How Unfortunate :)

I swiped this idea from my friend Iowa Mom. You google the word unfortunately in front of your name and here are the results from my search:

• Unfortunately, Cathy's hair makes her look like she's wearing an afghan on her head. When you have a tummy the size of Cathy's you need a fitted jacket (shocking!)
  
• Unfortunately, Cathy was not a standard child. She was quite different from other children ... (just ask my mother ;)
  
• Unfortunately, Cathy has been put in the unenviable position as Secretary of State of defending a law with which she fervently disagrees... (I resemble that)
• Unfortunately, Cathy's efforts at utilizing tax advantages to boost savings and investments have been dwarfed by her growing debt load. ...(really, I had no idea)
• Unfortunately Cathy I can't help with your search for a bouzouki but your unusual request brought back vivid memories (no bousouki ...what memories?)
• Unfortunately, Cathy's fairly well endowed so we couldn't verify the phenomenal claims of the breast enlarger, which was simply a vacuum cleaner attached to (attached to what?)
• Unfortunately Cathy mockingly brought about storm clouds again but has deeply enraged the deep blue. (my nickname is the Snow Queen after all)
• Unfortunately, Cathy (remember her? She's the one with the baby) also goes insane. (That's nothing new ;)
  

Eight and a half years ago, Mr. Mac and I said farewell to our eldest son as he enlisted in the United States Army. A journey that has matured and sharpened a young man and helped him see just how fortunate he is to live in the land of the free. Today, I proudly can say that his tour of duty as a tank crewman is officially over. He will be making his way home during the next week with a few stops along the way to visit his grandparents and a goodbye dinner with relatives. Thank you son for your service and for all of the other young men and women that selflessly give years of service (even life) to their country.

This is the BEST birthday gift this mom could ask for!

Turning "To Do" ... Into ... "Ta Da"

Just around the bend there is always something to get done. This week brings me one step closer to getting beyond procrastination and into the "it is finished" mode. I've just completed my yearly task of gathering tax records and readying them for our CPA. Only one area is blank ... that's for hubby to calculate (union dues). I've even made the all important appointment to have our home owner association's tax return prepared next week. Remember, last year I volunteered to be the secretary/treasurer and pulled my hair out. Well, hopefully now that we have the whole set up nearly automated with a new bookkeeping firm, it won't be such a nasty pill to swallow (let's hope). A weight is suddenly lifted ... aaaah! Keeping organized is vital to maintaining one's sanity (at least in my realm).

Soldier boy just called. Seems the military didn't post his change of address that he submitted meaning they will only ship his belongings (upon discharge next week) to the home address he had when he enlisted over eight years ago. Efficiency is one of the government's bright spots (not). So ... he's 'donating' most of his stuff (ironing board, tv, vcr, etc.) to needy friends :) on base ... and stuffing the rest of his gear in the back seat of his car. Not sure if the surfboard will fit ... but who needs a surfboard in Idaho, eh?

What's on your To Do/Ta Da list?

Evaporating Computer Time

My days have been filled with house work, cooking, baby sitting, running errands with hubby, birthdays to celebrate, and preparing to have our oldest son, Patrick, return home when he is honorably discharged from the Army next week ... personal time to visit with my 'computer friends' has been limited. But, all of the above is very rewarding work!

She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness

Proverbs 31:27

Today's Grace

Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation.

Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray.

My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.

Psalm 5:1-3

KJV

Homeward Bound

Late in January I took a trip to my folk's home to visit my dad for his 80th birthday. He was so surprised when I pulled up in his driveway in a rental car, sporting my new silver locks and not expecting me, that he asked, "may I help you" ... as I got near to where he stood in the garage. Most likely he thought I was a friend of my mom's. It wasn't until he took off his glasses and I said 'surprise' that he started getting emo on me. Pop's bottom lip quivers when he's lost for words. You can still see the look of surprise on his face in the first photo. This was on a Wednesday. He would often ask if my brothers knew I had flown in ... but I kept putting him off by telling him they were too busy to come up so last minute. But on Saturday (1/31) both of my brothers and a sister-in-law showed up. Pop was again speechless. Not long after they arrived the doorbell rang. I told Pop I knew of no other surprises ... but there at the door stood his grandson, Jon, whom he had not seen in five or six years. His visit was a surprise to Pop, Mom, and myself. The last time my brothers, parents and I have visited together was five years ago when Pop turned 75. That night we had a very nice family style meal at a Basque restaurant and came home for cake and home made ice cream. On Superbowl Sunday, I had to return to my home but took with me many great memories. (click on photos to enlarge)

Back To The Land Of Snow

... childcare, cleaning frenzies, and an overstuffed in-box. Vacation mode is over and I'm not in the swing of things just yet. My kitchen sparkles from top to bottom thanks to five buckets of soapy water and some elbow grease. The Mr. has cleaned out the garage and basement storage area. Not wasting one day of spring to deep cleaning is my motivation for getting it done now.