been out there and since I was alone I stopped.
Now back to reality for now...I am off to Minneapolis the weekend of June 20th! That does excite me a lot! I *love* going there! It's supposed to be a weekend get away but my sister is having surgery on Tuesday on her foot so she wants to still go with me...we will see about that though! How she feels for 1 thing! But for now it's late and I'm off to bed now! Love ya all and I'll write more tomorrow I promise!
Until then!
*Joy*

Fargo...

2009-03-27T18:52:00.000-07:00

FARGO - In an unprecedented moment in recorded history, the Red River in Fargo this morning eclipsed the mark for its largest crest and continues to rise.
The Red River read 40.32 feet at 5:15 a.m., topping the previous mark of 40.1 feet set in 1897.
The river nudged ahead of the record with an official reading of 40.15 feet at 2:15 a.m.
Floodwaters forced residents to flee to higher ground Thursday in Fargo, Moorhead and the surrounding area, as forecasters warned that the Red River could reach a record 43 feet by Saturday.
The river passed the 1997 flood crest of 39.57 feet just after 7 p.m. Thursday.
__________________________________________________________________________
So, this is all happening 40 minutes to the north of me! I had the effects last week...but I was fortunate enough to have 2 pumps going at all times and we ended up with no water in the basement! Most of my neighborhood did experience *SOME* water in their basements but not a significant amount to report...THANKFULLY! We are fortunate to have a dike system in place that allows the river to get to 20 feet before we have to worry...and this year it hit 17.6 so it was off...BUT...yeah there is always a but when we talk about North Dakota floods! There is 1) a HUGE storm that is supposed to be moving in next week so that will result in some water...and 2) there are 3 water releases that will occur *tomorrow* and that does not please me! That amount of water doesn't worry me it's the storm that comes in!

Enough for now! Take Care, Stay Warm and Stay Dry! Love ya all!

~Joy~

2009-02-23T19:08:00.000-08:00

This is one of the 6 pictures that I can find that were done by a good friend of mine...Michael Cremers...06/09/1987-02/07/2009 R.I.P. Mike...you were loved and will be missed by all that knew you!

Life...

2009-02-09T20:03:00.000-08:00

Yeah first of all I have not wrote on here but now I just want to say a final good bye to a dear friend of mine...He recently passed away...21 and so young! R.I.P. Mike...You are loved and will be missed by many people including myself. <3

A computer has returned!

2008-09-20T21:44:00.000-07:00

I have FINALLY received my computer back...Virus and spyware free that is! *YAY*
I had to take it in...and then that ensued about how long it took...Then we decided to move the whole thing into another room...and it takes *FOREVER* to get the cable/phone/internet company to send a technician here! He came and look at this...I HAVE CAME BACK!
Well, *GOOD NIGHT* I am off to the land of sleep now!

I shall return!

Cheers~

~Joy~

The day is here!

2008-04-21T22:52:00.000-07:00

Guess what????? It is officially after midnight...So, that could only mean 1 thing!!!!!!!

FINALLY HAS ARRIVED! **MY BIRTHDAY**

Haha I love it! Have a great day...I will be!!!

Love,

~Joy~

2008-04-16T23:53:00.000-07:00

Me after Grand March at Prom...I have on my sister's dates' hat on here! Just being silly I was, yeah! Actually I was happy to be home...AND ALIVE! I came home on Thursday night...And major rain/sleet/snow mix that I drove through *ALL* the way! The normal 3 hour trip took me almost ***6*** to get back!
And on that note...It's almost time for my birthday!!!! Off to bed now! Good night!
Love,

~Joy~

I am off...

2008-04-06T14:07:00.000-07:00

So, tomorrow night I leave for Minneapolis...That should be fun! I know how to get to some places down there...And this is not one of them! I have to go there for work...and it is in a new place this time! Wish me *LUCK* I will need it I think!
Take care have a wonderful week! I hope that I will!
Oh yeah...Grand Forks was a *BLAST*
Love,

~Joy~

2008-03-10T00:41:00.000-07:00

To start with...Old stuff that is!! Prom is right around my corner (or should I say Rae's) and she *FINALLY* got a dress yesterday! We went to Grand Forks and found one! It is georgous! IT was she and I with a few other girls that all went and we had a great time! One and I are already planning the next time that we are going! HAHA

Now here comes the part where I spill my guts on here...For me college was a bad place...I was shy and not very outgoing and that is a bad combination to be in when you are 18 and a freshman in college...So, needless to say I decided to do somethings to myself that are harmful...First time I was into cutting and then one day I got caught by a guy that lived on the floor with me...He then told our RA and me being me did not want to get caught so I *LIED* to her and told her that I would never do that. O-Wait it does get better yet! I got caught 1 more time...But this time by another RA...And this time there was *NO* way of talking my way out of it! So, I was off to talk to the campus psychologist to see if we can come to a root of my problem. Well, after that the psychologist thought that she had somehow "cured" me then she sent me on the way! Yeah right I can act so well...and fake my way through some things! So, then just when you think that life is going good something else happens that sent me into a tailspin and I resorted back to myself...In terms of eating disorder this time. I was bulimic...Well, there were days that I would not eat and then the days that I would and then purge it. Once again I was caught...By the same RA! So, what happens? I am sure that you can figure out the scenario! :( He marches my little a** back to the psychologist and I have to see her 3 times a week this time (instead of 1 the last time). He even felt the need to go with me. I, at the time, hated him for it, but now I see that what he was making me do was for my own good only. This all occurred about 13-14 years ago and I have since been clean...Until recently...

I am not going into details but I have, in the last few weeks, been dealing with an employee that I have that has been going through a rough period in his life and feels the need to take control of his life by doing all the things that I did when I was about his age. At first when I was told that he was doing these things and I confronted him about it...He tried to deny it...And that was a sure sign that he was doing it. Because remember that I denied it at first. So, he denies it and I tell him that I know that for sure he is doing both things! He asks me how I know for sure...And I tell him that because he denied it so fast and that is a sure sign...*SIGHS and Takes a breath*...So, I wanted him to talk to me about why and all that good stuff. I mean I am not a psychologist but I have been there and know where he is coming from. At first he tells me that I have no idea what he is going through...But then I tell him my complete story. I was crying and almost made him also. (He said that if he looked at me he would have cried) I mean part of my problem was the death of my dad and that made me seem that I had lost a part of my life.

So, then a few weeks ago I *almost* went back to my old ways and one night I was so stressed out that I *DID* make myself do the one thing that I had swore off...I binged and purged...While I was at work of course...And the supervisor on duty was ready to kill me when she found out...Because I was playing employee and I was ticked off about something so I decided that I can do it 1 more time...and then the next time I swore that it was the last...A whole week of doing that and then I kind of came to my senses and decided that I could not do that anymore. So, I have since not done it again...But there are *always* the lasting effects of it. Well, when I visited the doctor 2 weeks ago I made a mention of it to him and he wasn't exactly happy...But off I go to him tomorrow! Wish me luck!!!

So, for now I am going to leave you with this thought...Never take advantage of your friends or your life! Because you never know when your friends will leave you...And because Life is precious! I now know how precious it is...And I will not take advantage of it!

OY VAY!!!!

2008-02-26T22:29:00.000-08:00

I tell you...Somedays are just...UMM...I can't explain this one! Last night we had a good time! I tell you that there are days that some people can come out of their shells and enjoy life and *HE* did just that! I know that at one point I was working on a project (and when I get involved I kind of get deep into thought and just stop paying attention to the little things around me)...SO, what does he decide to do? He snuck up behind me and grabbed me! Tell you what I almost died from thinking that someone was trying to get me...Then I hear him laughing! *SNARLS*
But yeah, I have admitted that I have a problem and he told me last night that he does to...Just has no idea how to get help...So, I told him that he took the first step. Now I *CAN* and *WILL* help him...No matter what...Just because he is the little brother that I never had...

Again...

2008-02-22T00:11:00.000-08:00

Ok, since it is *Late* I just wanted to say something...
I am *Very* greatful to everyone that I know...either through personal or even to those that I have met via blogging...Throughout the last few months I have been slacking here...Please forgive me...it seems that life just kind of went crazy for a while. I am now ready to slow down...Just not this week/month that is :)
So, I say this because one of the last posts I talked about a guy that works for me and I was thinking about how much I have taken advantage of life the last few months. But now that it seems to slow down I have time to think about ways to *torture*...O wait...I mean HELP him! He was to the point where he would not talk to me for a while after he found out that I knew...But now I think that he has accepted that I know...and want to help him...so, we are talking again...and what he is realizing is this: That I have been down the same road that he is on:

And that I had an inkling of a feeling that I was going to go back down that road again...And I stopped so now I need for him to stop and accept that he does need help...That no matter what...No one is disappointed in him...In fact we will be proud of him to take the first step:

ADMITTING THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM...That is the first step...We love you...and are there for you...

A lot of info...

2008-02-18T22:28:00.000-08:00

So, this morning at about 5:55 A.M. my mother calls me to tell me that there is a fire at an industrial plant 4 blocks away and that the city called at 3 A.M. to shut off all gas appliances (YES including furnace...and at that moment the temp outside was 10 below 0 with wind chills of 22 below)...It gets BETTER! The industrial plant is in a residential area (residences built around it) and they are evacuating a portion of the area (because of the chemicals that are used in the plant and they were leaking)...I was not in that area...BUT not an hour later I hear that I am in the area NOW! Ok, and guess what? I didn't go to bed until like 3 anyways...So, needless to say I am *Exhausted*
As far as the plant goes...The East side was a *complete* loss and the west part was salvagable...Thankfully! My uncle used to be a VP there until he moved to Oregon in 2001. I know for a fact that he still stays in touch with his former boss...So, it is a sad day here..
Take care...Love ya lotz...

1 fireman was brought to the hospital because the boots that he had on were not chemical retardant...and 9 more had to be decontaminated due to the chemical spill...Yeah Not cool...This town just experienced what they thought (and hoped) they never would have to...

Happy Valentine's Day! Love ya!

2008-02-13T22:33:00.000-08:00

SO...HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!! I typically love this day! Especially since I have no other half this year it makes me feel free right now! HEHE

And I know that the last post may have come across as a downer...BUT today I came to a conclusion...and that I am going to make him get help...Even though he feels that no one cares. Guess what??? I am coming...either run and hide...But I will find you!

On that note...Another day...Tomorrow is going to be LONG!

Take care and I shall return soon!

Long...Long...Week...

2008-01-28T21:52:00.000-08:00

After what happened this last weekend...I want it to be over with...But I know that the final verdict is up to him alone...and I will respect that.

So, I am at work on Saturday and one of the employees comes up to me and tells me something about another guy. She *knows* that he is going to be royally mad at her...But that is what one of the consequences that she is willing to suffer to tell me. She then proceeds to tell me what is going on with him and asks me if I feel that I can help her to help him in anyway. Ok, a little background on him...I have known him for *almost* 4 years and I feel for him as I would a younger brother...A few weeks after he graduated High School (A semester early even) his mother told him that he had to move out because she was going to list the house for sale...SO, he gets everything together...Finds an apartment in Fargo, Job, and basically a whole new life. THEN she tells him...O no I am not going to sell the house...It was kind of like she just wanted him out of there because she was no longer getting Child Support for him. His dad was kind enough to help him the whole time that he was in Fargo. He went to School full time, worked a full time job, plus a part time job (after his flaky roommate moved out on him in the middle of the night). SO, last summer (2007) he moves back in with his dad and step-mom and starts working with us again! I loved working with him before and it seems that all is going well again...UNTIL about 6 weeks ago.
She has found out that he has a few problems to deal with and so she wanted help to deal with it...THat is where I come in at. But I NOW realize that you can only help the person if they really want the help...And that saddens me to a great avail because I want no harm to ever come to him...After all he is like the little brother that I never had...

Planning...

2007-12-30T22:23:00.000-08:00

So, I want to go to Vegas to visit some friends...AND so, I am in the process of "TRYING" to plan it for my birthday!
Wish me LUCK! I may need it! HAHA
And, OH yeah, my mother wants to go also...since it is her birthday also!
Laterz...

Love,

~A Girl in North Dakota~

GUESS WHAT?!?!

2007-12-17T23:47:00.000-08:00

So, last week on Wednesday I went in for my yearly audiologist test...AND GUESS WHAT? My actual hearing has improved 5-9 % this year. I was ECSTATIC...as was my audiologist!
Ok...Just had to get that out now! I am off to bed now. Then back to work.
And one more thing...My sister is leaving!!! She and Grandma are going to Oregon for Christmas out there!
Later,

Love,

~A Girl in North Dakota~

Thanksgiving...

2007-11-22T16:42:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving to you all! :)
I hope that all is well with each and everyone!
I shall return...I am still on vacation...and without Arizona it was kinda *BORING* (Does happy dance that she goes back to work soon!) I am a little worried about my kids lately. And not a single one has called since last Saturday. When I was on the way out to my Aunt's place also. So, we talked and then I text him on Sunday. Monday was relax and drive day. Tuesday we came home. So, yesterday I slept until 11!!! WOW...
K enough about that...Over and OUT!
Love,

~A Girl in North Dakota~

Still October! :>

2007-10-16T22:05:00.000-07:00

Yeah it is still October...is this the longest month of the year? Or does it just feel that way to me? I think that it is just me because I am WAITING for November to come because that is...MY VACATION...Those words are kind of exciting! (This is coming from the girl that has just logged 49 hours of work since last Thursday)
On a happy note...What does a person do? I had my vacation all planned out and now it fell apart in the last day or two...So, now I am trying to plan another trip. My sister and I were supposed to go to Arizona but that did not work out SO we are looking into other trips somewhere...Destination...UNKNOWN!
I am off now...Have a great week!
To return soon!
Love,

~A Girl in North Dakota~

Hello World...

2007-10-05T22:57:00.000-07:00

"HI" I shall return again in a day or 2...Just needed to publish that! HAHA

Life is crazy isn't it? Recently I have not had time to hardly breathe much less anything else! ***OUCH***

Enough...Joy is TIRED...So, off to bed!

Lots of Love and Laughter from me to you!!

A first for me!

2007-08-29T21:44:00.001-07:00

So, hmm...Guess who got into her FIRST accident? Yeah, I hit a parked car. How sad is that? Well, I was in the pickup and I did not see the car next to me...so I turned to back out and "CRUNCH". I felt so bad...and then it is my srep-dad's pickup and I could NOT find the registration so that is when I was stressing out. I was crying then. But the nice responding Sargeant was reassuring me that there is always a first...and being 32 and my first is pretty good. (Yeah he lives accross the street from me and knows me). So, now it is all to the insurance company...then, of course I went out west on Monday and guess what? I got a freakin speeding ticket...Not the best of 3 day span for me. Thankfully I am still on vacation!
Ok, on that note I am off. Tomorrow night brings in volleyball. *YEAH*
~With lots of Love~

Another Day...

2007-08-24T00:11:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!
Look I am back again! HEHE
UMM...yeah I wanted to post again and just kind of ramble...My sleep schedule is so far off right now! Last weekend was one step short of hell. I worked all the time and then sleep and then go back again. I am just trying to get ahead of everything right now...Because all next week I am off! To start off the week I have to go to my Aunt's place on Sunday...About a 5 1/2 hour drive (that's without ANY stops) and then get her to Bismarck on Monday by 8 A.M. (An hour and half away) for her appointment and then get her back to work (hopefully) by noon. Then I am going to just hang out there until she gets off...I am spending the whole week out there! I *may* come home on Wednesday though...My mom would like her car back I am thinking! But see if I do that then I am going to go watch "The Girls" play pool...Then go watch Volleyball on Wednesday night...Thursday brings in *More* Volleyball...Friday night brings in the annual "Border Battle" football game...High Schools play each other.
But on that note...I should sleep! I will write more later!
~Lots of love~

A thought...

2007-08-20T23:18:00.000-07:00

Tonight you are in for a little reminiscing from me...When I first blogged I was just doing it to share my thoughts...Then one day I came across a blog and I read it with interest. I was curious to see what he had to say and it became a habit for me to look at his entries that he would publish. Through him I started to become a little more open...I figured that if he could share his story so could I. I then started to read other blogs from fellow bloggers that he would recommend...and still do to this day. I have found that blogging became a source of relief for me. If you have read any previous entries from long time ago you will know that I have something called Meniere's. When I first got sick I was SICK!!! The disease plays games with your vertigo and I would never know from one minute to the next when it would start again. After seeing my PCP and an ENT I was finally told the diagnosis. I thought that my life was over and then I started researching any and all information that I could find in the libraries and on the internet. Then I started a blog as an outlet to ramble about my life in North Dakota.
Ok, so on to the point...I have met many great people through this outlet and I am forever grateful to them...But 1 year ago today we lost a fellow blogger...DocDur Marc. You are forever missed. So, please take a moment to be thankful for all that you have and remember those that are not as fortunate and to those that you have lost...Remember forever gone but never forgotten...that is you DocDur Marc you will remain in cyberspace forever.

Love,

~A Girl in North Dakota~

WOW!!

2007-08-15T20:58:00.000-07:00

I just thought that I would stop and say "HI". Work has been CRAZY the last few months now. One of my co-workers left us on May 8th. That is a long story behind her departure. But I know that since she left she has not spoke one word to me and that does sadden me a lot! The last few months of her and I working together got so tense and then I would ask her to talk to me and she would tell me that there was nothing wrong...so, finally our boss tried to talk to her and she told him the same thing...but then a few days later handed him her notice and told him that she wanted to get out because she could not handle the tension anymore. I was pretty surprised. So, now we do not talk, go out or do anything anymore. In fact, I have decided that when one of the kids has a birthday I will just send them a card instead of dropping it off...so, that way I can let go of some of the feelings that I have...Because one of the last things that she told everyone is that her and I were never friends...Only co-workers! HELLO! That made me the maddest. So, now I have gained some new friendships with other people and found that there is a whole new life beyond those that you think are your friends. I am happy with where I am at right now...And I feel comfortable with that.
So, I shall leave it right there for now! I miss you all! And I am returning now!
I am off to watch some volleyball now! I love that! I haven't played on this league in years...BUT it turns out that one of my guys is playing on it now. So, when I talked to him last night he told me that I should come and watch them play either Wed or Thurs (or both) and of course he plays softball league on Mondays and I did not know that one until I was at the baseball diamonds watching a game and wandered over there and saw him.
Take care and until next time! Lots of Love!

~A Girl in North Dakota~

Story

2007-08-01T19:44:00.000-07:00

At 6:05 P.M. CDT a bridge in Minnepolis collapsed and at this time there are 6 confirmed deaths and 60 injured. I am going to put the article on here...because that is better than me writing about it.
This just goes to show how short life is...

The entire span of an interstate bridge suddenly broke into huge sections and collapsed into the Mississippi River during evening bumper-to-bumper traffic Wednesday, sending vehicles, tons of concrete and twisted metal crashing into the water.
Kristi Rollwagen, the deputy director of emergency prepardness for the city, said seven people had died in the incident.
Hours after the collapse, Mayor R.T. Rybak said rescue workers had searched 50 cars.
"Obviously this is a catastrophe of historic proportions," said Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty.
The Interstate 35W bridge, a major link between Minneapolis and St. Paul, was in the midst of being repaired when it collapsed.
"There were two lanes of traffic, bumper to bumper, at the point of the collapse. Those cars did go into the river," said Minneapolis Police Lt. Amelia Huffman. "At this point there is nothing to suggest that this was anything other than a structural collapse."
At least 59 individuals — 10 of those children — were injured, said officials from the Red Cross and the Hennepin County Medical Center. Six individuals being treated were in critical condition, Dr. Joseph Clinton said.
NBC News reported that every Minneapolis ambulance had been requested to the scene.
A freight train was passing under the bridge when it collapsed and was cut in two, WCCO television reported.
A spokesman for the Department of Homeland Security said there is no reason to think that terrorism was involved in the collapse, NBC News' Pete Williams reported.
"We continue to monitor the situation. At this time, there's no indication of a nexus to terrorism," department spokesman Russ Knocke said in Washington.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation told local media that 200,000 cars a day use the bridge.
'It shook the ground'A burning truck and a school bus clung to one slanted slab after the collapse.
The school bus reportedly had just crossed the bridge before the bridge crumpled into pieces, and local broadcast reports indicated the children, none of whom were injured, exited out the back door of the bus.
Ritha Boyle, 22, who said she lives about 200 yards from the bridge, witnessed the collapse.
"At first I just heard a big bang and I thought it was thunderstorms," Boyle told MSNBC.com. "Then I looked outside I noticed there was dust coming up from the bridge, and then I saw it go down and hit a train. I saw some cars trying to hit their brakes and stuff like that, and a whole bunch of cars went down."
MSNBC
Ramon Houge of St. Paul was on his way home from work at Wells Fargo and was driving on the bridge when heard a rumbling noise, saw the ground collapse and cars go down, StarTribune.com reported.
“It didn’t seem like it was real,” he said. Traffic was bumper to bumper and hundreds of people would have been involved, he told the Star Tribune, adding that he saw kids on a bus with blood on their faces.
Baseball events postponed Sarah Fahnhorst, who lives in an apartment a block away from the bridge, heard a huge thud and then “the entire building shook. It shook the ground,” she told the Star Tribune.
StarTribune.com reported that many vehicles were trying to get to the 7:10 p.m. CT Twins game at the nearby Metrodome. Wednesday's game was continuing.
The team postponed Thursday afternoon's game against the Kansas City Royals in response to the incident.
The Minnesota Ballpark Authority also postponed a groundbreaking ceremony for a new stadium that was scheduled for Thursday evening.
So, I am off to listen to more breaking news!

Still June...I think...

2007-06-26T22:00:00.000-07:00

I am posting here again...YEAH! Again...and to tell you the truth I ***think*** that it is still June so the picture goes up...Or until I feel like not posting it anymore.

In other news...Not too much. We went to Golden Valley to see my uncle and the place he is in is very nice. The end of July they are talking about a discharge date BUT it could change. So, between now and then my mother and grandmother are looking for places for him to go to. Handicapped accessible...and in the 2 towns it is harder than we thought it would be. Not cool at all.

So, I am leaving here again tomorrow. This time I am going to see my aunt. She only lives about 6 hours away. Wish me a good time there! Other than that work is crazy now. One of my co-workers quit in May and we were just getting someone out of training then so he went on his own on the drop of a hat. I am still working with him when he needs it but considering that he had to jump in he is doing great! I will start a new trainee sometime in either the end of July or the beginning of August. He will be a easy train though. But for the summer I am not taking an actual vacation...Here is the deal...Arizona Here I Come! (November 15-22 I am there!) *YEAH*

Take care and I shall return soon!

With lot of Love,

~Joy~

2007-06-12T22:06:00.000-07:00

Last year during the month of June the pic went up with every post...so, this year it will also. Although be it that I have been a little out of the loop lately but I am trying hard to stay in it now...I >THINK< that everything at work is getting settled down a little bit now...and it is much nicer now...We are a little more relaxed thankfully!

Well, I am off now...I leave for Minneapolis in the morning! :) Yeah we are going with Grandma to see my uncle...he is a rehabilitation center in Golden Valley. Take care and be back again SOON!!!

Love,

~Joy~

Awesome pic here...

2007-06-11T22:08:00.000-07:00

How beautiful is that picture...Gotta love it right????

I "stole" this picture from Kelly Stern...of www.kellystern.net Check it out...And make sure that you leave him a comment that you uploaded the picture...he is keeping track of all the peeps that have shown their pride!!!

Hope that all is well...I shall return again soon! 48 hours until Minneapolis you know! Laters...

Love,

~A Girl in North Dakota~

One more time...

2007-06-09T22:02:00.000-07:00

So, remember when you were little and it would rain right when you wanted to go outside and play? Would you ever sing the song..."Rain Rain go away...come again another day"? HAHA now we are singing "Rain Rain Just Go Away!"...I have got to say no more! :0
And to top it all off...in this town we have 3 rivers that all meet here...and they have all went over their banks and flooded...Thankful that the twin towns learned their lessons and had a dike and flood wall in place after the "100 Year Flood" back in 1997. Now if only...We could get the ground to not be wet anymore and then maybe it would stop getting my basement floor wet...and remember that my whole place is in the basement :) Yeah, so for the time being I am camping out in one of the guest rooms on the main floor...I want my bed, bathroom, life back. So when it rained last Saturday morning I flushed the toilet and it kinda came up while the water was rushing in...OOPS!!! My bad! So, here I am calling my step-dad (who was at work in South Dakota) and asking him what to do...Yeah, he does not like it when this stuff happens and he is not here...

Enough about that...It has been a long month...but not one without rewards also! My trip to Arizona is ***FINALLY*** booked! *YEAH* I am VERY excited about going down there...my sister and I are going down there in November to see some of our friends. They moved there last July and have been asking us to come since...SO, here we come...Watch out I am on the loose...

But I am outta here for now! It's my sister's birthday on the 10th...Sweet 16 to her! Wait it is 12:12 here...ok, so today it is her b-day...

Take care and until next time~

Love,

~A Girl in ***Flooded*** North Dakota~ :)

And then...

2007-04-26T19:46:00.000-07:00

Ok so the birthday went off without a hitch and we had a good time on Friday night! Sunday I went to Morris, MN for a volleyball tournament down there that my sister played in...and I went to college down there so it was fun to walk around and think about the college days...although I love my life so much better now!

Last night I sprained 3 fingers playing volleyball so here is a hint...it is hard to type...so, I am going to end here for now...and I will write more in a day or so...Off to Bismarck tomorrow...WOO HOO!

Love,

~A Girl in North Dakota~

3 days...

2007-04-19T17:51:00.000-07:00

UNTIL IT'S MY BIRTHDAY!!!!! Have A great Weekend...I know that I will be!!!!!

Take care and I will return soon...When I have my computer back again...*sighs*

Love,

~A Girl in North Dakota~

Happy Easter

2007-04-05T23:05:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter! I hope that it is great for you and your family...

And let's see what else...I am *definitely* a slacker on here lately huh? Between not knowing what to write and lack of time I am a slacker, yes.

I spent 2 1/2 hours in watching my UND Fighting Sioux Hockey team tonight...They lost :( Now they are done for the season...BUT what a freakin great season. Oh yeah, I should mention that they were in the Final 4 for National Title!! :)

Well, Happy Easter. I am not sure what I am doing yet...Oh yeah maybe some work that is...

Until next time!!!!

Love,

~A Girl in North Dakota~

P.S. So, it is ***ALMOST*** MY BIRTHDAY!!!! 2 weeks and 2 days to go! More on that later though...hehe

Right now...

2007-03-20T21:13:00.000-07:00

Well, look who has returned! I know that it has been over a month...and let's see what has been going on?

Work has been ongoing and ever-lasting some days. Basketball and Hockey are both over with!!!!! Sister is playing Junior Olympic Volleyball now...Tournaments are usually on Sundays though so that leaves me out in the dark for going to the next 2 or so...O-Darn that is!

Ok and my birthday is coming up soon!!! April 20th I am going out with some friends of mine to celebrate because the 21st I am going to Minneapolis and on the 22nd (That's my B-Day) I am going with my sister to a Volleyball Tournament in Morris, MN that day. I went to college down there so it will be kind of a nice visit I am thinking (and hoping that is).

So, other than that...I will return...

Any interesting stories about St. Patrick's Day??? Mine was all right...

Love,

~Joy~

HMMM....

2007-02-16T22:44:00.000-08:00

So Shoot me...I couldn't think of a perfect title...so, I put HMMM...LOL
Ok, so Valentine's day has come and gone now...I was supposed to babysit that night but she was sick so I went to the Basketball game by myself...well, ok in reality my sister and I went together. We went out for supper first and then to the game...But it was a GREAT GAME! The womens and Men's teams both won...and the icing on the cake is that the Men's team has no set a new school record because they have won the last 22 games in a row...Also, clinched the regional title and pretty much guaranteed themselves a spot in National Tournaments! For the coach this will be the 3rd time that he has taken his team to Nationals (out of 7 years that is)...Just goes to show what a team he has this year!
Other than that the baby is sick with the flu...She is one of those babies that get sick with everything...She was born last June (on my sister's birthday) and when she was about 5 days old she was diagnosed with what they thought was a heart murmur but it turned out to be something other than that so she had to have open heart surgery down in Rochester...she is all happy and healthy now but when her mother was telling me about that I was kind of scared to hold her or at one stage even look at her...So over that now though!
Ok, so I am off now! Hmm...Maybe that bed is calling my name really loud right now! LOL
Take care and I will be back again soon! Last home Hockey Game tomorrow!!! *Yah* I *Will* be camera happy so remember that girls! And they are having dress up...The girls are dressing up like they are on vacation...My sister is dressing up as she is going on a safari in Australia! That should be worth a few laughs! Then we have family hour...Then guess what? I am going out with some friends (hopefully!) Just to celebrate a birthday! Maybe some dessert! We'll see...

Love,

~A Girl in North Dakota~

...If Only...

2007-02-07T21:13:00.000-08:00

If only...

If only I hadn't met you that first time...

If only I hadn't fallen for you so hard...

If only I had told you sooner that I liked you...

If only I had dared to talk to you sooner...

If only I could tell you what I think...

If only...

I knew what to think...

**As a side note...I am slightly confused right now...I have a lot going on in my brain and I am sorry for that but as you may have figured out I am just working through many things...emotions and what not for right now...I know that I am a downer with this one but I promise that the next one should be more back to normal...
Thanks...

I need to think...

2007-01-08T23:01:00.000-08:00

In the past I have had some issues when it came right down to it...In Relationships that is! Now I find myself questioning the motives behind what people want from me now. To backtrack a little...when I was in High School I was always the one that people stayed away from. I admit that I was shy. As a sophomore I had to change schools (to a new state and all) and could not play sports because of the eligibility rules (you had to be there 1 semester at least). So, I became the "shy" one and really could not make many friends that first year so I was also labeled as a "snob" by the girls. Then by senior year I had made a name for myself and it was time to go away to college.

College became good in some ways...bad in others...I loved to play volleyball...But I was not fond of my roommate and her friends...or the people that lived with me. I fought a lot with them and we had more than one huge outburst. Many of the times I would leave my floor crying and end up talking with one of the RA's from upstairs. He was like my savior at the time. Without Dave I would have probably been a lunatic. Then all of the sudden one day everyone was all "nicey nice" to me...and at the time it should have been a sign...But I see it now...They were just doing that because of our RA...she had threatened to write them up. So, they were being nice to avoid getting into trouble. Most of the time I was thinking that they wanted a change...Yeah right! So, back into the background I disappear again.

After college I came back here. I still had a job here and decided that it was for the best for now kind of thing. I am glad that I came back here. I have learned a lot about myself over the last 10 years since college. I have learned that I am NOT the same person that I was then. Most people that knew me then...and still know me can tell you that. Especially when I first found out that I have Meniere's. I became a new person then. I was going to no longer take advantage of life...I was going to live life to the fullest and become the person that I was when I was living in Grand Forks. I started to play volleyball again...Meet some new people. (Over the course of years it seemed that most of my friends have left here for other adventures.) I was living the all-american dream (if there is such a one that is).

So, I started to meet many new people...reconnect with some others...That is where my Ex-Boyfriend falls into. We re-met the summer of '99. I had known him also the summers of '90 and '93 but we were always just friends. I didn't really fall for him at first...but then I got to know him again and remembered what I liked about him and the rest is history...Until April 22, 2004. That would be the day that I found him with another girl. That was it! I was so over him that night.

Then I started to think about what I was going to do next. I work a lot and I play volleyball, go to the gym, have my friends to be with in the other time, go to my sisters' sporting events, plays, concerts...well I am sure that you get the point.

But last year my life took a weird and unpredictable turn...I met someone. Until him I was having a really hard time looking at guys again...all thanks to my ex. When I first met John I was not looking for a relationship of any sorts. I was (and still am) scared of relationships and what can happen in them. I know that I need to get over this issue that I am having. It is just that right now my heart is telling me that he is waiting for me to call him. BUT my brain is telling me that he wants nothing to do with me and I should just give it up and move on with my life. So, now my question is what to do next???? I know one thing for sure...I like him! I am ready to admit it...But since my head is playing tricks on me I am going to go and figure out what my next move is...and it is not to disappear without knowing...Something the "old" me would have done.

Until later...

Love,

~A Girl in North Dakota~

Happy (belated) New Year's...

2007-01-02T22:18:00.000-08:00

I hope that you all had a great New Year's!!! I stayed home and it was (sort of) relaxing! Played a game with my sister after she went skating...Nothing grand but it was fun!

Vacation was grand! I seriously did nothing except Christmas Baking...I was supposed to go see some friends...BUT they came here to see their families so we had Breakfast one day! WOO HOO! But I haven't seem them since they got married a year ago so we had some laughs! :)

But I am *excited* for Thursday though...Sorta that is...I have to go to a visitation/prayer service...and then I am seeing a certain guy friend of mine...I MISS HIM! I am pretty glad that Christmas is over with and that he will be back that day...But the sad part is this...The head football coach resigned last week. It turns out that he was offered a job in Kansas and has accepted it effectively immediately. So, the 4 assistants are coming back to their boss being gone and a fellow assistant as the interim head coach with a full-scale search beginning in the middle of January. Hopefully they find someone as good with the guys as what the head coach was. WOW..is all that I was thinking. We were discussing this one night at work and I was saying about how weird it would be if I had came back from vacation and found out that my boss had resigned and was leaving town to a new state.

So, I am off now! Take care and have a great week...Be back soon!!!

Love,

~A Girl in North Dakota~

Vacation...

2006-12-20T23:19:00.000-08:00

I am on Vacation until the 26th!!!!!!!!! Not too much planned...But the fact that I survived! Well...I am off to bed now! Tomorrow is "Sleep In Day" LOL

Love,

~A Girl in North Dakota~

Thanksgiving

2006-11-23T18:04:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving to you!! Hope that you are enjoying your day everyone!

Love,

~A Girl in North Dakota~

Someone hand me a pacifier...

2006-11-20T16:06:00.000-08:00

Someone have a pacifier ready for me? I cried and then found out that we had a communication error...and so the drama began...

On Friday night I was all ready to go...and here I was sitting there waiting for him to show up...and he was a no-show. Umm..yeah there I am thinking that I was being stood up. Not the best of feelings. So, he calls me on Saturday night to see what time to meet up! Umm...yeah, the nights were mixed up. Communication. But here is the thing...I already had made prior plans for Saturday. Long ago. So, that night was out. Here I am thinking horrible, horrible thoughts to him on Friday and he was doing nothing. Well, ok preparing himself for Saturday night! Now what to do? We are looking at this weekend. We will figure it out when I talk to him. And, oh yeah, I do like him. *She admits it* But when he called me on Saturday to confirm that we were going out I seriously cried. Because here I thought that he didn't really like me...And I was being stood up...All it was a cruel joke that he was playing on me. Yeah I feel like an idiot NOW! I then informed him that I was stood up not to long ago...cheated on by my last serious boyfriend. He commented back that he was neither one of those guys and asked me why would he have asked me out to stand me up? I am still thinking over that one yet though! But I am now smiling lots again!

And let's see. Weather is holding out for me! Still able to run around in flip flops and light coats at night. *Yeah*

On that note now...where did I set that Pacifier at now? I (hopefully) won't need it this time around! hehehehe

Take care~

Love,

~A Girl in North Dakota~

Ok...

2006-11-14T21:34:00.000-08:00

Umm...I know that I have been slacking a bit over the last few weeks...It has been a LONG few weeks though...On November 4, 2006 my uncle was out cutting down trees with some of his friends and one of the trees fell on him and hit him directly across the back of the head and knocked him out. Well, that is where is friends found him and they thought that he had just passed out (he is a diabetic) so they called 911. Paramedics arrived...assessed his condition and took him to ER. They started X-Rays and found a broken hip so they decided to send him to Fargo. But that was the least of our worries...It turns out that he has a broken neck. Anterior and Posterior. Plus he also has spinal cord injury. So, that means that he may never walk again. As of right now that is what his doctors are telling him at least. He does have movement in his arms and hands and can grasp. He will start physical and occupational therapy as soon as they get his breathing under control. Yes it has been a LONG week and half. He also lives with my Grandmother so she is stressing big time. The house that they live in...it is about 120 years old...handed down from my Grandfathers' Grandparents...There is almost no way that they can make it accessible for a wheelchair...so, both my Grandmother and Uncle know that they will have to move...and I know that it makes my Grandmother a little sad because of all the memories that house holds.

And then the other "funny"...I am going to have to go kill my mechanic tomorrow! YUP...he is dead...all thanks to the guy that he hired to help him...So, the saga started last Thursday when I left work and I brought my car over there...I was leaving town for the weekend (with mothers vehicle) and figured what better time to get an oil change and tires looked at...So, 5 days later and it has yet to be even touched...I have called and made a pest of myself about 5 times a day the last 2 days...I just got frustrated and called tonight asked to talk to P (mechanic)...Informed that he is not there...Ok, T (assistant) informs me that is not sure of what is going on with my car...I tell him that I NEED IT regardless of what he knows...And that I am coming to get it tonight...He then proceeds to tell me that he doesn't think that I can come and take it...EXCUSE ME!!!!...Am I not the registered owner???? So, I tell him that I need it and I ask him if he knows where the keys are at...He tells me that the keys are in the car...and the car is on the lot...Unlocked (So, in essence anyone could have came and drove off with my car and they would have never known it)...I then told T to make sure that he went to my car and locked it when he got off the phone with me...Stupid me for not following up...Because when I went to get my car my sister gets out of the van and jumps into my car and then realizes that the doors are unlocked and the keys are in the ignition...Boy are P and I going to have a GREAT discussion tomorrow...In person not just over the phone! (A little background: P and I have known each other for about 10 years...through mutual friends...He went away to Iraq in the Guards and then when he came back he started working at this place and about 3 years ago bought out the other guy and that is when I started going there...After my last mechanic started treating me like I was an idiot...So, I will need to remind P that I am NOT an idiot I guess)

And as far as the Crush goes...Yes, I admit, I think I do! We are trying to plan on going out sometime...We are setting a goal for this Friday...Oh, that's only about 3 days away! Oh My! *Giggles*

Thanks for listening!

Off to find some information~

Love,

~A Girl in North Dakota~

Happy Weekend

2006-11-08T23:11:00.000-08:00

I once had this Long-Term relationship...He was caught cheating on me on my Birthday. I then started to explore and flirt more with other guys. Having fun is what it is called...Well, anyways...I decided that I wasn't really into having a relationship quite yet. I then travelled accross the country to Oregon and met some really awesome people out there...And came away with some life-long friendships. Then when I came back I remained a "Good Little Girl" for a while...Those were the days I have to say!

As of recently though I have become more outgoing and a little bit more open...You see when I was dating the ex I was a little bit on the shy side...Always thought that what I was going to say was the wrong thing and never knowing when to say the right thing. He was a little bit more controlling then what anyone would have thought that I would ever be with. I see now how wrong that was and I am glad that I learned that it is not right to be in that kind of relationship. I guess that I am one of the lucky few that make it out of that kind of situation. At the time though I believed that we were going to be together forever. I see now how wrong I was and believe that forever will come some day...Just not today or tomorrow.

This subject got brought up tonight because I was thinking about that when I was talking about the fact that I am going to go out next weekend. There was one girl trying to convince me that it would be a bad idea...Even went as far as to tell me that he does shit...And you know what??? I don't believe it because of the sheer fact that he lectured me about how bad it is to smoke...AND I QUIT 10 YEARS AGO! Yes, I, Joy did smoke while I was in college...And the coaches used to give me hell...But I still ran faster and farther than the girls that didn't smoke...So, you figure that one out!

So, in essence never believe in what others have to say...Always stick to what you believe...Because it is what you think that counts the most. I will take my time and get to know him...Although we have known each other for about 6 months now...But when we first met I was still attempting to go out with another guy (B). But have since found out that B was hitting on a friend of mine...He is, to refresh your memories, 27...She is in High School...SO, yeah I, personally, think that is wrong.

WELLLLLLL...Enough for one night...The saga continues next week...

Take care and have a spectacular weekend! I will be!

Love,

~A Girl in North Dakota~

Oh I hate weekends...

2006-11-06T23:12:00.000-08:00

It seems as if weekends are my curse. Something bad can happen all of the time BUT this last weekend was just...well...not the best for my family. Not going into too much detail about it now though. Let's just say that it was bad.

But on the other note...I have a friend...and he and I have been friends since about April or May...Umm...I met him through Brandon. (If you have known me for a while you know about Brandon). So, anyways I was casually mentioning that we should do something sometime. Just kind of came out of my mouth. He laughs...Generally I have found that when the guy laughs it is not a good sign...But this was a good laugh...Because it turns out that he had asked me the same thing a few months ago and I totally did not hear him ask me that so I never responded either way and he thought that I was not interested. And with my sister standing right there I pass him my number with instructions to use it. So, we will see if he does or not...Hoping that he will. Then we have to plan a weekend to get together. Not during the week at all because he has a job at the college (and I am not really one to go out during the week due to work). But no more practices. Just lifting, teaching, coaching, and the occassional recruiting trip.

Have a Great Week! I will return soon!

Love from,

~A Girl in North Dakota~

WOO HOO...Happy Halloween!!!

2006-10-30T22:17:00.000-08:00

Orange...Black...Gold...Purple...So many colors to choose from...hehe
Well, anyhow...that was totally off the point :)

The BIG news of our town...Purple is off to Semis...Football made playoffs...last weekend they hosted and, of course, won! Now off to Minot to play and if they win they are off to state...Either against Bismarck or Fargo South! (South is the only team that they lost to this year also)
So, this weekend is a huge game for them. Our coach was out doing somersaults last Friday after the game since he was SO happy!

On a sad note...Wildcats season is *finally* over with now...They lost the final game on Saturday. Bad game there...but the Iowa team did the win and let the 'Cats keep their dignity...A 99 year rush with less than a minute left to play and they stopped 3 inches short of the goal. After the game I talked to the Iowa coach and he said that they didn't need it so he didn't want to pour salt in the wound. He also hopes that maybe some day if were the other situation that someone else would do that for him...I would hope so...

UND update...Sioux won again! They had lost the one against UNO...but having a bye week helped and now they are on the streak again! Looking for ANOTHER national title I tell you! GO SIOUX!!!!

And in another situation...Happy Halloween...What are you going to be??? I am thinking that I am a devil! *Giggles* Perfect costume for me! We had the annual Zoo Boo tonight...Thankfully I didn't go! The wind was horrible here...and they are predicting SNOW for tomorrow...But we will have to see about that. I attended a Halloween/Birthday party last weekend...and we had a grand time! Take the time to see all the friends that I have not seen in a while was a blast. My friends' actual birthday is Halloween but he is already home in Bismarck now...Came home to see his parents and we had a "surprise" party for him.

Ok, so on that note...What else??? Not much now...Power outage this afternoon let me leave work a bit early. That was interesting. Just sat in the dark for about 10 minutes and then we packed it up for the day. But I got home to find out that there was power here...So, find out that it was the Transformer for that part of town that blew. It is now fixed. But if the weather tonight is any indication I think that I had better be up early to *Shovel* Any volunteers to help? hehehehe

Take care and have a Great Halloween! Be back soon!

Love,

~A Girl in North Dakota~

P.S. I am not addicted to football or anything am I? *chuckles* And until I met a friend of mine I (well not hated) but didn't really know anything about it...and since I met John it comes natural now...when you have someone to decipher it all for me...I know that it sounds odd but it is the truth...and soon you will have to listen to me talk about Hockey

What an experience...

2006-10-24T23:32:00.000-07:00

Ok tonight my sister and I made a trip up to Fargo...and nothing unusual happened on the way up there...BUT...coming home was, well, how do you say "adventure".

We were about 15 miles from home when I started to pass this semi-truck and I had slowed down A LOT because there was another semi-truck in front of me...and while I was cruising along...I suddenly run something over!!!

At first it seemed that maybe I had gotten a tire blow-out. So, then I started to coast along to get off the interstate to see what the heck had just happened. I get off to the side and can not find ANYTHING wrong so away we go! *Yeah* we are both thinking.

Then to the weigh station and I had decided to stop there because there is light there and I can make definite sure that there is nothing wrong...Remember that we are in my mom's mini-van...
We sit there for a few minutes I see that nothing is leaking so I continue on now...*Yeah*...But then we get into town and I *NOW* figure out what is wrong...and what damage there could have possibly been...Yeah the brakes are not working as well as usual...
So, in essence what I am saying...I am thankful that we were both wearing seat belts because I came this close..to hitting the *ditch* when I ran, well, whatever it was over...

Take great care and Have a Great Weekend!

Love,

~A Girl in North Dakota~

No more chat???

2006-10-18T18:41:00.000-07:00

What kind of situation is that?? I go on to MSN to go to chat tonight and find out that group chats are no longer allowed...HMM...Interesting huh? NOT!
Umm...well, lets see what else? Busy with work...The last 2 weeks our boss was on vacation...so, we did put in a lot of hours in that time. I can't wait for my vacation to come...Where I go and when is the question though!
Football...well, UND lost their first game last weekend :( Now they are 6-1 though so they are doing good by my mind...Wildcats on the other hand...well, we won't touch the game there...I love the team to death BUT they need to find the motivation to win SOON! Currently they are 1-6...Yeah that's bad! Even I know that.
And the whole incident over last week...I am still mad at him...Not as much as his foster mom is...BUT...for right now he is in a good place in Fargo...
And the saga continues :) No seriously all is well here...It's freakin cold at night though! I love snow BUT it is too early for it already...But on the other hand Hockey has started! *YEAH* Practices are early only 1 day a week...For now that is :)
Ok...Thanks for all the thoughts concerning the last post...It seems to be that life was spinning a little out of control but reality is starting to come again...Talk to you all when I can again!
No more chat on MSN *sniff sniff*
*Joy says "She hates that"*
And oh yeah...Who has MSN???? I do! If you do and want to chat let me know!

Love,

~North Dakota Girl~ AKA ~Joy~ hehe...

P.S. I am in one of those moods tonight if you haven't noticed...hehe...off to cause some trouble now...heheh
Love ya!

What next???

2006-10-08T01:01:00.000-07:00

What is next???? In the last WEEK...Yes week...I have experienced every emotion that you can EVER think of...You see it all started last weekend when we were up in GF for the concert and I went to drop off my mom at her friends house and I come to find out that they have given her 6 months to live...Lung cancer and she has had the surgery done already the last time...So, now I fly through the week...Even purchased a new bedroom set (delivered next Friday!) and then tonight my sister got a phone call from her friend that lives down the block...Her mother does foster care (She was adopted about 4 years ago now and the father passed away in May)...and one of the kids that they have has been sent away again...I guess that she caught him doing drugs AGAIN! The other night he and I were sitting outside just talking and I had asked him if he was using again and he swore to me that he was done with it...And like a sucker I believed him...I guess that I am just an idiot or something for ACTUALLY believing him...I feel kind of bad for thinking that but right now I am steaming mad at him...Like I was in May when I found out that he was in treatment in Fargo...But that time he got to come back here...Now this was his last chance and he will do some time in the Juvenile Detention Center (either here or in Fargo) and then go into treatment again...After that where he goes is anyone's guess...I don't think that he would come back here again because there is a lot going on around here that he can get into again...
Let's see what else...UMM...Oh yeah Sioux won again!!! That is 5 in a row! *Exciting* Wildcats lost again...(Local college team here)...and that makes 5 in row that they have lost now...but today's game was only a 1 point loss...They come even harder though...
Ok, well I am off now...Until later I need to sleep again...and I slept about 12 hours last night...OUCH! That hurt...I haven't slept that much (in one night that is) since they got my thyroid regulated again...
Until next time...
Love ya~

~A Girl in North Dakota~

Joy List and other ramblings...

2006-09-25T23:35:00.000-07:00

Hi there again~
But it sure has been a long time since I posted anything...Yes, my name is Joy, and I have been a slacker! No, seriously, isn't life crazy at times? No exceptions here! It is 1:30 A.M. and here I sit...I should be in bed...but I think that I messed up a sleep pattern (seriously) this last weekend by *actually* sleeping in on Saturday, so, now *sigh* I am not tired...O-well...Makes it more fun! :)
The real reason of this post: My Joy List: (I am PRETTY sure that most of you know what that is~)

1. To all of those that I have met through blogging...and all the support that I have found...When I first started blogging I was just doing it because it was something that new to me and then I found out that you can find some really nice people on the internet and I am thankful for them!

2. To my Meniere's...If I had never developed it I would still be taking advantage of life and not enjoying it as much as I have been over the last (almost) 5 years! I am also thankful that I have had (almost) 5 years of being asymptomatic now! Here's to another 20 (or more that is!)

3. My sister- for keeping me young...I was 16 when she was born so when she was younger I was away at college and then when I came back here she was in Kindergarten and since then she has kept me young and full of energy! Some days when I see her with her friends I know that when I was that age I was doing the same stuff...and let's just say that I taught our mother well and she asks a lot of questions of my sister now (not a cool thing for her though!)

4. Grandparents: I say this one because I love my grandmother to death...And I miss my grandpa so VERY much! I want one last hug from him now...Of course I was a Grandpa's girl

5. TO the 13 years that I got to spend with my dad...I miss and love ya!

6. To the 5 years that I got to spend with Chris...I wish that I wasn't such a brat when you came over that first day...Sometimes I think that is why you died...But I am thankful to you...because you showed me that all boys are not evil :)

7. To those of you that have ever helped me with my links or offered! (You know who you are!) I miss ya, Marc!

8. To my friends (Online and offline): Without you I would be no where right now...And especially after the last month...

9. Vacations! I need one soon...and off to visit my cousin...Of course she doesn't know that yet! But she will soon! And then I get to shop, relax, and whatever else I can find to not do! Then it is back to real world again!

10. (This one is going to be a bit odd...but PLEASE bear with me!) To you, Jake...If you would have never cheated on me and gotten caught that is...I would not be having as much fun as I am right now! Thanks to you I have made some really cool friends...Started Volleyball again...Met Brandon...Reconnected with Chad again...So, through all that...I have maintained a relationship with your family that I am forever thankful for...Remember: What's yours is mine and what's mine is mine...Some day you may figure that out...

Oh yeah can I throw in one extra for fun???? To all those that I work with...I love you guys...and I am going to look for that bunny costume now just for you girl! And to John...and all awesome Sunday night conversations! They have made my week so far! I am looking forward to the next...And I will be at that game on Saturday...so, keep your eyes open this time PLEASE! :) Love ya~

Well...that has to be the longest post from me in...what...Forever????? LOL

I hope that you all have a great week...Talk to you soon...

Oh yeah...It's the Concert this Friday! *Happy Dance*

Love,

~A girl in North Dakota~

More pics...

2006-09-14T18:48:00.000-07:00

The subject of this post is Regret...Recently I have run across a post from someone that says that they are experiencing emotions from losing someone close to them...And you know what? I know how you are feeling because when my father passed away (in '88) I went through every stage of grief that a person can think of...including depression, guilt, regret because I was on vacation instead of being close to him, some major remorse because I knew that I would never see him again...and that he would not be there to watch me get married, see or hold his grandchildren...all that stuff that people think about when they lose someone close to them. When my father passed away I was 13 and that was the third person that was close to me that had passed away already...The first was Christoper...We met when we were about 4 and remained friends until the day he dies...From Leukemia...at the age of 9...He was older than I was (by 20 days!) and so we were pretty much "twins" while growing up...The only times that we would stand be separated was when we were in school (attended different schools). That meant that every weekend was like a mini-party for us because we would be together and having fun...Some people compared us to being brother and sister. Today Chris would be 31 and I am sure that we would still be the best of friends just because we were so close growing up...I am still reminded of him every time I go to Grand Forks (where I grew up) because his aunt and my mom are still really good friends and she has pictures of the two of us. I regret that he could not live longer and when I think of him I remember all the good times that we had. Celebrating our birthdays together and Halloween right before he died will live long in my memory. I will always remember him no matter what I do and where I go in life...
The key to losing someone (in my mind that is) is to remember them with open arms and no matter what you remember just thinking about them will make you think that they are still there because they are always with you...IN YOUR HEART...that is...
So, to you, I am telling you this because of that fact that I know that you are hurting and in pain right now...You need to remember that there are others out there that you can talk to and that will help you with whatever feelings you are experiencing at that particular moment...And I for one am always willing to listen...I know where you have been through is incredibly hard to get through and there will never be a day that you won't think of that person...You never really get over a huge loss like that...Holidays are the hardest...I remember the first Christmas without my dad...like it was yesterday...So, I am going to leave on that note right now...Anyone please feel free to let me know what you think...I know that this is a downer post but I am going to expose it for now that is... Until next time!

Love,

~Joy~

Here is what I wrote about Chris on my MSN blog...One of the first posts that I ever did! *Says that I am really done now for sure!

I still remember that day that we met...like it was yesterday...there you were...sitting on her lap...in my spot...I know now...that she is your aunt...but all that I could think about was "He is in my spot"...and I wanted you to get off...Yes, I know, I was spoiled...but those were the days...and these are the days...

Then I find out that your name is Christopher...and you are her nephew...and she wants us to play together nicely...you are only over visiting for the day...good thing also, since, you know, boys are icky! That was what I thought at the time...Hey I was only 4...now I know differently..
I then find out that you are very kewl...and that you are one of the best friends' that I will ever have...if only for a short period of time...when we weren't together it was like we were lost without each other...so our parents' told us...and since you left me it has felt that way sometimes also...

The day that we celebrated our 5th birthdays together was a like a bright light in my life then...after all by then we were like twins...if anyone saw one of us...they knew that the other one was close behind...that is what we did...we used to play with each other all the time...sometimes we would include other kids also...and that was the best...

The last normal day that we had was the 5th birthday...right after that...you got sick...and to think that it would change our lives forever...I still remember the day that our parents' were told what you were sick with...all the hush hush and whispering that was going on...how are we going to tell them...that was the topic of the day...remember like it was yesterday...
That summer was difficult for you...going through the chemo and radiation treatments...no going to the pool...swimming...lakes...that was the year about hospitals...but finally you were in remission...and we thought that life was looking good again...

School starts...and we are in separate schools...oh oh...that means that we are separated...but it is only for 5 days a week...weekends are the best...it is all about us again!...Here it is our birthdays again...yeah we are 6 now! The best times are yet to come right? So we thought...but like the last year...you get sick again...
This time it wasn't as easy...more treatments and this time they are ongoing...Why can't you beat this thing? I thought that maybe it was something that I had done wrong and that God was punishing you...
That last Halloween will remain in my memory...I remember that you couldn't go trick-or-treating...but I wanted to go...so, you tell me to go with my friends...and then afterwards we will meet at "Aunt Kristy's" house...but you never once complained over the fact that you couldn't get out...maybe it was because of the fact that we split up the candy...and then never even ate it...

Three years of on...off...on...off...on...off...where does it ever stop at? Finally we are a very "mature" 9 and think that the world is the best! We are told that everyone thinks that you have finally beat it again...well, that is what they told us...then the "Make-A-Wish Foundation" comes to town...and you choose a hot air balloon ride...Yes, I remember that...I still have the pictures packed away...I will take them out when I feel it is necessary...to remind my children of one of the best friends that I ever had...and I will tell them his story...of how we met...and how at first I was scared of you...but you turned out to be one of the coolest people that I ever knew...and someday I will meet you again...in Heaven...

My final question for the night...what did I do? I lost all the links! So, with that I am back to figuring it all out again! O-Well I will get it eventually...Until next time...Enjoy life to the fullest!! I will be!!!

My Story...

2006-09-11T21:19:00.000-07:00

Now I lay me down to sleep
Pray the spinning slows down to a creep.
May I find a way to ignore the noise
That rings in my ears and drowns out the joys.
Of a long ago and peaceful night of dreams
Too much to ask for, sometimes it seems.
Daylight has come, I've barely slept
I laid in bed most of the night and wept.
The spinning and ringing and feeling bad
I prayed for the days when MM I'd not had.
I wake only to find it's with me still.
And reach for yet another pill.
I pray to be free of this MM of mine
So someday I could walk in one straight line.
Not to run into a wall or a door
And pray that I won't hit the floor
Be able to ride in anything on wheels
Without the ills of tossing my meals.
I pray to someday lead a normal life
Free from MM's constant strife.
For now Lord, all I can do is pray
That you help me through another day.
Help me to get out of my bed
And clear this fog from my head.
Help me to get just one small thing done
Without needing help from anyone.
The dishes or laundry or driving my car
Just to the store, that's not very far.
To do just one simple thing's all I ask
Without it being such a major task.
Another day has come to an end
What's there to show for the efforts I spend.
My head spins in circles, I ran into walls
Took dozens of pills and made more phone calls.
For doctor to help, what good does it do
I tossed every meal, yet kept praying to you.
I know that someday you will hear my plea
And take this disease away from me.

_________________________________________________________________

Some of you may remember that I once posted this poem before...but tonight's subject is about Meniere's...I admit that I have it, openly. I do not expect any special treatment from others...In the past I have experienced many symptoms...including the dizziness, depression, vertigo, nasea and I will be the first to admit that it was not the best experience of my life...Currently I have NONE of those symptoms (knock on wood!)...but another symptom of Meniere's is that you experience hearing loss...and guess what???? I do and forever will...I am writing this today because I just got the latest results of my last hearing test (I visit an audiologist every year plus an ENT every 6-9 months) and the hearing has decreased in my affected ear (left). I have never thought about the possibility that some day I will not be able to hear in that ear...but now it has become a reality...I am thankful that my other ear though has stayed the same and they said that it should stay the same or (maybe) even pick up some slack from my left ear (hoping!)

I remember that when I was first diagnosed I was scared (to say the least) and I was thinking that I would not have much of a life anymore...Then the doctor (my family physician at the time) told me that in 2 years I would no longer be working...So, I felt that I needed a second opinion and guess what...he (my now family physician) told me that you can suffer a lot in the beginning and then not have any "episodes" for years...That so describes me!!! It will be 5 years, in January, since my first initial diagnosis and in May it will be 5 years since I have had any "episodes". (I have to add it was a wild ride in the beginning)

I am hoping that by telling my story maybe people will become aware of this...I have faced up to the fact that some day I will lose all of my hearing in the left ear (currently 69.7% loss) and when that day comes I will be prepared because of my ENT/Audiologist/Family Physician that have helped to prepare me for the worst...but keep hoping for the best! To this day I do live life to the extreme extent that I can...And I do it for a purpose...to overcome all the fears that I had in me almost 5 years ago...and to live life to the fullest...and with that I am planning my next vacation yet!!! *excited* Because I know that when I do go there I will be doing it as a celebration to almost 5 years of being symptom free...

Thanks for listening to my story!

Love,

~Joy~

And the pic is from my mom's 50th Birthday...Also, my 30th Birthday...Yeah we share a birthday! Was a good day! (2005)

Remember when...

2006-09-10T23:20:00.000-07:00

Do you remember what you were doing on the morning of September 11, 2001?
I remember that I was asleep when my mother came to me and told me to turn on the television because a plane had just crashed into the World Trade Center. I thought to myself "Yeah whatever, it has to be a story that someone has made up."
But she was telling me that it was serious and that I needed to turn it on...so, she turned it on for me and I remember that I was in awe at the site of the buildings that I had loved burning to the ground. (I was there in '93 (right after the first bombings that is) and fell in love with NYC overall but really enjoyed the Trade Centers) Then a few minutes later I watched in horror as I saw the 2nd plane crash! Then I hear about the Pentagon crash and that it was all an act of terroism. I could have killed someone with my bare hands by that time. To think that someone would plan all of this...and their plan did work...
So, please stop for a moment in your busy lives to remember all that perished that day. They were humans and had families just like you and I.
Enough for now...See ya soon!
Love,

~Joy~

Any ideas...

2006-08-28T17:45:00.000-07:00

So, here is the deal...The few links that are on the side of my blog were done by Marc, and I guess that I always assumed that he would be here to show me how to do them...WELL, now I am in the position of learning how to do them all by myself...and, well, I am not exactly a computer programmer (although at UMM I did take 1 lone programming class...off the subject though I know!)
Now this entry is going to entail all the blogs that I have ran across over the last few weeks. I will set them all up as links and a short description of them...When i figure out how that is...But, for now I am going to list them all right here...after the end of this entry...
I think that is the end of this entry for now though...Sad, I know but just some things going through the head and I am at a loss for the correct words now...I am going to go and run now! *Wow*
Until next time...See ya in chat later tonight (Wednesday)
Love,
~Joy~
Ok here goes...My list of must read blogs...

http://ikeepsmiling.blogspot.com (Joshua's blog...He is Marc's brother...Love ya!)
http://thestartofsomethingsmart.blogspot.com (Bailey..The love of Marc's life until the end...Love ya!)
http://voyeurnation.blogspot.com (Joshua, Marc, David and Steve have left this open as a guest book for all those that read "Voyeur Nation" to leave messages...Check it out!)
http://alabamagal.blogspot.com (Michelle...And then from there you gotta read Armando also!)
http://kleo8871.spaces.live.com (Fellow chat room buddy...)
http://northsdad.spaces.live.com (Also a fellow chat room buddy...)
http://mysecondlifechance.spaces.live.com (Lynn...well, I think that the title tells you all that you need to know!)
http://facetedsight.spaces.live.com (Cynthia...Out of Minnesota...so a fellow Plains state blogger...just like yours truly!)
http://chodedawg.spaces.live.com (Randa...Just started reading her...interesting so far)
http://www.lettersforzac.com (Just one dad and letters to his son...Just started reading it though)
http://notrobsstuff.blogspot.com (Another chat room buddy!)
http://docjordie.spaces.live.com (On a break now...prepping for wedding...but she is cool reading!)

Just a side note: Many of the blogs that are listed on here I have just started reading...Well, not really I used to keep up on them but I always linked to them through "Voyeur Nation"...so, there you go...and my apologies to anyone if I missed ya! That is why they have the edit button I think! Just send me a comment and I will add you to the list...Until later...
Miss you Marc...Thanks for all your help...

Love,

~Joy~

This was done on Wednesday August 30, 2006...But the date is Monday...But it may be because I started it then...You know what they say...O-Well :)
Take care now...

Thinking...

2006-08-23T09:50:00.000-07:00

Do you remember the first time that you ever wrote on your blog? I know that I don't BUT I remember that there were just a few comments...and then all of the sudden I stumbled accross a blog that was entitled "The Whitecotton Journal" and I started to read it...well, then he changed to "Voyeur Nation" and I am sure that is the one that some of you are familiar with...Well, he left a great impression on me...just because he was always there with some great advice to hand out...and he always did it in a great way. Well, I write this and I am thinking about him because I have missed his little comments and words of advice...and trust me there were times that I needed it...
So, to you I leave this final note of the night...Even though we never knew each other in person...you still had a great impact on me...just through your comments and being so bright and cheerful...forever laughing with us in Wednesday chat...Just remember that you may be gone but you will never be forgotten...to all those that you ever touched...and I will take your brilliant advice and make my "Joy List"...while I am listening to "I Summon You"...
Love forever...

~Joy~

***Live every day as if it was your last, because you never know what tomorrow will bring***

In loving Memory...you are gone but not forgotten DocDur Marc

2006-08-21T11:07:00.000-07:00

May you rest in peace...

2006-08-20T23:09:00.000-07:00

To you, Marc, may you rest in peace...He passed away today, August 20, 2006 after a long battle with health problems. There are many that will miss him, but he is all better now...
Marc was an inspiration and told it as it was...even if it wasn't what you wanted to hear...And so, tonight I bid you a fond farewell and until we meet! Save me a spot and trust me...I will flutter my wings...for you to greet me...with your laughter and smiles...like during our chats...
Love ya lots,

Love forever,

~Joy~

And I leave you with this picture so that you will know me when I get there...

Thank you for the last year...

2006-08-20T02:38:00.000-07:00

To you Marc, I thank you for the memories of the past year...and to you, Jenny, I am coming to help you also...well, as you may or may not tell my life has been a roller coaster ride for the last week...and not in a good way...So, right now I am going to leave you with my new pictures of the dogs...and leaving me to think about what is really important...until the next time though...
Sending you lots of love...
~Joy~

If only...

2006-08-12T20:21:00.000-07:00

Today when I was browsing I ran into a few things that were kind of odd...and then I began to think about how different life would have been if only...
If only...so here is my rambling right now...
If only my best friend, Chris, were still here where would I live at? Probably somewhere close to him. No not probably...I know that I would be close to him regardless of where we were at...
If only the circumstances of 9/11 were different and you, Josh, had been on that flight...and you, Meg, had not called in sick...what would have become of the kids now?
If only I had not caught you, Jake, cheating on me...would I be mixerably married to you now? I hope not...but I guess that the answer would be...likely...since we were talking about it...
If only I could telll you how much I liked you from the start instead of us playing so many games...and it taking so much longer like it did...
If only I heard from my friend in Arizona more often...talk like we used to...
If only you, Gary, weren't in Grand Forks...I want you closer to me all the time...and not 3 hours away...to cry to you, laugh with you...but remember that I will see you September 29th! Same place as usual so call me!
If only I had been different, more outgoing, and not so shy in college...I would have told you, Eric, that I realy had a secret crush on you...and not let you leave so willingly...or at least lose contact with you! I need you to talk to again! So, if you ever see this...remember that we went to college in Morris, MN and we lived on the same floor in Indy Hall...you need to tell me more info and I will believe that it is you!
If only...I could go on all night...but I don't want to because I think that you get the point...plus I need to finish getting ready!
Talk to you soon! Take care!!!
With lotz o' love~

One last thought...

2006-07-27T10:01:00.000-07:00

Just to let you all know...This is going to be a long day!!! I am very tired!!! See you all later :)
Love ya!

~Joy~

Fun!

2006-07-26T23:53:00.000-07:00

It was like "Meet the Parents" except that his parents are not that eccentric! Ne seriously we met for supper and I had to pick the place and I wanted to meet at a "neutral" place so I set it up at a place that a friend of mine is a manager at (and I knew that he was working late hehe!) So, his parents get there a little before we do and get seated and then we show up and it was a good evening...started kinda awkward because his mother did the whole "had to protect my baby" thing for a while but then started to loosen up...Thankfully!
But then after we had all ordered we started to just talk...and that kind of flowed...almost like we had known each other for a long time! It was kind of weird to think that...but since I have known him for so long and I guess that he has told his parents about me already...about 4 months ago! Before I really even got to know him that is! Odd...
On that note though...I think that I shall end here! I am tired...and work calls early...and it is 2 A.M. already! Yes! Exhaustion will hit me tomorrow...but for now adrenaline is going...it was a blast!!! Take care!!!!
Love ya!
~Joy~

Oh yeah...and I just checked my email...back about a month ago I got an email about student columnists are wanted...so, I sent in some writings that I had...well, today I received an email...and I have a phone interview on Tuesday...So, I figure on about Monday the nerves will be kicking in! But I am pretty excited though!

That was good...

2006-07-25T20:47:00.000-07:00

Yeah today for lunch I had some strawberry pie that was to die for! Yum Yum! And to think that I used to be allergic to strawberries (could never tell by the way that I eat them these days though!)
So, yeah it has been a while right? Well, life went into crazy motion for about 10 days or so...and now it has started to slow down again...and then I had that incredible migraine (which may or may not have been one not quite sure) then the WEEKEND was here! *Yeah* Bless it* So, that was the plan to spend some time with a friend and we did just that...and had a good time...so, now this weekend I am spending time at home getting some yard work done and then doing some other odds and ends...and, oh yeah, getting some concert tickets for the last weekend of September for my sister and some of her friends...and of course myself...I already have 2 rooms reserved at our favorite place in Grand Forks for that weekend...so, now I just need the tickets AND they go on sale at 9 A.M. Saturday Morning...So, therefore I need to be on the 'net to get them right away! (Exact words from her!) Since my sister has to work at 8:30 that morning and my mom and step-dad are going to be gone I am in charge of taking her to work so I can get her there and then come back and get the tickets then get my stuff done (hopefully without distractions!)
Ok, well, as far as the guy and I go...hmmm...that is great! We have had some great times lately...tomorrow night we are going to make a trip to Fargo to see his parents ("Meet the Parents" type of deal I think!) From what I can tell that is! I have met his dad and he was very kule and I am hoping that his mom is the same and that she likes me also...so, here is to me meeting the parents...Wednesday July 26th, 2006! I am leaving right after work and I am sure that it will be a late night when I return home and I am sure that I will EXHAUSTED Thursday but it should hopefully be well worth it!
Ok, so on that note...School...well, that is a complicated story...Online classes are looking GOOD right now! Ok, here is the story behind that (Note: Warning to you: It was a long week last week...oh wait did I mention that already?) I went to Grand Forks last week one day to finish all the "little" things that I thought that I had left...and then I went to get on the list for housing...thinking "no problem"...well, it turns out that it is a "BIG PROBLEM" up there...and the lack of housing is a huge deal...especially for students...so, there are absolutely no 1 bedroom apartments available up there right now...and that poses a problem for me...but on the happy note...I did have a job!!! Yeah, I have a job waiting for me...registered in school...financial aid all organized...classes all registered...just no place to live...big problem! So, looks like it may be in January now...O-well...gives me time to find a place to live...I have the paper started so I get that daily and I am still looking...but I have since taken out my notice at work...so, I told my boss that I will be here at least until the end of year and then go from there! You gotta be there to see the look on his face (look of relief that is!!) Just because I know that replacing 2 at the same time would not be fun...
But I am outta here for the night...I have to give my sister a ride to work on my way tomorrow...and since we both need to be in the bathroom...separate ones...but at the same time...someone needs to be up just a bit earlier...and I have a funny feeling that it will be me!!!! She's not really a morning person...and she works quite a bit in the morning during the summers...so it makes it interesting...
Talk to you all later! Have a great Week!
Love ya!

~Joy~

Wow!

2006-07-14T21:51:00.000-07:00

All that I have to start with is this...Where did the week go to????? It seems like yesterday was Friday and here it is another Friday night already!!
The week was crazy so I think that is where the week went to...It started off relatively normal and sane...but I have found that those are the ones to be afraid of I think! Then comes Wednesday and as I am on the way out the door for work my mother reminds me that I am in charge of taking my sister to the dentist for her X-Rays and that is at 1. Ok, so I think no big deal...Funny thing is that it was crazy days here in town and they block off like 6 streets for that...and most of it is my normal route to work mind you! We get to the appointment (on time mind you) and turns out that they are running behind...so, I am trying to do some work on my phone while waiting for her to get in...and then chatting with friends...never try that again since I have found that you get NOTHING accomplished!
Well, then I get a call reminding me that I am working later that night (ok, I have this friend and he has one of the businesses in town and about 6 days a year I help him on special occassions and this is one of them!) No problem I am thinking, it is usually a blast! But then I remember that it is 99 degrees outside with about 85% humidity! This may not be so much fun after all! Well, it is only for 4 hours though...and how bad can that be? 5-9 P.M. Now I am also, in addition, peeling from the sunburn Thank you!
Then after that is over clean up comes...not too bad...I am done now! *Yeah* I am outta here...I am on my way over to my guy friends' apartment for a while...watch some movies and to relax...and he calls me to tell me that his roommate is sick! Not nice so we cancel until Saturday night...roommate is leaving no matter what it takes I guess! (Maybe it was me telling him he had to leave or I would hurt him...no I don't think that would be it at all do you?) :)
And then Thursday I ended up having a talk with my boss (whom I still have yet to inform that I want to leave) and we have a nice chat...but now I may wait a year...Long story there! I am kind of confused right now...about what to do...I am kind of waiting to see what happens with a co-worker of mine and what she says when she comes back from her vacation! Rumor has it that she is going to move and when she comes back she is giving her notice...so, only 7 more days to wait...but if she decides not to move then I am leaving! I go apartment hunting on Monday and Tuesday in Grand Forks! Just to get an idea of what is available and what there is that is...But, yeah, I am a tiny bit confused! It would be nice to go now and get it over with...but then again to wait...and I would take online classes starting in the fall...then when I go up there I also know that I have some friends that are going up there for sure from here...so, we would pretty much all go together...but since I only have a year and half (not 2 like I originally thought!) left I am pretty much over it now! Internships though may stink!
Well, on that note...I am going now! Off to be confused again! Well, also pack some more! And you know I thought that my sister would be upset if I stayed...but she wasn't! She said that she can wait a year to move into that room :) Then by then she only would have 3 years of high school left...and she also plans on Grand Forks for college...along with a few others that I know! So, I was thinking the other day...Between the years of 2007 and 2010 I will have about 40 kids that I know graduating from high school...Boy I feel old now...NOT!
Until I return again!!!!!
C-YA!!! Is it time for a vacation yet???????
Love ya...
~Joy~

The puppy is more comfortable now...and boy is she a cutie...but not as cute as my guy that is! Well, ok maybe equal...but she is purty protective and territorial...we had her brother here last weekend...just overnight mind you...and she wouldn't let him have any of her food or water...we had to get him his own bowls out...and then he went to his new home (step-dad's brother and wife)...But we have been calling her "Oreo". I will get some pictures posted of her and you will know why!!! Talk to you later!

Friday ramblings

2006-07-07T12:43:00.000-07:00

Well...first thing hope that ya all have a great weekend! I shall!!!
Ok...now that is over with...and, yes, I still have a fettish with changing of the color scheme! O-well...now on to the idea...
The 4th was pretty fun! I watched the display in town and then went to a friends' place later that night and they shot off some more (since it was actually his parents' place and it is outta town it didn't matter how late it was! All the better) But getting home late and then getting up for work the next day was NOT FUN! But Wednesday night run was ok since I was already exhausted and all...it made it hard but completing it was nice...to know that I did it even though I really did not want to made it all the more worth it!
Then Wednesday night my sister, mom, aunt and I did some last-minute fireworks on our street...and when the police came by for their hourly patrol I BS'd with them for a bit...well, by then it was almost 11...and that meant the end of the year...that is the cutoff for fireworks in our town...so, I had a drink (ok maybe 2) while I sat outside and enjoyed the nice weather! Worth it you know! Last nights run was only 2 miles...but there was an accident up the road so I had to bypass that...and it made for a shorter than usual route...o-well I can go more some other time! Just not tonight...
I have plans for the entire weekend...and they do NOT INCLUDE this person/guy from Fargo that this girl gave my phone number to! She recently moved to New Jersey and thought that she would be nice and give this guy my phone number...umm, no thank you, since I really like Brandon and all, and if anyone (and I mean ANYONE!) screws that up...YOU ARE DEAD! I realize that it has been a year that we have been friends...but since we can never seem to find the correct time to get together...and now with him having recently changed jobs and all...I felt that it was the perfect time now...So, I bit the bullet and we talked and now we are going to do something on Sunday after I attend a birthday party (yeah, for a 2 year old that is) and then go from there! Wish me luck on that one...although, I am leaving for Grand Forks in 6 short weeks but we will work something out!
Well, I better get back to work now! Happy Weekend to you all! Oh yeah...Got a puppy the other day and she is adorable...6 weeks on July 3rd...Border Collie...And she is still shy but she is a cuddler and loves to sit on your lap...especially when you sit on the floor...
Until next time,

Love,

~Joy~

Happy 4th!

2006-07-04T12:27:00.000-07:00

Hope that you all have a great and safe 4th of July...Make it a safe one! As far as I am concerned I am going to light some off and then go to the display in the park...Woo Hoo...
But tomorrow is the Big Day in our house! My sister is getting her puppy...Help us! No, seriously she will be good with her...And for a few days we are actually going to have 2 of them in the house (1 is for my step-dad's brother who lives about 20 minutes away...and we are going to bring him to them this weekend) ok, so they are getting a male and we are getting a female...strange, huh? At least they are only 6 weeks old (yesterday)...
But that is all for now...I am off to get in the shower! Hey maybe I should nap also! I need to catch up on my sleep...O-Well, I will next weekend! (Yeah whatever!)
Until later...And you know what I hope that I didn't bum you out on that last entry...I need some creative juices to come to me...and then I will be back!

Happy 4th to you!

Until then~

Love,

~Joy~

Identity Theft...

2006-06-28T21:33:00.000-07:00

The subject of the day: Identity theft...How did I, Joy, come up with this one you may be asking yourself...well, that would be an interesting story...I have had one of those months that I can't wait to be over with! You see I got this letter in the mail yesterday from some credit card company. So, I figured it was just an offer for a new card...and I opened it so that I could put it in the shredder...and it was a BILL!!! Well, it was addressed to me...from a company that I have never heard of...so, I call there and find out that this card has been opened in my name for two months already...and to top it off the bill was behind in payments...so, now I have to clear all that up. Well, the address is correct, as is the social security number, but not the phone numbers (home, work, or cell) or mothers' maiden name. So, it seems that you can get a credit card with a lot of falsified info these days. So, needless to say I am not paying the bill. And then the company actually asked me if I was willing to file a police report. Umm, Hello, Yeah. I, in turn, asked her if I should go to the police chiefs house then and do, or wait until today to do it...well, they told me that there fraud investigation team will work on it...but of they need anything can they ask the police to cooperate...I am pretty positive that the police here in town will cooperate...I know them that well...
So, now tonight I have been surfing all the information that I can find out about identity theft and what else I can do to clear this up...On the average a person does not find out for 14 months! Well, I hope that this person (whomever it may be) has not had this card for that long! I don't think so...but you never know...It seems that whomever it was should have had some common sense and had the bills delivered to another address and not to my home address...but you know some people are not exactly the brightest people...all the better for me...I now know early on...and have learned a lot from surfing the 'net tonight on how to protect myself from ever being the victim again...and I think that I will post some tips here for all of you readers...so, here are some that I have found:

File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where your credit cards, etc., were stolen. This proves to credit providers you were diligent, and this is a first step toward an investigation (if there ever is one). However, here is what is perhaps most important of all
Call the three national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security number. The alert means any company that checks your credit knows your information was stolen, and they have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit. There are records of all the credit checks initiated by the thieves’ purchases.

1.) Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
2.)Experian (formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742
3.)TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289
4.)Social Security Administration (fraud line): 1-800-269-0271

When you call one of the three major credit bureaus they are required, by law, to notify the other two, and put a fraud alert on your credit report. There are also two types of Fraud alerts: 90 days and 7 years...so, as the consumer you will need to request the later of the two or you could become a victim again...and some companies will not even honor the advisory.

In my case though, I am not sure as to where the credit card was opened at, so filing a police report is kind of a sticky situation...since it is a whoile juridiction issue right now...but I did go talk to the police chief to put him on alert about it. (Well, ok in reality I sniveled and pouted my way through it...and told him that the sooner that I got out of here the better...)

What I also learned is that many states DO NOT PROSECUTE the thief. The companies feel that it is not worth their time or money to prosecute the criminal...well, I find that to be repulsive! But I am not even going to go their right now! I am still angry and tired to top it all off now...all this searching has made me even madder now...well, I hope that it helps the next person...and that you are not that person...but if you are...remember that there is help out there! I know...I have found it...
Take care...
Love ya...
One very tired girl,
~Joy~

Sidenote: The flag is still up for the month of June...and will remain up until my last post for the month of June...and guess what...it is getting so much easier to post it now! Since the month is almost over with right! LOL...
Well, Good Night...Work calls early...as do many more phone calls...oh yeah...

Happy Week to you all...

2006-06-27T00:27:00.000-07:00

It shall be one for me...NOT! Even though I love to travel...for pleasure that is...but when I have to go away for anything other than that...I hate it! And this will be about the 4th time that I will be going away this month alone...Is June over with yet????? Is it time to go to school yet??? I know that I am being sarcastic now...since when school gets into full swing I will (probably) want out fast!
Hope that you all had a good weekend...Mine wasn't all that bad...relaxing I must say...and there was no alcohol involved! I was thinking about it...BUT the off sale place got robbed on Friday night! Yeah in my town of 10,000 people and you rob the alcohol store! Of course the banks were targeted already the summer of '04 and the Dollar Store was targeted in the winter of '04 so I guess that we should have expected this one coming! I was wondering why they were closed so early that night when I was out running errands but never gave it a second thought as to what may have happened! O-well I am soon to be outta here...
But, hey, it's late and the morning is coming soon! Until we meet again...Take care and see ya soon! I know where and when my vacation is...Over New Year's...To New York...I have been there twice...but always wanted to go over New Year's...and now with some friends moving to New Jersey I have the opportunity...BUT...Yeah there is always a BUT in a sentence...they may be coming home...and if that is the case I am STILL GOING THERE!!! No one can stop me!!! So, that is my final decision...Who is with me??? I may need some companionship while I am there! lol
See ya...
and luv ya...until later...Get well soon Marc...Take good care of him you 2...I won't name you either...but you know who you are :)
~Joy~

Another week is almost completed!!!

2006-06-22T22:48:00.000-07:00

A little slow this week...I just realized that tomorrow is Friday already!!!! I am excited...but not ready for next week to come yet...see, I have to travel again (at least I think) and it seems that when I travel I never sleep...last week when I travelled 2 times (Tuesday and Thursday) I don't think that I slept Monday or Wednesday night at all...so, I am not looking forward to this one coming up...but to think that in 2 months school starts again!
I have no plans for the weekend...except to sit around and do nothing all weekend! My family is all going away without me for the weekend...and, as you may tell, I am incredibly sad about this! :) See ya on Sunday...well, actually it is Monday they are coming back...and not until late! Have the house to myself...and with nothing to do...gonna be nice!
And no I am not going to party all weekend...I did that enough this week...I can't even think about that right now. With having their going away parties this week I am going to recuperate this weekend...And I also need to kinda psych myself up for next weekend...the weekend of the 4th...I am going to go out to the family reunion on my dad's side...my mom and I are going...
So, I am off now!!! Talk to you all later...and I hope that you have a great weekend...in case I don't return by then...it may be a possibility ya know!!! Between packing and working...and laundry...registering...and all that fun stuff...I think that I may go crazy soon! Anyone wanna help me??? lol Just kidding! Take care...
Love ya...
and here is a big hug from me -2- you

Running...

2006-06-21T21:27:00.000-07:00

I did decide tonight that running is EVIL!!!! I ran tonight 6.6 miles and I am hot and need a shower really bad now! But to find the energy to go do that is the problem...well, last night was fun...we had a going away party for a friend (she and another are moving to New Jersey in about a week and half) so, anyways, remember that it is a Tuesday...and in our small town (10,000) there is not a whole lot of action going on...we ended up playing pool (my 4th time ever!) and I have to say I had a lot of fun...then after that we went back to my co-workers house and just sat and talked about the whole her moving half way across the country...and the fact that I am also leaving in 2 short months! But remember that 2 years is sooo short and then I want to get the heck out of this state! I am aiming at either the East Coast or the West Coast...any suggestions? hehehehehehe
I am changing the colors of each entry...since I LOVE rainbows! I guess that I am just into changing colors...Makes it unique...So, I think that I am off to shower now! It was an incredibly long day today...Never do that again (I said that last time also...so, no one qoute me on it please!)
Until later! Love ya...and I think that I shall return...hehehehehehe...O-yeah...and I am going on vacation in December now!!! Over New Year's that is...and I am excited...because it is New Year's Eve while I am there! More to come though!
Love ya...
Love,
~Joy~

Late...but Happy Fathers Day...

2006-06-19T23:34:00.000-07:00

I know that yesterday was Fathers' Day and all...well, as many of you know, my father passed away many years ago already...and that over the years I have had little to no communication with two of his siblings.
I do miss my father dearly...Over the years I have grown up and become the person that I am. Mostly due to the influence that my mother had on me. So, I remember the last day that I spent with you...like it was yesterday...That day will live in my memory forever...because if I had known then what I know now I would have spent those last few hours with you and not worrying about leaving on vacation the next day. I remember that you told me that I had better behave this time while I was with them (my aunt and uncle)....and that you told me that you loved me and that you would see me when I got back in August...then off I went...Thinking that I would see you in a month...Not knowing...
I remember the phone call at 2 in the morning...She comes into my room...tells me to hurry and get up...we need to go back to North Dakota right away...but she won't tell me why...probably for the best...I watch as the scenery passes by me...all the way back to Grandma's. Then I think that something has happened to Grandma...still not knowing and by now it has been almost 12 hours...There sits mom...crying...and Paul...Uncle Gary...Grandma...Uncle Tim...also all crying...I know then that it's bad...after the news is told I remember that I went outside...what I was looking for I am not sure...I just needed to not be in there...I remember that I was thinking that it was all a bad dream...and that sooner or later I would wake up...Still waiting for that to happen though...
Facing everyone in Grand Forks again was hard...I am still in denial...and when I went back home again I find out that pretty much everyone already knew...In fact someone's parents knew while the EMT's were still in the house trying to revive you...they saw the ambulance...but could not get to the house to see if I was there or not...but they were relieved to find out that I had already left...but knew that now they would be explaining what had happened...and why I was home already...
If I thought that was hard...that was a breeze compared to what was coming still though...Just remember that I love you no matter what...and the next couple of days were hard...but then comes time for the funeral...and I remember leaving for that...out in your hometown...and although at the time everyone made me feel welcome...I felt only loneliness and heartache...because I had just buried my father...and I am only 13...
Now is the time that I remember you the most though...for it is coming upon the anniversary of your death...and this is the time of the year that makes me the most emotional and sad...This year will be no exception to that either...In fact this year may be even harder...for I have not talked to any of your siblings in many years now...And the last communication that I had with one was distant and I hung up the phone in tears...well, recently I received a birthday card from your sister...and they are having a family reunion this summer...around the "anniversary" and I have decided to attend...not because I am interested in communication with the "uncle" that I last talked to...but, so that I can get the remaining pictures that "aunt" still has and also the paperwork from being discharged...so, I shall get that stuff...then I feel that maybe there will be closure on that part of my life...but never from you...For you will always live in my heart and soul...I am after all a piece of you...

I was successful!

2006-06-08T23:01:00.000-07:00

In changing the layout of this blog I was successful! I was getting kind of tired of the same old thing...so, occassionally you may find that I play a little and change this...o-well! Ok, now I am off to bed! Work calls early...but here's to (hopefully) a weekend that will be WAY better than the last was! It can't get any worse though!

Take care and always remember that I...

Love ya!

Updates: June 14,2006...A huge thanks to Marc of Voyeur Nation...he added the links on the side so that I have immediate access to his site...How he does that I have no idea...some day I may remember HTML just not yet! Then now I have another problem...and, well, that one requires my time and thoughts...all that time that I have spent telling others about long distance relationships aren't that hard...well, now, I am having a harder time trying to convince myself on that! I have accepted addmission to a school that is about 3 hours away and just when I am trying to get something started going with this guy! Ok, now what do I do? That has been running through my freaking brain all day! But, well, I know that in the end it will all work out! I am off now...Talk to ya all laterz!
9 P.M. Oh yeah...It hurts!!!! (Had an ear appointment and, well, I won't go into the details but I am still waiting for the pain killers to start working and they won't...So, I do still have full feeling of the nerves in my left ear...and I don't want to feel it!!!) Until later~
Midnight...Still waiting!!! How long do these things take??? I am going to kill someone soon!!!

Challenge

2006-06-06T22:04:00.000-07:00

This week is the ultimate in testing my patience...BUT I wanted to partake in this little "challenge" that came from one of Marc's blog, although it started on someone else's originally...But long day and now I am off...
Until tomorrow night...See ya then everyone...and hopefully without the grumpiness and crabbiness right????
Here's to (almost) lovin life again!!!

Love ya!

~Joy~

Warning...

2006-06-05T19:20:00.000-07:00

DISLCLAIMER: The following is about the weekend...and it was not a pretty weekend...so, I may whine and I will apologize profusely right away and get that part over with...now on to the weekend from HELL!

Friday I left work a later than usual...got busy with stuff going on...well, ok that's usual you know sometimes...SO, anyways I was pretty psyched because there was a dance that night...and I wanted to go with a certain friend of mine...and I had finally gained the momentum to ask him. Knowing that we both were off by 7 that night also may have had something to do with it! :) Ok, so there I go, to find out that the guy that was supposed to come in at 7 for him was a no-show and now he has to stay until midnight! Ok, so there shoots that night...and since it only took a year for either one of us to ask the other out it may never happen again! Than later that night I ended up taking my aunt to the ER and we were there until 3 A.M.

Saturday started pretty good...cleaned out my car and then just thought about what to do that night...so, I made plans and then they all fell through anyways! But then I decided to go to my friends place over in Breck...and join a few other peeps that are there...well, this guy and I have been friends for over 2 years...never anything more...(at least to me that is...I still like someone else more) Well, he decides that we can only be friends and he doesn't want to talk to me anymore for right now! Nice way to end a good day huh?

But here is what takes the ultimate: Yesterday (well, late last night actually) I was on the way to the ER with my aunt again (every 6 hours all weekend for IV antibiotics) and all the sudden my car starts to drive really funny...So, I turn around thinking that maybe I have a flat tire or something...and then all the sudden it starts to make a clunking noise...well, I then pull over...and get out...thinking that maybe it is a broken axle or something. Ok, so what is that all about? So I think nothing of it, have it brought to the shop and leave it there so that my mechanic can look at it this morning right away (which I knew he would also!) and I stopped there on the way to work to talk to him...well, the good news is that it was only about a $30 repair job...here's the bad news (at least in my opinion that is!)...see the problem was...that 4 out of my 5 lug nuts on my tire were missing...At first we were both thinking that it was a complete and total fluke...which he said it could have been if there was something wrong with my car...but then he started looking and found nothing wrong...SO, the point here is that someone did it deliberately! Well, on the way home of course I called the local Police and started to file the report...so, they sent someone over and I talked to him for a while. (Well, I already knew him since his daughter and my sister play hockey together along with the chief's daughter also...ok, I know twisted right). But now I am over paranoid and my mechanic said that I can bring back in my car anytime and he will keep checking it to make sure that all is good with it! I am forever grateful to him right now! So, what else am I supposed to do? I have never been in this situation before...I am thankful that I have a mechanic who is willing to help me to maybe someday feel safe again...Well, do I win any kind of award for having the world's worst weekend?

Here's to being thankful that the weekend is finally OVER with and that the week is here AGAIN! (I know not many people can say that can they)
Well, I am off now...sorry about the ultimate whine-fest but the week can't get bad compared to the weekend! Take care and the next post will be much better I promise!

Love ya!

How do ya do links on here?????????????????????? Anyone????????????

In the news...

2006-05-24T19:25:00.000-07:00

On MSN News:

In Covington, Georgia a man hit two woman and their three small children and then proceeded to back up over them again...the whole time he was doing this he was smiling!
I found this to be horrible and an incredible act of violence on children and I wonder what was going through this guys' head as he was backing up over the people and those three small children. One child, whom was 2, died Wednesday afternoon at the hospital while the other two children, ages 3 and 4, are hospitalized in serious condition.
This man is currently being held in jail pending a psychological and mental evaluation to determine if he is physically able to fully comprehend the extent of his charges and what he has done and all the lives that he has destroyed.

And now did you hear about the mom that "god told her to throw her sons into the San Francisco Bay" Yeah I saw this one on my homepage (netscape) and now I feel the need to comment and write about this one so here I go...
What kind of mother does that to her children no matter what god tells her? Look at the Andrea Yates case in Texas a few years back...She at first said it was because god told her to drown the "bad" spirits out of children. The next story was that she was abused by her husband so badly that she was just "trying to save her the lives of her children". The last (and final as far as I know), according to her lawyer, is that she drowned her children because she was on anti-depressant medication since the birth of her youngest child. Well, in my opinion, I personally find that one to be a load of crap. But then again I have never been on anti-depressants but I think that they are supposed to help you so that you aren't doing things like that right? Ok, back to the original story about the woman in San Francisco, when the police found her pushing an empty stroller they asked her if her children were all right and she told them yes. They then began to question her as to their whereabouts and realized what had happened so they took her into custoody. Since this all happened they have only recovered one of the childrens' bodies, a 2 year boy, and the others have yet to be found. She is being charged with three counts of murder.

One more to go and then I am done I promise!

Missouri:
Police discover the shallow grave of Marsha Spicer. She was brutally raped and beaten in the final moments of her life. The irony to this story is that the final moments of her life were all videotaped and the couple that videotaped it have diasappeared. (also from netscape)

Have a good night everyone...Happy Wednesday!!!!!

Love ya!
~Joy~

Promise this is it...but this is one from my area here...
Found in the internet on the Grand Forks Herald online:

Another member of the North Dakota National Guard has lost another member. A Fargo native was killed on May 23rd north of Baghdad. He was stationed with the 164th out of Minot. He was the 12 th member from North Dakota to lose their life in Iraq.
Also, Minnesota has had 37 deaths as of this printing also...
Now this time it is official I am done!

Good night~

A Question

2006-05-16T21:25:00.000-07:00

As many of you may or may not know I like to read "Dear Abby" when I get the chance to read it via net...well today I glanced at it and I just about died...It is a tribute to Foster Parents and talked about how May is National Foster Care Month...And, well, since I just blogged about the neighbor of mine that does foster care and how she just lost her husband of 34 years to cancer I am going to help spread the word because I do believe that foster care is a great cause to believe in and remember that just because a child is in foster care it is not necessarily because they are at fault...most of the time it is the parents' that are at fault and the children are the ones that suffer in the end. The hardest times are when there are multiple children in the family and they all are placed in different homes. After several years they may or may not be reunited again and that is if they even remember each other.
But Abby lists a few things that people can do to support the children that are in foster care...just be there to support them is a prime one...help them and show them that there are people out there that care! So, I ask is there someone out there that will help me and show someone that they care about someone else and help them?
Well, that is about all from me for now...
Love ya!

Couting the months

2006-05-15T06:43:00.000-07:00

I am literally counting the months until I go on vacation! I am so excited...you see I am the only one that knows where I am going this year (so far that is!) and it is somewhere that I have been...and the thing is that since I was last there it has considerably changed so I would love to go there and see the changes and what it has gone through! As far as people there that I know...well, I am always up for an adventure and meeting new people! HEHEHE!
Well, I better run now...back to the world of work...I am ready for a nap...and it is only 9 A.M. Is that a bad sign? LOL
Take care...
Love Ya

HeHe...Here is what I will say...the last time that I planned a big vacation it fell through SO this time I am planning it...and it will go through BUT I am going to be asking about some ideas about what to do...since it has been a while since I have been there...and you will find out where I am going since I will be asking around and when I ask...I expect some help PLEASE! (I know I am demanding!) More to come...But the tenative dates are August 7th-10th...

What...

2006-05-10T22:01:00.000-07:00

First things first...Thank you Marc for the for the comment...it is nice to know that I have the support when I need it! Thank you to you all who are reading it and thinking about it and thinking of the family and those that were affected by the loss...and now on to my story of a stupid person for the day...(and it can be funny in some ways!)

If only I could get into some people's heads' some days I tell you...Well, yesterday at work we were talking about the fact that it had been a long week for me and I think that I wanted to go out but since I
A: Do not drink and drive
B: Ride with anyone who has been drinking

So, we figured that there was one person that volunteered to not drink and he would be our driver SO we all meet up...and all 4 of us are into about our 2nd drink and then we find out that the guy (our driver) is into about his 5th (yeah you read that right!) drink! OK, so now we are all scrambling to find rides...I tell you that's not the easiest thing to do at 1 A.M. in our town either...So, what does Joy do...She calls her friend who happens to be a sheriff deputy on the Minnesota side...and he happens to be off duty (thankfully)...so he gives me a ride home...YEAH!!!

Today was a long day though...I feel like I have a hangover if that is possible off of only 2 drinks...Maybe it is just because I am still angry over the whole having no ride home and having to bother my friend...no clue...or being scared that I would be chewed out by him...but you know what he called me tonight and he didn't chew me out or anything...he told me that I did the right thing by calling him! And that he was proud that I choose to call him instead of riding home with someone that had been drinking...well, he knows my reasons behind every choice that I make...but it was so sweet of him to say that...

Well, enough babbling by me for now...I am SO tired and I am off to bed now...Long night last night and I think that is catching up with me...I am surprised that I can still type even though it is still very slow (and I mean that VERY literal)...Talk to you later!

Live life to the fullest...

2006-05-07T21:28:00.000-07:00

The following is meant to be a celebration of life to a neighbor of mine: Please read and remember that life is short so live life to the fullest extent possible!!!!!

"It is better to have loved and lost than to to have never loved at all..."

Not sure who said that but I am sure of this that my neighbors right now are feeling that for sure...their father passed away from cancer on Tuesday early morning and his funeral was Saturday morning and I thought that I would be fine (no crying or anything) until I met up with his wife and then the tears started to come a little...then I saw his adopted daughter who has not shed a tear...and I didn't cry then...but then I saw his foster son and I TOTALLY lost it then...see the 2 of them were close and we were hugging and crying hard. I remember about 2 summers ago going tubbing at the lake and all the suddenly I was sitting at the bottom of the lake because I was dumped over courtesy of my neighbor! Ah the memories! That is what I will live with and that is what his foster son won't get to experience because he didn't come here until last September after the lake house was all locked up for the season but before Don was diagnosed with cancer...so, yes, he progressed extremely fast...And I feel so bad for the kids...
But, needless to say it was a long hard weekend...And I am off now...I can say that I am starting to cry still just thinking about yesterday...and the funeral and all...I just hope that the "foster" kids get to stay here with her still...Which I am sure that they will...She is a teacher in the community doing foster care for almost 10 years with a strong record so it will be up to her...and I know that the 2 that are there now want to stay there...

Picture Happy...

2006-05-02T22:40:00.000-07:00

I am getting picture happy I know...but you know it is purty kule! I have all these pictures on the other blog that I had...and they are the ones that are on the computer yet...but these are all from October of 2005...That feels like a long time ago...but it isn't really...I am not in any of these :) Soon though...but I am more of the photographer and hate to be in pictures!
Take care until next time

~Joy~

First Pictures...

2006-05-01T23:54:00.000-07:00

I am finally able to start to figure out how to download photos on here! I have many that I would love to post...but it was trying to figure it out...and here we are at 2 A.M. and I think that I have finally done it! Now off to bed! Morning is coming...but I am not even tired (maybe it has something to do with the fact that I slept in today...recovering and not being sick that is)
Love,

~Joy~

Weekend

2006-05-01T22:21:00.000-07:00

I do not get sick!!! That is what I kept telling myself yesterday and guess what...my body was disagreeing with that statement...So, I had my first case of the flu in over 2 years and hated every minute of it...but I was sick from work today even though I feel 100% better but I need a day to recuperate I think. So, this will be a very short week for me since I am leaving work early on Wednesday and going to get ready to go to Fargo later that night...But since I thought that I would spend the night up there and decided against it I am still taking the day off.
Then there is the matter of a good neighbor of ours that was diagnosed with throat cancer last fall...and they know that he is not going to be around much longer...I feel so bad for the kids...his daughter, that was their foster daughter before being adopted about 4 years ago, is 14 and realizes what is happening, as does their 16 year old foster son, but not the 7 year old foster son. So they had someone come in tonight to talk to the kids and explain and answer questions.
But the weekend, well, I got sick yesterday, actually later Saturday night, and it wasn't all that good for being in church yesterday...and my sister got confirmed...I was the photographer...And then we all had lunch...except me that is...since the site and smell of food made me violently ill...good way to treat my step-dad's family but I am purty sure that they understood!! I hope!
I hope that you are all good!!!! Talk to you later...Stay healthy!!!!!!!
Until I return again...

A year of changes...

2006-04-23T22:28:00.001-07:00

I think that I will make this "The Year of Changes" and what I think that I mean by that is that I would love to move out of Wahpeton...even to Fargo, even though the last time that I lived there it was a total nightmare, but I think that it may have changed since then...I may go to Grand Forks...or somewhere out of here that is! I also am thinking about going back to school...To where and for what is yet to be determined...but since I love to write and take puictures some friends are saying that Journalism is an ideal subject...photo journalism that would be...I also think that I would like to move to one of the coasts...I love the East but the West was also so pretty and I have friends on the East and Family out West...so as long as they are willing to help in case I fall flat I would be safe...But you know how life sometimes is weird...for all I know I could end up down south in "Hurricane Land" and be totally terrified!
Well, it is late and morning is coming...just some deep thoughts (well, not really I guess!) from this chick! "A Year of Changes" is coming! LOL
Have you ever thought about changing your life drastically?
Until next time...Work calls early in the morning...
Love,

~Joy~

Happy Day...

2006-04-22T20:53:00.000-07:00

Since it is my birthday it had better be a happy day! hehehe
Ok...I am PRETTY sure that this is the year that will be full of changes...and what I mean by that is...I have become too "comfortable" in my job and life...at least that is what one of my employees told me the other day...and now I think that I want a change...so this week I applied for my first new job in over 10 years...Scary! The one thing is that it is in payroll/accounting and that is what I did go to college for...but since I have only little experience in it...I do deal with it at work when my boss is on vacation...but never full charge of it I am not going to hold my breath waiting to get a call back on that one...now I think that I will venture out and look at other options also yet just to see what I can look into and maybe even in a new area all together! Stay tuned if you are interested.
Well, I think that I am going to go back to what I was doing...and that would be drinking my wine coolers. Boy I hope that you don't think that I drink a lot or anything like that since I don't! Just on certain days like birthdays...Holidays and things like that...Not on a daily basis or anything like that...Oh yeah vacations also...
But I should run now...I shopped all day in Fargo and I have to go put some stuff away now...Wow I shop every year on my birthday! Except last year and this year I didn't catch a guy cheating on me :) 2 years already and that is a LONG but fun and exciting time for me! Talk to you all later! It's finally my birthday! I am (god) 31...But most people (including a guy that I like) say that I don't look it! I like him even more today!

Love,

~Joy~

Ok I want to know one thing...I am very computer literate...but how in the world do I put links on here? Marc was willing to help me set it up...but then he got his new kidney so I am going to TRY and hopefully not screw up too bad! Here's to me doing that and this could be the last thing that anyone reads if I screw up too bad...until I figure out how to undo whatever I do...So, on that note...Wish me luck and take care!
Ok sorry that if this sounds whiney...not intended since it is my happy day...But you know I love to write and got to do some now! After I put the stuff away!

Good Night...

2006-04-17T21:08:00.000-07:00

Let's just say that this was a long day...so a quick "Hello" to you all! I had a great weekend...Hung out with a friend of mine and since it was his weekend to pick out what we do...he choose to watch a few movies on Saturday night...and he one that he picked was "Joe Somebody" I had totally forgotten that I even had that movie...but I gave him a list of my movies about 6 months ago and he had NEVER seen that one...totally hilarious! Well, after that I also had a romantic movie and then...HE FELL ASLEEP! During it...Did not see that one coming...at least he woke up when I was getting ready to go...but now I know that he is not into romance movies!
But I am going to bed now! It was a hectic day (but then again what Mondays aren't?) Only 2 more projects to go and then I am OUTTA HERE! For the weekend that is! It's my Birthday on Saturday so I am spending Friday night with some good friends in Grand Forks and then coming home Saturday to go out here to CELEBRATE!!! >>>As you may tell I love my birthday for the sheer glory that I can go out and not worry about anything!<<<
So take care and talk to you in the next day or so! I will return soon! Spring has arrived...and today I saw an Eagle flying above my house...so I need to see if I can find the nest...but never go near it I just want a picture...with my brand new (!!!!) digital camera that I just got about a week ago! It will work great on my vacation this summer! Now for realz I am off!

~Joy~

Melanoma

2006-04-15T23:05:00.000-07:00

I like to read "Dear Abby" and many of you may know that...well in todays' column she had a column on Melanoma...and since Summer is just around the corner I thought that I would mention that it can happen to anyone anytime...regardless to your age, ethnic background and any other excuse that you may have to not wear sunscreen when outside this summer...and I admit that I am one of those people that make excuses to not wear any protection when outside...but no longer...even if I know that I will be getting wet at the pool or lakes I still have to wear it...and I burn incredibly easy also so I guess that is a strike against me already right?
Well, here is an excerpt from her column today...

SUNSCREEN LETS PEOPLE ENJOY SUNSHINE ON THEIR SHOULDERS
DEAR ABBY: I recently had to tell another patient, this time a husband and father, that the irregular-shaped mole on his shoulder was melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer. Unfortunately, dermatologists see cases like this every day.
Despite outward appearances of being healthy, this man was a prime candidate for skin cancer. Unlike many of my patients, he had spent the better part of his youth swimming and playing baseball in the sun with his skin unprotected.
Regardless of age or skin type, everyone is at risk for developing skin cancer. Last year alone, there were 105,750 new cases of melanoma diagnosed in the United States. To avoid becoming part of that statistic, your readers need to be "sun smart" when they have fun in the sun. They need to do such things as generously apply sunscreen, wear protective clothing, seek shade, get vitamin D safely -- through a healthy diet or dietary supplement

In any event please take precautions and do what is necessary to prevent yourself from being a statistic! Well, morning is coming and Church is coming also...I don't attend regularily but since it is Easter tomorrow I may actually get up and attend with my mother and Grandmother and then take them out for Easter Lunch...Stepdad and Sister are going to his brothers' place so it is just the 3 of us! Yikes!
~HAPPY EASTER~

Take care and until next time!

~Joy~

Another day...

2006-04-13T22:48:00.000-07:00

Hello again! Well, the last two days have went by sooo fast...Last night I went with the Youth Group from church and we got home a lot later than originally thought...O-well it was great fun. Then today there was no school so my sister is having a friend spend the night...She came over after church (which I missed Too bad I know!) My sister is getting confirmed in about 2 1/2 weeks so she needs to attend all the special services that there are.
I just totally forgot what I was going to write about soooo...other than the usual working and outings not too much...New news...Well, last night was kind of creepy...after the youth outing I had a missed call on my cell...a girl that I know went home late last night and there was someone that was laying in the middle of here living room floor...and he was wearing only her blanket! EW! I can't believe how calm she was...If it had been me you would have heard me scream all the way to Fargo! Then I would not have had to call "911" because the entire 2 towns here would be calling to say that someone was violating the noise ordinance!
Now I am out of here...Is it Friday yet? One more day and then it is! I have no major plans for this weekend...Next weekend though...Because it is my birthday! Watch out...no seriously I won't be here in this town for it though..."Family" night is the 21st and then I get freedom...Ok so I hope you have a great weekend! Take care and see you soon!
Luve ya all!!!

~Joy~

P.S. If anyone can tell me how Marc (Voyeur Nation) is doing...Please I ask you to let someone know...And I would appreciate it Greatly! Thanks again!

Oh My It's Morning!

2006-04-12T08:29:00.000-07:00

Oh do the mornings come earlier and earlier or is it just me? I think that they come earlier but that's ok...the sooner that they get here the sooner it is time to go outside and have some fun!
Well, on a serious note now...I am not even sure what there is today...I know that Marc from "Voyeur Nation" is in the hospital having a kidney transplant...I read that this morning at 3 A.M. (my time)...hey maybe that is why the mornings are coming faster...since I never seem to get home at a decent hour! LOL And then to get up in the mornings and work then to go out with the friends at night and then come home to sleep then start all over again. I always think that "I'll sleep in this weekend" and then it never seems to happen. O-well I am having some fun again lately. And considering that it is soon to be my birthday (wanna guess?)...Someone HELP me! A lot of people tell me that I don't look my age...and I know for a sure thing that I have yet to start acting my age.
Marc-Get well soon...thinking good thoughts to you...I know that you are strong and will beat anything...
O-well...I am back to work now...Take care! OK...this time for reals...off again...Is it time to go home yet? Kidding there...it's still early...Oh my...
Luve ya all!!!!!!!!

On one side note...I was just reading about a MO couple that "pretended" to have sextuplets in order to gain monetary contributions to help pay their bills...I mean "HELLO" get a life...that is something that you just don't do...Can we say ILLEGAL there...I hope that they get what they deserve...And they planned it all out right down to even having a small closet full of clothes...they thought that way they could obtain a bigger house through the kindness of others...I really have got to stop reading the news in the mornings...it can make for a really bad day...OK this time I really am leaving...

2006-04-10T12:41:00.000-07:00

Ok...I promise no "Dear Abby" today! lol
The weekend was awesome in terms of weather...I worked a few hours both days to prepare for today...and then I ENJOYED the weather...hoping that this is a good sign of the summer to come!
After all it is April already and soon to be the summer...Easter is coming real fast...already next Sunday and I still have yet to get out the rest of the decorations...The funny part is that some of my decorations are Chololate Bunnies that I don't eat...My sisters' best friend will come in and sit there and stare at it like she wants to eat it sometime...Maybe someday just not yet...They are from about 3 years ago also...Not sure how they would taste now after all this time.
But I am off to get ready for a meeting and then to clean out my car that has been neglected for so long already...When I was coming home yesterday I was thinking about that...Actually on the way to a friends' house and then what does he do...asks when the last time that I cleaned out my car!!!! That was not a nice thing to ask me I think...But you know what they say...Truth Hurts! Just Kidding...and he was also...He knows that I like to keep it clean and organized and so when I have 2 empty water bottles in there it drives me nuts...and there is some empty water bottles in there now...(and WAY more than 2 that is!)
Then I also need to send off a b-day card to my aunt...Her big 50 today...and soon it will be my mom's and my birthday...Scared especially after last year also...but this year I am going to Grand Forks for the day and then to visit my aunt...and from there we will see I guess...Surprises are the ultimate...and that includes the summer vacations...I am still pondering that one also...But no matter what happens....
Take care everyone (and here is to hoping that your weather is as great as mine is!!!!!!!)
Until next time~

"Dear Abby"

2006-04-08T22:05:00.000-07:00

Typically I am not the biggest reader of the newspaper...just because our town paper here is all old news...so we read it for the comics and Dear Abby (at least that's me!) Well, yesterday's column had to deal with child abuse...so I dug a bit and came to discover that April is National Child ABuse Prevention Month. Interesting I personally have never known an abused child but I know that I didn't lead that much of a sheltered life and there was a girl that was abused by her mother that was a grade below me and that kind of stuck in my mind all of these years...and that was when I was in about the 1st grade or so...that tells you how long ago it was...since I will SOON be 31 (!!!!!) Heaven help us all!
But that's about all for now...Check out the website on child abuse prevention month if you get a chance...pretty interesting info on there...Off again!
Love ya!!!!!!!!!!!

****2 weeks until my BIRTHDAY!***

An excerpt from "Dear Abby"

2006-04-07T14:24:00.000-07:00

This article came from Dear Abby on April 6, 2006 and I thought that it was a great way to spread the word about organ donations...since there is such a list for organ donations out there...here just an excerpt from the column...if you want to read the whole column just go to her website and click on the date from which the column appeared (April 6, 2006)...Love ya all!!!! Back to work now...

I encourage all of you to talk to your loved ones, listen to them, and say "yes" to giving the "gift of life." It is a way to ensure that a part of our loved ones lives on, and to improve the quality of life for people -- many of whom have been suffering for years, waiting and praying for an organ.
For more information, call the National Kidney Foundation's toll-free number at (800) 622-9010. And if you could use a "lift," mark your calendar and consider attending the Olympic-style Transplant Games, which are being held in Louisville, Ky., between June 16 and 21. In a very real sense, these games are competitions where EVERYONE is a winner.

Off to Fargo...

2006-04-05T23:47:00.000-07:00

With as weird as that may sound I am going on a little "getaway" tomorrow...My sister is home from school for about the next week...so mom asked me to take her somewhere tomorrow...It is just that she still hurts a little from having ear surgery yesterday...I took (yet another) day off and I will make it all up this weekend for sure...Decided to take her shopping...gotta hit the mall for sure you know!
But it was sooo nice here today that I took advantage of the sun, warmth and worked out in the yard for a bit tonight after work. When I left at 5:30 it was still 65 degrees out...I can definitely get used to this.
Ok but I am out of here again...2:07 tomorrow my team play first round at the Frozen Four! Definitely have got to be back for that one! I don't know why it is so exciting this year...it is about the 4th time in 5 years that they have went...but some reason it is just being "hyped" more this year...maybe since it is only in Wisconsin I really have no idea...but they had better WIN! Or someone is going to be hurt! LOL Just kidding though...I will still be happy for them regardless of how they do tomorrow...I just want them to go far...
And one final note...The flood is officially over with...the river (finally) crested yesterday! (Especially since it is a block and half from my house) But you know it is supposed to rain a lot tonight so that will definitely affect the crest and drive it up more...The parks may be back someday! Hopefully that is...
Well, have a great night...I will be having some fun in Fargo...enough for many people!!

~Love Ya Lotz~

2006-04-03T22:55:00.000-07:00

Hi to everyone...How are you all doing? I am great so far...This week will be crazy I think...But very effective I have to say!
Happy Days to you all! I will be back tomorrow sometime...I have the day "off" since my little sister is having ear surgery tomorrow...I am taking over the daycare tomorrow...Interesting it should be. Only having 4 kids and 1 is an infant. But we have a lot of fun and if the weather cooperates we can play outside! And I am (hopefully) making a cake also...We will see...Have some fun!
Love ya lotz!!!!!!

Celebrate...

2006-03-29T21:41:00.000-08:00

I was experiencing some minor technicalities and therefore was not able to do much for a while...it seemed that just getting up out of bed was a chore in its' own...now I know why though...and now I seem to have some energy back...why is it that people instantly assume that you are depressed or something when you tell them your symptoms? I am NOT (!!!!!!)...just to share that with ya and it has been proven now...Ok so this last weekend I went out with friends and then didn't get home until like 2 A.M. and still managed to work the next day...something that would have been unheard of about a month ago (hell...even 2 weeks ago) But as you can tell I am excited to be back in the world of the living again...and now can start to CELEBRATE and plan my summer...It really was starting to feel like I was totally out of it...
Sure, enough about that...gotta start investigating trips...to where I really have no idea...I am one of those people that sometimes I go where I plan to go...like on vacations that is...and usually it is to somewhere where I know people...but I am feeling adventurous this year...and ENERGETIC! So, therefore I have been thinking that I would love to go somewhere where I have A. Never been too and B. Where I don't know anyone because isn't that what being on an adventure is supposed to be like...and I think that it really is time to go out and celebrate what life holds in store for ya...Stay tuned though...should be making a decision sometime...and have a great week...whatever there is left for you that is...hey look it is almost Midnight and I have been going since 8 this morning and I am not even tired or worn out...The Energizer Bunny in me has returned!!!!!!!
Love ya!!!!!!!!!
And guess what...The Sioux WON! Frozen Four here they come!! April 6th to the 8th in Wisconsin...GOOD LUCK GUYS! (Huge fan here if you can't tell!)

Marc-Thinking Good thoughts for you! Get well soon! I did...so you can also!

A Little Happiness Sent to you...

Wow!!!!

SUMMER!!!!

OOPS!

Belated...Birthday Greetings to you and me!

On that note...

Life is...well...you know!

So yeah...My rant maybe a little...

*Yay!* to you

A Little Update!

Fargo...

Life...

A computer has returned!

The day is here!

I am off...

OY VAY!!!!

Again...

A lot of info...

Happy Valentine's Day! Love ya!

Long...Long...Week...

Planning...

GUESS WHAT?!?!

Thanksgiving...

Still October! :>

Hello World...

A first for me!

Another Day...

A thought...

WOW!!

Story

Still June...I think...

Awesome pic here...

One more time...

And then...

3 days...

Happy Easter

Right now...

HMMM....

...If Only...

I need to think...

Happy (belated) New Year's...

Vacation...

Thanksgiving

Someone hand me a pacifier...

Ok...

Happy Weekend

Oh I hate weekends...

WOO HOO...Happy Halloween!!!

What an experience...

No more chat???

What next???

Joy List and other ramblings...

More pics...

My Story...

Remember when...

Any ideas...

Thinking...

In loving Memory...you are gone but not forgotten DocDur Marc

May you rest in peace...

Thank you for the last year...

If only...

One last thought...

Fun!

That was good...

Wow!

Friday ramblings

Happy 4th!

Identity Theft...

Happy Week to you all...

Another week is almost completed!!!

Running...

Late...but Happy Fathers Day...

I was successful!

Challenge

Warning...

In the news...

A Question

Couting the months

What...

Live life to the fullest...

Yay! to you