Okay

Yes, I know. I have not posted in a LONG, LONG time.

I have very good reason.

I have been going through a lot of "crap" the last few months. Major, serious crap.

I did not want this blog to turn into my personal "wailing wall". And the last thing I wanted to do was write about it. Hell, it was difficult enough LIVING through it!

So instead, I just sort of crawled into a corner and curled up into a little ball and made myself as small as possible, hoping life wouldn't notice me and just leave me alone.

Didn't happen.

SO - - I have finally crawled out of the corner, flexed my muscles, and decided to get on with life.

More later.

Congratulations, Travis!

Well, it's official - -

Dear Nephew Travis is going to a church!

A church in Pensacola, Florida, has contacted him and asked him to be their Youth Pastor. He and Leah will be leaving mid-August.

Oh, to be that age, and starting out a new life together, and the adventures that await them . . .I'm jealous! (not really - - perfectly happy where I am, thankyouverymuch!)

I'm happy, I'm excited - - and I'm sad.

I'm gonna miss that boy . . .

LOVE YOU, NEPHEW!!! (Oh, and of course you too, Leah!)

God Bless both of you!

Music, Friends, and Fun

Dear Hubby Steve went to the Lakeside Arts and Music Festival at Nelson Park on Lake Decatur last night. The festival has a lot of arts vendors and demos, food and drinks, and entertainment. Our friends, the Chicago Blues band Deluxury, were the entertainment on the main stage that evening, and we were looking forward to seeing Dave and Mike and the guys put on a good show.

We got down there a little late, and most of the arts vendors were closing up shop, so we decided to grab a bite to eat and then go check out the stage area and maybe have a few moments to visit with our friends.

It was an excellent show, and the weather was absolutely perfect - - sky was clear, stars were shining brightly, and the music was, of course, fantastic.

Once the show was over, Steve and I walked along the waterfront, making our way back to the the truck. It was dark, with very few lights on in the area. There was just a small breeze, and as we walked, you could hear the water lapping against the shore. It reminded us both of the time - - gosh, 23 years ago now - -

Steve and I had just met and started dating when he lost his job. He was pretty nervous that since he didn't have the money to actually take me out on dates, I would not want to see him. Well, he didn't have to worry about that - - we spent many evenings over the next few weeks down at the lakefront at Nelson Park, walking and talking, and really getting to know each other. We became close friends and confidants, and - - well, that gave us a good solid foundation to build on.

And look where we are now - - all these years later.

Steve and I have had our ups and downs, good times and bad. Sometimes the going gets rough, like at the present time, when our other house still has not sold and money is SO tight . . .

But walking the lakefront with Steve last night brought back so many good memories - - of when it was all brand new and exciting and scary, all at the same time.

And you know what? Even if I had known back than what I know now, and knew how hard it was going to be sometimes, and the difficulties we would have to overcome . . .

I wouldn't change a thing.

I took a chance way back then on a new boyfriend who was newly unemployed - - and I will take that chance now. It WILL get better for us. We WILL weather this latest storm, just like we did way back when.

"For better or for worse" - - THAT is what it's all about!

Rummage, Rummage, and MORE Rummage . . .

Ever had a Rummage Sale? Well - - we had a DANDY one this past weekend!

As Dear Hubby and I were unpacking over the last few months, we also did a lot of "sorting", and everything that was not being kept went to the basement in boxes labeled "Sale". Over time, this pile of 'stuff' has grown and grown, and nearly threatened to take over the basement! (I'm exaggerating, but not much . . . )

Anyway - - It came time to have the sale.

Steve and I spent the better part of a week making sure the barn was all cleared out and clean. My friend Cindy came over a couple of days and helped me price everything. (She also had lots of things for the sale). My friend Betty, another sale participant, made arrangements with her church to borrow some long tables to use for the sale. We had things from my Dad and my in-laws, and even Steve managed to let go of some items.

Finally, the time came to get it all set up. I took last Thursday afternoon off, and Cindy and I started in getting things out of the basement and into the barn.

Of course, it was raining. OF COURSE. So we had to back Steve's truck into the garage, cart everything up from the basement and into the garage, load up the truck, and then drive it to the barn to unload and put on tables.

*sigh*

Add to that having no power (read: no LIGHTS) in the barn, and that made time a real premium.

Finally, everything was out of the basement and into the barn. It was PACKED! Every table was full - - every wall had things lined up against it. Boxes and storage crates were being used for display space. We had SO MUCH STUFF! But it was getting late, and the sale started at 7 the next morning. So it was time for some sleep.

We got up at 4:45 AM. Steve went out and put up our bright pink poster-size signs, and then had to come home and get ready for work. I went out to the barn at 6:30 and opened the doors to start moving some larger items out into the driveway.

At 6:35, my first customer showed up. (Early sales? Sure! Bring 'em on!) Then another one showed up - - and another, and another, and another . . .

We did not have a break in customers until after 4:00 that afternoon.

It was a beautiful day, and people came out in droves! Cars were lined up on both sides of the road, and stuff was flying out the barn door in truckloads (seriously - - one person came in their car, left and got their pickup, and made TWO trips with that!).

Saturday the weather was just as beautiful, and sales were just as good.

We made some serious cash, and even better, we got rid of most of our 'stuff'!

We are already going through more 'stuff' and preparing for the next sale . . . :-)

A Sad Thing

Damn.

I hate it when this happens.

Dammit!

I have lost another dear friend.

Ever since - - oh, 1982 or so - - I have followed the music of a Chicago Blues band called Deluxury. Over the years, I got to know the band members - - "EZ" Dave, the lead singer/sax/harmonica player; Gil, the guitarist extraordinaire; Mike ("Aldo"), the bass player; Kent ("Coop") on drums, and "Sweet Daddy" Denny on the keys. When I started dating Steve, he became a big fan of the band also, and we went to many, many shows together.

Over the years some of the members have come and gone, but Steve and I have remained friends with Dave, Mike, and Denny. A few years ago, Denny left Deluxury and struck out on his own. But, he still played at times with Mike and Dave as the "Hired Gunz", usually at the Mill Race Inn in St. Charles, Illinois.

NO ONE played the keys like Denny. No matter where he performed, he gave his all, and more. It didn't matter if it was Von Maur, the Mill Race, or anywhere else. When he played, his face would light up - - it was so obvious that he truly loved what he did, making music to make people smile and feel good about themselves.

Denny recorded 2 CD's, "Songs In Black and White" and "Tornadoes and Dreams." Of course I have both of them, and Denny was kind enough to sign them for me one night before a performance. I will keep them and cherish them always.

About 3 years ago, Denny was diagnosed with a brain dementia, which turned out to be a hereditary thing. Dave kept us updated on Denny's condition over the years. Things progressed from bad to worse, and he was eventually placed in a home.

Dennis A. Daniels, "Sweet Daddy", passed away last Thursday. The Memorial Service is this evening, and unfortunately, there was no way I could get up there to attend. That is really bothering me right now. I wanted to be there for his family and friends, to give my condolences and best wishes. And I can't be there.

Dammit.

Rest in Peace, My Dear Friend. I will miss you, your music, and your million-dollar smile. But the memory of you and your friendship will be with me always.

Wedding Bells!

Well, Dear Nephew Travis and the love of his life, Beautiful Leah, are now husband and wife.

Congratulations! :-)

Dear Hubby Steve and I made the trip up to Quad Cities this past weekend for the wedding. We left early Saturday morning so that we could take our time going, and also have some time to spend at South Park Mall before the wedding that evening.

It was a BEAUTIFUL day for the trip! The temp was in the low 80's, a nice breeze, blue skys . . . gorgeous.

It was a beautiful wedding. Leah was radiant in her gown, and Travis was so handsome - - it was like a fairytale wedding.

(Am I sounding a bit proud here? Yeah - - just a little . . . )

The reception was held at the Moline Club, in downtown Moline. It's an old, stately looking building, over 100 years old. The 3rd floor ballroom was packed to overflowing with family and friends. It was a very good time for all.

Best wishes, you two. I hope you are as happy in your life together and your Uncle Steve and I are!

Circling the Wagons

Dear Hubby and I have come to a decision.

It's time to "circle the wagons" and practice a bit of "isolationism".

There have been some things happening in our lives recently that have brought on this behavior, and the self-preservation instinct has kicked in full throttle.

Why are there people in this world who think nothing of being hurtful to others? And it doesn't seem to bother them in the least. They just pick up and carry on with the rest of their day and their week and their lives like everything was just fine and dandy and normal and all that.

But it's not.

I have watched Dear Hubby change in the last few weeks, and especially in this past week. I have seen this sweet, open, honest man turn inward and become more and more reclusive. He is becoming more and more reticent about himself, his feelings, and what is going on in our lives.

Oh, he's not becoming reclusive and reticent with ME - - he does talk to me, because he knows that I am the only one who is totally with him, and will watch his back at all times.

Some people just don't seem to "get it", or maybe I should say, "get us"- - Dear Hubby and I are more than just husband and wife, we are soul mates, we are best friends, we are a very strong TEAM. We are together in this life, and plan to stay that way.

If other people don't approve of us, that's fine. If other people don't approve of our lifestyle, even though they really don't know what our lifestyle is, that's fine too. They don't need to know.

Dear Hubby and I know who we are and what we are all about. We are good people. We try very hard to do the right thing and treat people the right way. We both work VERY hard for our money and try very hard to be fiscally responsible and not waste it. We work together to make this life the best it can be, because we are a strong team.

But no matter what we do - - no matter how hard we try - - it is just never good enough for some people. They will disapprove regardless, because our way of living our life is different than the way they live theirs.

But that's okay. I may have "issues" with some people and they way they live, but it's their business, not mine. So I stay out of it.

Dear Hubby and I have been very lucky and managed to get the home of our dreams, even though the road has been paved with more potholes than any Interstate in Illinois could ever have. My house is not always as clean as I would like, but when you work one full-time job, and have 2, sometimes 3, part-time gigs going, it's hard to find the time AND ENERGY to get the house they way I would like. Dear Hubby pitches in when he can, but when he works all this overtime to get extra money, it just drains him.

BUT - - we will deal. We will manage to get through the rough spots. You know why? Because we are a team. We are strong. We are together.

Period.

Work

I have made a decision.
I will NOT be posting about work on here - - at least not for a LONG, LONG time.
I am upset, I am frustrated, I am disgusted.
That is ALL I am going to say about work.

Anyone wants to know what is happening at my job, will have to e-mail me and ask me personally, because it will NOT show up on this blog.

Period.

'nuff said.

UPDATE: Just to clear up one thing - - the problems are NOT with the new position I now have at the College. THAT is going VERY well. There are other things that are so very, very wrong, on so many different levels, and I will not discuss them here. It is too raw and painful right now. Maybe someday, but not now.

Celebrate Good Times, C'mon!

Well, they have announced the acts for this year's Decatur Celebration, and it sounds like a good time will be had by all! :-)

We have Dennis DeYoung, former lead singer of Styx.

We have Sheena Easton.

We have the SUGAR HILL GANG!! (WAY cool!)

We have The Tubes (WITH the original lead singer, Fee Waybill!)

We have Points of Grace, who just won some big Christian Music Award.

And much, much more.

Should be a good time! Let's just hope Dear Hubby and I don't fall victim to food poisoning like we did last year. I do NOT want to miss a moment of this!

If anyone is going to be around Central Illinois the first weekend in August (3-5), make a point of coming downtown to "The World's Fair of the Prairie". It's 22 blocks of food, fun, and unending entertainment.

And yes, I do STILL intend to start my series of posts on past entertainers Dear Hubby and I have worked with and activities we have personally experienced over the past 20 or so years. Coming soon - - honest!

Antique Time!

Dear Hubby and I are in a new booth space in the antique shop!

About a month ago, the owner of the shop told us there was going to be a new space opening upstairs, with much better visibility. She was concerned that even though we have really nice "stuff", our sales were really lagging, and she felt the new space would work in our favor.

As soon as she showed us the spot, we immediately said, "YES!!!!"

When you walk in the front door of the shop, there is a stairway to the second floor. As soon as you start walking up the stairs, you glance to the left - - and there is our new space!

Location, location, location . . .

Also, Dear Hubby has a friend with a neat old oak and glass display case he loaned us to use. It's beautiful, with a mirror bottom, and mirrored back doors, and a middle glass shelf. It's all glass on top and on three sides. It has all oak trim. Very old, very classy looking.

Oh man - - does my glassware and china look good in there!

We brought the glass case over yesterday after work, got it set up, and moved everything out of our old space into the new one.

So now we have the glass case, which lights up, and the china cabinet, which also lights up, and all my "pretties" set up - - and it's beautiful.

I hope our sales start to SOAR!!! :-)

I'll keep ya posted . . .

Has It Been FOUR YEARS Already?

Last weekend was the 4 year anniversary of my Mother's passing.

My God - - has it been that long?

It seems like just the other day Dear Hubby and I were up at the hospital with Dad and the rest of the family - - waiting . . . watching . . . hoping against hope that she would mend and be back with us. But it was not to be.

Then there were the phone calls, and the arrangements, and the family flying in from far away . . .

And it just all seemed so surreal - - like it was happening to someone else. But it wasn't; it was happening to me.

I had lost my Mom.

I don't think it really hit me until about a week later - - I was off work for the whole week, and went back to work the following week. The first day back was - - well - - okay, I guess. It was a bit rough, but I made it through the day.

I thought, "Hey, I'm getting through this all right! It's all gonna be okay!"

Then the next day came.

I woke up feeling like things were just not quite right. I had not slept well, with lots of really strange dreams. I got ready and went into work. Before heading to the office, I went to the mailroom to buy some stamps. Marilyn looked at me and said, "Do you feel all right?" (or something to that effect). I just said, "No" - - and then just burst into tears. Marilyn then said soemthing like, "Then why are you here? Go home!" At that point, I totally agreed with her, and almost ran out of the building.

Once I was back in my car, I sat there for about 15 minutes before the tears slowed down. Then I called my co-worker, Betty, and started to tell her what was going on, but before I could finish, I started crying again. Dear Betty, bless her, she immediately understood what was happening. She just said, "Go home. See you tomorrow."

Once the crying stopped (again), I drove home, got back in to my pajamas, went to bed, and stayed there the whole day.

Dear God, I missed my Mom so much right then.

I still do.

Guess I'm not as "tough" as I try to pretend to be sometimes . . .

I love you, Mom.

Meme Time!

Yeah yeah, I know - - it's been AGES since I posted. There has been a LOT happening, and I need to play "catch-up" again . . . *sigh*

But I received a verbal "kick in the pants" from a fellow blogger, and that was the jump-start needed to get me going again. The "kick" was - - a meme.

I love memes. They are fun, and gives you a chance to learn more about other people. I find them totally addicting.

Which is why I responsed to the post on Kristy's blog asking for volunteers to answer questions she would ask. It's like catnip to a cat - - just can't resist!

SO - - here is Kristy's question for me, followed by my answer:

Dizzy Ms. Lizzy, you rockstar you. I couldn't help but notice you haven't blogged in while. What's the real reason you do blog, and what's the best time you've ever had in the "blogosphere" (reading, writing, commenting, etc.)?
(See? I told you - - a verbal "kick in the pants"! Thanks, Kristy!)

The real reason I blog? Well, there are many - - I like to write. I like to VENT. A blog is the perfect place for both! Unfortunately, life got rather - - umm - - "hectic", and my posting has been sporadic at best. That WILL change, and soon!

The best time I've ever had in the "blogosphere"??? Hmmmm - - let's see . . .

Well, the best time I have had reading blogs is reading "She Just Walks Around With It", and "Crazy Aunt Purl". These two ladies make me smile;. They make me laugh out loud. At times they write about things in life that hit very close to home, and this helps me realize that I'm not alone in my feelings. When Kristy wrote about her divorce and what she went through afterwards, it struck a chord in me, because I had gone through so many of the same feelings during my divorce and subsequent "dating time". When CAP writes about her "healing" after her divorce, it also strikes home, because she puts into words all the things I felt during that time in my life. It helps me realize that I am not alone in my feelings; that I am not "weird" for having these feelings.

The best time I've ever had commenting? This meme! :-)

The best time I've ever had writing? Well, that has not happened yet. That is in the near future, though - - with the Decatur Celebration coming up this year with a KICK-ASS entertainment lineup, I am planning a series of posts about some of the music groups dear hubby and I have worked with over 20 years of working stage at the festival. I'm gonna have FUN with this!

Anyway - - there's my answer . . . . :-)

P.S. You really need to go and check out Kristy's blog, She Just Walks Around With It. Trust me, you will love her. You will. Just go. Now. (Don't make me come over there!)

EXCITING NEWS!!!

Oh. My. God.

I am so excited - - I can hardly stand it!

Here's the scoop - -

Back in January, the Online Support Technician for the College resigned. They posted the job internally near the end of January. This is an area of great interest to me, and I have quite a bit of skill and background in this area. (But I am by NO MEANS an "expert" - - heck, I got LOTS and LOTS to learn!).

ANYWAY - -

I applied for the job. And then started waiting.

And waiting.

AND WAITING . . .

Until FINALLY - - last week - - they contacted me and set up an interview.

I had my interview the past Monday. They offered me the job the past Monday. And I accepted it immediately.

I am SOOOOOO happy! This is the direction I have wanted my career to go for a long time, and now it will be.

Wish me luck!

Rest In Peace, Chief

I'm pissed.

I'm not even a sports fan, and I'm pissed.

This Wednesday will mark the end of an 81 year old tradition. Thanks to Emil Jones (D-Chicago), and pressure from the NCAA, the University of Illinois is "retiring" their mascot, Chief Illiniwek.

I remember the first time I saw the Chief dance. It was such a PROUD dance, done with the utmost respect and honor to the Illiniwek Indian tribe. But according to some whiney-ass "politically correct" individuals, it is a disgrace to the American Indians.

I could see why they would feel that way if the dance was done comically, but the person portraying the Chief always did it with such power, and grace, and most of all, with RESPECT.

BUT - - some people just INSIST ON GETTING THEIR PANTIES IN A KNOT!!

And then everyone else has to pay.

So a long-time tradition has to be stopped.

Therefore, I'm PISSED. (But I think I mentioned that already, didn't I?)

AND ANOTHER THING - -

WHAT IN THE HELL RIGHT DOES EMIL JONES HAVE TO SIT UP IN CHICAGO AND TELL ME WHAT I CAN AND CANNOT DO????

Emil Jones, you can kiss my Royal Italian-American ass.

Yeah, I'm pissed . . .

Let It Snow, Let It Snow . . .

First person I hear say "Snow is Beautiful" gets smacked . . . .

And then I'm going to hand them the shovel!!!!

Those are SIX FOOT DRIFTS, folks - -

Nothing "Beautiful" about it to me!

BLIZZARD!!!

We are under a Blizzard Warning until Midnight today.

They are saying we may have 10-15 inches of snow before it's all over with, and the winds have been strong all day, producing white-out conditions.

It took Dear Hubby Steve an hour to make the 5 minute trip home. He was coming up our road, and there was a car off the road, and a tractor pulling it out. He waited until they got clear, and then the guy on the tractor came up to Steve and told him that there were 3 other cars off the road just a little ways up, and the road was blocked. Steve told him he just had about 1/2 mile to go, and they guy told that is where HIS car was stuck!

SO - - Steve turned around and went up Rt. 48 to Oreana, turned West on County 20 (which he said was TOTALLY treacherous!) and then came down our road from the North. He FINALLY made it home, and boy, was I glad to see him!

He couldn't get his truck parked back in his shop, because there is a drift in front of our house, from the front steps - - all the way in front of our garage - - and across the other drive back to the shop, that is AS TALL AS I AM (I'm 5'6").

I tried to let him in the side garage door, but the snow is so high THERE, that the door is blocked shut!

So he has headed out now and gotten the tractor and scoop bucket out of the barn, and is outside playing in the snow now - - I'm not sure how long it will stay plowed out, because the winds are still howling. They have been 20-30 MPH all day, with gusting up to 45 MPH.

I'm glad they closed campus and I could stay home! Hope things die down tonight so I can make it in tomorrow with minimal problems . . .

Stay in and stay warm!

Finally - - Ameren Came Through!

Well, we got our check from AmerenIP today for the claim we filed due to the damages caused by their screw-up in reconnecting our power.

But you wanna hear the REAL "kicker"????

They deducted $40 from our claim amount. Why? Because of the age of the freezer that was damaged due to THEIR screw-up.

HUH?????

Y'know, the freezer may have had a few years on it, but it worked PERFECTLY. NO PROBLEMS, NONE AT ALL.

And they deducted money from our claim because of the AGE of the freezer????

*sigh*

Oh well - - I'm gonna let this one ride - - at least we got almost all what we were asking for.

But it's "pissing contests" like this that frustrate the hell out of me . . .

Preacher Man Travis

My Dear Nephew Travis was in town today, preaching at West Side. Proud Uncle Steve and I went to hear him this morning.

I swear - - that young man has such a calling for this - - he is excellent at getting the Word into people's hearts!

He makes my heart swell with pride . . .

His fiance, Leah, was here also. She's such a sweetie - - I can't wait until this June so we can attend their wedding!

Party Time, Part Deux

WELL - - Jerry is finally going to be able to come over and see our new house!

Weather permitting, of course - - it was Springfield's turn to get smacked by an ice storm. Fortunately, we "dodged a bullet" this time!

SO - - we are having another holiday party! Jerry, Cindy, Curt and Judy, and Jan and Don will be here to help celebrate Jerry's late Christmas with the "Looneys". Should be fun - - I have put up signs on the fireplace telling Jerry "No pissing allowed" (he always threatens to "pee in the fire") (hey, I TRIED to tell you that we were "Looneys" - - you can't say I didn't warn you!). I have made lots of little "snack" for everyone to munch on. We have a "special" Christmas gift for Jerry, which means it is definitely not for mixed company (oh well!).

So it should be a good time!

Happy New Year!

Well, it's the start of a new year . . .

I hope 2006 was a good year for you, and 2007 will be good to you and yours also.

2006 was both good and bad for us - - we got the house of our dreams, but there have been plenty of "bumps" along the way.

Work has been a total bear. And I do mean TOTAL.

I lost an old, dear friend. It's been difficult. But you know, if you don't let friends in to your life and let them get close to you, life would be so empty. So even though it hurts when you lose them, having them close enriches your life so much. So, I'm willing to take that chance.

And I am lucky to have some very dear friends in my life. I cherish them so much.

Steve and I intend to make 2007 our best year yet. So stay tuned - - the ride is just beginning!