Marco Island for Donald and Karen's wedding

Back Row: Brother David & his wife JoAnn, Husband Rick, Me!, Sister Janet, Michael on end with his wife Sandy in red next to him. Front Row: Janet's daughter Colleen, Brother Donald, his wife Karen, and Donald's daughter Jessica. Picture taken at sunset on Sunday May 25th for Donald & Karen's pre-wedding Beach BBQ at Marco Island Marriott. Missing from Picture is Sister Maureen, her husband Jean-Pierre, Niece Molly and Nick with newborn great-nephew Tobias. Sister Janet's husband Patrick and my other niece Bridget with Paul and my great nephew Gabe. Also missing are David & JoAnn's children Lauren and Austin.

Me and brother Donald

Twenty Things about me....

1. What brings you the greatest joy? Smiles and Laughter 2. What are your vices? Lionel Ritchie....LOL just kidding has to be Booze!! 3. What is on your nightstand? Lamp, iphone charger, earplugs, sleeping mask, "Laughter of God" by Sr. Miriam Pollard, my 4. What is your secret talent? I cannot reveal my secret talent or else it wouldn't be a secret 5. What is your greatest indulgence? goes with my secret talent!! but if I could eat it again, it would be Vienna Mocha Chunk ice cream from Friendly's 6. What should every woman try at least once in her life? To be alone and get in tune with all the things that make you who you are, and what brings you happiness and get closer to God. Also think a woman needs to try to be self sufficent without parents, partner or children. 7. What makes you laugh? I love to laugh and some of the stupidest things make me laugh out loud. Love the Geico Camel commercial, "Mike Mike Mike". Not a day goes by without some form of laughter- medicine for the soul. 8. What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you? I am so shy and introvert that I have to force myself to meet people. Most people think I am outgoing and talkative. Nay Nay I say... Break my shell and I ooze out. 9. What is on your bucket list? #1 would be trip to Ireland but then I think a trip anywhere would be nice. Even to Georgia would be a dream come true. #2 would be horseback riding since my last experience was as a big girl and not as enjoyable as I thought, #3 scuba diving again to experience something I loved as big girl but want to feel it at this size. #4 go to a top of a moutain and sit in quiet and feel closer to God. #5 get my own motorcycle. (there is more but those are my top five) 10. What is on your feet right now? slippahs 11. How did you make your first dollar? Babysitting for the Nelson's. Sean, Kathleen and then Andrew who was just a baby. I did not have much experience with babies so think that is why I only did it for a little while. Use to cook stovetop popcorn and Lenders bagels while watching Dukes of Hazzard with them. 12. What superstition do you believe in? Bad mojo if you walk over a grave and still never put my shoes on counter, table or sink but think that was more Mom's rule than superstition. 13. What items in your closet do you wear the most? anything Red! at least once a week...on Friday's 14. What is the best gift you’ve ever received? I won an award one year around Christmas for a $500 Visa gift card and it was a Christmas that I had no money to buy gifts for family. Best gift for winning the award and for sharing with family. Cherish all my Irish Christmas ornaments from my brother John. And a special birthday surprise a few years ago. 15. What is on your liquor shelf? see #2

16. What is on your kitchen counter? starting from left to right: Olive oil, 2 pepper mills, salt box, all wooden spoons are in round cannister, all cooking utencils in another cannister, round Boo's block, coffee can with grease drippings, coffe can with coffee!, sugar, coffee pot, Palmolive dish detergent, rose plant on shelf with coffee mugs, toaster oven, knife sharpener, cutting board, chips, crackers in wire basket, another Boo's cutting block with all our bills on top. Too much crap!! 17. What would you never leave home without? keys. wallet. phone. Oh and clothes would be essential. 18. What movie has the greatest ending? Sixth Sense left me scratching my head...what did I miss...HUH??? Worse ending was Lassie- hands down!! 19. Who is on the guest list for your ideal dinner party? My sweet angels to see them one more time, Michael Buble and Blake Shelton for their music and quick one liners, Jesus to turn the water into wine- just kidding but seriously would be EPIC dinner party. Julia Child for her wisdom, voice and to help me cook! 20. What is one thing you wish you had known when you were younger? How to invest money, stock market, and that every moment spent loving someone is a precious gift to not take for granted.

Helping

I have this thing that I feel better about myself when I help others. That is not a bad thing, but sometimes it puts a strain on my heart when I cannot help MORE. There has been this stray dog (yellow lab mix) that has been hanging around my work. A week ago Friday, I heard him barking while I was leaving for the weekend. When I got to work this past Monday, I saw him. It was pouring rain out and he was hanging around a grassy patch out across the street. I had asked others where I work if they saw him on Friday but they said they only noticed him that day. I went to Family Dollar and got him some wet and dry dog food. He ate the whole bowl. He had been wandering around between our building and the abondoned one across the street. He wasn't really annoying anyone so I left for the day. He was there again Tuesday and Carmen fed him two plain burgers for lunch. The security guard across the street said he called Animal control. Josh from the warehouse said when Animal Control came, the dog ran in the other direction. Smart dog!! LOL My husband showed up after his work to see the dog and it was barking at every truck so he said no. I tried to tell him that is his only fun is barking at trucks. So Wednesday was a gorgeous day and I fed him in the morning and again before I left for the day. Same thing on Thursday except there were three police cars across the street. I thought they were there for the dog! I told Josh I was going over to the cruiser to tell them to call Animal Control. Josh said, "why don't you just call them?" I said, "because I want to check out the cop!" I walked over and showed the police officer the wandering dog. Of course the dog follows me now that he knows I give him food, cookies and water. The cop was not cute but actually looked like he was injured in his face. Anyway....another day and still the dog was wandering around. Friday I called Animal Control myself and told the girl that they dog comes up to me and is not too agressive. She said if I can get a leash on him, she will take him. When the van pulled up, the took could sense something (maybe the smell?) but when I shook the bag of dog food, he came running. I tried to put the leash on him, but he turned his head and walked away. I didn't want to scare him since he has been well behaved all week. The Animal Control officer said if I could put a leash on him, that I should take him home. I told her that if I took him home, I would be divorced since my husband and I had an argument earlier in the week when I told him I really wanted to bring the dog home. One last dish of dog food and I said goodbye for the weekend. Or so I thought... Today was raining and the temperature was dropping. I was out with a friend so I bought more wet and dry dog food and went up to see if dog was still there. As soon as I pulled in..he ran over and when I lifted my truck, he was wagging his tail happy to see me. I talked to him and gave him food. I went in to use the bathroom and then came out to say goodbye. Feel so bad for this poor dog but I will keep helping him as much as possible. Only wish I could do more... What else can I do? Update on dog was that the Dog catcher came last Friday and picked up the dog...hope it found a good home.

Pistachio Sour Cream Cake

I made this Pistachio Sour Cream Cake for my co-workers birthday's. It is a tradition to bake it around St. Patrick's Day due to the color. My niece Molly's birthday is March 2nd and my Mom use to make this cake for her. Not only is it delicious, but it brings back lots of memories. I see her handwriting on the recipe and it brought tears to my eyes. Lots of love went into writing out that recipe. She knew I would be making this recipe and thinking of her. It was her special love that make it WONDERFUL. I miss her

Missing my Dad...

I know I was his baby girl. There was a special bond between us that I still feel is with me. He was the first man I ever loved and have loved the deepest. He was affectionate when it counted. Hugs, kisses and I Love You were felt. The soft eyelash butterfly kisses and forehead kisses are what I miss the most. He was 52 years old and I was eleven when he died of massive heart failure. He had triple bypass a few years earlier so he became frail after that surgery. In my eyes, he is still the 6'2" tall, strong and skinny man who worked very hard supporting the seven children and Mom. Last Tuesday on radio a girl was talking about how her Dad would tell her everyday she was beautiful. My co-worker Carmen said her father never did that. I told her mine neither but he was a sweet caring father. I told her how he would sing Tor-rah-Lora Lora to me when he tuck me in at night. I came home from work and there was a package waiting for me. Actually two of them but I'll tell you about the second package another time. It was from my sister Janet. She had a nice card on top when I looked inside. It said, "hope you enjoy these in South Carolina". I opened it up and took two of my Dad's Norweigan woolen sweaters out. I cried... Balled. I was rectly thinking that I had nothing of his. Now I did and as I put on the sweater, it was as if he was in it with me giving me a hug. Priceless!! Memories of hugging him when he wore it came flooding back. I posted pic on Facebook and ate supper. Later on after my husband went to bed, I was flipping through channels on the remote. I stopped on TMC to watch what else...."Bells of St. Mary's" with Bing Crosby who played Father O'Malley. This was the movie that he sings (you guessed it) Tor-rah-Lora Lora. Anazing and WONDERFUL to have such a great day of memories of a great man. I love you Daddy.

A weekend gone

It was such a wonderful weekend weather-wise. Lots of sunshine and warmth that the heat was turned off in the house and the windows were opened to air it out from stale winter air. I did a few "spring cleaning" chores but wish I had a "dumbstah" to throw all the extra things I have accumulated through the years. My friend Shelley from Rhode Island is flying into to spend a week. She is such a great friend that I had the same "shell" tattoo done on my leg as her. It also is a scallop shell so means something extra special to me. I am looking forward to having fun and maybe even taking a trip down to MB- Myrtle Beach next weekend. I only hope the weather is as gorgeous next weekend as it was this weekend. Next weekend fo' sho I won't be stuck in the house all weekend.

Love is in the Air

I feel it in the air. Yes it is also everywhere you look when you go in the stores. It's been in the stores since the first of January. The color red and Valentines cards, stuffed bears, balloons and of course..chocolates are everywhere. The most we do is give each other a card and maybe one of those small hearts filled with four chocolates. I am usually not expecting anything more. We are suppose to show each other love everyday of the year and not just one certain day. And it all stems from God... GOD is love. He loves us and has shown that he is a loving God. The first miracle was at a wedding...a loving ceremony. HIS greatest gift is LOVE. My gift this year that I did not buy in a store, is my love. It's worth more than anything you can buy in a store anyway. 143

Redhead Moment defined

Redhead Moment defined: "A momentary and intense display of irrationality, bad temper, insanity, or any combination thereof." - Urban Dicktionary Yes are lots of moments like that in my life. Bad temper is not very often but when I do have an outburst- WATCH OUT!! What pushes me to have one of these outburst.... stupid drivers. I swear (curse) the most when I am behind the wheel of my cheese. I don't usually curse much or have a mouth like a sailor but you will hear a MO-FO come out of me every now and then. I am not proud of it. My irrational side wants to just take off and never look back but my rational side says stay put and keep your feet grounded. My insanity...well that shows itself often. Remember I am a crazy weirdo lunatic who can be scary sometimes and seem COCO LOCO!! But if I ever get too crazy, you have my permission to call me out on it. I promise to not dance on any tables, go-karting or bungee jumping- that's just crazzzy!!

Missed a Red Shirt Friday

I have missed a red shirt Friday. I forgot that the day after Thanksgiving was a Friday! I had black on instead of red. But as a very good friend told me, I wear red everyday on my head. So see.. "I was wearing my red hair!" LOL

Expectations

I don't expect much out of life except to be happy. Maybe that's not a good thing. Maybe I should be setting my expectations higher. Expecting to have it all! Nah...that is not me. I guess coming from a large family, you get to cherish the little things. Going out in the backyard with a red kickball and that was all we needed to have fun. I know I grew up in a different time, before XBox and Wii, which I still don't own, but even with the latest and greatest toys I don't think it would make my life better. All I want is to be happy. There are some people that might think I need more in my life to be happy. I have family and friends that I love dearly. I have a roof over my head, food in my belly and clothes on my back. I have a great job and feel blessed to have love in my life. I do not expect anything else...just hope it continues. WOW- Now I know why I haven't posted in a while...I have all these drafts I started but never hit "publish". Be prepared for a few more posts from me today except these were written since December.

You can say I'm a dreamer...

I do dream and although it maybe wacky dreams of Patrick Duffy or wolves chasing me through the woods...I do dream. Although I have dreams that sometimes scare me and wake me up, I have lots of peaceful loving and WONDERFUL dreams. I find myself dreaming of places I'd like to visit and sharing those new experiences together. We could be walking along a cobbled-stone sidewalk in a small town in Italy. If we stop at a local street cafe and have a glass of wine with a delicious antipasto and pasta to share. Or I sometimes dream of a log cabin up in the Smokey Mountains that has an outdoor hot tub. We would be running out to the hot tub in the cold winter snow and hop right into the tub laughing as we try not to get too cold. Keep your winter hat on and don't get your hair wet. Lesson learned. Kinda fun running through the snow with just boots and ski parka on. I have been dreaming of riding a horse again. There is a beach in Georgia called Cumberland Beach that I would love to ride a horse on the beach. Yeah Lady Godiva-like might cause a stir but If I am dreaming then Lady Godiva I will be! Oh wait...she had long flowing blonde hair...hmmm will have to rethink that dream.

What I really want for Christmas

All I ever want for Christmas is LOVE. It's not always about the getting...its about the giving too. Everything comes from Love. The emotions of LOVE fill my heart and make me so happy. If I love something then it brings me happiness. It could be a certain person, place or thing. It doesn't matter if it was in past or right now. As long as it is something I LOVE...then a smile is usually on my face. When you feel love, others should be able to see it. I think I show that and hopefully no one can accuse me of being fake for not having the emotion to go along with my smile. Those that know me...know my smile and feelings and LOVE are all real. I might not have the fat wallet to show LOVE through monetary gifts but sometimes the best thing I can offer is my LOVE. "And the greatest gift is LOVE"

Gorton memories

There are so many magical memories of the holidays that when I close my eyes I can picture Christmas' gone by and the smells, sounds and feelings all come back. One of them is Gorton. It is a French-Canadian recipe listed below that I remember eating. It is a spread that I like served on toast. I remember it all winter long, but mostly for the holidays. Mr. Forgue, who sang in Sacred Heart Choir with my Mom, had given my Mom his recipe and it was delicous. It was in her green recipe book found in the bottom drawer in her kitchen. Once a year she would bring out the recipe and make Gorton herself. When she got older, it was easier to buy it from the store than to make. There are these small little mini bread slices that were served Christmas Eve along with the Gorton spread. Some put yellow mustard on theirs. I like mine just plain. We just made some and it has to cool overnight. The smell is bringing back so many wonderful memories.

French-Canadian Gorton Recipe

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/gorton-french-canadian-pork-spread/

My Wonderful Mother

I am not quite sure of the year of this picture but I know it was before I was born. This is picture of my Mother, Claudette, who was such a wonderful woman. It would of been her 80th Birthday today. I say WONDERFUL because that’s my code word I used to buy her Mother's Day and Birthday cards. Being the youngest of her seven children, it was hard to buy a unique card that one of the other siblings didn't already buy. I found my code word "WONDERFUL" had to be inside every Hallmark card I bought it. It actually made card shopping easier, and it usually was a perfect card. Of course the important words had to be underlined twice to show the extra attention and love shown. I miss her very much. She was a strong, loving, and full of sunshine and happiness person. I miss her voice that could drown out seven of ours or keep the seven of us quiet. I miss her hugs. The way her body wrapped you up in her love. I miss her advice and guidance, although I didn't always listen. She was a extremely smart woman. She loved reading her mystery novels and you were not allowed to call her between 7:30-8pm while Jeopardy was on. She was just incredible presence. You immediately loved her. I only hope that I can be half the woman she was. I love you Mom.

Toes in the water....

Just to put my chair close enough to the ocean and have my toes wiggling around in the water while I feel the warm sun shine all over my body. I guess waking up to a window open and feeling the crisp cool morning air gave me a reality slap that fall is here. I didn't want to get out of bed this morning and feel the coolness instead of the warmth of my covers. But I didn't want to sleep in and I would be even groggier tomorrow morning for work. So while hubby was snoring away, I got up...made coffee and got to watch my DIY network while snuggling up with my afghan on the couch. I'm not ready for cool weather! I want to put my toes in the sand and enjoy more summer sunshine.

Smokey Eye with blue eyes

I figure that I will try this and see how a smokey eye looks with my blue eyes.  I have a feeling it will make me look like Elvira with the heavy make-up against my pale skin.  I laugh at the commerical of the boy and girl getting their lunch from their Mom and she has deep smokey eyes with heavy eye liner.  The kids are scared of her because it looks so bold against her face.  Well this past Monday we have a visitor from our Finance Dept come in to help with inventory.  She was blonde and pale and not the bimbo blonde type but the demure Sara Moulton chef from Food Network. She had on jeans, t-shirt and grey light hoodie. She had the bold smokey eye with dark mascara.  She looked too made up for the office. I thought it would of looked nice if she had on a black dress and a little more cheek makeup to give her color.

I am not a girly girl.  I only recently began to feel feminine and sexy. I always wanted to look good but thought it was a waste of time since no one ever commented on my looks. (only on my hair)  So now I want to try different fashions and makeup and yes even try COCO Chanel cologne. LOL  I think a short black skirt with purple shirt and my smokey eye will look sexy for a nice night out.
 
Well I will try it and see what my friend thinks.  If not, I always have my trusty Avon eye makeup remover!

Future invention that will happen in next 10 years

I predict.... I have seen the new Samsung Galaxy commerical The commerical shows all the different tv shows and cartoons that have a talking watch for the future. Picture George Jetson! So after I see that commercial I tell my husband that someone in this world has been working on getting a 3d projection to work- just like Princess Leia from Star Wars, when her message to help save her came through R2D2. Then there is the AT&T digital life where the kids just left home and the Dad pulls out his cell phone and shuts off lights, turns off the water and locks the door all from him phone. Thats the future. https://my-digitallife.att.com/learn/ The radio announce joked this morning that there are 3 billion people using cell phones world-wide so what would happen if we all put them on "vibrate" and they went off at the same time. The technology is changing so fast and Earth is going to be overrun with computers someday. But the good news is hopefully with improved technology, maybe we will end up living longer and get to spend more time to love each other.

Fragrance

I think we associate different scents to different things. I know the smell of Jean Nate would make me think of my Mom. That was pretty much the fragrance she used growing up. That was until her children were old enough to afford Shalimar. I will never forget that smell of either of those signature smells of my Mother. There are also food smells that conjur up great memories. I know the smell of lobster or clams steaming brings me back to my childhood and the family get togethers. We use to have clamboils every summer. My Mom and sister even individually put the clams in a cheesecloth bag one year so we each had our own portion. I love the taste of clams steamed and then dunked in butter then slidding down the back of my throat. Mmmmm taste so good. One of the smells this past weekend was of CHANEL COCO MADEMOISELLE Eau de Parfum. Yes it is my sisters scent and she buys it twice a year since it is expensive. I asked her before I left yesterday if I could use some as she was spraying some on her. She showed me how she just sprays once behind each ear and then rubs her wrist up to her neck where she just sprayed. Very little bit but all day I could smell this beautiful fragrance and being on airplane and in airport, I am glad I smelled so good. Funny thing is..I came home, took a shower last night and dried my hair. This morning when I woke up, I can still smell the COCO Chanel smell. This will be my new fragrance! My pocketbook right now though is telling me to stay with my Japanese Cherry Blossom at Bath & Body Works. I love the smell of Ahm and Hammah and how it makes me smile with the many memories. Between the deoderant and the laundry detergent that are both hypo-allergenic, it has a manly clean smell that I love under my nose. Ok so my all time favorite is Ahm and Hammah!!

Trip back to MA

I will be visiting New Bedford this week and have a few different things that I want to do and one sad thing that I have to do. I want to eat some fish n' chips or fried clams. I want to drive down to the beach and sniff the salt water air and maybe put my toes on the cool sand. I want to see my friends and it will be extra special since my oldest friend Bridget will be visiting from Ft. Walton Beach. I need hugs from family and friends. I want to see the sun come up over Long Pond. I want to see Tyler Trahan roundabout. I want to have malassadas or linguica. Things that are no where to be found in South Cakalakee. This will be emotional visit also. My oldest brother's ashes will be buried at my parents grave. He wanted to be laid above my father, which is the perfect place for him. John J. O'Malley Jr. and his son John J. O'Malley III together again. I know they are both in heaven at Fiddler's Green. I know there is peace for him now. I will post pictures from my trip next week.

NO NO

It is not the word "NO" meaning you can't do that. It the beauty secret TV commercial for hair removal. I have very light hair on my body. Some of it looks blonde and some of it is defiantly auburn. It is now the beginning of the no shave season! I stop shaving because I wear long pants all winter long. I do have a couple of skirts but those will be for special occasions. I don't shave regularly since my hair is not visible. I do like the feeling of soft smooth freshly shaved skin. One of the people on the NO NO commercial talks about how smooth it is. There is also a man on the commercial talking shaving his chest. Now I know why they call it NO NO!! Don't shave your chest! I love chest hair on a man. Especially poking out of a polo shirt. I think it’s very sexy. I know most women don't like chest hair. I like it!! Blame it on Tom Selleck but I like it. I would like to test the NO NO on my toenail hair. It seems like that is the hardest spot for me to shave. Well there are other hard spots but that is my business. LOL

Be Strong

I truly believe after reading a blog, that how you act or react during times of conflict or crisis shows your true self. If you are even tempered and do not get aggitated or explosive during a crisis that is your true self. Why fly off the handle about a situation that you have no control over? I consider myself a even keel kinda person but that is seen as weak in some eyes. It's not that I am weak, its that I choose my battles and it might not be worth fighting for. I don't consider myself a strong aggresive person either. Even when it is something that I do want to fight for, it is always with thoughts of how do I convey my emotions and relay the facts without flipping out on someone. I never understood why aggression has to be shown during a conflict. I guess "talking it out" won't work with these type of people. I just have learned how to tune out and duck when things start flying. I try to always be postive, upbeat and happy. It comes natural to me. I see a smile and it makes me very happy. But even during a crisis or a tough time, I try to find the positive or turn the bad into good. I know that "Tough Times don't last, Tough People do!" (TJT) I believe happiness is within everyone. YOU CHOOSE TO BE HAPPY. There are things in life that bring that happiness out. You need to seek what makes you happy. I feel that my trials and tribulations that life throws as me is a test to make me stronger for the next obstacle. Life will always have its ups and downs. It makes me wonder how do I see the bad and turn it around to be good. I expect it won't last and better days are coming.

Musicals!

How can you not know Les Miserables is a Musical? LOL Oh well sit there for 3 hours and hopefully it was worth the ticket price. I love any kind of musical. But I love sushi more! So why do certain things make me giggle outloud? Hearing the word WAAASAAAABiiii makes me smile. Geico commerical with camel and hump day always makes me smile. "Mike Mike Mike" and then the smell of Arm and Hammer and how it makes all things smell so clean and fresh makes me smile too. I smile when I see red shirts on Fridays knowing its to support the troops for Remember Everyone Deployed. Babies and puppies make me smile. I laugh too! I smile when I hear certain songs on the radio. My favorite will always be Ray Charles singing, "Georgia". Always on my mind!! I know purple makes me smile.

Musicals and singing

I am not a singer but I do like to belt out some tunes. At least once a day I am belting out a song and it always makes my mood feel better. Music is my therapy. I know if I am feeling blue or just in a funk, that if I play good music it can lift my spirits immediately. I find watching musicals also helps. I love "The Sound of Music". Maybe because its a large family and they are being raised by warm loving woman who sings. Hmmm sounds like my Mom. My Mom had a beautiful voice and I remember her singing many songs to me. So my song of the day goes back to a Disney movie and a great memory of her singing this to me. "Zippity- do-dah, Zippity-de-ay, My, oh my, what a wonderful day. Plenty of sunshine headin' my way. Zippity-dee- do-dah, Zippity-de-ay! Have a WONDERFUL day!

Jury Duty

I am going to jinx myself with this post but I have not had jury duty since I've moved down here.  I only remember going to jury duty once when I lived back in MA.  Yes I am a registered voter and yes I did vote in the last election. But they say that does not play a role in being chosen for jury duty.  I was never chosen and remember they discharged us right at lunch time. I had the day off from work so that was like a bonus day off.  But I always wonder what really goes on for being a jury.  I know I am not one to judge.  I think there is only one to judge and we will all have our judgement day. 

I am very gullible too so I believe stories people sometimes tell me.  I would not make a good juror. The defense would get up and I would believe them...then the prosecutor would make their case and I would believe them.  I always heard that you just have to say you are related to a cop/correctional officer and  you would be let off.  Not sure if that is true.


I know I would not want to be a juror on a "famous case".  I could sit on a jury for someone who might of been hurt in a motorcycle accident. They would automatically win the case if it was up to me.  You can't sway me on that one.... motorcycle rider always wins, especially if they were hurt and in the hospital for a few days.  I would award them a VERY LARGE sum of money to help them with their anguish.


My friend Sunshine just had to go to jury duty on Monday. She could text and had downloaded a book for use on her tablet. But she was not allowed to have water or snacks. Go figure...crumbs are not allowed in courtroom.  She is a very Christian woman and had to say she was sitting there judging people based upon the way they looked. She apologized and sent text LOL.


I am not sure if I will ever have jury duty but now that I have put it in my blog... I betcha now I will!  Just hope it not too far away like close to Georgia!

Cooking abilities

I can boil water, which means I make a mean mug of hot cocoa.  I can make Kraft Macaroni and Cheese but don't ask me to make homemade anything.  I love egg salad which means...boil water.  I guess being the youngest sister, I was only given limited kitchen duties such as peel potatoes.  I have the scar on my thumb to prove it when I peeled my thumb instead of potato.  Sister Maureen would be left with written instructions on how to whip up dinner since Mom was working all night shift 11-7 so would be sleeping during the day. 

My other kitchen duties were to clean pots, pans, dishes and anything else that was dirtied up during dinner.  My Mom always joked that I would need to find a man who could cook.  I never went hungry even when I didn't have a man.  My favorite meal is tuna fish and peanut butter and jelly.  No fuss- no cooking.

I can follow a recipe but even then I have to make sure I follow the recipe to the tee. I forgot the sour cream when making my Mom's famous coffee cake. That is because I'm scatter-brained and need to focus.  It is a lesson in my life that when I start to lose focus, I say to myself "COFFEE CAKE" and that reminds me to slow down and focus.
Now I'm hungry...off to make some egg salad.

Jell-O

J-E-L-L-O
Watch it wiggle, see it jiggle
Cool and fruity
Jell-O brand gelatin

I love Jell-O!  But I have to eat sugar-free because of my intolerance to sugar.  I just love the way it feels nice and cold in my mouth on a hot summer day.  I like the way I squish it between my teeth back and forth until it becomes watery again.  Its really good for you when you are in hospital or after Dentist appointments.

I like to put some sugar-free CoolWhip on top as well and its a PARTY!! 

Well....actually the party is when Jodi mixes up a batch of Jell-O shots and the Tata's are having Girls Night Out.  I have also tried the jello shooters that are syringe type of things that are sold and you squeeze them into your mouth. Those were fun watching Jodi collect them down in Myrtle Beach with the expectation of re-using them again.
My favorite flavor is LIME but I guess any flavor is good. (especially mixed with Everclear)   http://www.wikihow.com/Make-Jello-Shots

You only live once moment or Bucket list item- get in tub filled with jello!  Might be fun & tasty

Character Flaws

Character Flaws 

Yes I have them!! See I am not perfect and I readily admit that I am not perfect.  I have flaws and some of them are not obvious!  So here are five of my top character flaws for all of you to either scratch your head and say... "she's not like that" or "WOW I never knew that about her!"

Don't Judge - I'm only human!

1) I smell really bad!!  Okay so some of you know that about me!  After my gastric bypass, I have an issue with lettuce and the magnificent aroma my body emits after digesting it.  Sorry Coco for being my cube mate for all those years but at least I had potty spray.

2) Yes I do pick and have always been a picker.  If you see me picking, slap my hand like my Mom use to do.  But guess what... its a bad habit and it still continues.

3) I am too gullible. I consider this a flaw sometimes. Yes I am not that gullible to believe I have millions in a Nigerian bank account but if you told me that one of these days, you will be giving me a WONDERFUL gift.... I might believe you.

4) I am a spender...not a saver.  But yet I don't spend money on frivolous things. I don't get my nails done every two weeks, I don't spend $65 on a Brazilian wax (though I was thinking about it) and I never buy coffee from a store..I make my own.  But when you look at my bank account - it dwindles down without me thinking about future savings. I consider this a flaw since my husband knows every penny he ever spent.

5) My fifth one would have to be jealousy.  Yes I am selfish and want certain things.  I want them for my own pleasure and get jealous if someone else has what I want. I don't let it be known too much of my jealousy because it only makes the other person uncomfortable.  I get jealous of not just materialistic things but of time spent with loved ones when time is too short or they live fah (Bawston tawk) away.  I get jealous of not being there for important moments in their lives. 

I have more than five flaws but wanted to share some of my worst.  As you get to know me, you will find MANY more!!  LOL

Red Shirt Friday

I have been wearing red on Fridays for about two years now.  It is to support the troops and to "R"emember "E"veryone "D"eployed.  The only Friday I do not wear red is the week before St. Patrick's Day is my green week.  I have a strong connection to the military and always show my support for the troops, especially those deployed.  Since losing my nephew in Iraq, I have come to realize his ultimate sacrifice that he signed on the dotted line...was for me and my freedom.  He is my inspiration and has come to inspire others to wear red. 

I know....Redheads aren't suppose to wear red!  Well it never was my favorite color,  but I have come to like it. It is still better than yellow on me...YUCK!!  Its easy to buy clothes when you have a specific color to buy.  And my favorite store "GW" has their clothes by colors!  (GW=Goodwill) LOL

Can a simple gesture of wearing red make my day?  YES!!!  Seeing you in red shows you care about me and what I believe in.  I see you on Friday's wearing red and it brings a big smile to my face.  I even have my bureau drawers set up by color so I know Thursday night what I am wearing the next day. Last Friday I wanted to look a little nicer than a tshirt since I was meeting my friend Krystal after work. I love her...she makes me smile and glad we met up to reconnect and laugh and have a "Pain Killer" at Cheddars.  Life is good y'all! 

So when you notice someone wearing red on Friday's.... it might just be to support the troops, or to support a friend who cares deeply about soldiers.


http://redshirtfridays.org/

Hair Hair Hair Hair Hair Hair

Yep that just for you! 
I know how much my hair is considered my "mane" attraction since I was little.  I remember how orange it was and how uncomfortable being the Howdy Dowdy of the kids.  It did help having brother also being a redhead and with such an Irish name it suited me.  I guess I knew that I was special being redhead but didn't really like the attention.  I hid behind a wall, which became my big girl body.  Who wants to look at a big girl redhead?  I never liked to show off or being the spotlight. Although..... I did love being in dancing school and performing for dance recitals.  I guess my love of dancing helped overcome my shyness.
I did come out of my shell and was voted in high school as "Most Spirited".  That was because I was loud and shouting at games, but that was to keep up with my cheerleader friends.  There were not many redheads at New Bedford High School.  People would get me and Sue T. mixed up all the time.  Well we both were on swim team but she was skinnier than me. 
I had really long hair, then cut it to a Dorothy Hamil cut around 1976 and then let it grow out again.  It was shoulder length in high school and then the summer I graduated, I cut it short again.  That was the summer I met first husband Todd.  He only knew me with short hair and he preferred it short.  We even owned a "FLO Bee" that we would attach to our vacuum cleaner to cut our hair.  I once used it without the spacers and my hair was almost buzzed cut.  It was shorter than Todd's!
But once he left... I began growing it again.  It was so long and healthy right before my Gastric Bypass.  I lost so much of my hair and it was the one quality about myself that I really liked.  So for the last two years I've been trying to eat more protein and get healthier hair again.  I think its getting better. Someone recently told me how good it looks!!  Now you just need to see it in person.