Merry Christmas ..... from the Washington State Patrol!

Ho Ho Ho, it MUST be Christmas.  I have a couple feelings about that.  First you will notice that I said CHRISTmas, not xmas or holiday.  Even though we all get caught up in the hype and festivities of the joyous season, me included, it is still all about Christ, let's leave him in it.  Just sayin'.
Second, thank you so much officer Deborah for the most generous gift you bestowed on me Sunday morning. If you know me, you know I do have a heavy foot. I was enjoying the company of my sister early Sunday morning after an evening of last minute Christmas shopping when what to my wondering eyes should appear but an unmarked police car with lights all aglow, wanting ME to pull over, NOW. Groan....... I have been pulled over three times since I started driving 37 years ago.  All three times I came away with a ticket.  All three times they were male officers and and I have been told that female officers are harder on female offenders, so here we go, Merry Christmas to me.   
Well, I was surprised, she was not only very pleasant and friendly, we had the same first name and all, but she merely asked me to slow it down a bit and have a Merry Christmas. Phew...... bullet dodged with appreciation. I think she may have been surprised to find two grandma ladies in that Acura, speeding at midnight too.  Teehee.... My feeling on this is good juu juu encourages good juu juu. Friday I worked my first ever bake sale at my daughters school.  I had NO expectations and no clue.  I was so very happily surprised that I had lots of baked goods show up, thank you families, but I spent the three lunch periods with the most enjoyable woman. She was so open and giving and I noticed that many children approached her familiarly with warmth and affection. She bought several goodies from the table.  She shared that her family did not have a lot but got by and she helped others when she could. Not only did she spend 2 1/2 hours with me, she was coming back that afternoon and chaperoning the social, and she had provided food for a party at her grade school daughters school before she came to the bake sale.  What a wonderful giving lady.  I just felt good all day because of her. On my way back to work I pulled through Burger King for a chicken sandwhich, and was compelled to pay for the lady behind my cars lunch as well.  I ocassionally partake in acts of random kindness and had not for a while. My new friend at school put me in the mood to help someone else have a good day.  Isn't that a concept? Do unto others... hmmmm sounds familiar.  So Sunday morning I was again at the receiving end of the random act of kindness.  I will have to pay it forward again.....Watch for me, you never know what I will do next. I may be in front of you at Burger King.  And about that speeding thing, I wasn't really speeding...  I was qualifying. Merry Christmas everyone!!

Breaking Dawn!!

Ummmm WOW! I skipped right past the long anticipated arrival of the Breaking Dawn part 1, to a blog about Black Friday.  Yes that was a long anticipated event as well, but WOW!
November 17, 2011 The Edith Bischell Center for the Blind hosted the Breaking Dawn part 1 pre-release party and mindnight showing of said movie. This is the second event like this we have attended and this year was even better then last.  Of course we were actually THERE for the WHOLE event this year.
The decorations were awesome. There were actually feathers on the tables around the candles.  Nice touch people. Now, if you are reading my blog and are not a twihard, I am not explaining. I suggest you buy the books and start reading.  What have you been doing the past four years anyway?  Geezzz.....
Black and red was the color scheme OF COURSE.  The vendors were awesome, and according to one of them Edward prefers cougars.  My sister picked up on this right away.  Team Jacob here so it was lost on  me. Edward and Bella's wedding cake was there along with 600 cupcakes, thank you Sugar Britches, well done! We were handed a wedding invitation as we walked in the door, very cool. Look-a-like Jacob was shirtless at the door on his dirt bike. He was quick to invite my lovely teen age daughter to get on back and snuggle up.  Sheesh....... The live auction was a bit rich for my blood but they had great items and got some good change for the center, that is what we're all there for, right? My daugher and her bestie were actually chosen to interview for the 11:00 news that night, bonus!! Hope their teachers were not up watching as both kids got a buy from the parents on school Friday.... Ooppps!! The chef did a great job on the food and there was plenty to try and enjoy. Even a bar, who knew? I was the DD so I did not partake. The DJ did a great job and found my table singing "From the window.... To the wall...... Yeah, you know the rest. It was a hoot. Of course I was adorned with my Team Jacob " I run with the pack shirt", directly from LaPush Wa., Oh yeah we went there..... I also had a pack tat on my arm, in for a penny, in for a pound, just sayin..... Of course the movie, did not disappoint.  They had to keep the PG-13 rating so they toned down the honeymoon scenes a lot from the book, still totally great. It was a great night all in all.  We were all tired, but happy as we snuggled in to our beds that early morn with visions of vampires, werewolves and demon babies buzzing 'round our heads.  BTW.... the sound track rocks too..... Until next year for the final part I say AHHHH WOOOO ( thats a wolf howl, teehee) Team Jake!!!

What Happens With The Washburn Sisters......

So, our annual Black Friday event has come and gone again. My sister bought her and I our annual shirts to wear on this day. Lavender colored with dark purple and white print. "What Happens With the Washburn Sisters Stays With the Washburn Sisters.  Love it, really!!  I think this will also be our cemetary clean up shirts next year.  Just sayin'.
Thanksgiving dinner was nice, went off with out a hitch, I think my husband minded his manners. I did not hear anything and no one told me anything so let's hope he managed to not offend anyone.  I think he was working on his sister but we went on to another topic.  He and his siblings go after each other like I've never seen before. One reason I am thankful for the one awesome sister I have.  I think since there is only the two of us, and we are now orphans, that we try harder to be kind and loving to one another.  Just a thought. Anyway, it's alot of work to pull a dinner like that off, but we did and it was good.
We perused the adds after dinner as always and this year the stores, alot of them were opening Thursday night and and some at midnight.  We boycotted this activity in favor of much needed sleep.  We struck out 5:00 AM at Fred Meyers for coffee and doughnuts.  Yay Freddies!! I need to point out that we were shy my neice, Jaimie this year. We missed her but she has baby Charlee this year and she needed her mamma. Next year Jaimes.....
I also must say that although we boycotted the early opening of many stores, it did work in our favor starting later. Everything we were hoping for was in good supply when we got there, we got to sleep after a long Thanksgiving Day, and there were NO CROWDS. Go figure.  Win win I'm sayin'.
The day was bliss as always. A pack of women working together, lunch and comraderie, followed my a movie and more shopping.  It doesn't get any better, right? No husbands, no whining, just girl fun.  Loving it!! My main objective was to procure New Zealand granddaughters gift that day. DONE! You gotta love Victoria's Secret! Now the count down begins.
Oh by the way, the movie, Breaking Dawn part 1. I know we just saw it the week before but well worth another look. Team Jacob all the way.

Random things to worry about......

I have several today actually, and as the title says they are random in they have nothing to do with each other. First, I worry about why I can't remember where I laid my glasses but I can sing word for word the entire theme song from Gilligans Island. Weird...
Second, my sister and I decided last year that we were going to fore go the hectic Thanksgiving dinner and all the stress that goes with that and go out to eat and follow up at my house for dessert. Now I am worrying if that is the right thing to do or should I just cook? Then that makes me worry if I do cook, can I get a dishwasher bought and installed before that day?
Third, I have this amazing daughter, I may have mentioned her before.  She is very sensitive, caring and a great friend to have.  One of her friends has been very ugly to her lately, instead of being the friend she was for the past nine years, she has switched loyalties to another girl that has never made any secret of the fact that she does not like Emily. Emily is understandably hurt and feeling tossed away.  I want to pummel the two girls in question but know that this is part of the growing up process and I must let my baby find her way.
I still worry.  Kids are mean!
Lastly, I worry that I can't contain myself until the pre-release party and midnight showing of the Breaking Dawn movie that comes out THURSDAY!! Oh yes, I will be there with my bestie, my daughter and her bestie.  LIFE IS GOOD!

What was I thinking?

I tell you what, sometimes I really over estimate my abilities.  This past couple of weeks has really been too much. I hosted the Thursday evening meeting of my fellowship group in my home which means I spent the entire week cleaning and tidying up in preparation. Our annual church bazarre also fell on this past Saturday for the first half of the day and the last have of the day was a wedding and reception.  Preparations for those activities included baking, chopping veggies for a crowd size salad, two costume changes, and exhaustion.  Factoring in volley ball games, water feature completion at longggggg lasttttttttt, the regular chores of cooking and laundry, followed by two granddaughters celebrating birthdays, card and money for one and a mini party and pressies for the other.  So this week is pink week at Em's school, I am a breast cancer survivor and a PTO member so no getting out of this activity, which of course means more baking.  The hand went in the air for 3 days of treats.  One down, two to go. Then I suppose I should mention my hubby had cataract surgery Monday AM with a post op follow up this AM.  More volley ball games and I did get a tiny lost in West Richland.  By the grace of God I did find the school. Wednesday afternoon you will find me in Richland, third day in a row, with Aunt B getting her carotids ultra sounded, followed by the final vollyball game of the season. Thursday I will have my teeth cleaned on the way to work and we will be baking Thursday evening for the final pink week goodie to go Friday AM.  Phew!!  I am definately too old for this!
Things, although hectic, rarely go unnoticed, which I learned last Sunday.  In the middle of feeling frazzled and put upon I was honored at my church for my efforts in the womans group I belong too. I definately was surprised, and felt unworthy of this recognition, there are so many wonderful women that dedicate far more time then I. God is watching when you are driving lost in West Richland, He is watching when you are giving of your time, He is watching when you feel like you can not do another thing and then gives you the energy needed to do just that.  I plan on a much quieter weekend coming up, time to regroup.  God is Great, what was I thinking?

How important are shoes, Really?

Ok, so for the second time, in my adult life anyway, I have gone out, in public with two different shoes on my feet. I hear you allll laughing now trust me, but I gotta tell you, it is a little bit scarey if you think about it. Sunday morning was clicking along just fine until I was crossing the church parking lot and noticed just as I reached the door, that I was in fact wearing two entirely different shoes on my feet.  They were both black, and both slip on but past that, completely different. I quickly realized I could not go forth and turned my daughter around, hind sight, I should has sent her in alone as she had matching shoes on her feet, but returned to the car wondering if this is how it all starts.  You know, where did I leave the car, why are there two different shoes on my feet, who are you and where am I?  Just sayin' when you have a father that dies in the grip of Alzheimers it makes you watch yourself just a little bit closer. My teen age daughter laughed all the way to my sisters house, after asking me, Mom is it ok to tell Auntie?  Of course dear, lets just show Auntie how abouts, after all she had the same father. My sister of course laughed her head off as well and as only a sister with similar tastes could do, offered me the left shoe of her pair that were just like mine. I am thinking I am going to start buying all my clothes and shoes the same as my sister just in case, what do you think? By that time the joy of the church service past and decided to continue home. I'm glad I made my sister and daughters day with a good laugh. It is part of my job after all.
Oh, and the first time?  I had chemo brain at the time to blame it on and that was 11 years ago.  I don't think I can really still use that excuse. I showed up for my daily radiation treatment and afterward, before I left on my way to work, the very nice tech informed me I had two different tennis shoes on.  BTW,  I went to work like that, who cares right?  What a goober I am.
Lots of people around the world don't even wear shoes, so how important are they really?  Just askin'
So, how was your day? 

She's my hero!

This is all about my sister.  My sister has always been by hero, that should be said first. It goes wayyyyy back to when I was still in the crib. We shared a room, she was 7 years older then me and hey it was fun standing up in the crib and turning the light on and off. That was fun stuff! Well, for me anyway. Then later there was the "gee, I sure am thirsty" routine that I could always guilt her into.  She didn't want to take the chance of waking up to a dead sister in the morning due to dehydration. Really, that was just about whether or not she would get up everytime or not to get me a drink if I needed it.  BTW, she did, everytime.  She usually grumbled about it but I always got my drink. When I was in girl scouts, it was always a treat when my big sister offered to supply treats for the meeting.  It was always popcorn and hot chocolate.  Totally awesome! There are many wonderful experiences I could share, but just touching on a few of the majors.
When Mr. wonderful was meeting me on bikes out at two rivers park to go swimming she came to the rescue, even though "Mother nature" tried to ruin the day.  I will leave it at that.  She knows what I'm talking about.  Then there was the lost car incident.  "I left it at my car at the top of the hill..... can you go get it for me? "What hill?  "You know, the one that Gene lives on."   Oh, that hill.  She did come home with it, nice....
She and I keep backing away from the "little house" at cemetary clean up 'cause we both know what the next move is after the "little house".  Yeah, even though we both have bouts with "polio knee" ( sorry Jaimie) we are still raking, planting and cleaning out in the cemetary. We gotcha Mom and Dad. We still have time before we go to the kitchen help.We make a formidable team on the day after Thanksgiving shopping spree, don't get in our way, just sayin". She helped me triumph over cancer 11 years ago and took care of my baby when I was sick. We are both just "Auntie" to each others kids.  You know kinda like Cher and Madonna?  No other name needed. She gave me an amazing niece and extraordinary nephew. Truly magnificent gifts in my life. Hand in hand we stood together when our mother died and championed once more together in our fathers final days.  Together we are now orphans.  We have each other still and always and I pity the fool that tries to take on one of the Washburn sisters.  'Cause you're going to get us both, whether you want it or not. She is my bestie in all things and I love her with my whole being.  This year she retired from her teaching career and I can't wait to see all the wonderful things she gets into next. I will be there with her whatever she does. Bazinga! I am a lucky woman to be sure to call this amazing woman my sister, if you were to have a sister 1/2 as good as mine, you would be blessed.
So that's about all I have today. Ahhhh Pete, you're my hero!

The Flu? Really?

Ok, sooooo the weekend was spent with sick people. I am so hoping they have not shared with me.  The hubby has been fighting a bad head cold for awhile.  My baby, woke Saturday morning, to pay hommage to the porcelain God.  Poor girl.  I personally hate to vomit.  Just nasty bad. Then of course there are the "dry heaves".  There is no better way to describe that whole ordeal other then just that, DRY HEAVES.  YUCK and YIKES!! I would rather have the flu then see my baby suffer with it, and I truly hate to vomit, as I mentioned.
But really, it is September.  We are still having 80 plus degree days, although it is feeling "fallish". The whole year's has been messed up really.  Is this still blameable on El Nino? We had a lonnnnnnggggg wettttt spring, that seemed to never relinquish to summer. Then summer hit in late August with a vengence.  Isn't the flu bug supposed to wait until December or January to strike?  Oh well, whadya do? Today is our first volleyball game of the season.  Emilina went to school but just not up to par. She has to be there for the team.  SO, hope she makes it through the day and through the game. 
Monday work has been the pitts too.  Cranky!! The shop equipment I secured Friday but couldn't get to was only 1/2 there today, One piece had to be picked up at the warehouse, but it wouldn't be open until noon. Don't you just love Sears? Then of course the gas gauge started beeping on the hubby's truck so I had to secure fuel.  Regular? or super? Grrrr.... I guess I hope Tuesday is better, and the flu bug only visits one of us this time.

Bring it on...

So, school has started. The first week is spent writing checks, filling out parent releases and emergency numbers, and filling in the calendar for the rest of the year, and all that sort of stuff.  After filling out endless forms last year and the year before I have made copies of these first forms to come home and will fill it all out minus the date and event, make copies and not have to refill for the many,and I mean many activities my sweet daughter will be involved in this year. Why one form can not be managed in a folder for the year, I do not know but I will win this one this year.  I have written checks to cover lunch, ASB, pictures, year book, and sports fee, oh my. ATP/PTO is gearing up for the year with a day long training and work party, I do not remember being invited to this last year.  Hmmmmm.  My ladies church group starts up for fall tomorrow night, for which I am the chair, There are bridal showers to attend and new babies being born with more on the way. I have been practicing with Emily every night for volley ball.  Why do I think at 53 I should participate on any level but chasing balls and support for her.  Softball nearly killed me last year. I do not remember softball being a contact sport but it found me on my butt in the front yard when the neighbor dog decided to play catch with us and sported a fat lip after I took a softball to the mouth that put a tooth through my lip.  Yikes.  Today I am typing with a jammed finger after returning a volley last night. I never learn.  Pain just lets you know you're still alive, right? Well, I am most definately alive.
So after all that I guess there is really only one thing to say.  Bring it on......

The Summer She Turned Pretty

Before you judge me, this is the title of a book written by Jenny Han that my daughter read this summer.  Actually she read the whole series this summer.  I so love that she likes to read. Anyway this book was about the summer when life changed in a profound way for the girl in the book.  Well, my baby went back to school today after summer break and is an 8th grader this year.  Where did the time go? Where is my 1#13oz. preemie, 26 weeker?  Well, this is the summer she turned pretty. Do not get me wrong.  She has been pretty for years.  This summer "other" people noticed.  People from the oposite persuasion shall we say. Not only are the guys more attentive, but she is wearing an independance now that she did not have at the beginning of summer. She doesn't mind staying at home alone, doesn't mind riding the bus to and from the fair to meet friends.  I told her father when we were at the boat races this summer, this is the summer, the defining moment in her life that will change her forever.  Sounds a little dramatic, I know.  But it is here.  I already find myself missing her.  I know it will only get more frequent and I have to be ok with that.  For now she still likes to spend time with the crazy lady that is her mom.  I was in the kitchen the other morning and I looked over to say something to her and looked into the lovely eyes of a young woman.  I did not look down to the eyes of a girl but straight across into "my" blue eyes. I hadn't noticed until that moment that she was almost as tall as I am now.  Wow, in the blink of an eye your babies grow up.  I am so proud of her.  She is a good girl.  I hope she always will be.  She is a good friend, wonderful daughter and amazing young woman.  The summer of 2011 - The summer she turned pretty.

Day is done......

Today one of my besties from high school buried her father.  I have lost my mother and my father so I know the pain she feels.  In fact she and I are now orphans.  Sad... I don't get to see this friend often as she lives in another state. When we saw each other today, smiles were easy, and hugs helped the years apart fall away.  It's that way with a group of women I share my life with.  We were fearless and wild when we were girls.  Best friends and had the world at our feet.  I am blessed that most of us are only a key stroke away from each other.  I stayed in our home town as did one other that I am happy to have near by.  Life keeps us preoccupied but if she needs me she seeks me and vise versa.  Comforting. I alerted by e-mail those in Texas, Georgia, and other parts of my state. Messages came flooding in and I shared with our friend all the condolences sent her way. It was a sad day, but blessed in so many ways. Military honors were part of the tribute for this father.  Taps and the 9 gun salute was awesome and reminded me of when I buried my father 3 years ago and became an orphan. Some of the other girls still have a parent, some have none, but we still have each other.  Day is done....

Home again ~ Home again Jiggedy jig!

So, we took a few days off and traveled to Northern Idaho, where my family has owned "a piece of the rock" since I was a little girl.  We moved shortly after this purchase making the hour drive from home a 4 hour drive from home.  It was the plan to build a cabin on this property for the family to enjoy.  Fast forward 40 some years and the property is still there, as beautiful as ever and still very much like it has been for the past 40 some years. After Mom  died, Dad was going to sell this little piece of Heaven and I discouraged him, lets just say that. It holds part of my childhood that was a happy time with mom and dad and my sister. My mom dreamed of a cabin up on the rock that would overlook the river. Of course that never happend but it was a great dream. We stayed in our RV in the campground down the street, with showers, a swimming beach and a fire pit.  It was a relaxing four days, for the most part.  Seems as though nothing is perfect, go figure.  I also seem to be seeking perfection lately and find myself disappointed.... alot.  Something else for me to work on. Hmmmmmm. I found myself singing the Zack Brown Band song "Toes" Toes in the water a** in the sand.  I spent one day doing just that.  Wonderful...... Of course in an RV some one still has to cook, do dishes and all that stuff.  Some day I am going to take a vacation where "someone" doesn't have to do all those things. Just saying.........I did have one once, to Jamaica where I was waited on hand and foot.  Wonderful......Oh, thank you God, there is my toe song on the radio.  God is great! Count your blessings woman, not the things that aren't perfect.  Jeez I am a slow learner.  It is good that God is patient.  So back at work today, samo - samo.  Motor home unloaded, laundry done, home again home again jiggedy jig.

Life is Good!

Ok, I have visited a dark place the past week.  I am happy to say that my world is bright today.  I have a song in my heart and have been visiting my blessings this morning.  I have many that I normally do not take for granted.  I find that when you are in the "dark place" you tend to not see them. I know they are there but you just get caught up in all the dark that the bright dims.  I guess.  Listen to me being all "deep". I have had a wonderful life full of people I love and that love me.  I have a home, a husband (for 26 yrs) a great daughter, wonderful family and friends, a job that is there every day and a pay check.  We are fortunate to have many toys, pets we love and so many things I haven't mentioned. This past week I got a peek at what it may be like to suffer from depression. I can not imagine living day after day in the "dark" I have a  much more sympathetic soul for those who suffer with this. My "episode" was brief and my family understanding for the most part (teenagers insist that it is all about them and husbands feel put out as well) and patient while I sort things out.  Another blessing.  The kicker this morning for me was dropping said great daughter off at my amazing sisters house. Daughter is assisting sister in clearing out her room as she retired this summer from teaching.  A new life for my sister.  I hope it is  full and wonderful.  She deserves all that and more.  I sat there for just a minute as daughter and sister walked up the drive way arm in arm.  I am a lucky woman. God is great.  I am blessed.

You're invited to my pity party!!

So, last night I quit, took a powder, backed up off it, took a chill pill, whatever you want to call it.  The job that I love, wife, and mother got the better of me.  My first thought after fleeing my home under the pretense of returning movies was my sister and the beautiful blue she always keeps on hand for such occasions. And lets face it, she's my sister, by bestie, my confidant, she has to attend all pity parties, has to listen and at least pretend to care.  No, I know she always cares.  She's good like that.  Anyway, she was already at another party and unavailable.  Sooooo what to do?  A&W rootbeer freezes are almost as good as Blue so I dropped those movies off, swung through the drive thru and headed to the river.  The Tri-Cities has the best sunsets and so Kenny Chesney and I vegged with our Root beer freezes and watched the river roll by, and the sun set.  That Kenny sure can sing. Of course at the bottom of the cup I knew I had to go home again.  Plus there are some creepy people that walk around down by the river. Ted Bundy sprung to mind and the engine in the car roared to life.  It was quiet at home, the dishes were still waiting for me to wash, no surprise there.  I decided to play some mindless facebook games before bed.  My neice has a new baby. She is a great mother with 4 girls. She is implementing self soothing right now. I decided that was what I was doing with the rootbeer, Kenny and zuma.  I guess we learn something new all the time.  So, now today I am back on the job, still a bit "hung over" from the party last night but at least on the job. Just sayin....

Here I Am!

Ok, so this is my first attempt at blogging.  I am a novice, so be kind.  I love reading my neice Jaimie's blog and look forward to every new posting.  I fear, she may have a more exciting life then I but I'm going to give it a whirl. Today I am having a "take your daughter to work day".  Emily is actually the one that got me hooked up to blog.  Kids, just sayin.....
I created the blog, don't get me wrong, I just couldn't figure out how to post anything.  Thanks Em.
We are currently trying to get Bruce on board with a trip to the coast.  What I got was "whatever" so I am trying to work with that. Em and I love the ocean and the beach.  We just finished shark week though so we are a bit freaked out.  We will stay really shallow I guess. I look forward to the beach and all that goes with that.  The smell, the sounds, the sea food, yummmmmm and just the feeling of being renewed after having been.  I think Em shares my love, Bruce not so much.  We will hook him up with a fishing charter and veg while he is fishing.  We are taking, for the second year in a row, Emily's bff B-man.  He went to Forks with us last year and it was a great trip, for the most part.  We can't seem to have a happy driver consistantly.  Hmmmmm what to do?  So, that's where I am.  Hopefully there will be more to come, if I can remember the pass word and user name.  It's so much to remember!!
Asti spumanti!