In no particular order

Sunday visitors
Sandra and Ryan didn't make it down with Lilly. They were too busy, but hope to be down one day this week to get the rest off their things.

But, Rob did show for a visit and a haircut. He did the nice guy, I'm applying for jobs, style.
He also took home our cat carrier so he can return with Smaug (Boots) when he and Dana leave for Seattle. Rob also managed a surprise visit to Willie to see his new home.

It finally happened!
On Saturday, Willie didn't call or visit once! We went a whole day without Willie! I take that to mean he is settling in to home at his place.

It's my own fault.
I've been so content, coming home to a clean house.
Everything always in it's place - just where I left it.
My furry friends, obviously had a real day of boredom and this was the result;
My garbage is pet proof. My recycling was not.
And it looked like they TP'd me!
Girlfriend hid behind furniture when I got home. Kizzie sat in the middle of the mess, clueless that there was a problem. Camper fought with me to keep the paper off the roll.

On my own
I just spent my first day alone in the office. Phyllis is on vacation this week. Today was a bit long (Monday's have a lot to do), but I got everything done. Tomorrow will be a bit easier. The few times I did try to ask questions, I learned that Phyllis is the only one with the answers. I do okay usually, flying by the seat of my pants. I like a challenge.

It gets better
I have commented before on my little sister's (Buffy the cocker spaniel) love of television. The folks spend a lot of time watching Animal Planet, just because it is Buffy's favorite channel.
Buffy has added to her programming now. King of the Hill. She get's very excited when Ladybird has an appearance. What real dog recognizes cartoon dogs?

table manners
Rand and I splurged on an evening out at La Hacienda over the weekend. The booth next to us had a young family. The baby in the high chair was commanding attention from both parents. In the meantime, toddler age Big Sister tried to steal straws from the glasses on the table. I snuck a picture with my cell phone.
She was up there quite awhile before getting caught.

one of my pet peeves
A decade ago this very topic first reared up on a book club. The offer had came in Randy's name, I wanted to join and just sent in the handy form. A mistake in billing had me calling customer service. As it wasn't my name on the bill, so they could not discuss anything with me. I wasn't authorized to discuss the account. I let them know that it was me, who had sent in the orginal joining invitation (not Rand), and me who was ordering and paying the bills. Didn't matter. I asked them to hold for a minute, I handed the phone to Rand, who then canceled "his account" with them.

I have lost track of how many times that has happened to me over the years.
Rand, as head of household, gets top billing. I have no rights as far as most companies are concerned. Even if I am the one in charge of the budget and writing the checks.
When we first moved up here, we signed up with Mediacom.
Basic cable TV and cable internet. They came as seperate billlings. The TV came in Rand's name - It was his need. The computer came in my name, it was my baby.
A few years ago they combined all their billings into one. They put both of our accounts into his name. I felt slighted. There was nothing in their paperwork that indicated we were married, besides having the same address. We could have been just roommates.
One day I was having a problem and called customer service. Even though I knew all the information, passwords and everything else....
Because my name was not on the account, they were not authorized to speak to me.
I reacted pretty rudely, "My name was on the account until you changed it - without my authority by the way!"
I didn't cancel my account with them. Go back to dial up? Never!

I just called US Cellular.
Our phones are dying (more than just battery issues) and we can't update our plan or phones until April 30th.
The salesguy at the local office suggested we call the help-line by proving our loyalty, we have years of history with them, maybe we could at least get new phones on a great deal early.
The guy at the customer service desk said, because my name is not on the account, he was not authorized to speak to me.
I did my normal bounce off the ceiling reaction when faced with an injustice to "the little woman".
I understand the need for security. But shouldn't companies be stepping up amd making sure someone is not being slighted or ignored when accounts are opened?
We have a family plan with two cell phones. Come on!
I guess I have until April 30th to decide how this will be handled.

An Update -
Sandra called.
Today, (Thursday) they moved into their own place in Fort Dodge. They are renting a townhouse. Ryan has been working the restaurant he was previously; and just got a job managing a golf course and club house. He will hire Sandra to be a part-time bartender. They hope to come here Sunday and pick up the rest of their things. It sounds like they will bring Lilly. I'm almost afraid to get my hopes up for seeing Lilly.
I had a short, but very productive day at work. It was still a long day over-all.
I went clearance shopping after I got off work. Even though my injuries seem to be healing on outward appearances, I still don't have much for endurance while walking - even for a few minutes. Global Bazaar went 75% off today. I snagged a couple of new lamps for downstairs. Willie already has our old ones at his place. He really lacked light over there.
I also splurged on the new James Blunt CD. Either you love him or you hate him. For me it was love at first listen.
I got home and Willie came over. This is our pay week and bill paying week.
Read that as "I spent the afternoon doing Math with Willie" (which will be the title of the book that is in my head). For such a small budget, he sure can argue a long time.
I re-arranged the small things in my office this evening and cleaned my desk.
Which interestingly enough, I did at work yesterday too. I am no longer in the cold drafty corner. I am six feet away with a file cabinet to protect me. Now Phyllis and I can much easier share our small space heater. I also re-did my files to suit my needs with our new programming.
Phyllis starts vacation tomorrow. I am on my own with the rest of the clerical work for the next week. I hope I remember everything I am to do.
I promised Mom the link to Spoons again. If you haven't read this before, I highly recommend it now. And welcome to my world.
I thought with our nest become so empty, clean and organized; I could get Rand off this "want an apartment" kick. He joined me at Target for supper last night and I learned I was wrong. He is still in the mood. Mostly I think he is done with maintenance and upkeep. He's tired. Luckily, I have a few years to change his mind. Hopefully, our lives will slow down and inner rest can come as well.
Who knew? Rob is actually going to graduate! I might have to request that day off!
I should try to sleep. I'm having a nice painful flare up. Sleep doesn't come well with these.
I think the blogger spell check was invented on the short bus.....

Following the all night post....
My "short day", on Monday, turned into a fairly normal sized day.
Tuesday was another short afternoon shift in the office. Then the powers that be, asked if I could stay. Their evening operator had called in. I always say yes. No sense going home to an empty house. So, I was working from around 10:30 am until 10:00 pm.
I was dragging low when I got home. Couldn't wait to check my email and get to bed. Even that didn't go as expected. I couldn't connect to the internet. After forever talking to tech support, they were convinced it was my computer. I was tired and let it go.
After a hard night of no sleep and a lot of stomach pain, (No more prescription meds now);
I decided to do some investigating on my own. I was able to figure out it wasn't my computer, but the Mediacom supplied modem that had a problem. I crashed the modem to force it to reset itself - and it worked!
I was to work my usually 1:30 pm - 10 pm shift tonight. I was busy, getting my internet working, dishes, laundry, sweeping, and even visited the neighbors.
Until I got the call. Work needed me earlier. How soon could I get there? I was there about 11am. I still made it until 10 pm, but got a lot done. I get to be back in by 8am. It should be just the morning hours. I hope to be off by noon. I'm running out time and energy.
There is a light at the end of the tunnel with our new program. I'm slowly getting all the bugs sorted out.
I work Friday and Saturday. This will be a six day week for me.
Rand is pulling his third or fourth weekend straight with no days off.
It is getting hard to type. I keep taking snoring breaks.
night.....zzzzzzz

I just pulled an all-nighter
Should make for an interesting day at work. It should be a short day, only a few hours, but I need to get groceries and run other errands as well.
I spent the weekend behaving and staying off my feet. My bruises are quite colorful, but I'm walking without my cane again.
Unfortunately, all that down time led to quite a few naps. My inner clock is way screwed up.
Obviously in my major boredom of last night I decided to redo my blog. I think I like it. There is still some tweaking to do, but it is almost time for my alarm to go off.
Time to get dressed!

The Count
I'm obsessed with numbers. I freely admit it.
It obviously shows when I'm posting the count of Willie's current wardrobe.
A good line to put here, would be to point out a time when it is not so apparent I am obsessed with numbers. Can anyone think of such a time?

The new counter on my blog shows an ever growing void.

Most people are obsessed with numbers whether they know it or not.
Whether your counting up: "I'm four and a half!" - or counting down: "316 until Christmas"; or even remembering a significant date in history, the numbers are always in play in the backs of most people minds.
There is always the life count down. And there are clocks that will aid the ever-so-obsessed with the end count.
At work today we got on the topic of life and death.
Living life to a grand old age, or being cut short by a freak and tragic accident, (I know it is amazing I'm still here) or suffering a slow and lingering illness.
There is always the old joke of being 97 years old and being shot by a jealous lover.
Everyone knows "the kid", who was ever so popular, loved to have fun, play hard, and died young. Most of us knew more than one.
I have wondered maybe life isn't given to us in a measuring of years, but of experiences.
Maybe we are all destined to accomplish a certain number of life experiences. Might be something to be said for slowing down and smelling the roses.
What if there were some truth to when you have "done it all" - you're done?
That could put an end to the rat race.

One young coworker surmised she fully expected to die of cancer someday. She is young and healthy now, but figures genetics will catch up with her someday.
On the other hand, medical science could fully eliminate that risk for her by that time.
I was asked what I thought would be the cause of my ultimate demise.

I have known the answer to that question for years.
Medical malpractice.
Be it the doctor, the hospital, or even the insurance company
- somebody won't do the right thing at the right time.

I have to wonder - is that what I am to experience, or the person who makes such a decision, their life experience in living with a death they caused? Are we all knit so closely together that we combine our experiences to become the whole?

What about the person who purposefully causes harm, or ends the life of another? Is the victim destined to be a victim? Perhaps, their life is meant to be a teaching example to others.

Perhaps, the stillborn babe was to only experience a mother's love.

Perhaps, the Adams, Ambers, and Jetsetas were destined to teach parents to hold on to their children just a little bit tighter.
It seems, according to the numbers, the world increasingly becomes a more dangerous place for our children. I think every generation has had to deal with the morbidity of their children. Diphtheria, whooping cough, influenza, polio, all took their toll by the hundreds of thousands.
Maybe, someday, we will have something to wipe out child abusers.
They say history will always repeat itself. Maybe the vigilantes will make a come back and the predators against children will be forced into dormancy, just as most horrible diseases have been, by vaccines.

Rand's dad was cut down by cancer "in his prime". Bill was just about ready to leave the rat race and start smelling the roses. Did he miss it or did he live it?

Who doesn't want to be the one, live the long full life and then die peacefully in their sleep.
Age is only a measurement of days, not of life.
When my grandfather was killed at age 90, he was vibrant, full of life, and a newlywed. It felt too soon. He had much living to do. Most who knew him felt "It wasn't his time yet".
In the past few months, his brother and his favorite cousin have passed. It was the very end of their generation. Even though they were no older, their days seemed done. Though we will miss them, "It was time".
They were ready.

My mom's favorite excuse for not flying:
"What if it's the pilot's time?"

Ta.Da.
It wasn't pretty or easy, but the final product looks polished.
Today was the "public" unveiling of our new schedule program. As suspected, nothing transferred right, a lot had to be redone in the last few days, and more needs to be edited. Everything I perfected before the transfer, yeah, I have to do it again.
I can't say I prefer the new program over the old program.
Do programmer writers ever ask real people for helpful hints of what changes would really make our jobs easier? This isn't it.

Speaking of things that don't work right.....
I am using my cane. My right foot is pretty swollen and tender. My shoe choices are more limited than ever.
I wasn't really sure exactly what position I was in when I struck the ground. Even while I was still lying there. I hit so hard, all my keys broke apart and scattered all around me. My heavy duty steel clip has a big gouge in it. When I opened my eyes I was on my back.
How I landed is pretty apparent now. The bruising is really beginning to show.
My left side has the most cuts and scrapes, but has some quite impressive bruising. Most of this is on the in side of my limbs. My right side actually has more bruising at this point and it is on the out side, where one would expect. Both sides are quite colorful. I'm having what can only be described as quality nerve pain in my right arm and leg.
I chose that day not to wear my new coat and gloves. I was really in the mood for a favorite old sweatshirt and old gloves. So, no real wardrobe damage.
NO, I didn't go to a doctor, nor do I plan to.
I'm fairly sure nothing is broke, nothing will be a quick fix, and they never give me anything for the pain. They usually seem to think all my current meds are enough.

*steps up on soapbox*
Speaking of medical crap....
With the new year comes new insurance coverage. Same name with even shittier coverage.
Pepsi and Target made the same changes to HSA's this year. I sure most people in the United States are affected by the same changes. And we all have been given three choices.
Just thinking about it, scares me bad.
I'm fairly nosy and have asked most co-workers what they plan they chose and why.
Those who have good health and very rarely require medical care choose "Plan A" - the straight HSA's. They see it as a bonus 401k savings. Good for them and their wallets. Blessings of good health.
Those with constant medical needs, (i.e. - small children, chronic health problems) chose "Plan B". Should anything serious happen within the first few months of this year, most will kiss their credit ratings good-bye. Nobody is thrilled with this choice, but.....
Nobody can afford "Plan C" on our pay scales.
To add insult to injury, I received a letter from our prescription drug insurance this week.
They will no longer pay for my Protonix. They suggest I try OTC meds to cover my stomach problems. They are doing this to save them and me money.
If I choose to remain on Protonix, I will have to pay full price for it. I could barely afford it with insurance. I'm so screwed. If the OTCs worked, I wouldn't be on the prescription.
Bastards.
Our physician visit co-pays have more than tripled in the last few years. With the new deductibles, I can't afford to have another test, let alone a hospital stay. (I usually average several x-rays, MRIs, and multiple blood tests a year to watch the progression of chronic conditions. I have had more surgeries than I can remember.)
I believe this new insurance code the government has thrust upon us is a time of reckoning.
It will be a survival of the fittest. The weak and infirm will be weeded out!
Only the healthiest and wealthiest will come out on the other side.
Does anybody else feel a foreboding of doom breathing down on them?
Our new national health plan could be a Stephen King novel.
*hides under soapbox*

What I need is a still, and a recipe, so I can concoct a fine ale; for medicinal purposes only of course..... It wont help you live longer or feel better, but you'll be too happy to care.

Now I lay me down to sleep,
My tears they fall so quietly,
In my dreams we laugh, we play
As I wake in quiet morn,
Lilly's laugh is lost in day
Silent echos haunt me now.
Empty arms ache to hold love.

Valentines Day
It was a crappy day with a horrible ending.
I am missing Lilly so much. My mind was not on my job and it showed. I have never been so ready for a day to be over. Thank God for friends who make life and work tolerable. I spent most of my evening trying to be strong. "Don't cry at work." I made it until after close, and friend Amber gave me a much needed hug.
In my Jeep on the way home I let the tears flow.

I got out in the driveway and promptly, in my teary, sobbing, and bleary eyed state, tripped on cement in the driveway.
I fell down. It doesn't get any worse for me than that. I fell down hard.
I lay there for awhile in too much pain too move.
When I was able to open my eyes and had decided not to throw up from the pain, I was glad to see all the neighbors lights were out. Nothing worse than an audience.
But after a bit I was thinking someone to help might be nice.
I was having a great deal of difficulty moving.
It took several minutes to even get to a sitting position.
I screwed up my right foot pretty good. I think we can call it a solid full sprain.
I have bruises on both elbows.
Both knees are bruised and scraped.
I did bruise my left foot as well.
My left hip is very angry.
My left hand outside is screaming.
My right hand inside just wants to be left alone.
My neck and back are getting very stiff. Especially my neck.
Shitty ending to a shitty day.
Tomorrow I'm clerical. No moving. I just have to accomplish sitting upright in a chair.
I might have to dig a cane out of the closet. I'm not moving too well.

On the better side of the day, Rand and I left sweet notes for each other and shared a wonderful supper hours apart. We don't get to see each other tomorrow either.

The party is over again - we think
We let Sandra know we planned on claiming her as a dependent on our taxes in weeks ago. We did the dependent quiz on Turbo tax, she was qualified as our dependent. So was Lilly for that matter, but we only planned to claim Sandra and Ryan could claim Lilly.
I finally hit the send button last weekend.
Our returns were rejected. That has never happened before in almost 30 years of filing.
The reason? Sandra had already been claimed as a dependent on another return.

They never have returned home here, so we called up there.
Yes, Ryan claimed Sandra behind our backs. The rest of the call didn't go well. It ended with Sandra screaming at me and then hanging up on me.
Rand and I don't expect to see them for awhile and don't know that we want to, for awhile. Deception hurts. It's like cheating on somebody.
Rand and I don't keep people like that in our inner circle. We have higher standards.

We know full well we have let Ryan and Sandra take advantage of us for way too long. Many friends and family have told us to stop providing for them. It has been over two years we have provided them with a home. And all we have got in return is taken advantage of. We provided our home, food, and all that comes with that. We gave them cash , helped Ryan keep his car running, and even provided treats when asked.
Add in my being unable to work for several months this year, we are starting to struggle financially.
And we did it all for Lilly. Had it not been for Lilly, the free ride would have stopped long before she was ever born.
And I'm sure life has been the same for the other side of the family in Fort Dodge. Words cannot express the love and joy that comes with our grandchild. And we have both suffered from disappointment because of the immature actions of our own adult children.

We would like to see Lilly, but we're pretty sure we won't be allowed Lilly time.
They have been talking of getting their own apartment in Fort Dodge. We asked that if that happens, we be allowed to have Lilly on occasional weekends when we both don't work. That idea went over like a lead balloon. That was even before they screwed us on our tax returns (They were amended and fixed)

We place this here for public record:
Lilly we love you with all our hearts. You and your parents could have lived here forever. All your parents had to do was grow up and act their age. Lilly will always have a home with us.

We have been in constant sorrow since Lilly's birth. Nothing has ever brought us more joy or more heart ache. We love Lilly so much and she also loves us. And Ryan and Sandra have never failed to use her as a weapon against us. We are done giving them the power. If they want us in Lilly's life, that will be their choice, not ours.

But, we will no longer beg and bribe. Rand and I both have ulcers from the stress, budget issues, and there is the stress this has brought all the extended family and friends who love Lilly and have been denied time with her.
It's time for the two of us to heal our bodies, souls, our budget. (Our marriage is fine except for our lack of time together.)
Rob is a fully grown, mature, completely independent man. (Who hopefully will realize getting married sooner is better than waiting. Waiting for what?) If you know what you want - go get it!
Eric has a wonderful wife and home, and has a bright future ahead of him.
Kara has been taking care of herself for a very long time. She goes to school, works, and still has time for Thune.
I have even explained to Willie this weekend, he can't come raid our food supplies any time he wants. We need to eat too.

Time for Sandra and Ryan to grow up.
Sandra is pretty upset that Lilly gets more attention from us than she does.
Yes, she obviously needs therapy. What mother is jealous of the grandparents loving her child?
We pray Ryan doesn't begin to treat Lilly as cruelly as we have seen him treat our daughter.
He could use therapy in the proper respect and treatment of others; especially women.
The fighting between you two causes a great deal of stress for Lilly. I have seen it with my own eyes. Keep it to yourselves, out of her sight and hearing. Please protect your daughter from your own immaturities.

Sandra let me know they get pretty pissed about my writing about them. This is my release, my blog, my freedom of speech. I write, among many reasons, to release pain - my doctors prescribe it as an exercise for me. I have been writing for a couple of decades now. I can't sleep, relax, feel better, concentrate, quit crying,....You name the symptom. When I write, it is taken care of.
Sandra, if you don't like my stories, change your life. Become someone you can be proud of.

Willie called tonight, he has a table.
Willie was taking out his trash to the dumpster, which is next to the maintenance shed. The maintenance guys had just cleaned out an apartment and the table was left by the previous renter. No chairs, just a table.
I asked, "So what's it look like?"
Willie said, "It is a pretty small room...."
I interrupted, "Not the maintenance shed, your table!"
He described it has a dark wood but then added that the chairs from my table would match it well.
I needed more information I own three tables. The kitchen set - a lighter wood with painted ceramic tile, the 3 seasons deck - an antique walnut pedstal and the game table in the family room - an antique wood table I painted a checker board on.
He said it was dark like my kitchen table. My kitchen table can in no way be described as a dark wood. From the rest of his description, I think his table may be round.

Rand and I spent the weekend spring cleaning and doing some rearranging. I get inspired watching TLC shows on the weekends. Doug and Hildi always name their rooms. We have a new arrangement in the family room, we call it "No longer the family room". It is totally for our own enjoyment. Everything for our best viewing, pleasure, and entertainment.
We also changed the office some. Both rockers (traditional and glider) are now in there. The cabinet Randy crafted is now back downstairs.
I have also been cleaning out filing cabinets. I have scaled down to one cabinet from an original three.
I even emptied one bookcase. We took it to Willie's apartment fairly early Sunday morning. We called as we were backing up to his building. We were able to take him by surprise and wake him up.
I need to really go through books and photographs. I'm think I could diminish my books by an easy third if not more. Photos will be harder. I would like to start organizing by years. But I have spent so many years on major pain meds, my memories are a bit fuzzy.

Rand and I will not see each other at all on Valentine's day. We both work all day and work the closing shift at our respective retail jobs. Sometimes we would get to see other between his two jobs, but I will be at Target when he is home. He will be home and in bed by the time I get home. I'll make his favorite chowder in the crockpot so he can have a special meal.
On of our favorite Valentine's memories was the one we shared with my brothers and SILs.
The folks volunteered to babysit all the grandkids and we reserved a huge table at Cosi Cucina by the fire. It was a wonderful evening of good wine, good food, and sharing. It was the first time we siblings had all had a couples only evening together. And the last. (so far!)

Time to start on Rand's supper. We're having left-overs we hid from Willie!

I know, I shouldn't be surprised
Lilly and folks are still in Fort Dodge. I got a surprise day off of work. I had the whole house to myself. My whole day was planned out for sleeping in, cleaning, and maybe a short trip to the mall. I needed a new silver neck chain - mine wasn't Lilly proof.
I'm perfectly warm and asleep when I hear, "Mom?"
Willie is in our bedroom with a question. It seems he has the day off too.
I answer his question (I have no idea what the question was) and he heads to the kitchen.
I figure I'm up now.
I go out to discover Willie eating breakfast - the leftovers I had earmarked for Rand and mine's supper.
I did organize a couple of cupboards and set him up with a few more pans and such.
Willie goes shopping with me and we get home early afternoon. Willie tells me I can come over later and help him with his budget. (It's payday tomorrow.)
I spend some time with Rand. After he leaves for job#2, I head for Willie's.
Willie was a bit perturbed that I didn't call to tell him I was on my way over. Where's the fun in that?
After another exhilarating Willie and math evening, I decided to hang up the shirts he has ignored since the move. I then cleaned out his dresser drawers and reorganized his closet and emptied a few more boxes from his office.
Willie's home looks great, mine hasn't changed much.
Last week while Willie and I were out, he was complaining he needed socks. I was pretty sure he didn't.
While cleaning and organizing - I did some counting.
Fairly interesting Willie numbers:
Willie owns about 50 pairs of socks.
Willie owns about three dozen pairs of boxer shorts.
He also owns about 4 - 5 dozen assorted T-shirts.
He has about 10 red shirts for work.
Willie only owns six pair of work khakis, some of which are in pretty sad shape.
(I would call khakis his one and only clothing need)
Willie owns about 2 dozen assorted sports jerseys.
He has a healthy assortment of button shirts, polo shirts and nicer sweaters.
Willie only owns four pair of jeans, of which, he only likes two of them - His Vibes.
Willie has over a dozen pairs of tennis shoes, which he keeps in the original shoes boxes. I’m not kidding. Tonight, when he took off his tennis shoes, he dusted them off and put them back in the box. All of the boxes were stacked on his closet shelf according to brand. There are about half a dozen pair of older "work" shoes which do not have boxes, but were lined up neatly on his closet floor.
And one pair of pool sandals…….
I'm not a clothes horse at all. Going through Willie's collection amazed me.
He separates his change.
I came across his galoshes. (Bec is laughing right now, trust me!)
Major apartment needs for Willie: he could really use two floor lamps. Neither bedroom has a ceiling light nor does he have anyplace to put table lamps.
For light in his bedroom he has a small focal lamp (25 watt bulb) and a lava lamp.
The other room is completely lightless.
Willie discussed that, if he ever decided to get a roommate, he should get a female. According to Willie and his friends, they like to clean and could teach him to cook.
I told him (1) he was stereotyping and (2) offered to let his sister move in with him.
I think it is time to go help Rob with his new place now.......

The post office has done a pretty good screw up. Willie turned in a change of address form last week. He filled it out correctly stating it was just one person, him changing his address.

I even verified this with the post office today.

I called them today because we have received no mail this entire week. We have way too many bills for that.

Willie hadn’t received mail at his new place either.

Today, Willie did get mail - All of our mail, the entire household’s. In my name, Rand’s, Rob, Sandra, Lilly even…. All adorned with those lovely yellow “new address” labels affixed by the post office. In that pile, I had the last pieces of information I needed to finish our taxes.

We also get mail occasionally for Kara and Ryan. None were in the pile today. It would have been more poetic.

Rob does have a big pile of mail here. Unless he comes and gets it, I’ll bring it up when I do his surprise visit.

I wonder how long it will take the post office to fix this screw up.

Target is pretty computer savvy and there isn’t anything employees can’t accomplish with HR at their own home computers. We also have a computer in the break room directly linked for our convenience. (For those still working on that round wheel thingy at home)

Willie wanted me to check out his health benefit options to help him decide his best option. I am not qualified for benefits and I cannot even peek at the info using my passwords. I went to plug in Willie’s numbers and was locked out. You don’t have too many tries – it is a safety feature. Occasionally, I think it resets everybody if unused long enough.

We have a number to call to reset the password. After a reset, you must first go in from our computer at work, and then you can access it from home again. I let Willie know I did get it reset, and before he woke me up this morning, he got on line and checked it out to make sure it was assessable. And he changed his password without telling me. Later today I went to get on to study benefits information, used the wrong password of course, and I got locked out again.

for the record
I did a wonderful update a couple of nights ago. I posted it and went to bed. In the morning, it was gone. It was another wonderful "Willie and math" story. I was teaching him budgeting and trying to convince him to change his cell phone plan. I should learn to print my really good stories or at least save them in another location.
Willie's cell phone bills are more than his car payments. Sprint really sucks. I took Willie into a local Sprint office to get him a better deal and it seems I knew more about their plans than the people who worked there. I have never had Sprint. I went home and got on the computer and changed Willie's plan. Fewer outgoing minutes, but I added free incoming. I also dropped all the "bells and whistles" that he wasn't even using.
To compensate for the lower outgoing minutes, I got him a Qwest local land line. Willie has no concept of time (again - it's a math thing) and has no idea how much he talks. 99% of the time it is his local friends. Now for $14 a month he can talk all he wants.
From the original base cost of his cell bill, if he didn't go over minutes, I have saved him about 20%. From what he has been paying because he talks too much, he will see a total savings of about 70% a month.

I have been doing more varied training in the office. Phyllis is going on vacation in two weeks. I have to learn enough to do payroll, billing, mailing, and such while she is gone. I am getting a grasp of things and taking a lot of notes. Phyllis is an excellent teacher. She doesn't lead me, she forces me to go ahead on my own. I learn best by working hands on. I have to execute the task while she talks me through it and I take notes. The next time Phyllis makes me use my own notes to accomplish the task. I'm very impressed with her teaching style.
Our new program didn't fall in line well. We have been instructed not to edit until district gets the kinks worked out.
I got the schedule done in pretty good time this week. So well in fact, I got off work early this afternoon and now have tomorrow off.

Rand had tonight off as well. We went for a long stroll through the Urbandale Super Target and picked up important things like peanut butter and milk. He originally wanted to go look at apartments. I don't want to fuel his latest fire. Shopping was plan B. It was a nice quiet evening together.

I have fallen off the wagon and I'm back on caffeine. Big time. Mostly it's a coffee thing, so far. A lot of coffee. And I did buy some Diet Dew this week. It doesn't help working with a Starbucks in the building. And Diet Dew for sale in multiple areas.

I cleaned the far half of the basement last night. What was the "spare bedroom" is now a cat playground. They love it! I used, blankets, barrels, and boxes; made places to climb and hide, dangling things and a bit of catnip.

Still no sign or word from Lilly and her folks. Tuesday has come and gone.

My heart is heavy this week.
A friend shared with me that her cancer is progressing and her doctors say she probably has six months to a year. It is really hard is seeing her in pain every day.
The cancer won't beat down her as much as the pain will. The pain will always win. It can beat you every day.
The cancer only wins once.
My friend hasn't told many people. But, she knows - that I know - where she is at right now.
I have the gift to be strong for others when I have to be, and cry with them when tears are needed. God has prepared me with years of my own struggles. Pain is my enemy and my teacher. Some may argue that God doesn't do bad things to people. The lessons are tough, but the education is unreplaceable. There is no other way I could have come to know all I know, and become who I have become, without the trip.
In some way, I have "survivor's guilt".
Most people know, in 1991 I was told I probably only had weeks to live. I prayed for the strength to deal what I was given. I saw the path I had to take, but didn't map it out to the end. Luckily, I have never followed a map very well.
I was given a miracle. The doctors couldn't explain it.
In 1991, I didn't even think to pray for a miracle for myself.
I'm praying for a miracle now.

When is it my day?
After a couple of grueling days at work, I was looking forward to having the house to myself today. I was hoping to sleep some and clean some and in that order.
I was awaken early by Willie. He came over to do laundry.
I then spent the day cleaning and decorating his apartment. Finally getting things hung on the walls. Willie says now instead of an empty space, it looks like his space.
We went to Target and got a few supplies to help in our quest.
Willie's apartment is getting very nice. I did manage to get a couple of living room shots before we left.
Willie found his "new" coffee table in the garbage. I fixed the legs and it's pretty sturdy. The top needs resurfaced, but that won't be too hard to do.
As you can also see the new black pad on the futon works wonderfully. Tim was of major help getting Willie's entertainment center together.

Who invited you?
It seems the party was at Target today. We were so busy! Luckily, we were only slightly short staffed tonight. Partly because of the various ailments we seem to be sharing, partly because we weren't staffed for what hit! When I got to work this afternoon, we had several buses in the parking lot. I was only originally scheduled until 7 pm, but I volunteered to help close. With that many teens coming off the buses, the fitting rooms were packed. I kept pretty busy. We managed to get out by midnight which was pretty impressive.
Last night we were hit hard with team members calling in sick. At one point, all the cashiers who were checking people out, were not scheduled for that evening. Like I said - a lot of call ins! I even spent part of the evening cashiering. We had more than one person in the fitting room, so I volunteered to help out up front.
Last night was a pretty friendly crowd. Tonight, most were friendly.
Rand came in tonight and had supper with me.
I invited some of the gang at work to come with me for a surprise visit to Willie's new place. We didn't, but I'm sure a surprise visit from "Mom" on a Saturday night, is what all young adults hope for!
Rand has to work tomorrow as well. I have it off. I'll probably pop in on Willie while I'm running errands.
No Lilly time on this day off. They headed to Fort Dodge again for a few days. Plans are to celebrate Ryan's birthday. I mentioned they always say "it's just for a few days" and it always takes longer than that before they return. We'll see how long they take this trip.
And we thought Don and Mo were the late ones! ;)
I spend most of next week in the office - daytime hours even! Like real people! I get to finally play with the new computer program. These days my hours seem subject to great change depending how the edits are going. The new programming should really make things interesting. I have to make edits on both programs (old and new) for awhile until it is sure everything is ready to roll.

I realized that I forgot to mention last Sunday's activity. Rand and I both had the day off, so we visited his cousin Deb. (For those who don't know she now resides at the nursing home in Osceola) We had a great visit! We spent the entire afternoon laughing and reminiscing. Deb says she finally forgives us for "eloping" while she was in Hawaii! (Finally, 26 years later!)
We also visited MIL Donna for a bit that evening.
Niece Crystal and her beau, Robbie, have set a wedding date in August.
No word from Rob and Dana yet.......

Speaking of wishful thinking, my second pick for a DIL has recieved full ride scholarship offers for Grad school.

And finally....
For Eric, who reminds me of a young me with his passion for the world.....

Lilly was discovered trying to get into her car. She hasn't mastered that skill yet and Lilly finds it frustrating that her legs are so short.

Plan B. Notice Lilly's right hand.

Randy's shoe. All together now - "YUCK!" 

Fill 'er up!

Full.

Next!

What was left over by morning nap time. 

Lilly's usual partner in crime, Camper. 

Looks the party is over. 

A Fairy Tale
(tail wags the dog?)
Lilly swears she is not feeding Girlfriend her food.
Girlfriend says even if Lilly offered food - she would refuse.
The End.

A happy Lilly at breakfast this morning. 

Photo Friday - disguise
to obscure the existence or true state or character of

Most females of the species cloak themselves in colors

Life is short, Play hard
So much for my things to do list today.
I stayed up late last night to do some cleaning.
I got up with Lilly early with Lilly to let Sandra sleep. We played the until nap time.
While Lilly took her morning nap - I decided to cut my hair.
After lunch, we all ran to Target for the usual "pick up meds", dog food, and milk.
Sandra cruised the clearance clothes while Lilly and I checked out all other clearance. She did score her "love monkey" in the Valentine aisles.
After getting home, we laid Lilly down for her afternoon nap. She decided otherwise.
After throwing all her toys out of the crib, she managed to get one chubby thigh stuck between the bars of the crib. I noticed her angry hollering had turned to a hurt hollering. I rescued her, (She was really stuck!) calmed her down, tried the nap thing again. I thought I had it at first, then Lilly filled her diaper and once again I could tell the yelling required attention. I gave up.
We played all afternoon, visited the neighbors, and played some more.
After supper, I gave Lilly her bath. While I ran her water, Lilly threw in her choice of toys from her bath tote. Mind you, it was all rubber ducks except for an old yogurt container. After letting her play for a bit and getting the bath part done, I like to sneak out the toys one by one. When she gets down to the last toy, I open the drain. Lilly loves feeling the water go down and I get to take out the last rubber duck. Lilly is getting better about not biting the drain. I think she will be an early swimmer. Getting her out of her bath is easy as she has run out of things to play with. I wrap her up in her fluffy pink towel and we always stop to admire the beautiful baby in the mirror. We take turns with the Aveeno lotion and diaper ointment tubes. I always finish by combing her hair. It has really thickened up in the last few weeks.
Lilly was in bed a bit after 7 pm without a peep. She was pretty wore out with no nap. So am I!
It was a really great day of play with Lilly.
Sandra captured this picture of Lilly playing under the table right before her morning nap.

His cup runneth over
Willie showed up this afternoon with his first bit of laundry to do. And he was in a bad mood. The majority of his laundry was every towel and washcloth he owned.
Now I will regress. Willie is the Al Bundy type. Not only is he consumed with marking his territory, Willie is hell on toilets.
This may be a dominant male trait, but Rob was always content with just setting the bathroom on fire.
We have had more than one argument that when a toilet over flowed it was a Willie thing. Willie's only defense then was he wasn't the only one using these toilets.
Even though all other evidence pointed to him like: he came out last, he was the only one home, we all watched him go in, etc.
Well, now it seems his toilet, at his home, has over flowed and he had to deal with it all by himself. And on the third day the water rose .......
Since he was in such a mood, I didn't even attempt to hang pictures today.

One!
I got all my work done today in time for the big download. It will be a day or two before we can judge how successful it was.
I have tomorrow off. Besides cleaning my house, I'm hoping to go hang pictures for Willie. At some point, I will have to go shopping for groceries. Willie really cleaned us out!
My scheduled changed radically yesterday. I was scheduled in the office to work on the schedule and finish my prep work for the new program. The operator called in so I finished the evening by answering phones.

Speaking of one... Our favorite one is home again


Lilly riding her big kiki. She also rode for hours in her car and everything that made music - was played.


Look closely! Lilly now has pierced ears.
Lilly is a bit grumpy. She was diagnosed with another ear infection over the weekend. Add in a bit of congestion and cutting teeth - she is not in a good mood.
She was still happy to see Gramma.