tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-166687262024-03-07T10:49:11.292-06:00Dizzy Ms. LizzyPutting the "fun" in "dysFUNtional" - -Dizzy Ms. Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089738977432199662noreply@blogger.comBlogger556125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16668726.post-79727698791793451742014-02-19T11:09:00.000-06:002020-02-02T18:15:54.728-06:00Happy Birthday, Sweetie!!<span style="font-family: "arial";">Today, Wednesday, February 19th, I am extremely grateful for one of the most important parts of my life - - my husband Steve:<br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">Today
is his birthday, and I am extremely, madly, over-the-moon in love with
this man - - his kindness, his generosity, his willingness to do
anything and everything possible to take care of me, but most of all,
his love. We will be married 28 years this coming May, and I'm more in
love with him now than when we first married. And every day, even though
it doesn't seem possible to love him more, I do. Every.Single.Day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">Happy Birthday to the MOST WONDERFUL HUSBAND ever! Love you, Steve!</span></div>
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</span>Dizzy Ms. Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089738977432199662noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16668726.post-67280097272951312152013-04-12T23:27:00.001-05:002013-04-12T23:27:13.722-05:00Hello? Is This Thing On?<span style="font-family: Arial;">Yes, it has been awhile. QUITE a while. Guess I was really needing a blogging 'hiatus' - - things were pretty hectic, both at work and at home, and one of the casualties was my poor blog.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Things should start calming down in a week or so, and hopefully I will be back on here. Got LOTS to post about. LOTS of things happening.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">See you again soon.</span>Dizzy Ms. Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089738977432199662noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16668726.post-59886401296661150342012-12-31T18:50:00.002-06:002020-02-02T18:33:34.635-06:00Happy New Year!<br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><b><i> </i></b></span><img alt="Image result for happy new year"" class="n3VNCb" data-noaft="1" height="228" src="https://previews.123rf.com/images/mas0380/mas03801709/mas0380170900027/86223258-vector-happy-new-year-lettering-with-stars-and-snow-holiday-calligraphy-for-banner-poster-greeting-c.jpg" style="margin: 0px;" title="" width="320" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><b><i>Here's hoping 2013 is good to you and yours!</i></b></span>Dizzy Ms. Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089738977432199662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16668726.post-54214611331271831812012-12-24T17:06:00.002-06:002020-02-02T18:34:32.126-06:00Merry Christmas!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"> </span><img alt="Image result for merry christmas"" class="n3VNCb" data-noaft="1" src="https://www.creativefabrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Merry-Christmas-2-580x386.jpg" style="height: 386px; margin: 0px; width: 580px;" /><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";">I hope you have a VERY Merry Christmas! Love to you all!</span>Dizzy Ms. Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089738977432199662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16668726.post-34231431872292088762012-11-30T13:51:00.001-06:002012-11-30T13:59:30.985-06:00A Light At the End of the Tunnel?<span style="font-family: Arial;">Yes, there actually may be a light at the end of the tunnel! And hopefully, *fingers crossed* it isn't a freight train.....</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We have been working constantly, shedding blood, sweat, and tears on this new system that we are switching over to. Even though it won't go "live" until Summer 2013, we have a handful of classes piloting it this upcoming Spring semester. Which means we have to have things ready for the students in the pilot classes.Like an orientation to train them how to use the new system.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Which is my baby.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The drop-dead date for having this ready to go? TODAY.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Is it ready to go? It will be, before the work day is done.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The last 2-1/2 months have been brutal. Not only still working with our current system, but trying to learn the admin side of the new program, develop training materials for instructors, and creating a whole new student training from the ground up. Yes, BRUTAL.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I have lost sleep, I have cried many tears, thrown a few things (yes, literally have just let things fly), and threatened to drop-kick my computer down the hallway and back again.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">But it's A-L-M-O-S-T finished now. Just putting on the last few "tweaks" and then turning it over to the "big guys" to get the students in it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Wish me luck!</span>Dizzy Ms. Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089738977432199662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16668726.post-19657199637067455102012-09-20T14:45:00.001-05:002012-09-20T14:45:52.276-05:00INSANITY.......<span style="font-family: Arial;">The past week-and-a-half has been insane. </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">INSANE.....and then some.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We are working on our usual semester "stuff" and also trying very hard to learn the new system, all the ins-and-outs and nooks-n-crannys and just how the whole damn thing works. And I'm tired. And confused. And have a headache.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And losing sleep. Seriously......</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Last Friday, I was exhausted, and basically was a zombie all day. The work day FINALLY ended, and once I got hom and had some supper, it was in the jammies and hit the bed early. After sitting up reading for a bit, it was "lights out" and time for a good night's sleep.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">That turned out not to be the case.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I woke up about 1-1/2 hours later, WIDE awake. For no good reason. *sigh*</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">After tossing and turning for about a half-hour, I finally decided it was best to get up before all my restlessness woke up Dear Mr. Dizzy. So me and my Kindle headed out to the living room to do some reading, figuring that would make me drowsy again soon and I could head back to bed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The next thing I know, it's 5:30 AM. I was STILL wide awake, and had been up reading all night!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">*sigh*</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">My alarm was set for 7:00 AM, so I just went back to bed and kind of lightly dozed on and off until it rang, then got up.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">At that point? I was really, really foggy, and felt like I was walking through clouds.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Uh oh, this was NOT going to be good. We had a full day planned, and I was running on basically NO sleep.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I got dressed and headed to the Gym, hoping a bit of physical activity would help get the blood flowing and wake me up a bit. Also, the morning was a bit on the cool side, so that would help. Right? RIGHT?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Nope. Not a chance. *sigh*</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">So after an extremely brief stint on the elliptical and a few minutes on the recumbent bike, I headed back out. After a quick stop to gas up the Jeep, it was on home to get ready to meet Dad for the Caterpillar Open House.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We got to Cat right as they opened up for the festivities at 11:00 AM, and headed on in. We walked. And walked. And walked some more. Dad was having trouble getting around, so we got a wheelchair and I pushed him around the buildings. And pushed. And pushed some more.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">All this with basically NO sleep, remember.....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Once we were finished with the tours, it was 1:30. Dad decided to head on back home, and we made a quick run to the house to freshen up a bit and make it to our NEXT appointment - - our former neighbors' 60th Anniversary Party.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">We went there for 2 hours and talked and chatted and visited and had a pretty good time. And somehow - - SOMEHOW - - stayed awake. But I was running out of steam, and fast!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">We finally made it back home. *sigh* It felt SO good be be home and able to get all relaxed and comfy! I immediately went to bed and took a 2 hour nap, and once back awake, felt much better.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I usually don't suffer from insomnia. If it ever does happen, it's usually during times of great stress. I can only think that was the cause this time.....last week was TOTALLY horrendous (especially Wednesday, which was HELL). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I'm hoping it starts to slow down a bit soon. Please?</span>Dizzy Ms. Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089738977432199662noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16668726.post-1884530670613107652012-09-11T00:00:00.000-05:002020-02-02T18:35:02.723-06:009/11/01 - Never Forget<span style="font-family: "arial";">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I know I never will.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img alt="Image may contain: sky, skyscraper and outdoor" aria-busy="false" class="spotlight" height="222" src="https://scontent-ort2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/70091165_10157615801417300_3579216686953267200_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&_nc_oc=AQlXzauOVDDNMoWpnZ2rOTsmhmWySfiQpYDQnhet8Azmm8T2sU5KYNkW7dw6h1RH4ZE&_nc_ht=scontent-ort2-1.xx&oh=53d7a7bb39f76738c643feee803876bc&oe=5ECA1EE2" width="320" /> </span></span>Dizzy Ms. Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089738977432199662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16668726.post-79649700110267845202012-09-09T13:30:00.000-05:002012-09-09T13:30:03.964-05:00Is It Spring Again?<span style="font-family: Arial;">Temps today are in the lower 70's, it is sunny, the sky is a beautiful shade of blue with big puffy clouds floating by, there is a beautiful breeze.....and after getting around 3" of rain in the last week-and-a-half, we have been mowing the past 2 days. The grass has gotten back it's beautiful green color, and growing FAST! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">It almost seems like it's May instead of September.....but I am NOT complaining!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Enjoy your Sunday!</span>Dizzy Ms. Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089738977432199662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16668726.post-35134407723086957762012-09-08T18:39:00.001-05:002012-09-09T13:33:42.447-05:00Deja Vu All Over Again<span style="font-family: Arial;">This has been a strange, strange day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">First, a bit of background - - I grew up in a small town, and attended a Catholic Grade School. It wasn't a good experience for me, and I do not have many good memories of that place. In fact, I can only think of 1 year (5th Grade) that I could consider a good, happy time. I only went there 7 out of the 8 grades, and then went to the public Junior High for 8th and 9th grades, then on to the public high school.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Seventh Grade was the most difficult year for me. The teacher, Sister Mary Rosalie, was also the Mother Superior for that Convent. She was difficult at best as a teacher. At the first part of the year, she acted okay towards me; actually, she acted TOO okay towards me, to the point where some of the other students started called me a "teacher's pet" and really giving me a hard time. Well, I soon found out why she was acting so favorably towards me - - she (or maybe the voices in her head) had decided that I had "the calling" and she had me targeted for Sisterhood (Nunhood? Whatever the hell you call it). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">How did I find this out? Apparently she was talking to my parents. A lot. A LOT. To the point where they were pretty much convinced that maybe there might be something to it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Finally, my parents said something to ME about it. (Yeah, THANKS Mom and Dad for FINALLY including me in on the conversation) I was shocked, to put it mildly. I was NOT in any way even remotely thinking about that as a life path, not at all! I had NO interest in it! My parents then told me that Sr. Rosalie had apparently been talking to them quite a lot, and had even talked to them about me attending the all-girls Catholic high school in Springfield, and then going on from there to becoming a Novice. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Oh.My.God. No. Just - - NO.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Needless to say, I was scared half out of my mind. Here my parents thought that she had been talking about this with ME, and that I was totally on board with all of this, and that she was talking with THEM on my behalf. WHICH WAS SO TOTALLY NOT THE CASE.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I was so afraid that things had already been planned and put in place, and that I would be forced into going somewhere and doing something I had NO desire to go to or do. It was such a scary time that I just burst into tears. I think THAT is probably what finally made my parents realize just exactly what had been going on, and they were finally able to calm me down by letting me know that if I did not want it, it would not happen that way.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Then they decided to let Sr. Rosalie know. And THAT? Is when the REAL fun started.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Sr. Rosalie changed overnight from treating me as if I were the "golden child" to treating me as if I were something she just scraped off her shoe. She ridiculed me and belittled me in front of the class at any opportunity. She even had the nerve to say one time that I was going to just be nothing but trash and be a product of the streets. (She stopped just short of calling me a whore)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">It was hell. Sheer, total HELL.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">It got to the point where I would get sick whenever it was time to go to school, but never got sick on the weekends. I would cry for no reason. I had nervous twitches and was jumpy all the time. And I was scared to death to tell my parents, because I was scared to death that it would just make the situation even worse.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">But I finally told them. And the met with the Sister. And I don't know exactly what all was said, but when they got home they told me there was nothing to worry about. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">And they were right - - kind of. Apparently they had it out with her, big time, and also informed her that I would NOT be attending the school for 8th grade; that they were pulling me out and sending me to the public Junior High a year early.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Sr. Rosalie started just pretty much ignoring me. Which was fine. The school year went pretty much uneventful (at least where she was concerned) except for one or two incidents. But, it was much easier to take it in stride, knowing that I was leaving at the end of the school year and would not have to put up with her much longer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">ANYWAY - - I told THAT story to explain what happened TODAY.....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The Grade School is celebrating their 125th Anniversary, and today was their Open House. Dad called to tell me about it, and I got the distinct impression he wanted me to go with him, since he is sponsoring the 3rd Grade classroom and wanted to meet the teacher.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The last thing I wanted to do was go into that school. For any reason. But it was for my Daddy, so I went. And was actually pleasantly surprised.....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The school has been completely redone inside. And they have TECHNOLOGY. Every classroom has a SmartBoard, a laptop, and Elmo's. They have a computer lab with 17 stations running Windows 7 Professional, and Office 2010. (Yeah, the computer "geek" in me is jumping with joy!) Classrooms are light and airy, with lots of good things to teach the students.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I went through the school, looking at my old classrooms, just amazed at all the changes and up-to-date equipment. Then, while Dad was visiting with the 3rd Grade teacher, I decided it was time. Time to face my old "demons" and go back into my old 7th grade classroom. And even though I know it was many, many years ago, and that my old nemesis is long gone, it took everything inside me to make myself walk in that room. And the whole time I was talking with the 5th Grade teacher (who has that room now) and we were having a good time discussing the technology and all the new things, my nerves were still twitching. That was the room of my worst gradeschool nightmares. And even though everything - and I do mean EVERYTHING - has changed in there, that room still haunted me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Guess it always will. Because you see, Sr. Rosalie may have been my worst nightmare in that room, but there was another incident that happened in there that only three people know about - - myself, the perpetrator, and one other classmate who came to my "rescue" know about. I never told the teacher (as if she would have done anything about it? Not bloody likely...), and I never told my parents. I have not ever told anyone about it, and even to this day (around 45 years later), I can't. I never see the perpetrator, since he and his family moved right after that school year (thank God!). I still see my "rescuer" now and then at class reunions and such, and we talk about school and even about Sr. Rosalie, but he and I never mention that incident and the part he played in helping me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Wonder if I will ever be able to let it go? Maybe someday, maybe not. But at least going to the Open House today showed me that time has passed and things are completely different. Maybe that will help me move past this also.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Someday. Maybe.</span>Dizzy Ms. Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089738977432199662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16668726.post-20680664531926355482012-09-07T15:14:00.000-05:002012-09-07T15:14:20.376-05:00I Knew This Would Happen.....<span style="font-family: Arial;">The beginning of the Fall Semester - - the "Nightmare Semester" - - and my blogging goes to hell in a handbasket.....but I warned you, remember? I DID WARN YOU.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">*sigh*</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">It's been insane.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">But it is starting to look like things are settling down, just a tiny little bit. Or maybe I am just so frazzled that I don't even notice it anymore.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Definitely possibility, that.....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">But whatever. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">In spite of all the insane-ness and crazy-ness and what-all-ness, I am hereby pledging to start blogging again this weekend. And actually continue it on into the following week! Imagine! Crazy talk!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Let's see how it goes.....</span>Dizzy Ms. Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089738977432199662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16668726.post-78392813856621108002012-09-01T18:43:00.000-05:002012-09-01T18:43:13.837-05:00Rough, Rough Week<span style="font-family: Arial;">This has been SUCH a rough week, both here at the Dizzy household, and at work. I am so glad it is finally over!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Some of the "highlights" (if they can be considered that):</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">~ Lost a coworker this weekend. Mary was a dear, sweet lady, who worked tirelessly supporting students with accommodations. She did so much for the College, and will be truly missed. Her son was a student worker of mine many, many years ago, and was a very nice, hard-working young man who has gone on to do great things with his life. I had not seen him for years, but ran into him with his mother late last Spring. He was getting out of the service and was moving to Korea to work and live. He is back in the States for the funeral, and I will be attending the visitation; not just to see him, but to show my support for Mary and her family. It is a sad, sad time for the College at the moment.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">~ We are in the process of not only trying to get things going for the Fall Semester, but also in planning the implementation of a new Learning Management System (LMS) for the College. So not only are we having to deal with the daily mess of the Fall "Nightmare" Semester, we are trying to learn the new LMS, and also the Admin (back) side of the LMS. And THEN creating training materials to train faculty on building courses, and for students to learn how to use it. I nightmare of epic proportions, for sure.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">~ The drought has taken its toll on our entire property. Trees are suffering, and the grass is brown and "crunchy".....and we have been worried sick about our well and the possibility of running out of water. But this weekend? The remnants of Hurricane Isaac are dumping some welcome, much-needed rain! We have gotten over 2 inches so far, and it looks like we will getting more. Not a drought buster, but still very, very welcome.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Well, time to go back to the sunroom and watch the rain fall. It's SUCH a welcome sight! Thanks, Isaac, for bringing some much-needed moisture to this parched area!</span><br />
Dizzy Ms. Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089738977432199662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16668726.post-75814442655105421962012-08-26T19:46:00.004-05:002012-08-26T19:47:01.572-05:00The New Game At Our House.....<span style="font-family: Arial;">When we make the bed - - it's called "Find the Kitty"......</span><br />
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Dizzy Ms. Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089738977432199662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16668726.post-37269767109004127522012-08-24T15:43:00.000-05:002012-08-24T15:43:21.134-05:00FRIDAY......<span style="font-family: Arial;">Sweet, wonderful Friday!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">This has been one helluva week, and I am SO grateful that it is almost over. Everyone in my office is exhausted and stressed, and are feeling a bit worse for wear.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Next week - - hopefully - - things will slow down a bit.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">*keeping fingers crossed*</span>Dizzy Ms. Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089738977432199662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16668726.post-49716663396964600042012-08-21T20:57:00.002-05:002012-08-21T20:57:30.828-05:00Hell Week Two (Tuesday)<span style="font-family: Arial;">Hell Week Two is in full swing, and chaos reigns supreme. And that, basically, is all I have the energy to say.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">My whole body is just plain, totally exhausted.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Hopefully able to post more tomorrow - - time for this one to head for bed and try to find the energy for tomorrow.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">'Night.....</span>Dizzy Ms. Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089738977432199662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16668726.post-15297750417747343672012-08-20T19:58:00.001-05:002020-02-02T17:54:53.940-06:00Living In the Country<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I grew up in town. Sure, it was a small town, but my Mom grew up in New York City. We went there for family vacations. I feel at home in an urban setting - - either small town or large metropolis.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But Dear Mr. Dizzy and I live in a rural setting. Thankfully, we live only 5 minutes from "civilization" - - work, restaurants, the Mall, so it's bearable for me. I'm not a country lass; I'm a city girl. This close proximity to actual people and places and "things" keeps me sane and happy. (Well, being married to the fine Mr. Dizzy doesn't hurt, either.)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But, one of the things I actually DO like about living in a country setting? Little surprises of nature. And some not-so-little surprises of nature - - such as the time I counted a herd of 16 deer roaming in our back yard late one night.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But THIS little surprise greeted us this evening:</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img alt="Great Horned Owl" height="143" src="https://www.kidzone.ws/geography/alberta/images/great-horned-owl.jpg" width="200" /> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><i><b>NOTE: This is NOT a picture of the actual owl that was there. I could not get outside and close enough to get a shot of it. Clip art copyrighted by<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u> </u></span></b></i></span><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><b>photographer:
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/anguskirk/" target="_blank">Anguskirk</a>, license
<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/" target="_blank">CC BY-NC-ND 2.0</a></b></u></span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";">That bad boy was HUGE, standing proud on one of our fenceposts, surveying the cornfield, hunting for his dinner. And from the times we saw him suddenly fly down from the fencepost to the ground, he was pretty successful. I'm sure he has a full tummy tonight.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";">It was a nice, calming thing to watch after an extremely hectic day at the office, ducking the flying monkeys and side-stepping the clown cars......</span>Dizzy Ms. Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089738977432199662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16668726.post-69116308790713378482012-08-19T19:39:00.000-05:002012-08-19T19:39:03.619-05:00Counting Down.....<span style="font-family: Arial;">Classes start Monday. Hell Week Two starts Monday. It's shaping up to be an "interesting" semester already, and it hasn't even officially started yet!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">*sigh*</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">It's gonna be fun.....</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">PS: On a totally unrelated topic, I just read online that Jamie Lee Curtis is NOT coming back to the NCIS show next season. This? Makes me as giddy as a schoolgirl! Just sayin' is all.</span>Dizzy Ms. Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089738977432199662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16668726.post-37827789124792034632012-08-17T21:29:00.001-05:002012-08-17T21:32:06.592-05:00You Say It's Your Birthday?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s1012.photobucket.com/albums/af244/mslizzyj/blog%20pics/?action=view&current=happy-birthday-01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://s1012.photobucket.com/albums/af244/mslizzyj/blog%20pics/?action=view&current=happy-birthday-01.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="298" src="http://i1012.photobucket.com/albums/af244/mslizzyj/blog%20pics/happy-birthday-01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><i><b>Happy Birthday to ME! :) </b></i></span></div>
Dizzy Ms. Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089738977432199662noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16668726.post-78200161233822346042012-08-16T11:49:00.001-05:002012-08-21T11:42:12.238-05:00Could It Be.....???<span style="font-family: Arial;">Could it? Possibly? No - - well, maybe?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Is it actually possible that it is actually RAINING outside?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And I am not talking just a tiny sprinkle here and there, the way it has been for MONTHS (if any at all).....</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We are talking BUCKETS here. And even though I have a weather headache, that's fine. It makes me HAPPY.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We need this rain so bad. I know this isn't a drought-buster, not by any means, but it is very, very welcome.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Now where did I put that aspirin bottle......</span>Dizzy Ms. Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089738977432199662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16668726.post-11555510678274119172012-08-15T20:46:00.001-05:002012-08-15T20:48:03.719-05:00Wednesday.......Day Three, Hell Week One. The clown cars showed up right on schedule.....it's getting kinda bu<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);">mpy, hang on!</span>Dizzy Ms. Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089738977432199662noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16668726.post-17524563052717230892012-08-14T19:46:00.001-05:002012-08-14T19:46:54.945-05:00Tuesday<span style="font-family: Arial;">I have survived (somehow) Day Two of Hell Week One.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Somehow.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The flying monkeys are circling overhead, and the clown cars are in the wings, revving their engines and waiting to make their appearance.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And with the way the past 2 days have gone in our office, that could be at any time.....</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">This week (and next) are gonna be one helluva ride..... </span>Dizzy Ms. Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089738977432199662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16668726.post-73967188762949827902012-08-13T08:19:00.000-05:002012-08-14T08:21:55.527-05:00Well, It's Starting.....<span style="font-family: Arial;">It is becoming very obvious that the semester start is just one week away.......it's getting totally insane already! Things are flying in faster than I can keep track of them!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I may happen to miss a day or two of blogging if I have to work late, or get home and just drop on the couch exhausted. But I will try to keep up the best I can.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Wish me luck......</span>Dizzy Ms. Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089738977432199662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16668726.post-77921705525987458722012-08-12T09:34:00.000-05:002012-08-13T09:36:00.164-05:00Ouch.....<span style="font-family: Arial;">All the walking at the Decatur Celebration last weekend, and all the walking up and down the hills and valley of the State Fair, and being on my feet all day yesterday working, has all caught up with me. My legs are killing me!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Time for the aspirin bottle - - </span>Dizzy Ms. Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089738977432199662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16668726.post-32929468957314403762012-08-11T19:45:00.002-05:002012-08-11T19:49:55.489-05:00I Hate Working On Saturdays.....<span style="font-family: Arial;">But sometimes it happens. Today we had a workshop for new and returning part-time instructors. It was a pretty interesting, fast-paced day, but of course you always have "glitches" that happen. This time? It was nothing to do with the session, the presenters, or anyone or anything connected to the college - - it was with Panera's. Yup, the bagel place.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The office coordinating the workshop ordered breakfast and lunch from the local Panera's last week. Everything was paid for in advance; all that needed to be done today was to pick up the breakfast foods in the morning, and the lunchboxes before lunch. Easy-peasy, right?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Yeah, not so much.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">My coworker got there a little after 8:00 AM. They didn't have the order rung up or waiting for her; they made her stand in line, and then wait while they got it rung up and got her a receipt. Before she left she checked to make sure the lunch order would be ready; oh, lunch? Better check on that - - um, yeah, maybe you had better do that. Once the lunch order was verified, she was finally able to take off and head out to the college so we could get all set up for the 9:00 AM start. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I left to head across town to Panera's about 10 minutes after 11:00 AM to pick up the lunches and have them back in time to get lunch all set up and ready for the Noon break. Got there, told the cashier that I was there to pick up 30 lunches for {college}, and she said to me, "Oh, is it an order you have already placed?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Um, no, sweet pea - - I just decided to randomly come in off the street and see how fast you all can scramble and make me 30 box lunches.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I would have LOVED to be able to say that out loud. But, I just bit my lip, and said "Yes" - - she got me a manager who verified the order. I thought I was in luck....he grabbed the big bags and helped me carry them out, and off I headed back to the college to set up.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Once I got everything carted inside and started setup, I noticed - - something is not quite right here - - I'm counting boxes - - and instead of 30 lunches? They gave me 20. But the receipt was for 30.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">OH, GREAT.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I headed back out, calling the manager as I'm in the car driving back. He goes back into the cooler to check - - yup, there is another bag! Ha ha, gee whiz, I totally overlooked that one. Ha ha, sorry, my fault. Can I come pick it up? Since we DO NOT deliver on weekends?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Well hey, asshat, I'm already on my way. Please be ready, because I will not stand in line.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">He met me at the door of Panera's and brought the bag out to me. Along with a bag of pastries and cookies to "make up" for his mistake.Buddy, that doesn't even come close to making it up in my book.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">When I left Panera's, I had four minutes before lunch was scheduled. FOUR. MINUTES.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I was late.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Fortunately, the speaker ran a few minutes over. I had just enough time to schlep everything in and set it up, and they hungry crowd was ready to eat.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">*whew*</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">This is the FOURTH time I have had bad luck at our local Panera's in the past year - - both food-wise and customer service-wise. I refuse to go there anymore because of it. The only reason I went this time? It was for work, and I was picking up for someone else.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">If I never darken their door again, it will be WAYYYYY too soon. I wish we could get an Einstein's Bagel here in town and run Panera's out of business.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><i>Update on pictures: With the hectic day working, I have not had the chance to try and figure out how to get the pictures of the State Fair off my phone. But tomorrow I am going get Mr. Dizzy to help me - - he's so good at that kind of thing!</i></span>Dizzy Ms. Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089738977432199662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16668726.post-83721427702896179382012-08-10T18:14:00.001-05:002012-08-10T18:14:02.702-05:00State Fair Time<span style="font-family: Arial;">Mr. Dizzy and I decided to take the day off and head over to the State Fair for the day. The weather was beautiful - - around 78 degrees, partly cloudy, and a nice breeze. It was a nice, fun, relaxing day.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">My feet hurt. :)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I have a few pictures, and will hopefully get them posted tomorrow. If I can figure out how to get them off my phone card, that is.....I used to know how to do it, but that was with my old phone, and I haven't learned everything about this phone yet!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Hopefully tomorrow they will be availabke.</span>Dizzy Ms. Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089738977432199662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16668726.post-70978907139546745402012-08-09T11:53:00.000-05:002012-08-09T11:56:24.248-05:00Decatur Celebration, Day 3 - Winding Down<span style="font-family: Arial;">Sunday was a BEAUTIFUL day! The temps were in the 80's, it was partly sunny, and there was a nice breeze. So why is it, of the 3 days, this was the ONLY day I got any sunburn? My whole neck was red! Fortunately, it looked worse than it felt, and with a bit of aloe to take out the sting, it was all good.....</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We had a very busy day on the Show Stage on Sunday. Our first two shows were the Boat Drunks, a Jimmy Buffet Tribute Band:</span><br />
<a href="http://s1012.photobucket.com/albums/af244/mslizzyj/blog%20pics/?action=view&current=IMG_0583.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="boat_drunks" border="0" height="300" src="http://i1012.photobucket.com/albums/af244/mslizzyj/blog%20pics/IMG_0583.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They were supposed to put on two shows, but..... of course things can't just good smoothly and as planned, can they? It turned out that Billy Ocean's flight plans had been delayed (does that sound familiar?) and he and his band would be running a bit late. So a decision had to be made - - either have the second show of the Boat Drunks, or have Billy Ocean's band soundcheck, but there was no way with the scheduling restraints that both could happen. (With 10 stages, times have to be coordinated so that one band does not interfere with another stage's band)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">So the decision was made to cancel the second show for the Boat Drunks, and the setup/soundcheck for Billy Ocean was underway.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">(A side note about this? We had spent a LOT of time backstage, blowing up beach balls for the band to throw out during their second set. I now have them here in my office, looking for a home. Beach volleyball, anyone?)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Soundcheck got completed, and the sound of the music started bringin the crowds. They started piling in. And piling in more. And more.....it was actually getting a bit "scary" the closer it got to showtime. And unfortunately, Billy Ocean himself was delayed - - for his 8:00 show, he got here on the grounds approximately 8:05. They whisked him off to the dressing rooms, and in about 15 minutes, he was out, on stage, and performing his heart out. So his show may have gotten a 20 minute late start, but he performed an incredible show. And the crowd loved him. LOVED him.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://s1012.photobucket.com/albums/af244/mslizzyj/blog%20pics/?action=view&current=IMG_0584.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="billy_ocean" border="0" height="300" src="http://i1012.photobucket.com/albums/af244/mslizzyj/blog%20pics/IMG_0584.jpg" width="400" /></a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Once the show was finished and he came offstage, he did something that made me realize what a good, sweet man he was, and has endeared him to me forever - - backstage was a Celebration Board Member, with a young boy in a wheelchair. As Mr. Ocean was walking back towards the dressing room area, surrounded by 3 or 4 security people, he stopped, said "Wait a minute" and knelt down by the wheelchair to have his picture taken. The look on that young boy's face - - oh my, I am ready to tear up here - - well, he just BEAMED. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Add that to the fact that in the following "Meet and Greet" that some fans were lucky enough to attend went on FOREVER (he loved meeting and talking with each and every fan) ..... he is a very kind, sweet man. I am so glad he came to our festival, and feel honored to not only have seen him perform, but got to see him in the close proximity of backstage.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We got home late, tired and sweaty, achy, and SO ready for sleep! Monday was going to be a L-O-N-G, sleepy day. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">But it was well worth it. Looking forward to next year!</span>Dizzy Ms. Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06089738977432199662noreply@blogger.com0