It's The Little Things...

And often the unexpected...

That make life so rich and full...

Such as...

1) My beautiful 22 year old daughter stating on Facebook that "my mom is my best friend";

2) Finding out on Saturday that I got a raise at work. It was out of the blue and substantial, something that isn't happening much in this economy;

3) Having one of the doctors that I work with give me a big hug today and tell me that she's missed me since I don't work as much anymore. We 're having lunch at her gorgeous home Friday at noon so that we can catch up and have girlfriend time. Not only do I feel blessed that she considers me such a good friend but I think it says alot about how she feels about me professionally. Even though we talk non-stop when we see each other (and some of it is about our patients!), I take it as a hugh compliment that she considers me one of her peers;

4) My handsome son sending me a message on Facebook, saying hello, just because!

It's often the little things, the personal things, that we treasure the most!

Be Happy!

I hope something about today makes you smile!

P.S. I wanted to tell you about something that made me smile at work yesterday. A woman that I trained a few years ago is transferring to another facility and they had a little going away party for her during break time. Guess what they had...CAKE! It wasn't chocolate but it sure filled my cake craving!

It's Friday

And I'm nosy...

So here's the question: If you were being served a delicious dessert of your choice right now, what would you choose?

For some odd reason I've been craving a big piece of luscious chocolate cake. It's so weird too because I never eat cake. I really love sweets but I make a conscious effort to control my urges, especially after working so hard to lose 10 pounds this last year. I love sweets but I hate thunder thighs and muffin tops more!


P.S. I just had a handful of almonds. It just doesn't have the same effect as a scrumptious dessert!

It's a Fog Delay Day

I didn't take the above picture but this is what it looks like at my house today. We are socked in with fog. Fog days are not uncommon for us this time of year and as a matter of fact, kids and teachers welcome them.

The fog gets so thick you literally cannot see across the street. Last night it rolled in about 8pm and caused a "fog delay" for the schools this morning. On fog delay days, kids start school 2 or 3 hours later in hopes that the fog will have lifted and it will be safe enough to bring your kids to school. The news stations will broadcast early which school districts are having fog delays. I used to love fog delays when my kids were in school. It was always so nice to be able to sleep in and lounge around for an extra 2 hours in the morning.

I enjoy days like this when I don't have to be anywhere and today happens to be one of them. I had to go out of town Monday and on my drive back late that night I hit fog that was so thick and dangerous. Today I have no where to be but home!

The perfect day to bake, iron, watch TV, and snuggle with Jake!

Pet Party and The Story of Jake

Debbie over at Debbiedoo's is having a Pet Party so I thought I'd join in and tell you about my blog namesake, Jake, and the love of our lives!

We had never really been a pet family per se, but knowing that my daughter was heading off to college, having a son who was living in Hawaii, and then having a husband who worked out of town, I knew I'd be one lonely lady in the months to come and was convinced that a cute little lap dog was just what I needed, and boy oh boy was I right!

After weeks and weeks of visiting the pound, my daughter spotted Jake in a cage with about 3 other dogs and we knew in an instant that he was the one we wanted. Now our pound has a "drawing" when you want a particular dog so you have to come back on another day and they draw names out of a hat to see who gets that animal. Luckily, on that fateful day, I was the only one who showed up wanting Jake. The other people on the list never showed up!

After owning Jake for a few years, we went to visit our daughter at Arizona State for Parent's Weekend and when we landed at the Burbank Airport to come home, my husband had a missed call from the vet's office where Jake was being boarded. We immediately called them back and they said Jake was having some issues and we needed to get there immediately. By the time we made the 2 hour drive home, Jake was already paralyzed in his back legs.

Long story short, we'll never know exactly what happened (if someone possibly stepped on him or if he did indeed rupture a disc), but our little Jakester has been paralyzed for over 2 years now. He had the costly spinal cord surgery but it didn't help at all, which was no surprise. We were told that there was only a 25% chance that he would walk again but we wanted to give him that chance, even if the odds were low. They're suggestion to us was to put him to sleep. To us, that option was out of the question and we've never looked back!

It seems like forever ago that Jake was able to get around but truthfully I hardly remember those days. We've now had him as a paralyzed dog longer than a healthy, walking dog, and you know what, we couldn't love him anymore than we do. He is unable to go potty on his own so we have to "express" his bladder throughout the day and it's like we have a newborn instead of a dog, but he's our Jake, our little Jakie, the Jakester, a big time Mommy's boy, and the owner of my heart! Who wouldn't love this sweet face...


By the way, we special ordered Jake some "wheels" and from day one he's never liked them. His whole personality changes when he's in his wheels, he acts depressed. Needless to say, he gets carried around all day, and couldn't be happier!

It's Friday

And I'm nosy...

So here's the question: Have you ever been in business for yourself? We're only in the very very beginning talking stages but my son and I are discussing a joint venture of some type.

Truth be told, we have a son who is lost in finding a "career" and needs a little direction. He's worked in the restaurant business for the last 5 years but knows it's not something he wants to do the rest of his life. He's tried college a few times and it's just not his thing, for now anyways. Mom and Dad(us) really don't need to add anything to our lives but realize he needs the direction. A small family business may just be the thing.

Are we crazy? Should we just let him find his own way in life? Would you consider doing the same thing for your children? Maybe you already have!

I've been doing alot of research and it takes next to nothing to open up a thrift store so this is something we are seriously considering. A small mom and pop type place where you could name your own hours and be your own boss. Luckily we've got alot of good business minds in the family so we'll see what transpires!

Do you know anyone who owns a thrift or consignment store?

Feeling A Little Guilty...

This past weekend was our monthly camping club weekend and we had the best time. We always have fun but some weekends are just better than others and this was one of them!

Saturday night after dinner, some of us girls played Catch Phrase and just sat around a picnic table talking. We had candles all over the table and even had to use a flashlight to play the game but man what fun! We finished up the game around 11:00pm but 4 other insomniacs and myself stayed out by the campfire until 2:00am talking and laughing (and with NO drinking being done I might add!) I enjoy all of our camping friends but I find that times like a 2:00am campfire are when real bonds are formed and wonderful memories are really made!

All weekend long I kept saying how guilty I felt because the weather was absolutely phenomenal...


Yes, it really was 80 degrees outside, in the middle of January! I felt so guilty wearing shorts, watching people water ski on the lake, and knowing that many people in the United States (and lots of blogging friends) were stuck inside their homes due to bad weather. I know that many of you have literally been home bound for days and I'm not kidding, I felt guilty! I guess on weekends like this past one I can see why my husband doesn't want to move out of California. Not only do we have beautiful weather but we have beautiful friends and boy with a combination like that, it would be pretty darn hard to say good-bye.

Really and truly, I'm not trying to rub it in, but on the way home last night we had the most incredible sunset too. So incredible in fact, I pulled off the freeway and snapped a few pictures...



I've said it before many many times but I am continually amazed by God's artwork! We just need to take the time to notice it!

It's Friday

And I'm nosy...

So here's the question: Now that all of the Christmas decorations have been put away, have you started decorating for Valentine's Day?

Being that I was probably the only blogger in blogland to take down my Christmas tree THIS WEEK, I haven't started any Valentine decorating yet. Yes, you read that right, my tree was still standing as of earlier this week. In my defense, I've been busy (or has it been lazy!?) and have had on and off company 4 times since Christmas. I'm not complaining, I've love it! The Christmas tree take down obviously took a back burner and I wouldn't want it any other way!

The repairman was here yesterday at 9am to fix my dryer, company left after a french toast/pancake breakfast yesterday after a 2 day surprise visit, I had CPR class last night, and now I'm heading out for Camping Club weekend today. Maybe I'll get some Valentine decorating done next week...or maybe not!?

Happy Friday friends and have a wonderful weekend!

It's That Time Again

I have CPR class tonight. As a health care professional, I'm required to renew my CPR card every 2 years. It seems like I just took the class a few months ago! Really, where does the time go!?

Although my class tonight is just a refresher course, I always leave with a renewed sense of confidence should an emergency arise. Education is a powerful thing!

Regardless if you have taken a formal CPR class or not, if you are ever in a situation where CPR is needed, any help that you can give is better than no help at all. It truly may mean the difference between life or death for an individual.

If you are interested in taking a CPR class, calling the American Heart Association would be a good place to start. We always have EMT's from a local ambulance company come teach our classes at work. They bring all of the equipment, teach the class, then give us the written exam which is provided by the American Heart Association. Please don't let the idea of a written exam deter you if you are interested. Honestly, I've never seen anyone not pass a class. The goal is to educate and the instructor will make sure that everyone is successful in making that happen. If you get a good instructor, the class can actually be alot of fun.

The initial CPR class takes longer but my refresher course will be under 3 hours. If you've never taken CPR, why not think about it. The time and effort to get certified is minimal and will absolutely be worth it!

"Meet Me On Monday"

While blog hopping last night, I came across this fun "Meet Me On Monday" linky party here and thought I'd join in (hey, it's Monday and I got nothin' new to say!)...plus, it's always fun to find out little tidbits about our blogging buddies.

So, without further ado (adew?):

1. Have you (only you..not a group) ever won first place in anything?

You know, I don't think I have ever won first place in anything solo, but I was employee of the quarter a few years back!

2. Are your toes always painted (sorry guys...this question for girls only)?

They are always painted from early Spring through Fall but I don't necessarily make the effort during the winter months (unless I've got some fun, dressy Christmas parties to go to!)

3. What color eyes do you have?

Blue

4. Look to your left....what do you see?

A table, lamp, bottle of water, and a Milky Way candy wrapper!

5. Soft cookies or crunchy cookies?

Soft cookies!

(Do you know the proper spelling of "without further ado, adew?")