Monday, September 28, 2009

Nice fall day. (Windy & Chilly) .... LOVING IT!

Please don't shoot the messenger...

This was sent to me by my dad in an email & yes, I just had to share it.
Please read it all the way through before you read & / or make any comments. *giggles*

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A man is driving down the road and breaks down near a monastery. He goes to the monastery, knocks on the door, and says, My car broke down. Do you think I could stay the night?

The monks graciously accept him, feed him dinner, and even fix his car. As the 
man tries to fall asleep, he hears a strange sound; a sound like no other that he has ever heard. The next morning, he asks the monks what the sound was, but they say, We can't tell you because you're not a monk.

The man is disappointed but thanks them anyway and goes about his merry way. Some years later, the same man breaks down in front of the same
monastery.  
 
The monks again accept him, feed him, and even fix his car..

 
That night, he hears the same strange mesmerizing sound that he had heard years earlier.

 The next morning, he asks what the sound was, but the monks reply,
We can't tell you because you're not a monk.
 
The man says, all right, all right. I'm dying to know.
If the only way I can find out what that sound was is to become a monk, how do I become a monk?

The monks reply, you must travel the earth and tell us how many blades of grass there are and the exact number of sand pebbles. When you find these numbers, you will become a monk.
 
The man sets about his task. Some forty-five years later, he returns and knocks on the door of the monastery. He says, I have travelled the earth and devoted my life to the task demanded and have found what you had asked for. There are 371,145,236,284,232 blades of grass and 231,281,219,999,129,382 sand pebbles on the earth.

The monks reply, congratulations, you are correct, and you are now considered a monk .

We shall now show you the way to
 the sound.

The monks lead the man to a wooden door, where the head monk says, the sound is behind that door.
 
The man reaches for the knob, but the door is locked. He asks, May I have the key ?
 
The monks give him the key, and he opens the door.

Behind the wooden door is another door made of stone... The man requests the key to the stone door.

The monks give him the key, and he opens it, only to find a door made of ruby. He demands another key from the monks, who provide it. Behind that door is another door, this one made of sapphire. And so it went on until the man had gone through doors of emerald,...
 
...silver, topaz, and amethyst.

 
Finally, the monks say, This is the key to the last door ...

 
The man is relieved to be at the end. He unlocks the door, turns the knob, and behind that door he is astonished to find the source of that strange sound. It is truly an amazing and unbelievable sight...
...................
.................
...........
............
.....................
..................
..................
...................
................
..........
........
.......
.....
 
...
.. But I can't tell you what it is because you're not a monk.

DON'T SWEAR AT ME;
 
I'M STILL HUNTING FOR THE IDIOT WHO STARTED THIS !
But I bet you send it on (or post in your own blog?)

**ROTFL**

Friday, September 25, 2009

Fall TV reviews (part 1)

Fall TV is in full swing...
Hubby & I just finished watching the new ABC series "FlashForward" (Thursday) & tell ya what... it's going to be another one just like LOST... one you're going to be hooked on! I know I am already!

Tuesday was the return the great show NCIS & the premiere of the spin off NCIS: Los Angeles (on CBS)... Just like their predecessor, JAG... it's well worth 2 hours of viewing!

My DVR will be working overtime on Tuesday's because there are 2 other new shows that I watched last night... "The Good Wife" (CBS) with Julianne Margulies & "the forgotten" (ABC).

"The Good Wife" is actually another lawyer / investigation type of show... & is a lot better than I thought it was going to be. (Love it when things turn out like that.)

I was concerned "the forgotten" (yes, no capitalization is how it's to be) would be another series that Christian Slater's name may have over emphasized the goodness of it... however, yet again I was surprised! ;o)

(btw... I'm not really giving a synopsis on these shows, because I figure you have seen the previews or can look it up. Just giving my opinion about them. ... Also, I'm a bit tired, so my wording may not be "up to par".)

Moving on to Wednesday nights... Well, a new show with Kelsey Grammar ("Hank" on ABC) does not start until this coming week... Looks good. Truly hope that it's better than the one that CBS had him in last year. (Where he was a news anchor. It was ok... but the writing really needed some help.)

We still have to watch "Gary Unmarried" (Starring Jay Mohr)... so, can't give you a review... However, the show seemed to get better as it neared the end of it's 1st season... and from the previews, looks like Mohr may have a hit.

Now we're to Thursday nights... another night the DVR will have a work out. Along with the previous mentioned, "FlashForward" was also the return of "Grey's Anatomy"... knowing that one of my favorite hospital series ("ER") was ending... I started to get hooked into "Grey's" & as a commercial said about the season finale being unforgettable... well, so was the season premiere! Not only is it funny where it needs to be... but it's also drama packed, with tear-jerking scenes.

I'm actually looking forward to it's spin-off, "Private Practice", season premiere, next Thursday... they left us with a great cliff hanger. Not sure though I'll keep up with that show... We'll see if they turn things around this year.

My poor DVR... Friday's are going to be another busy night... CBS saved the show "Medium" from NBC's axe & put it in the line up between their big hits: "Ghost Whisperer" (with Jennifer Love Hewitt) & "NUMB3RS"...

Saturday's & Sunday's are reserved mainly for football & NASCAR. *giggles* (Nope, I don't watch "Desparate Housewives".) So, I'm sure those days will be reserved to watch some of the shows we have on the DVR. (Oh... "The Bill Engvall Show" on TBS is usually on Saturday's now... but the next 2 weeks doesn't seem to be any new shows. They had their season start over a month ago. Must be because it's cable. Just a guess.) ;o)

I say this is part 1... because of all the stuff we still have to watch... Though, I can pretty much say this... it's all good tv viewing! ;o)

Now the question to you is, what are some of your favorites that have returned & what new shows are you watching???

(Of course there are shows like "Dancing with the Stars" that I didn't mention... but that's because... well, just because. LOL)

Christmas in THREE months!!! *grins*

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Halllooooo Fall TOTs

Howdy folks! How ya doin'? I know, I know... long time no hear from me...

So... how about a Welcome To Fall edition of TOTs.

In case you're new to my blog, TOTs = "Thoughts On Thursday". Similar to the Tuesday Ten (or Tengents as my KittyChile sister will say).

They're random thoughts just like anything else, actually... Just not limiting to 10.

Maybe more than 10... maybe less... depends on my mood & what is rambling around up there in my noggin! LOL.


On with the real TOTs for today... WARNING... Many today! ;)

1. Hallelujah FALL is here!! Now where are them Autumn temps??

2. Why is it when we have NO insurance, NO extra money for doctors / dentists... that our teeth decide NOW is the time to act up?? Huh?? Why??? Why??

3. Hubby is feeling much better after his tooth pulling a few weeks ago.

4. He lost about 10 pounds because we think he had the flu on top of all that. (He couldn't keep anything down or in him for several days. Almost took him to the hospital.)

5. Now it's my turn to battle with teeth. Now, I've complained several times before about having broken teeth in the back (molars). One on each side.......

6. So, why is it now, after the one has been broken for a couple years now... & the other about a year, they BOTH decide they're going to cause pain?? Huh... why??

7. I know why... because they know I can't get them fixed right now! Not at least for another 2 months!! UGH!!

8. So, I guess I'm going to start to drink shakes & eat soup for a couple months.

9. Sounds like a good way to loose some weight! (Ok, they're not that bad, yet! It just seems that way at times! What's unusual though is, one or the other would be a little ouchy... last night, BOTH sides decided to start up. I can deal with just one side... but not both at the same time!! ARGH!!)

9a. Really hope Hubby can get dental insurance with this company!!!

10. Hubby has basically told me, last night, I'm not allowed to drive for a little bit. (Ok, this requires more explanation than just a passing thought....)

10a... See, the other day he came home from work & I was having a very bad Chiari day... The headache was not throbbing, but more pressure. So much so that I couldn't really sit up for a bit. So, I had asked him if he would go to the store, please. (We were in need of groceries, big time!)

While sitting at the computer, he couldn't keep his eyes open. So, when I was able to sit up for a bit & move around I told him that, if he'd drive we can both go get groceries. Well, after we were heading to the check out when I felt like I was going to pass out. Thankfully we have a Starbucks in the store, & they have tables. I stopped, told Hubby I was sitting down for a minute & then grabbed the nearest chair. The barista made eye contact & I asked her for a little glass of water. (Not realizing she'd give me about a shot glass worth.) Sat for a minute after that & was able to make it to the check out where I proceeded to unload.

To make a long story short, I STILL hate shopping (for large quantities / or long period of time) because of this. And I think my hubby has realized why. However... this has also sparked concern in him that he doesn't want me driving. Which is very understandable. And no big deal either, since I don't go anywhere, anyway.

Now, don't you all worry... I'M OK!!! I will be just fine! It's just a normal part of my life now... at least it will be until I can see a specialist. Which won't happen until either Hubby can get us back on insurance, or I get approved for Social Security Disability. (Which hopefully will happen by the end of the year... I HOPE & PRAY!!!)

(back to the TOTs... *scrolls back up to see where she left off*) .....

11. I'm wondering if this one tooth is actually a wisdom tooth... though I could swear I had all of them out when I was 18 or 19. (Guess I'm going to have to get a hold of the dentist later on.)

12. Oh... yeah... Hubby just may get sent to Mexico by his new company. ARGH!

13. So, guess who's making all the calls to find out about the vaccines & etc. Yep, you guessed right! Me! (Not that it's a problem.)

14. He's also not sure how long this job will last. He says they have nothing in "the pipeline" after the one machine they're about to start. (There's more to that thought... but it's not really needed on my blog. If he blogged, yeah, but since he doesn't... well... you get the idea!)

15. We think Sunny pulled a muscle in her hind left leg. Poor thing... she's limping around.

16. Oh, but it doesn't bother her if she sees a bunny outside... or even hears the words "outside" or "r-i-d-e". Nope... won't bug her!

17. Same thing goes with Coleman's vision. He looks as if he might be on the early stages of going blind... but he sure can see a bunny rabbit in the neighbors yard at night!! LOL

18. Don't know where I'd be if I didn't have them 2 here to keep me going!!! Seriously... if it wasn't for the dogs, I probably would not go outside! Having to get them out is a blessing!

19. My SL sister is going to be Queen!! Woot! (sneaking it it.)

20. I urge anyone that has headaches a lot to ask your doctor for an MRI... & to show you the results (the written ones). Because most doctors may see the mention of Chiari Malformation, but will shrug it off. It IS a major problem! They just don't want to tell you because they don't want to have to deal with the fact they may have to recommend brain surgery!

21. Ok, they really don't do anything to your brain... but they do have to do something with your skull so that it's not compressing that part of your brain. (That's why it's called "Decompression Surgery") ... They need to release the pressure so that the cerebral fluid will flow properly... so that the rest of your brain can function work the way it should... including blood flow... heart pumping... & etc etc etc.

22. Have I totally bored you to pieces yet? LOL.

23. Hmmm.... NOW I'm getting hungry... Nope, not for oranges! *giggles* Though if I keep talking about it, I may. LOL.

24. Drats... I do NOT have any orange juice! Will add to the list for next time.

25. I hate wired mice!! (That's what I get for leaving my wireless mouse at my sister's on Saturday!) Yes, I'm thankful that we at least had a wired mouse for me to use until I get it back! *winks & grins*

26. I think 30 will be a good number of thoughts. What do you think?? Give myself a goal & now, I can't think of anything else to write! LOL!!!

27. Oh bother, it's raining again! That would explain the pressure I feel at the moment. (See, weather effects these headaches too! ... Actually any change in the barometric pressure effects it. Think about it... it may make sense if you do. ;o)

28. Oh yeah... btw... I've been hooked on Facebook stuff, see... it's not just Second Life that takes me away from here. LOL!!!

29. NaNoWriMo is drawing near... So, I really need to get back into the writing mode! Come November, I'll be doing that 50,000 words in a month challenge again. (More on that in a future blog!)

30. One last hmmm thought... Why is it someone who used to love to socialize is now basically a hermit? (Why? Well, go back & read #10a!!!)

That's THIRTY Thoughts on this rainy 'Welcome to Autumn' Thursday!!!

~ Toodles! ~
*waves & poof*

Monday, September 14, 2009

We've lost another great actor today :*(

Rating:★★★★★
Category:Other
In case you have not heard yet, Patrick Swayze lost his battle with Pancreatic cancer today.

For more info: CLICK HERE

Saturday, September 12, 2009

20 years ago... a fighter was born

It's amazing how fast time goes by after you have a child. It seems just like yesterday that my boss at McD's was sending me home, around 11:00 am, so that I would not go into labor there in the restaurant.

After I went home I decided to take a nap... which didn't last too long, because I woke up with some back pain around 2p. So, I decided to take a shower, keeping a watch near by to time, to make sure it was truly labor pains.

I ended up going to the hospital & at 10:57p my one & only child was born, a son.

When he was born, they said he was definitely fed well. *giggles* I said it was all them Big Mac's! (Actually I ate good while pregnant.)

One thing I do remember during the labor was that a few minutes before he was born they jokingly asked if I wanted to way until after midnight. I'm like, NOOOOOO!

When I received the picture above I said he would be a fighter. I wasn't expecting it to be he & I would fight all the time. Though I do have to say he is getting better with his older age.

Still... he has a long way to go. And that another story for another time.

Time to wrap this up because 1/2 time of the USC vs Ohio State game is almost over & time to get it going again.

Hope you enjoyed this trip down memory lane.

For my son, if he ever sees this....

20 years ago today I had a little boy... he not so little now!!!

Friday, September 11, 2009

TOTs - a day late

All aboard... The Rambling Train is about to embark on another trip!

Doing this in TOTs (Thoughts on Thursday) format (a day late) because... well, it will be easier for me to write & easier for you to read... because I have lots of thoughts to share today.

1. I lost 8 to 10 inches of my hair last night. Yes, went & had my hair cut... it was very needed! (I warned Hubby that after his 1st paycheck I'd bet doing this. He didn't fight me at all on this. Which is GOOD!)

2. Still amazed at how much lighter it feels to have that much gone. (See the difference?)

3. My poor hubby... he's oh so sick. We thought it was from his tooth being pulled out Tuesday evening. However, we just got back from the doctors a little bit ago, which they say it's probably a virus.

4. He's not been able to keep anything down for the past 3 days. So, they gave him something for the nausea & said if doesn't start to feel better by about 5p or so, then he needs to go to the hospital for a blood test.

5. If that's the case, I would probably have to drag him there, or threaten to call for an ambulance, because I'm sure he will try to avoid it, if at all possible. (Mainly because we don't have insurance yet. He's only 3 weeks into this new job.)

6. The nurse practitioner that saw Hubby says the sickness is probably not related to his tooth pulled.

7. If that's the case, Hubby can blame his new boss, because he was sick the 1st week Hubby was on the job. Haha!

8. Now I just have to only hope I don't get sick! We can't afford it!

9. Yeah, I know I'm not working... still can't afford the doctor's visits & medicine & all.

10. Let's round this off with something good... I'm still in shock (disbelief) that my son will be TWENTY years old tomorrow!!! Oh where has the time gone?

11. Yep, that means he's as old as I was when I had him! (If anyone is paying attention, that is.)

12. This sure has been a pretty mild summer (for some of us, for the most part)... Kind of worries me as to what the winter holds? (LET IT SNOW! LET IT SNOW!!!!)

13. Don't get me wrong, I've enjoyed this nice summer... Now almost fall!

14. btw.. I'm not going to do a tribute this year to the September 11th attacks... because I have one from last year that has all the videos & pictures in it. If anyone wants to see it... just leave me a comment & I'll post a link to it, below.

15. Though, LET'S US NEVER FORGET!

*HUGS* to all! :o)