2009: A Year In Review

In a nutshell - -

2009 pretty much sucked. BIG TIME.

• In May, we had Mr. Dizzy's health scare with his blood pressure. He's doing fine - - actually, he's doing GREAT - - but the lasting effects that episode did to my fear and stress level has still not abated.
• In July we got the bad news that my son and his wife were divorcing, after 14 years of marriage. The grandboys are NOT handling this situation well, and Grandma and Grandpa Dizzy have been losing a LOT of sleep over this.
• In December my Dad's cataract surgery on his left eye had (of course!) a complication when he caught a virus in that eye. Fortunately, he is doing VERY well now, but it was pretty stressful for a week or so.
• Pressures at work (that shall remain unsaid).
• Other things that I am not willing to discuss here, due to the sensitive personal nature.

All this really brought me down over this past year; in fact, I blogged about it HERE and pretty much spelled out what had been happening.

BUT - - I do have one positive thing to report - - I had a routine Doctor appointment today, and while there, decided it was time. So, I talked with him about what had been going on, and what I had been feeling. We decided it was time I tried something to help my stress level, and he suggested one that does NOT have a side effect of "weight gain". My first stop after leaving his office was Walgreen's to get the prescription filled . . . so we will see what happens.

Now - - time to list what I am hoping for in 2010:

• Get the stress in my life under control. I refuse to let it control ME any longer.
• Get back in shape; in fact, with my Christmas money (and a few other pennies I've been able to save up), I am rejoining the Gym.
• Lose the extra 20 pounds I'm carrying on me at the present time. The above items will definitely help me with this one!
• BLOG MORE!

BUT - - this is the best one - - and I am shamelessly stealing it from one of my favorite bloggers, Crazy Aunt Purl (do you read her? Well, why not?? You should, you know!):

• Come from a place of yes

What does that mean? Well, she explains it WAY better than I can in THIS POST. She's an incredible inspiration to me! So go on, go read it. I'll wait right here until you get back . . . :-)

Here is hoping that you all have a happy and safe New Year, and that 2010 is good to you and yours!

Why I Hate Winter . . .

Our weather forecasters called for "snow showers" for yesterday and today.

WELLLLL - - 5-6 inches of "showers" later, here we are:







*sigh*

I hate Winter . . .

To You and Yours . . .

In the Spirit of the Holidays . . .

Winter Break

Today is my last day of work before Winter Break. Campus closes today at 5 PM, and will not reopen until January 4th.

Mr. Dizzy's place of employment is also closing for Winter Break today, and he also is off until January 4th.

We are both looking forward to having some time off together, and being able to just be home and get some projects done. Oh, and hopefully a LOT of relaxing, too!

Can't wait for this day to end, and my Break to officially begin!

** UPDATED ** Walmart Black Friday Incident (Finally! The Whole Story!)

**UPDATE**
I tried using the Walmart Gift Card. It didn't work! I talked with ANOTHER manager (no, not the one I refuse to talk to - - the one from the "incident") and he checked it out. Apparently the magnetic strip on the card was defective . . . they loaded the amount on another card that they claim is a good one. We will see . . .


Yes, I promised a LONG time ago to write about the Walmart Black Friday incident. A LONG time ago. But I have very good reasons for not getting back to it until now. REALLY I do.

Dad had cataract surgery on his left eye. Simple enough procedure, and he planned on being with us for 2-3 days until his vision returned to where he could drive home again.

BUT - - you know what they say about the "best-laid plans" . . . so of course it didn't go as expected . . . Dad caught a virus in that eye following surgery. So instead of 2-3 days, what followed was a week of doctor's rechecks, and numerous eye drops put in (some 3 times a day, some as many as 7 times a day). Add to that being called out of town one day for work (leaving town at 6 AM)(I am NOT a fan of getting up at 4 AM!!) and everything else happening (including Holiday preparations) . . .

Well, it set me back a bit, okay?

But I'm here NOW, so let's get on with the story of the Walmart Black Friday Incident:

Mr. Dizzy and I were looking through the ads in the Thanksgiving Day paper, seeing if there were any big special deals that would actually be able to entice us to get up at the ungodly hour of 4:00 AM, and trek through the stores fighting the Black Friday crowds. We didn't see anything, so decided not to go anywhere. However, that is the point where FATE steps in and decides to change things up for us . . . *sigh*

Our daughter-in-law called and said that since we got the grandboys a Wii for Christmas, she was wanting to get them some games to start them out with. However, she had to be at work at 6 AM and wouldn't get off until 2:30 PM (can you see where this is going?), would we be able to go to Walmart and try to get some of the games they had on sale for $7 each? And Menard's had the Wii controller bundles (6 controllers per bundle) for $5 each. Could we help her out?

*sigh*

Yeah, guess we're hitting the stores early.

We got to Walmart at 4:45 AM, and it was a madhouse. People pushing and shoving and vying to get in a good position to start tearing into the stacks of goods as soon as they announced it was 5 AM. Mr. Dizzy and I fought our way through to Electronics, me with store flyer in hand, and asked where the $7 sale Wii games were. Not in Electronics - - they had been set up in GROCERY, all the way at the other end of the store.

*sigh*

Fought our way through the crowds to Grocery. Halfway there, they announced it was 5 AM, and bedlam hit. People were pushing, shoving, grabbing things . . . the Walmart staff could do nothing but back away and try to keep out of harm's way.

We finally made it to Grocery, and asked where the sale games were, and were directed around the corner to where the displays were set up. Lots of DVD's; don't see any games. Ask a third person, who pointed to where the displays were. Okay - - no signs, but LOTS of games. We found 3 that we liked, and AGAIN asked (just to make sure) that these WERE the $7 games. We were told yes, they were.

So we headed up front to the checkouts, and stood in line for a l-l-l-o-o-o-n-n-n-g-g-g time . . . finally it was our turn. The cashier rang up the games - - they rang up at $25 each. Told her NO, they were $7 each. She tried again - - $25 each. Um, no. Just NO. She called for someone to take one and check (mind you, we are holding up a very HOSTILE line of people at this particular lane). The person came back and said the Manager she asked checked with Electronics and they were $25 each. Um, NO. They were NOT in Electronics; radio back to Grocery and ask THEM. No, they would not do that.

We cancelled the sale and left the lane. And THAT is when the REAL FUN began.

Before we left, we stopped a Manager by the Customer Service area and asked to speak to her. We explained the situation. She said she was the one who checked with Electronics and that the games were $25 each. We told her again they were NOT in Electronics; she needed to radio someone in Grocery and ask THEM. She said she would not do that; she also implied that we were lying, and that we were trying to get full-price games for the sale price. I was LIVID! Mr. Dizzy had to literally pull me away from this woman, or I think I would have hurt her.

How dare you accuse me of trying to do that?

We left the store, drove to Best Buy, and found very helpful people who directed us to the sale games, helped us find the ones we wanted - - and it was a completely different experience.

While Mr. Dizzy was in line at Best Buy, I trekked on down to Menard's in time for their 6 AM opening. At 6:03 AM, I grabbed the LAST TWO Wii Controller Bundles on the display. AND earned a very dirty look from the woman right next to the display for doing that - - but did I care? NO, I DID NOT. Why, you ask? Well, two reasons - - 1) They were for my grandsons; and 2) SHE ALREADY HAD 8 OF THEM IN HER CART. So yeah - - screw you, lady.

Headed back down to Best Buy, picked up Mr. Dizzy, and home we went. We were back and finished by 6:20 AM. And totally wiped out.

I was still pretty vexed about the Walmart situation, so I got onto walmart.com and wrote an e-mail describing the incident in great, vivid detail. Monday afternoon, a manager from our Walmart store called to talk to me. She fell all over herself apologizing for the situation. And she also gave me a $50 Walmart Gift Card that I could pick up at the Customer Service counter next time I was in the store!

So, all in all, it did have a decent ending.

BUT - - I will NEVER, EVER go to Walmart first thing on Black Friday. EVER AGAIN. (Nope, not even for my grandsons)

An Avoidable Tragedy

****UPDATE**** I just checked with Mr. Dizzy, who was a volunteer Firefighter for 20 years. He told me that CO detectors cost around $20 each, and you can get smoke detectors for around $10 each. Like I said, I know times are tight, but seriously? This is a small price to save your life! If you don't have them, please go get them.

I am almost finished with the post telling about the Walmart Black Friday Incident, but something happened over the weekend that takes precedence. It was very upsetting, and totally avoidable. And I am just sick over it.

Over the weekend, a long-time employee or our city's newspaper and his wife were found in the lower level of their home, apparently overcome by carbon monoxide. Emergency personnel were called, and they registered a very high level of carbon monoxide in the home. The couple was transported to the hospital. The wife was treated for carbon monoxide poisoning, but was able to come back home Sunday evening. But, unfortunately, the husband's exposure to the CO caused a heart attack, and he passed away early Sunday morning.

During the course of the investigation, it was discovered that they did not have carbon monoxide detectors, OR smoke alarms, in their home.

Senseless. SENSELESS.

Yes, smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors cost a bit of money. I understand that times are hard right now. I GET IT.

BUT. It would have been a HELL OF A LOT LESS THAN THE PRICE THEY WOUND UP PAYING.

I'm sorry - - this was a totally unavoidable tragedy. I knew the husband, having worked at the paper part-time many years ago, and also seeing him in our local school district's Administration building when I worked there, and he covered the education beat. He was a very nice, knowledgeable, big-hearted man. This is really hitting me, and a LOT of people in our city, very, very deeply.

IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR - - go get one. NOW. Yes, they may cost a bit, but it could save your life.

Oh, and? While you are at it, check your smoke detectors. Make sure the batteries are good and that they WORK. If you do not have smoke detectors? Pick them up when you are getting your carbon monoxide detector.

Just do it. Please? I would really miss you if you were gone.

Black Friday Incident, and Other "Stuff"

****UPDATE****

Got a phone call from a manager at the Walmart store. Haven't gotten back with her yet, but will do so soon. Will post what happens.

We had an "incident" happen when we went to Walmart on Black Friday. No details yet - - I have contacted Walmart, and am waiting for a response. If I dont' hear from them by tomorrow (Monday), I am contacting the Corporate office. More on this later . . .

Other than that, the four-day weekend was pretty nice, but extremely busy. Thanksgiving Day with Dad, and eating at one of his favorite restaurants, The Round Table. They always have good Thanksgiving meals. (Yes, we go out for Thanksgiving. Yes, I would be willing to cook, but transporting the meal all the way down to Dad's house and haul everything back would be a nightmare!)

The rest of the weekend has been pretty hectic as well. For one thing, our hot water heater has been acting up the past couple of weeks. The pilot light kept going out, and Mr. Dizzy would have to go down and relight it. He cleaned the thermocouple and hoped that would help, and for the past week or so it has been fine.

Until today.

I was taking my shower this morning when I noticed the water was getting less warm as time went on. I kept turning on more hot water, an finally realized it was turned all the way on, and it was lukewarm at best. We had gotten a new one a few months ago (a bigger one), but had not had the chance to get it installed. So, today was the day. It only took us a couple of hours. The new one seems to be working really well. (Keeping my fingers crossed . . . )

Well, the long weekend is almost over, and it's back to work tomorrow. I will post more about the Walmart incident, but want to see what happens next before I do. Stay tuned . . .

What I Am Thankful For

Today is Thanksgiving. And, even though I have been fighting a big case of the "Sads" with everything goin on in my life at the moment, I felt today was a good day to step back and take a good look at my life, and find things that I am truly thankful for . . .

> I am thankful that I am married to Mr. Dizzy, the MOST. WONDERFUL. HUSBAND. IN. THE. WORLD. Seriously. None better. (Love you lots, Babe!)

> I am thankful for my Dad and his continued good health. He just turned 85 last week, and is still going full steam ahead.

> I am thankful to have a job that I absolutely LOVE, and good people working around me.

> I am thankful for this pie: (Peanut Butter Cup Pie. The recipe can be found here. And OH MY - - it was GOOD!)

> I am thankful for my grandsons, and that I can be a big part of their life.

So, in spite of all the negative things flowing around me at the moment (and believe me, there are a LOT), there are so many good things in my life, and for those, I am truly grateful.

I hope everyone has had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day!

Smile Dammit

This made me laugh . . .


I needed that.

Honor Flight, Part Two

Dad and Mr. Dizzy went to Washington, DC, on one of the Central Illinois Honor Flights, on Veteran's Day, November 11, 2009.

It was a very EARLY, very LONG, BUSY day for them! The bus left Effingham at 2:30 AM and headed down to Lambert Airport in St. Louis, where they were greeted by a large crowd of people wishing them well. From there, they flew into Reagan Airport, where another large crowd waited and greeted them, and then began their tours.

Unfortunately, the weather was terrible! It was a torrential downpour ALL. DAY. LONG. Fortunately, they had ponchos and umbrellas for the guys.

Here is the group of veterans in front of the WWII Memorial:


Here is Dad in front of the Illinois section of the Memorial:

At the Lincoln Memorial, Dad was very excited to have his picture taken in front of Mr. Lincoln:

Another highlight of the day was the opportunity to meet Bob Dole and his wife, Elizabeth Dole. They make a point of greeting the Honor Flights and meeting/greeting the veterans. Dad was very happy to have his picture taken with Elizabeth Dole, and said she was a very nice, very gracious lady:

Dad and Elizabeth Dole, Take Two:

Dad also got the chance to meet and speak with Bob Dole, and said he was a very, very nice man. Mr. Dole almost didn't get to come to this event; apparently he has been not feeling well, and is scheduled to have leg surgery very soon. But, he was determined to come and meet/greet the veterans - - it's something that means a lot to him and he loves doing it! The group was told that he would only be able to stay for about 5 minutes, due to his health problems. But, he stayed quite a bit longer than that, from what I understand!

Here is Dad with Bob Dole:

There were a lot of other places the group went to on their tours - - the Korean Memorial, the Vietnam Memorial, the Iwo Jima Memorial - - I don't have the pictures for them cleaned up and ready to post yet. Those will follow in another post - - there are a LOT of pictures to go through. Mr. Dizzy took well over 100 photos! So, hopefully soon I will have more to put up here!

After a long, busy day, it was time to head back towards home. They made it to Reagan, and boarded the planes for home. But, the surprises of the day weren't over yet! Unknown to the veterans, the Honor Flight group had contacted family and friends of theirs, as well as schools and legislators, who sent in cards and letters for each one of the veterans on the Flight. During the trip home, they held a service-style "Mail Call" and passed out packets of mail to each member of the Flight. They were absolutely thrilled! Dad ended up with 40 letters/cards in his packet, and was so happy!

Once they landed back at Lambert, there was another reception for them - - a large group welcoming the men back home. Then, back on the bus and headed back to Effingham, where they pulled in around 11:30 PM. But, the day STILL was not over - - there was a large group there greeting the troops as they came home!

Finally, Dad and Mr. Dizzy made it back to their hotel room about 12:30 AM, and called it a day. And what a day it had been for both of them!
Dad is still on Cloud Nine over the trip, and can't seem to wipe the smile off his face. But that's a very, very good thing.

Thank you for your service to our country, Dad. I'm proud of you!

Honor Flight

Mr. Dizzy is with my Dad today in Washington, DC, participating in an Honor Flight. These flights take WWII Veterans and a guardian for each to the WWII Memorial, the Korean, Iwo Jima, and Vietnam Memorials, and also to the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Mr. Dizzy took his camera, and is taking LOTS of pictures, so I will have some to share!

More later . . .

Hey, Better Late Than Never, Right?

YES, I KNOW. Halloween was last weekend. But, I just got the pictures!

So here you go - - Mr. Dizzy (not sure what the hell he's supposed to be) and Dizzy Ms. Witchy! Er, Lizzy! Oh, whatever . . .

Okay, What's Next?

In my last post, I explained what PART of the problems were that kept me from blogging for so long, or even wanting to write ANYTHING about ANYTHING. So, here is the next part - -

My son and his wife, after 14 years of marriage, are getting divorced.

It's rough on both of them, I know, and it's rough on Mr. Dizzy and myself, and the rest of our families. But most of all, it's terribly hard on two of the most important men in my life - - my grandsons.

God, I hate that.

Mr. Dizzy and I have been trying very hard to spend as much time as possible with them to help ease the transition somewhat, but can anything do that? When you are age 7 or 10 and suddenly your Daddy is not in the picture - - heck, not even in the same STATE - - can anything "ease" you through that? I don't think so. All they know is that Daddy is not here, and even thought he calls all the time and they get to talk to him, they don't get to see him.

How do you explain that to them? HOW?

This past weekend my son was in town to see them, and from what I understand, it was difficult at best, especially for the oldest one. My heart breaks every time I think about it, and I wish there was a way I could "fix" things and make them all better. Unfortunately, I'm not a witch (hush) with magical powers. I can't wiggle my nose like Samantha on Bewitched and make things the way I want them.

I wish I could. For those two dear boys, I wish I could. I wish I could make all the hurt and pain go away. But I can't.

And THAT is the other thing that is keeping me awake nights.

Okay, First Things First . . .

After my last post, I have had some people contacting me concerned about Mr. Dizzy and the "health scare" we had. So, the first thing is to fill you all in on what the situation was . . .

Mr. Dizzy has been told by his Allergist many times that his blood pressure was high; however, they attributed it to "white coat syndrome" and the fact that he always came in for his allergy shots right after a strenuous 10-hour work day. Well, back in late May, he had a pretty nasty cold and went to the local Express Care clinic. When they checked his blood pressure, it was high. When he mentioned "white coat syndrome" they said they were going to treat it anyway, and started him on a blood pressure Med. He was also told to check with his Family Doctor about it. We went to our Doctor's office the following week, with our home blood pressure monitor in hand, to get him checked out. The nurse took his blood pressure, and it was high. We immediately checked it with our home monitor . . . and it read extremely low. He had been basing his readings on what apparently was a faulty monitor! (That one has been pitched, and we now have one that works!)

When he went to our Doctor's office the following Thursday about possible carpal tunnel issues with his hands, he had his pressure checked, and it was EXTREMELY high, to the point that they would not allow him to go home; instead, he was sent across the street to the hospital and checked into the Cardio-Vascular ICU.

Imagine what was going through my head when he called me that afternoon:

Him: "Hey babe, when you get home this afternoon, I won't be there."

Me: "Why? What's going on?"

Him: "I'm being admitted to the hospital for my blood pressure."

Me: " . . . . . "

Him: "The numbers were (I forget the exact numbers, but he was a WALKING STROKE)."

Me: {Dropping the phone and running out of the office, headed for the hospital}

Him: "Hello? You there?"

I don't remember when I have been that scared. And, I think I made the trip to the hospital in record time.

I got there and found the CVU, and he was in a bed with wires and patches and machines and monitors all over him. My husband, the BORG Mr. Dizzy. They had him started on an IV drip to bring his pressure down, and it was starting to take effect. The Doctor came by and said he was going to keep him overnight and monitor his situation. I wanted to stay there that night, but Mr. Dizzy wanted me to go home and try to get some rest, and the Doctor concurred. (Rest? Right - - like THAT was going to happen).

Friday morning I got up early and headed back to the hospital and spent the day there with him. His pressure was doing much better, and it was mostly a matter of waiting for the Doctor to come around and release him to go home. That finally happened around 4:30 that afternoon, and we got out of there, picked up his new Meds, and went home.

That was our Wedding Anniversary weekend. We had made some tentative plans, but naturally, they got put aside. The main thing was getting him rested up and getting him on his Meds, which seem to be working out well for him. He went for a recheck this week, and the Doctor was pretty pleased with how his numbers are playing out!

But, this scare played a major part of my mental state issues - - I know he's fine, but . . . well, it's something I just need to work out in my head. I'll get there, but it's difficult. I just need to keep working at it. One day at a time.

More later.

This Blog Has Been Down . . .

. . . because I have been. Now down PHYSICALLY - - but mentally, I've been better.

There has been a lot going on in my life recently that has not been good - - a health scare with Mr. Dizzy, a pending divorce in my immediate family (NO, not Mr. Dizzy and me; he's stuck with me for life. Period.), other things in life that have just piled up and piled up and piled up . . . and well, you get the picture. It finally got the better of me, and something inside just snapped. And, since the last thing I want is for this blog to just become one big "Lizzy Pity Party", it was best to just let it go for awhile. Not that it was a difficult decision to make; I have not even had the desire to write ANYTHING. About ANYTHING. At All.

I kept hoping that I would snap out of it and start feeling better about things, but that hasn't really happened yet. So, I just keep plugging away, day after day, working on getting my head back on straight. It's not easy - -

But you know what really helped me start snapping out of this funk I've been in? Well, there is a blog that I read all the time, written by Kristabella, called "Kristabella: Full of Snark Since 1977". She wrote a post recently about what she called "The Sads". And that post really hit home with me! What she described is exactly what I went through a few years ago when my Mom passed away, and it's what I'm going through now.

Back when Mom passed away, I went to the Doctor, who put me on a med that did absolute wonders for my psyche, but unfortunately, it also did a number on my weight. That side effect is making me very hesitant to go back to the Doctor this time, and I've been really fighting to make it on my own, with the strong support of Mr. Dizzy. It's not easy, but I'm not giving up.

However, with this much stress, some things gotta give - - and unfortunately, this blog has been one of the casualties. Have there been things going on that would be good blog fodder? Oh, absolutely! Good, funny stuff, and would provide a good laugh . . . and I have had no damn desire to write about it. Not at all.

Dear Mr. Dizzy has been encouraging me to get back into writing - - he thinks it would be very therapeutic, and he's probably right. In fact, when I tell him that I've actually written THIS post, he will be very happy! But, it's going to take time, and a lot of effort, for me to get back into the swing of things. However, just the fact that I've been able to do THIS post is encouraging; I wasn't even sure if I could write anymore! But I've finally gotten my courage up and taken that First.Big.Step. Maybe the second step will be easier. Let's just see what happens. Hopefully, I'll be back soon.

And Kristabella? THANK YOU for having the courage to write about your own issues with "The Sads". Your willingness to blog about it encouraged me to find my own bravery and try writing again.

Fun Times

This was a WONDERFUL evening!

My best friend from High School, Bobbie, was in town. She has lived in San Diego for the past 35 years, and came back to Central Illinois to spend the month of May at the old homestead, and visiting family and friends. We had been in touch through sporadic e-mails and a few phone calls, but had not spent any time together for - - hmmm - - probably 20 years or more. (Well, it's not like Decatur, Illinois is next door to San Diego, ya know? So just hush.)

Tonight was my Classmate's monthly dinner, so Bobbie and I decided she should come along with me and be a "surprise guest". The double-takes and surprised looks on everyone's faces was such fun to see!

Bobbie is getting ready to head back towards Cali this weekend. It was good to see her - - hope it's not another 20 years.

Safe travels back home, Bobbie. Let's keep in touch a little better from now on, hey?

I Don't Like Country Music, But . . . **

. . . that fact has NOTHING to do with this post.

One of the blogs I read faithfully (Boobs, Injuries and Dr. Pepper) has a post, titled "The Completely True Brad Paisley Story . . . " about her sister and family who, because of Brad Paisley and his wife (actress Kimberly Williams Paisley) are out of their home of the past 10 years. Also, their non-profit group, "U-Grow", which helps disadvantaged kids from dire circumstances, is now a non-profit in name only, thanks to the Paisleys. This means everything they built up for the last decade - - climbing walls, petting zoo, etc., for the non-profit, is gone. For NO GOOD REASON.

You can read the post HERE:

And, please feel free to share with your family and friends.


** However, if I DID like country music, I would boycott ANYTHING that Brad Paisley or his wife was involved in. What JERKS!

Remodel, Stage Three - Shower Stalls (and a Bonus - Pretzel Kitty!)

The shower is all installed, and almost ready for use! The shower door will not be in for another 3 weeks, but we have a rod and curtain to use until then.

All ready to paint! I will be spending this afternoon getting everything taped off so we can paint tomorrow.

Of course, we can't expect the FURBALLS to do anything to pull their weight around here - - especially our little Squeaky-girl. She's is totally oblivious to everything going on around her . . .

HOW does she twist herself around like that? She must have made an "A" in "Pretzel 101" . . .

Well! THAT Was Exciting!

Yes, VERY exciting, indeed!

We Interrupt This Blog . . .

I was composing a blog post about Stage Three of the bathroom remodeling, but . . .

We are under a tornado warning. Heading to the basement in a few minutes - - yes, with both cats in tow. Have the weather radio batteries charged, flashlights, and cat carriers ready.

Batten down the hatches!