Flashback Friday

Nov 2009:
-K was finishing up his Eagle badge, plus lettered in Fball and joined the National Junior Honor Society.  We also went to the Purdue/Wisconsin game

-T'day was the infamous Big Boy who was fried for the 1st time vs'Junior', who was baked traditional, debate, plus the 'Great Lemon Pie Fight' between R the birthday girl and her brother J.

-Class Reunion was finished, plus received a contract for Teacher's Pet!

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Present Day:
Thanksgiving is being spent in Lafayette this year:)  We're taking Taco with us, and I'm undecided what dishes we're hauling with us.  Stay tuned.

Flashback Friday: Thanksgiving On The Farm

Nov 1989:
I spent T'day with my potential new inlaws, at J's sister M's house.

I felt like an outsider, since I knew very few people, and I'd worn casual clothes, as we did at home, and felt like a slob.  I also disliked most of the trimmings, outside of the turkey, mashed potatoes, and the rolls, and felt relieved when we returned to my apartment.

I think we went to my parents' house on the weekend, and my Aunt Janet, Uncle Bob, and cousins Zach and Caty were there.

Next Month:  I turn 24 and The Best Christmas Ever!

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Present Day:
I've worked three days this week, and am off to my cousin Brooklyn's wedding tomorrow:)  First, I set up at Jasper Craft Fair, then take off for the wedding.  Sunday, I'll be at Jasper all day.  I think I'm only 12-13 books away from my goal of 150 sold, so fingers crossed this is a good one!

Flashback Friday: Fallout From Halloween

Halloween Recap:
I'd gone as (my interpretation of) a Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader, and another neighbor was a Playboy Bunny.  As the evening wound down, I thought I recognized a voice, but dismissed it, since he didn't live around us.....

November 1979:
I arrived at school the next morning to cat-calls, jeers, whistles, and teasing.  I was asked if I planned to pose for Playboy, and one kid even commented on my costume, even though he'd not seen it.  I just shrank inside myself and tried to get through the day.  I was confused; why weren't they picking on Rhonda, the 9th grader who'd dressed as a Bunny?  What was wrong with my cheerleader costume?

Later that day, I learned the awful truth....the boy who'd seen me had spread the word I'd dressed as a street walker.  I was horrified....and tried to tell a few of my friends the truth.  But the teasing from Mike and his buddies was too much.  I began to try to hide again.

Later on that month, I got a case of cradle cap.  Mom smeared my scalp with aloe vera, and we went to Indianapolis to the Paramount Pizza Palace with friends, to see the massive pipe organ.

For Thanksgiving, we checked into the Holidome in Lebanon, In.  We ate a wonderful Turkey dinner in the restaurant, then Mom and Dad turned us loose.  W and I had our own room, and we were told to swim, play in the arcade, or charge any food to the room.  It was one of my most memorable Thanksgiving days EVER!  The next day, Mom, W and I went shopping in Indianapolis.  I think we went downtown to the LS Ayers store, ate lunch in the Tea Room, and shopped.

Next Month:  I turn 14!

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Present Day:
Tonight is the First Friday Art Walk, and the 10th anniversary of The Open Gallery:)  Hoping for a successful evening!

Flashback Friday: My Football Player:)

Oct 2009:
Our weekends were full of football games, including Homecoming, Senior Night, and Sectionals.  K rode in the parade, played only on Senior Night and mostly in one game (the one we actually WON), and froze our butts off at our last game.  Never have I ever been so happy to see a game come to an end, because I was freezing!

S and I embarked on the Great Picture Hunt, as we make a poster of embarrassing pictures for K's Senior Night, and decorated a sheet for Homecoming with spray paint.

In The News...
Letterman was being blackmailed by a former lover; body modifications were becoming more and more popular (specifically, tongue splitting, being suspended by hooks in one's back-I'm still squeamish over that one!-and tattoos); and liposuction.

Halloween
W was Spiderman, and S was 'Vampira'.  One of her friends went as a Dark Angel.

Next Month:  Football Winds Down; Time To Finish Up Eagle Scout!

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Present Day:
I'm off to the Collectors Carnival tomorrow in Princeton, at the Gibson Co Fairgrounds.  Weather is supposed to be rainy; here's hoping it doesn't last ALL day, and sales are good!

Flashback Friday: Early Winter!

Oct 1989:
J convinced me to look at an apartment in Arcadia, and after consulting with Dad, he gave me the money for the first month's rent, and I prepared to move in.  It was in an old house, and I had my choice of two apartments:  Ground floor with a bathtub, or upstairs with a shower.  I opted for the shower.

The weather began to work against me, however.  The day we planned to take the kids to the Pumpkin Patch, it was so cold, I could hardly enjoy it!  Thankfully, I did have my winter coat by this time, but was in desperate need of some thermal underwear.  One of my kids, T, came out of the house one morning in a thin t-shirt, and I made her go back inside and put on something warmer.  Her mother later thanked me!

It snowed the following week, and I slid through an intersection, thankfully with no kids in the car.  I didn't hit anyone or anything, nor did anyone hit ME!  Lesson learned; slow down.

I also learned a valuable lesson in traffic patterns:  If I left my apartment at 6:29, I'd arrive at work by seven.  But if I left a minute or two later, I'd arrive anywhere around 7:30, provided I didn't get stuck in traffic.  I think Louis, my boss, was soon growing irritated by my lateness, and wished I'd still lived in town!

For Halloween, we threw a party for the kids on the playground, so I went as a farmer and carried 'Blue Boy', the solid blue Checkered Giant that J had given me.  We named one of his litter mates 'Frisky', and J planned to show her the following spring.

Next Month:  Thanksgiving, Farm-Style!

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Present Day:  
We're launching Bad Decisions tomorrow, with an Open Mic Night!  Hoping for a good turnout, considering the boys can't make it.  B has to work and JT is officiating a wedding.  I have to sing at 5pm, so I'm hoping to drop off my supplies at 4, then arrive as close to 6 as possible.  I sold two copies last week, plus will have copies of Dreamscapes on hand.

I'm also setting up at the Farmer's Market (weather permitting), so hoping for a good turn out and good sales.

Have a great weekend!

Happy early anniversary Mom and Dad!  56 years tomorrow!

Flashback Friday: I Answer The Challenge

Oct 1999:
The new neighbors kids had proved too much for their babysitter, so I volunteered to take a shot at it, since our kids were all in the same grade, and Sara and Shelby were even in the same Kdgn class.  The two girls got along well, and Shelby loved our climbing tower and swing set.  Zach wasn't thrilled with the fact Kyle was a go-getter who did his homework the minute he arrived home, and I was thrilled with the additional funds in my pocket.  Their mom was a CNA who would sometimes work late, and I had no issues feeding the kids dinner.  For Halloween, all four kids ran around the neighborhood in costume:  Sh was Princess Atta from Bug's Life, Sa was Queen Amidala from Star Wars, and the boys were dressed as Scream characters. 

Next Month:  Thanksgiving:)

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Present Day:
I am off to the Imaginarium Convention!  Whispers is up for Best Anthology in the Imaginn Awards tomorrow night, so fingers crossed we beat the other finalist!

I'm on 3 panels:  Saturday:  Working Religion Into Stories
                             Sunday:  Pushing Through and The Cross-Genre Author
Friend Brian Morris won't be there until Sunday, so hopefully we won't spend all the time chatting and ignoring the guests!

Have a great weekend!!

Flashback Friday: I Get Cheeky

Oct 1979:
I was beginning to open up to people.  I loved my History teacher, Mr Israel, and was thrilled when I discovered I could answer the questions w/o fear of ridicule.  I still remember how to pronounce Ft. Duquesne (Du-cain), due to the weekly spelling tests, and one memorable day, 'Cincinnati' was on the test, and when he checked our answers and go to that word, he had me stand up and face the class.  Turns out I'd worn my 'I Love Cincinnati' tee....and had forgotten it!  He gently teased me about cheating if I'd spelled it correctly, and we all had a good laugh!

The rivalry in Health Class was heating up.  Mike F and I continued to 'compete' to prove who was smarter, girls or boys.  Of course, friend Rhonda A, who sat behind me, was my 'voice of reason', but Mike and I had history which went back to the 5th grade.  He had called me names, and I'd gotten back at him for watching him get spanked by the principal, and told everyone.  I was feeling bold about the fact Health was not only my favorite subject, but also the fact I had a solid A in the class, and was answering the questions in a confident manner, instead of being shy and quiet.

When we reached the Mouth-to-Mouth Resuscitation unit, Mr. P chose myself and Mike to demonstrate.  He jumped up on the table and puckered up; I pinched his nose hard and simply said 'Puff', which also drew laughs.

But disaster hit on Halloween.  My sister, friend K, and I decided to go as cheerleaders.  They dressed 50s style; I decided to go as a Dallas Cowboy cheerleader.  My hair was shoulder-length and wavy; I had electric blue shorts, black boots, and wore a tube top with a green front-tie shirt over it.  Not exactly the outfit, but surely people would 'get it', right?  Mom took our pictures and commented on how good we all looked.

One of the new neighbors had girls who were both older and younger than me.  The one in the 9th grade dressed like a Playboy Bunny, and I remember raising my eyebrows at that choice of costume, but didn't say anything.  At the end of the night, I was slightly alarmed, because I thought I heard the voice of Eddie F, who was one of Mike's BFFs.  I dismissed it, thinking that now the night was over, we'd enter November, the best month of the school year, since we only went one full week due to Teacher's Inservice days, Parent-Teacher Conferences, and Thanksgiving.

I was wrong; things were about to get much worse.

Next Month:  Being Publicly Humiliated

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Present Day:
I have the weekend off!  Saluki Con was GREAT last week, and I sold 7 books, got my picture taken on the Iron Throne, and hung out with author peeps.

This weekend, we're doing Bug Control and hopefully cleaning out more of the Green House.  The temps are finally dropping into the 70s (we had 90s M-W, then low 80s yesterday!), so might swap my wardrobe around, since I'm probably going to want to wear jeans today and next week.

Have a wonderful weekend and I'l see you back here next week!

Flashback Friday: Catching Up 1999

Aug 1999: 
Registered S for kindergarten, and K began 3rd grade.  I knew this was going to be a rough year, schedule-wise, since S only went half a day, so I'd take both kids to school, either go home and write, or do any errands, then return at 10:30 to pick her up and feed her lunch, then work/do errands until 2:30, when it was time to pick up K again.

Sept:
Met the new people who moved into one of the back lots, and it turned out their daughter Shelby was in S's class. Their son, Zach was also in the 3rd grade, but he had the other teacher.

Another little girl, Rosemary, caused drama when she brought a kitten to school in her back pack, and it turned out her mom was the new Daisy Scout leader.  I eagerly signed S up, and at first the meetings were fun.  K had joined Cub Scouts the previous year, so I looked forward to having two Scouts in my family, since I'd also been a Girl Scout, and enjoyed it.

Next Month:  I Take On A New Role.

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Present Day:
I have the weekend off!  Plan to relax and get some work accomplished at home.  At our writers meeting yesterday, we announced our next project will be based around the subject of Bridges or Dead Beats.  I'm already envisioning incorporating the Sunshine Skyway into a story.  Stay tuned....

Have a great weekend! 

Flashback Friday: Roller Coaster Month

Sept 1989:
I'd begun my new job at Crossroads Rehabilitation as a driver a few weeks earlier, and fit in well with my new coworkers:  Louis, our boss; Cindy, John, Ron, and Debbie, another rookie.  D and R were from the same side of town; C and J had been there several years; and that left me, the 'baby' of the group with the boss, dynamic-wise.

John was the one who took me around my route, and showed me where all my 'kids' would be picked up, and I would practice my route.  One afternoon before school began, we got to meet the parents and all our kids.

I drove a station wagon, and in the mornings would have one or two kids in the front, 3-4 kids in the middle seat, and two strapped in the very back.  I remember sweet Sherrie, who would sit beside me and sing along to the radio; one girl whose yard was never mowed; another whose mother would send her down five flights of stairs with her older sister; Joni, who had a seizure when we returned to school; Jamal, who sat behind me and ground his teeth, plus would sometimes still be asleep when I arrived so his mom would bring him in, or I could swing past on the way back and pick him up (he lived literally 3 blocks from the facility!).  There was also sweet little Brooke, whom I would pick up at two different places, depending on her mom's schedule; Jenna, who was picked up at a liquor store parking lot; and another kid who always sat in the way back.  In the afternoon, there was Joey, who loved to sit next to me and pretend to talk on the CB; April, whose parents moved every three months; sweet little Dusty, who quickly became my 'pet', and two more whose names I can't recall at the moment.

My route was the longest; I'd begin at 30th and Fall Creek, travel down 30th to Speedway, then go south beyond the airport and down to nearly Mann Road before heading back.  Joey and Sherrie lived in the same complex, only S went in the morning and J in the afternoon.  My route would have been sooooo much shorter in the morning if S could have been switched; I had a full car every morning, while only 5 in the afternoon.

I'm A Brat, But He Still Pops 'The Question'!
J and I had the occasional argument,but nothing major.  One night he arrived to pick me up, and I knew we'd planned to go downtown to Union Station for dinner.  However, when he arrived, he was all dressed up, while I came down the stairs in jeans.  I quickly ran back upstairs and yelled for Natalie, the teenage daughter of Bob and Ann, to help me pull something together, since I had a limited wardrobe.  N and I were about the same size, so she pulled a skirt and light sweater from her closet, and I ran back down.

We ate at Salvatore Salvatini's and split a carafe of wine, then caught ourselves talking about kids names, where we wanted to live, and even dream weddings.  But as soon as we realized it, the topic was switched.  After dinner, he suggested a carriage ride, and I agreed.  But when we went outside, it was beginning to rain, and I balked.

He cajoled me into going, which I griped about during the two-block walk.  Then the driver asked where to go, and J said canal, while I said Monument Circle.  J insisted, and so did I, but in the end, our driver agreed to go both places, but took us by the canal first.  I was still pouting about being slightly wet and now not getting my way.

At one point, I was looking at the canal when J said something to get my attention.  I turned my head and he was on one knee, holding out a ring.  I couldn't breathe....couldn't speak.  He put the ring on my finger and I was still in shock!  He kept asking, and by the time we'd reached the Monument, I thrust my hand out the window and told a random stranger, "Look what I just got!:  Then turned back to J and said 'yes'....then burst into tears, because I'd been so nasty to him!

We went back to Union Station to walk around the top part.....but all I wanted to do was go home and be with him.  When we returned to the house, we broke the news to Bob and Ann, who broke out the champagne.  The cork popped and foam sprayed all over Bob and down his lap!

About a week later, we went to Lafayette and broke the news to my parents, who were happy for me.  I think later that month, my Aunt Janet, Uncle Bob, and cousins Zach and Caty arrived for a visit, and were able to meet him too.

My Best Friend's Wedding
Sept 23rd will forever stand out in my brain because of three events:  Two happened at one wedding, another happened later that night at another wedding.

First of all, EY and DS had set the date, and E decided to have someone make the bridesmaids' dresses.  I took JL with me to my fitting, and we started out hungry, but mine disappeared as I tried on my dress, and E and I talked.  Then, driving him home, I suddenly became starving, so decided to go to Denny's, despite the fact JL had wanted to go somewhere else.  Argument #1.

#2 happened the night of the rehearsal.  Me, Lisa, Billie, and Cathy (rest of bridesmaids) had planned to spend the night at E's house.  J, however, wanted me to spend the night with him.  Since we were on shaky ground, and I wanted to patch things up, I approached E and asked her opinion, and she gave consent for me to spend the night away.

HOWEVER.....I helped J take care of his rabbits, and woke up with allergy eyes.  I took as many Benadryls as I dared, and while the swelling went down, I still had a small lump under one eye, and could barely wear makeup.  The wedding went off without a hitch, other than the ring bearer tried to stand on her dress,

My cousin was getting married later that day, so as soon as pictures were taken, we headed to the reception and got something to eat before heading off to Indpls for Michele's wedding.

I had no choice but to go in my bridesmaid dress, and enjoyed the ceremony, esp when the ring bearer decided to sit down and the flower girl punched him!  The Shell nearly fell over backward during the ceremony.  Then it was off to the reception.

We had a good time dancing and eating, then the DJ asked for all single girls to line up for the bouquet toss.  I got in line (and didn't catch it) and promptly angered JL, since because I had an engagement ring on my finger, I 'wasn't single'.

I laughed and said 'engaged' didn't necessarily mean I couldn't catch the bouquet!  He was furious; I got mad and it ruined the rest of the evening.  We argued all the way back to his house, and I think I even returned to Bob and Ann's house for the night.

Next Month:  Winter Comes Early

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Present Day:
I'm headed up to Indianapolis for the Indy Author Event:)  Looking forward to finally meeting Sandra Sookoo, Regency author!

Have a great weekend!

Flashback Friday: Disaster In Chemistry Class

Sept 1979:
It didn't take long for me to realize my chemistry partner had no interest in what we were doing, so I found myself reluctantly taking the lead in all our experiments.  But the thing I remember the most is when Rick decided, for whatever conceivable reason, to shove a paper towel into a test tube, the try to float it out by adding water! 

I ended up spending the hour scraping that towel out of the darn test tube.  Needless to say, I didn't get it all, and at the end of the hour took it up to the teacher and apologized for my partner's stupidity.

In Health Class, a rivalry of sorts began between myself and Mike F.  He would answer most of the questions for the guys, while myself and Rhonda A would take turns answering on the girls' side.

Next Month:  Halloween Disaster

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Present Day:
I'm off to Cil-Con in Mattoon, Il for today and tomorrow!  I managed to get into 'Brian's Love Shack' area, and was dismayed mildly amused at the fact we'll be right in front of my favorite clothing store.  Hmmmm.....man my table or go shopping?  Decisions, decisions.....

Also hoping to pick up some swag before I leave town.  I need notepads, Kleenex, and a few more prizes for the 'special' basket.  Praying my budget is on track!

See you next week, and have a wonderful weekend:)

Flashback Friday: New Job and New Boyfriend!

Aug 1989:
BM and I were seeing less and less of each other; JL surprised me at work and we spent the evening together, and he even drove to Lafayette just to watch the Cubs baseball game with me.  I'd never had a guy go that far out of his way to be with me, and was impressed.  We went to see the movie Parenthood, and he was happy to discover I wasn't a female who picked at her food in front of the opposite sex, when we shared a pizza afterward.  Discovered JL was a virgin, so agreed no 'relations'.

The next week, Crossroads Rehab offered me an interview as a driver, and when asked how well I knew the city, I know Divine Intervention stepped in, because I started naming the areas I was familiar with when all of a sudden I stopped and said, "No matter where I am, I find a familiar landmark, so I've never been totally lost."  After turning in my background check and taking the Chauffeur's License exam three times before passing, I was hired.  It was decided I was to go live with Bob and Ann Mead until I could save up for my 1st apt, and I moved the following week.

JL and I had a few arguments during that time, but nothing I took seriously.  If he upset me too much, I yelled back, which would diffuse his anger, and he'd laugh, and everything would be okay.  Little did I know this was just the beginning.

Next Month:  I'm A Brat, But He Still Pops The Question

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Present Day:
My sister and her kids are here!  They arrived Monday, and D said he wants to hug G'ma, while R wants to sit on the couch with G'ma and watch Jewelry TV with her all week.

Today, I'm headed to the Mall of America in Minnesota, a place I've dreamed of visiting for at least 25 years or more!  The Royal Touch Reader Event is on Saturday, and I plan to see as much of the mall as possible, since I have to leave on Sunday.  Originally, I'd planned to leave Monday, and spend all day Sunday at the mall, but that was before I discovered W's plans!  They're leaving Monday, and if I want to spend ANY time with them, then it meant readjusting my travel plans a bit.  Wish me luck and safe travels!

Flashback Friday: Bad Decision....

Aug 1979:
We took our annual trip to the State Fair with friends, and Mom let us each select three rides to ride before walking around the exhibits.  I think this was the year we decided to try the fun houses...the Hall of Mirrors was uneventful, since we followed someone who knew how to do it, and the 2nd one had one of those awful 'drum' obstacles at the end.  I could not do it, and fell down, scraping some skin from my shoulder.  Think I actually rolled out of it.  Went on the Flying Bobs, then regretfully left the Midway and went to enjoy the rest of the fair.

My 8th grade year did not start well.  Principal divvied us up according to last names, and I misunderstood where my name fell when he got to the 'M's.  Thankfully, I wasn't the only one, and was redirected to my new home room.  Then, I discovered I'd been placed in Select Choir, which was the mixed choir, and since I didn't feel ready to sing with the boys, and hadn't even tried out for it, I went to the guidance office the first chance I got and asked to be placed in Girl's Choir instead.  Hindsight, stupid, stupid, STUPID!

I immediately 'clicked' with my Health class teacher and my Social Studies teacher.  I had a mild dislike for my new English teacher, and was very dismayed at my Science partner for the first semester.  Rick was one of the 'loser' guys, and I sensed this semester was going to be a challenge.

Next Month:  Disaster in Science

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Present Day:
I am off to the Collector's Carnival in Princeton tomorrow!  Had a very relaxing weekend last week, walking around the Watermelon Festival as an ordinary spectator.  Also spent 3 days at the State Fair, and sold 18 books, met Al Unser Jr, ate a lamburger, deep-fried cookie dough, and cotton candy, rode the Re-Mix, and had a blast!

Flashback Friday: Catching Up

July 1989:
I attended Math Class in the morning, and either apartment and job hunted, or lounged in BM's pool before heading back to Frankfurt to work.  Five major events happened:

A)  July 3rd was by far the WORST night at my shift.  My boss pointed out several people who were on her tab, and I stupidly thought she meant the entire night.  Imagine my shock when, at the end of the night, she'd only meant THAT ROUND!  I had to surrender all my tips in order to pay for the rest of the drinks.  To say I was pissed was mild.  I also didn't understand why they hadn't brought in another server.....I was trying to break down the salad bar, serve everyone's drinks, AND suffer through my own hunger and sleepiness, since I'd forgotten about the 4th being the following day, and naturally it was packed.

B)  BM and I did have an actual date one evening, but after drinking 8 drinks, I, for whatever reason, turned to him and said, in a very slurry voice, "I don' wanna marry you; I jush wanna live with you til I gradiate."  

Is it any wonder that he suddenly began having no time for me?  Which led to disastrous decision C:

C)  I was minding my own business at the pool, when this guy struck up a conversation with me.  I'd just gotten the news plans for Chi-Chis had fallen through, so Jack very nicely offered to take me.  He turned out to be B's neighbor, so after a delicious meal, I went back to his apartment to hang out.  One thing led to another, and I ended up sneaking out in the morning, so B wouldn't see me.  I'd even parked in another lot, to avoid detection.  I did this for a week, until I was nearly busted, and by then, I'd had enough of the deception.

D)  I took my final in Math, then 'kidnapped' friends K and E, and proceeded to throw myself a graduation party.  We began at Olive Garden, then discovered, via our Very Cute Waiter, it was quarter beer night at The Vogue in Broadripple.  After dinner, we did a brief shopping trip through Castleton Mall, and bought some new clothes at Sycamore.  Went back to K's house to change, then headed to the bar.  We only saw our cute waiter once, then proceeded to dance and have a few drinks.  At 2am, we discovered it was pouring down rain, and got soaked running back to my car.  Drove to K's house, where we crashed for the night, startling her parents the next morning!

E}  K's wedding was set for July 28th, and I forgot to mention earlier in the year, when she and I and the other bridesmaids went shopping for accessories, we went on the day of the Antique Sale.  K was upset with me pawing through the books and Star Wars memorobilia, but I scored several treasures, in addition to my new shoes, earrings, and necklace.

For the rehearsal, I was mad at B for not going with me, so I talked CS into going.  Only problem was, I wasn't entirely sure of the address of the church, so we were slightly late.  I didn't really pay close attention to my groomsman, but enjoyed being with CS and my other friends at the dinner.  It was held in Westfield, at the Lighthouse Restaurant.  Afterward, we girls headed to a bar, and the guys offered to take C home to Plainfield.  We had a good-humored drag race down SR 31, with my little Chevy beating a truck full of men!  We danced and drank some more, then I headed home.

The day of the wedding, I arrived at the church and got dressed, plus helped K with her preparations.  Pictures were taken, ceremony went off without a hitch, until the Maid of Honor revealed she and her boyfriend had gotten married the day before.  I joked this bumped me up to MOH!  B never showed up, even to the reception.  I led the procession to the Boat Club, even missing the turn, and saw about ten cars all making the same U-Turn!  Depressed over B not making it, I kicked off my shoes, drank an entire bottle of K's dad's homemade wine, and picked up my groomsman, so I'd have a dance partner.  At the end of the reception, my feet were too sore to shove into my pumps, so he carried me to my car, and we talked for maybe an hour until I 'sobered' up.  Drove barefoot to my grandmother's house and called B, who informed me he'd had some things to do for his mom, which had taken longer than expected, and hoped he'd get to see me before I started working full time.  I then hung with with Grandma for about an hour (sobering up even more, ha ha!), before driving back to Lafayette.

Next Month:  Job Offer and New Boyfriend

July 1999:
K didn't make All-Stars, which was fine with us, and we proceeded to enjoy the rest of July.  Went to the park for the 4th of July fireworks, and shuttled K back and forth to various friends' houses.  Went to the county fair and had a great time!

Next Month:  School Starts and I Get Half My Life Back!

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Present Day:
I am off to my 35th Class Reunion this week!  Meeting at Sgt Preston's tonight, then touring the school tomorrow afternoon, followed by dinner at MCL and dancing at the Neon Cactus.  The Tippicanoe Fair starts this weekend, so hoping to go Sunday, and go home Monday.  I think S and I are going also, so we can all drive up in S's jeep.

Flashback Friday: Cypress Gardens!

July 1979

We took our annual trip to St. Pete, Fla, to visit Grandma and Grandpa Grauel, and were disappointed a visit to Disney was not in the plans.  We did go to Cypress Gardens, and got our pictures taken while inside a T-Rex statue, and with the pretty ladies in their dresses.  The real excitement, however, was the water ski show.

We sat in the grandstand, and enjoyed the barefoot water skier, and the pyramids, and during the Grand Finale, disaster hit.  A hang glider was featured, and the wind blew him into the stands.  One minute he was hovered at the entrance ala 'hi folks', and the next, he crashed two or three rows ahead of us.  Mom pushed my sis and I down, then jumped up to assist, and administer any first aid needed.

We returned for the next show, but I was the only one to go sit in the stands.  I didn't have a camera, so all the pics of the 'grand finale' are from the back side, not the front.  The barefoot water skier also fell off his skies, so that segment of the show had a complete restart!  Think the accident had rattled everyone.

Walks On The Beach and Uncle Andy's!

We made friends with other kids whose grandparents lived in the same complex:  Kerry, Becky, and Penny, and Cheryl.  Kerry was around my age, with B and P more my sister's.  We spent a week playing on the diving board and shuffleboard.  Cheryl was a year older than I, and stayed longer.  Mom let us go across the street to Uncle Andy's Ice Cream Parlour every night for ice cream, then walk on the beach.

Our 2nd night of this escapade, we decided to cut through the Don Caesar Hotel, but as soon as we climbed the stairs, we saw all these people in evening gowns.....then we looked at ourselves in shorts and t-shirts.....and went back downstairs!  We also came across two hunky guys throwing a board into the surf and attempting to keep their balance.  When they left, we picked it up and tried it.  It took two of us to throw it, and a while later, one of the guys returned, and laughed at us!  He volunteered to throw it, and while we had fun, none of us could keep our balance.  Still, it was fun to flirt with a good-looking guy!

C's grandma let her go to the local water park with us, and we had a good time on the slides and on the bumper boats.  When our time was up, C and I had figured how to steer, but W hadn't, and let out a shriek!  The operator took another boat out to help her out, to get her back to the dock:)

This might have also been the year it rained the first week, and Grandma took us to the library.  I tried to check out at least 8, but Grandma made me only check out three.  I had them read that night, so Grandma took me back the next day and let me check out as many as I wanted!  She said she didn't plan to return again til the next week, and knew I was going to devour them.

Next Month:  Beginning 8th Grade and Making A Stupid Mistake

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Present Day:

I'm off to Indianapolis for the InConJunction Convention!  I have my own table this year, and hoping to do as well as, if not better, than last year:)  One of my co-workers, Karlie, wants a copy of Heart's Last Chance or Catered Romance:)

Had a wonderful 4th of July celebration, with Kyle and Jeanna coming over for a cook out, and going to the fireworks.

Got some semi sad news last night:  Thomas, MDQ and ME's father (he was never 'dad' to them), passed away yesterday.  He's the one who beat Jamie, stabbed her with a knife, slapped MDQ around, and encouraged ME to disrespect women.  I heard he had been working on repairing his relationship with MDQ, and that over the years, he and ME had grown close.  But two years ago, he'd threatened to have J arrested if she showed up for his mom's funeral.  I lost respect for that man soon after ME was born.

Good riddance to bad rubbish.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Flashback Friday: You CAN Teach An Old Dog New Tricks!

June 2009:
Here are some of the events which took place ten years ago:

Tried my hand at editing someone else's work.  Needless to say, it didn't end well, and we no longer 'talk' to each other.

Did well at my 3rd Wine and Art Festival:)

Kenzie received her 1st review for All She Ever Wanted!

Spouse still wasn't working, and did move up from #55 to #19 by the end of the month.  He also had eye surgery.  I was feeling stressed, and managed to calm down with the help of an insightful Sunday sermon:)

Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawset-Majors died...within hours of each other.  Can you believe it's been ten years?

I learned to use operate a cash register and other skills, when I temped at a Fireworks store

Next Month:  Amelia and More Great Reviews!

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Present Day:
Going up to Covington tomorrow, to celebrate two birthdays and one 'un'-birthday, then attending the McCutcheon Class Reunion.  Dad's bringing me home on Monday.

Happy Birthday Dad!!!  77 Years Young:)

Flashback Friday: Meeting Miss Entitled....

June 1999:
Recap:
I had taken on the task of Concession Rep for our team, which meant having a key to the stand, being in charge of lining up workers from our team, and getting things started in the mornings....

Things were going well; all the moms on our team had stepped up to help out in some way or another.  One mom kept score; another was Dugout Mom, the one who kept track of the lineup, bats, helmets, etc, and I was Concession Mom.  One of our mom's was pregnant with her fourth child, so I took her shift one day.

Unfortunately, my child not only got stung by a bee, but hit a grand slam home run!  And I missed it, because I couldn't see the field from the stand, and no one caught it on camera!

One morning, I arrived to find the other Pee-Wee concession mom loitering outside.

"I left my key at home....oops!"  She never bothered to help get things ready; just went on her merry way. 

I was flabbergasted.  What would she have done, had our game been AWAY that day?  Then the next week, all hell broke loose.

I had been told, that when both home teams played each other, it was the team designated HOME's responsibility to man the stand.  Our sheet clearly said our team was the 'visiting' team, so I planned to videotape the game.  Since we arrived before the other team, I went ahead and got things started in the stand, so parents and other family members could have coffee/hot chocolate and a snack before the game.  The other team arrived, so I closed the door and went to sit in the stands.

Next thing I know, people are complaining because there's no worker.  I knew a teenager on the other team's family, so I asked her to work it.  Unfortunately, the teen wasn't very good at Math, so I heard plenty of grumbling about her, and after the game was over (they trounced us, lol!), parents complained to ME about the fact I'd not lined anyone up, and didn't seem to care that it wasn't my responsibility that day.  I fumed about it for days. 

Several weeks later, I asked the Concession Manager about whose responsibility it was, and she backed me up!  When I told her what had happened, she nodded and said she'd heard similar stories about that particular mom.  I wasn't alone.

Next Month:  County Fair Fun!

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Present Day:
I'm almost finished with the 1st week of my new schedule, and so far I'm still cheerful:)  Today is payday, and I'm almost finished paying for all my events!  Teen has only today, then M-Wed of next week for summer PE, then he's finished until August.  Daughter is still looking for a job.

This weekend is our Rainbow Over The Wabash (aka PrideFest) and the Corning Irish Festival.  Praying the rain holds off, and sales are good!

Flashback Friday: Math Class Quest

June 1989
"You Have To Be 21 To Work Here..."
My classes ended, and B helped me pack some of my things into his BMW and drove me home for the weekend, probably for the Indy 500.

Dad took me back, and we packed up the rest.  On the way home, we stopped at Engine Co 59 in Frankfurt, and I casually asked our server if they were hiring.

She looked at me, wearing my faded clam diggers (today we'd call them Capri pants!), white Wilson Tennis T-shirt, hair pulled back into a ponytail, and zero makeup.

"You have to be 21 to work here."

My dad laughed.

"She's twenty-three!"

I pulled out my drivers license and showed it to her.  She brought me an app, and told me to turn it into the bartender in the next room (we were in the Family area); she'd seen me also and thought I was only 18!

Search For Math Class
I went over to Purdue, called IUPUI, and even IU, but nowhere was my final required Math class offered in the summer.  I had no choice but to drive back and forth to BSU every day.  Enrolled in my final class, and had a two-week break before school resumed.

Renting My Room
Mom and Dad talked it over and decided to charge me 5% of my paychecks in exchange for room and board, and phone charges.  I agreed, and my daily schedule looked like this:

7am:  Get up, dress, shower

8-8:30am:  Drive to BSU (90 minute drive, but sometimes I'd leave early to grab breakfast along the way)

10-Noon:  Class

Noon-2pm:  Lunch with B, or on my own, if he wasn't available, followed by an afternoon in the pool at his apartment complex and showering at his apartment after, or driving to Indy to apartment search.

3pm:  Driving to work

5-close:  Working at Engine Co 59 (yes, I got the job!)

Next Month:  The Day I Almost Quit My Job and Me and My Big Mouth!

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Present Day:
I'm enjoying another four days off before beginning my new schedule!  I'll be working M-Tu-Th-F 3-close and 2-close every Wednesday!  Looking forward to the larger paychecks, and now I need to find someone to cover for me July 5th.

Tomorrow, I'll be at Celebrate Main in Washington, In, and am currently praying the rain holds off until after the event!

*****Warning:  Rant Ahead********

My 2nd chick is getting ready to fly the nest!  S got a job offer at FedEx and will start Tues.  She and A will pack up a small amount of their belongings and move in with J and Co until she either finds a place to live, or decides to move back home.

Given the way things went Monday-Tues, when she interviewed, I don't see this lasting long.....J knew she was coming, yet had 'no food' in the house for dinner.  S used her emergency funds to go by a chicken to fry for dinner.  My thought was, what were they going to eat for dinner, had S and A not been there?

S also reported MDQ has moved Master P to the living room, because apparently he goes to sleep watching baby videos and it 'annoys' her.  Plus, he still sleeps in a pack-n-play, because his crib is 'bulky' and 'doesn't fit her decor'.  Ummmm.....you gave up your right to your own room when you became a Mom last year, and you still live with your own!  Grow up, MDQ......and stop worrying about a boyfriend....you have your SON to raise!  You can get your 'life' back when he goes to school or turns 18!

*****rant over*****

Have a wonderful Father's Day Weekend!!!!

Flashback Friday

June 1979:
Have I mentioned anywhere that I was taking organ lessons?  I began piano lessons in 1978 with a neighbor, Mrs. Letterloh, but since I was practicing on an organ, she suggested I switch to an organ teacher, Mrs. Buck, who lived on the corner of our county road.  During the school year, I would take my book to school and get off at her house.  During the summer, I switched to Saturdays, and would either walk or ride my bike.

My 'favorite' time to practice was while Mom was making dinner.  This way I got out of setting the table; I would give her a 'concert', since I was a fast learner, and had soon learned to play some of her favorite hymns, such as Nearer My God To Thee, and old songs such as Unchained Melody.  I'd also taught myself Ode To Joy, which pleased my dad!  However, after a few days, Mom caught on to what I was doing, and insisted I practice another time, and come do my chores!

Next Month:  Florida!

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Present Day:
I'm fighting off a summer cold/allergies/bronchitis.  Going to set up at Spring On Main tonight, weather permitting.....it's supposed to rain SOME time.  Really hoping it either a) gets it out of the way before set up time or b) holds off until after 10 pm!  Hoping to make some extra funds tonight, since I'll be paying for tomorrow's festivities.

Today is also Alex's long-awaited 7th birthday!  She's only been counting down the days for the past three months, ha ha!  Tomorrow, weather permitting, we're taking her to Brown County State Park, since she's now old enough to ride the trail horses with her mommy:)  There's been a lot of discussion over Will and if we should lie about his age, so he doesn't have to wear a helmet.  He says yes; Alex insists she's going to 'rat him out'.  We'll see what happens tomorrow.  Kid stands 6'5, so I don't really see the need for him to wear a helmet, esp since he's taller than his older siblings!

Have a great weekend!

Flashback Friday: Let The Games Begin!

May 1999:
I met with the Concession Manager and learned how to set up the stand before the games, plus was given a key.  Remembering how, from my waitressing days, and the fact the year before had irritated me, about the stand not being open until the game BEGAN, I started arriving an hour early, or at least when the kids had to be there, so I could get the coffee started and some of the snacks ready for 'breakfast'.  The parents on my team were most appreciative!

Our kids struggled through, and had fun, though I don't think they won any games in May.

End of 1st Grade!
K had a rough 2nd semester; his BFF's father shot his wife, and one of the hardest conversations I ever had with him was explaining why Brandon wouldn't be in school the rest of the year.  He and B had a friendly competition over who would finish their math papers first, and spending weekends at each other's houses.

S, on the other hand, enjoyed being back at Mother's Day Out, and was looking forward to her final year.

Next Month:  Miscommunication Between Concession Reps

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Present Day:
Finally broke down and called the ortho doctor; my right foot has gotten progressively worse.  Hoping that maybe a shot of cortisone helps?  The compression socks have also helped, but now the pain is going up the calf and on the inside of the ankle.  Plus, it has throbbed the last two nights.  I'd forgotten to take my meds Wednesday, also.  OOPS!

Flashback Friday: May-mester!

May 1989
I moved into the dorm across the street from Lafollette (blanking on name!), with the Z-shaped rooms.  I was the first one to arrive and chose the bed by the window.  My new roomie was also from Lafayette, and we got along well.

My math class went well, until the 2nd day.  I had THE most BORING professor that ever lived, and since I'd just done the material anyway, I thought I could breeze right through it.  The geometry unit gave me fits, but still, I thought I'd done well.  The guy we couldn't decide if he was an ugly girl or a pretty boy turned out to be a guy named Roger, who was transitioning to a female, Rachel.  Sometimes s/he would wear girl clothing; other times neutral ones.  He turned out to be a fairly decent person; it was just strange to see a man in drag!

New Guy!
Met a guy at work, and ended up taking probably most of his paycheck in tips.  His friend was flirting with me, offering to take me to his yacht, and flying me down to the Bahamas.  He was fun to flirt with, and I didn't take it seriously.  Bill, the other guy, stuck around at the end of the night, and it turned out he was a friend of Jimmy, my boss.  Jim encouraged me to go out with him, saying Bill was loaded, and to 'use him'.  I said I wasn't that type, but when B offered to take me to dinner in Chesterton the following evening, I said sure.

Turned out the restaurant had good food, but the first thing that happened was I discovered a fly in my rum and coke.  Bartender gave us free drinks, and we enjoyed a delicious meal and talked.  Went out to a nightclub and danced and drank some more, before driving to his apartment.

B said to me, "We're adults; we can sleep in the same bed w/o anything happening if we don't want it."

I agreed, so I took off my jeans and got into bed.  Neither of us could sleep, though, so started fooling around.  In the middle of it, B suddenly exclaimed, "I love you!  Marry me?"  He shook his head.  "Wow....that's the first time I've ever asked a woman in this manner."

I kissed him.  "Let's get to know each other better, and you ask me again in a few months?"

He let me borrow his BMW to return to campus for a change of clothes, and I spent the next day with him.  We went out for a nice steak dinner with one of his friends, and the chef couldn't get my steak done enough, so we ended up with free desserts.  The third night, he picked me up after he finished working and cooked me dinner.  I returned to the dorm on the 4th night, to watch Roe vs Wade on TV, and DB called, wanting to know where I'd been.  I was honest, and though he whined, got angry, and even cried, I was trying to watch the show and got mad at him for not taking the hint back in February.  Then I was mad because he caused me to miss half the show!

Later that evening, my friend Tim H called, and asked if I'd be his date to his family reunion that Sat.  I said yes, then told him everything that had happened....my break up, the new guy, and my professor trying my patience.

Told B about the reunion, and reassured him we were only FRIENDS.  Had a good time at the reunion, and discovered I play darts better on an empty stomach, ha ha!

Toward the end of May, B wanted to set up a double-date for us and his friend Jay, so I invited a girl across the hall to join us.  We started out with drinks at Chi-Chi's; played Putt-Putt golf, in which I discovered B was NOT a golfer (I won the game, L came in 2nd, J 3rd, and B dead last); went out to eat, then to another bar, before going back to J's apartment to watch a movie.  B and I left soon afterward.  L told me the next day that while she enjoyed herself, they really didn't 'click'.

Race weekend, B packed what he could of my things in his BMW and drove me to Lafayette.  Neither one of my parents were home, so we simply unpacked the car and he left.  I had an enjoyable time at the Indy 500, then Dad drove me back to campus for my finals.  He returned a few days later, and I turned in my notice at work (more on my job later).  Dad and I stopped at the Engine Co 59 bar/restaurant in Frankfurt, and I asked if they were hiring.  The server told me I had to be 21 to work there, then looked shocked when I revealed I was 23!  I was wearing faded clam-diggers and a white ACC tennis T-shirt, and no makeup.  She got me the app, then told me to turn it into the bartender.  I did, and even the bartender thought I was only 18!  Dad got a kick out of the whole thing.

Any Other Anecdotes About King's Crossing?
-Turned out I had a knack for telling the DJ what song to play, so people would get up and dance;
-I went out with another server, on a semi-blind date, and ran into my old HS friend, Kelly!  The guy she was seeing was a roommate of the guy I'd been fixed up with, so that was the ONLY good thing about the evening.
-Doug, the DJ had a mild crush on me.  His final night, he hugged everyone....then dipped me and kissed me!
-E and I went to the mall with another friend, and ran into Jimmy, Doug, and Frank (another bartender), and E's eyes nearly bugged out of her head, saying, "You work with some CUTE guys!"

Next Month:  Search For Another Math Class

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Present Day:
I have to work this weekend, so not really doing anything for Mother's Day.  I missed out on karaoke last week, due to the family going to see Avengers Endgame, so Alex and I snuggled, read 4 books, and watched The Incredibles.

Have a happy Mother's Day!!