July 30, 2005

It has been a couple of days since I last wrote in the journals. Yesterday work was great and so was Lee Ann’s Party.

I got there with minimal amount of aggravation. I did get lost a little but managed to find it. The next four and half hours were spent swimming and having water balloon fights with Lee Ann and Val. Sandy was there with Lee Ann and then Val came and then Dolette and the list is now no particular order:

Melinda G
Terry M
Mary M
Jean H
Joanne A
Elinor R (she tried to pull the same garbage line on me that she did last year but I told her I am an adult-We were talking about things going on at work)
April Y
Evette H
Kenya Cross

I got home around 9:30 and Mom was already in bed exhausted. I got into my pajamas and opened my mail and then got on the computer. I tried to go to bed but couldn’t sleep. I showered, watched TV and then went to bed around 1.

I got up this morning around 7 or 7:30. Mom had been up and spoiling for a fight. Right after I told her what my plans were she started in on my clothes and the room. She told me I was abusing the clothes and not taking care of them. She had the gall and audacity to tell me not to get angry with her. I told I was tired and I don’t need this first thing in the morning. I walked away while she was talking and started to threaten me with “You can change your attitude or get out”. I told her I have a right to tell you to not talk to me that way. I was so damn angry.

I got started on the laundry and checked the internet for a while. I contacted Jennie and she later IM’d me and we had to make different arrangements because she too was up late. I told Mom this and she said she didn’t want me to not go to the festival. I explained that I am not fast and wouldn’t be able to get the stuff done by then. As it were I didn’t finish the laundry yet. Only one more load to go.

The rest of the day I tried to organize all the papers on the floor onto the bed. I will have to move them again so I can go to bed. Mom did her own thing.

Bob called and invited us to a cook out tomorrow afternoon to say hi to John who came home on leave. He stopped by yesterday to see Mom (she told me this morning). I cancelled on Jennie (again).

Mom went shopping and I spent the time vacuuming and watching TV. She also went to church and I hung out on the computer.

This evening we had chicken and the left over macaroni salad and watched TV. The rest of the night she tried to watch the mel gibson movie. I was doing odds and ends. Now though I am going to bed.

July 28, 2005

It has been a couple of days since I last wrote in the journals. I wrote directly into the blogspot journal but no where else. I haven’t wanted to write any where else and I have been too tired or two hot.

Work is going better. I am getting caught up with the daily mail and need to work on the bad addresses which I think I can do tomorrow pending the amount of mail I get from lockbox and post office.

We celebrated Shirley’s birthday yesterday with cake and a card and gift certificate. I need to get my contribution to the gift and cake to Heidi tomorrow. Things with Regina are better.

The hospital will be changing their plans for the Cancer center (or I should say their request for zone change) as of Tuesday. This is a major victory for us (as a union) because we made a difference.

Pest Control will be spraying tomorrow night. We have been asked to remove all stuff off the floor before we leave tomorrow. I will be certain that happens. Hopefully this will reduce the bug population and irradiation for this year.

Tomorrow night is the party at Lee Ann’s house. Mom made the macaroni salad today after I had to remind her. She has given me instructions on what to do and when to do it. I will be bringing it to work tomorrow and leaving it in the refrigerator until the party.

Family news: Mom will be seeing the Vascular Dr in about three weeks. I asked her today if she couldn’t call someone else and she said no. She wants to go to this guy. Fair enough. This means extra patience from me.

Jim emailed Mom this week to let her know they got the Potter book (or video) in the mail. That’s a good thing. I am wondering if Rich’s and Liz’s prodding to email/call more often prompted this or what. I am not really sure. Either way I am glad.

We haven’t heard from Bob and his clan this week. I haven’t called either. I suspect he is busy with summer Semester and refurbishing Robert’s new apartment. It is near UNH. I would imagine no news is good news.

Liz called last night to see how we were doing in the oppressive heat. She offered us her window Air Conditioner but mom turned it down. We have window fans and ceiling fans and a cross breeze downstairs that it will be fine. Since the thunderstorm came through here yesterday it was much cooler.

I saw Adam yesterday on my way to Debra’s. He was in his car driving. I will have to tell him the Temple garage went 24-7 a while ago. It came up in a discussion during the reunion weekend.


As I mentioned I saw Debra yesterday. I told her how the weekend went (the feeing of being constantly criticized by Mom and almost getting into arguments with her (MOM)). The session went by quickly. We talked in general about how I did handle the situations and I don’t know if I could really give her a good answer. We meet next week at 1 on Wednesday.

Pen pal news: Well two wonderful people decided to take over the Real Snail Mail list and invited us all to it. Yes I joined it and so far no problems to speak of. On the other lists Pen pal etiquette is being discussed (again). One person, who I had an opportunity to speak with via IM last night, couldn’t understand why people had to take hiatuses from letter writing. I couldn’t help but get the feeling she was getting an attitude and I am not even sure she is still on the list (she was contemplating on leaving it because of the questions Nicola was asking). I still replied in unison with others views.

Most of the lists are increasing memberships. Jenny is keeping hers open after a few days of self doubt and self reflection (and a lot of pleading from her group members). I am glad about that as well.

I am going to be meeting Jennie and her Boyfriend on Saturday at the Savin Rock Festival. We just confirmed location and time tonight. I am really looking forward to meeting her. I think this is the first time I am going to the Savin Rock Festival as well.

I received a letter from Kristina Morse. She is from my Snail Mail and Chat group and is 47 years old and lives in North Las Vegas. She has been married since 18 years old and she has 4 children. They have three daughters and 1 son. Several grand children and is a teacher in the Special Ed field.

I printed out an introduction letter to her tonight. I didn’t answer or ask questions but I will do that in the next letter. It’s the standard 4 page introduction and I have gotten most of the files taken care of. I need to make a divider tab.

NASA announced yesterday they would be scrapping any future shuttle flights until they get things taken care off. They were/are more concerned with the last shuttle take off a couple of days ago as they originally thought.

Well I am going to bed now. I am starting to get tired. Adios all.

July 24, 2005

Well it has been another two days since I wrote. In that time it was a bit stressful for me because Mom and I seem to argue or snip at each other for stupid things. I let the water run too long on one flower bed, I was going to trip someone if I extended my feet/legs, etc. She seemeto criticize everything I did or say. It was really pissing me off. I told her about Jay telling me to shut downt the bingo games if anyone got out of hand and she said that was bad advice. First of all its none of your damn business! You are not there and I didn't ask you for your freaking advice.

Oh and for some reason Sylvia is not minding her own business about what Sean does with the leave blower. She started raking it today. I was like I got to go now. She is just getting beyond control. I told Mom I came close to telling her off and she told me not to get into the middle of it. Well if they continue to bring the aggravation to my house I will.

I have heard from Kevin Smith from New England group. I hope he doesn't think I am going to be a relief from his wife. He hasn't given any indication that he is having problems but he has emailed me a few times already.

I have finally started the cycle today. It was late by several days. I have no idea if this was the cause of my outbursts and attitudes this past week or not. Ginger seems to think I should take a long at impending weather storms to see if I Have some link to it and suggested I get some medical advice. Ah..excuse me? I came close to telling her I didn't appreciate the assumption that I am unstable. I had a right to get mad at regina, and I have a right to express those thoughts. Some others gave me some advice and just treat as though I am a corporation and I have no idea where that was going but I just said thanks and moved on.

Now I am going to bed. I am tired.

July 22, 2005

Greetings everyone it is almost 10:30 and I knew I hadn't posted a message all day. Its been a hectic two days. I haven't written since Wednesday night and Its been quite the busy stuff. First of all I would like to thank everyone for their wonderful and insightful advice regarding the pen pal group. I have a feeling it will turn out okay.

Yesterday Mom had to go to a funeral. It was a friends brother that died. She was glad she went. Ann is a dear friend and part of the knitwit club (yes that's the name of the club) and they have been together longer than any of their children.

Ann B's Brother was hospitalized yesterday and was released today. I am not sure exactly what happened but it was unsettling for Ann nonetheless. Ann had talked with her brother late last night and earlier this morning.

It was an intense day in London after some mass transit vehicles (subways, buses) were bombed again. Police are continuing their investigation. This reminds me of the events following 911. The bomb scares, and the heightened security. It must be driving everyone crazy.

Dottie Cerrone (my "adopted" mom) had her own scare this week. Her husband got sick I think it was Tuesday night vomiting and intense pain. Wednesday they went to the MD/Hospital and it was kidney stone in the process of being passed. Dottie was fed up with her husband because he was a big baby. He wouldn't do anything but complain. Yesterday he went to work after being told he needed to stay home and rest. He went to the Dr later on in the after noon. Not sure why. Today he was better.

I couldn't sleep very well last night. My My arms and hand were hurting a lot. I am not sure what exactly I did to them (most likely strained them doing some heavy lifting or the constant computer typing). I also had some coffee yesterday and that pretty much makes me stay awake. I did the weeding out back which was good. They were between the rocks by the back stairs.

When I finally did get to sleep it was a good sleep and I ended up getting up around quarter of seven and had to rush around a bit. I I got to work at 8 and began working on the bad addresses and then eventually the lockbox came. The rest of the day went okay until mid afternoon.

Ann had called me to get some soda for her. I went to office and knocked on her door. Regina with an attitude tells me her door is closed she probably doesn't want to be disturbed. At first I said she called me and then told her to not worry about it. Just as I was telling her off Ann told me to come in. I was really pissed. Ann asked me what was wrong and I told her nothing and she asked me again and I was going to until Regina said to me "Go ahead tell her about it". I yelled (according to Lee Ann who was sitting near by) and was loudly telling her she was paranoid. I got the stuff dropped it off and then went back to my office I told Sharon and Sara (office mates) what happened. Sharon who was so wonderful said I did the right thing. I had called Lee Ann on another matter (she sits near Regina) and asked her about. She said I shouldn't have gotten in the attacked mode. I told her that Regina does this kind of thing to me every so often. Sharon asked me when I told her what Lee Ann said did I think I was out of line (and I said no) and she then told me not to worry about what they said. She pretty much was counseling me.

I also called Ann and explained what happened and when I stopped by her office to pick up mail she said I was fine and not to worry about it.

I decided to discuss it with Lee Ann later (we agreed to disagree) but not angrily at each other. You are probably wondering why I care what Lee Ann thinks. I respect her views on many things. She says she was only looking out for me. Sharon had also done the quote "opinions are like A--holes they all stink. I just don't like that statement because normally I think it’s a little dismissive.

When I got home tonight Mom was on the computer and I came in here. I worked on the revised birthday list. It is coming along pretty well. I have lot to add to it and will work on it again tomorrow.

Around 6:30 we left for St Agnes Hall. It was the Ziti Dinner sponsored by the Men's Club and Ladies Guild and it was to highlight the Shelter that CPAC oversees. There were two hundred people there. I met some new people and ran to some old friends. Milford is so big and so is St Agnes (members wise). We sat with some friends and socialized for two hours. Marion (our neighbor) was the entertainment. There was ziti, sauce, sausage and meatballs, salad, soup, bread drinks, and dessert Coffee and tea. The only things that really annoyed me was when the Host (Nick G) was welcoming everyone and thanking everyone people continued to talk and talk over him. We were told to go up to the serving line 1 table at a time. Do you think anyone flipping listened?

It was nearly 8 and the sing-a-long was starting. I told Mom (while she was talking) they are about to sing and some woman insisted on giving us the lyrics. I kept saying no we aren't staying "the dumb bunny kept saying yeas you are going to sing!" Mom and I don't sing. I can actually have someone here attest to that. We went home.

When we got home Mom checked phone messages. Uncle Ray called to thank Mom for the lemon meringue pie she baked for him. The pie was one of the things he looked forward to this visit. WE got the fans on and I started working on the birthday list.

Mom made a comment about doing laundry or a smell coming from my room. That pissed me off. There wasn't anything there. I felt like asking her to check herself (she has the bladder problem). I ended up starting the laundry anyway. I was just in a foul mood. Not only because I was tired and cranky but Mom was starting to get short with me. I Hate it when she does that. When ever she is hurting (IE the leg) she seems to want to lash out. I am not feeding into it. It is unacceptable behavior and I will not tolerate it. I had thought the door to her room "slammed" shut but she had closed it get the fans cooling the room. She had given me a short answer I started to trip over my words. She had the nerve to tell me I had an attitude tonight. Well if you weren't so dame rude to me I wouldn't be giving you an attitude. She was introducing me to someone I had already introduced myself to and I was joking around with her telling her I am by no means shy. Her lame response was "I didn't say you were". I wanted to get up and walk out.

We were trying to find our neighbor and state representative and I was trying to see so I got up turned around and sat down. Mom says I was making a scene. She also insisted that a little girl at the next table (who was with Marion the entertainment) was the state representative's granddaughter. I told her no it’s the granddaughter of Marion's boyfriend. She asked me "this one here?" yeah. I was just introduced to the girl. If Mom wasn't so busy being so anxious she would have heard me. God I hate it when she gets stupid and I hate it when I get like this.

The weather reports are calling for thunderstorms in and around the state. It is already starting to get cool. I want to go to sleep. I think I will do that now.

July 20, 2005

It is nearly 5 p.m. and I have been home a short while. When I arrived I found Mom trying to look at the tomato plants out back for a salad. She had the grill warming up and in the refrigerator chicken breasts marinating. When she got back in she was frustrated with her leg.

I asked her about the leg and the Dr. Appt and she told me that he is not so sure if the pain has anything to do with the stint procedure. She has to take an Ultra Sound on Friday. Later on she was telling someone on the phone the procedure may have done something to the leg. She said more but she was on the phone telling someone and I was overhearing (okay so I was

Kim stopped by a bit ago to get more information on the Sewer Commission Meeting tonight. Mom and Kim talked about how it came about and who would be interested in it. According to Mom the construction starts in the fall. Having a sewer is a good thing for us because our septic Tank is older than I am and is falling apart. Mom and Kim are going to show support and thank them for it happening.

Today went pretty well. Despite the fact the lockbox didn’t come to me until way after Lunch. I was at my appointment with Debra until 2. I will have to finish the lockbox tomorrow and distribute the three days of rejections tomorrow.

Paula came to me to let me know Dottie called out sick. Robert her husband got sick during the night and had to go to the hospital. According to Paula it was a kidney stone that he passed and he may be staying over night.

The session with Debra went well and quickly. We talked about Mom’s procedure and the family reunion. I explained how tense it was at times for me because of trying to be there for Mom and being accused by the boys for things that happened or didn’t happen. We discussed the payment (I owe her just for today) schedule. I also asked her when she will be going on Maternity Leave. She will be working right until the end of August. September and October will be her time off and she will call me when she has the baby and how it went. We said goodbye and I headed back to the office.

The walk was good despite the fact I could feel my menstrual cramps beginning. I felt them when I was walking to the session. I had the bottle of water with me. That helped a little. I checked for problems and there are none yet. I probably won’t actually start until I am asleep. I was prepared that much is true.

There was a concert at lunchtime behind the Shubert Theater (I think it is called the commons where several restaurants share the place) and a farmers market is going on too. There were a lot of people there and the music sounded good.

I joined another pen pal group this time from Marjie (I think that’s her name). It came through my kiwibox address and so I joined. I can’t believe I did that. I am crazy to do that.

It is now after 6:30. Mom left a while ago for the sewer commission meeting and then the democratic meeting. I have been foraging and watching Charmed. I saw Sylvia and Boppie out and decided to chat with them not about the discussions Mom and Kim had but (I was sure she would ask me) her job prospects and how he has been behaving. He was really annoying her and using me as a pin cushion.

I think I will do some laundry and then check emails. The garbage is out front and I can do the rest tomorrow.

I can’t believe it is already Wednesday. The days seem to go by so quickly. I don’t even know what I am doing this weekend. Probably keep it low key and house clean and letters.

Oh Gill welcomed Jennie today that was really sweet.

It is now almost 8:30. Mom has been home from both meetings for about 5 minutes. She didn’t get all the info on the sewer construction but will ask about to either Pam or the Dolan’s.

July 19, 2005

Today was an incredibly long day. I had a hard time getting back to sleep after one of my bathroom runs. I had some incredibly weird dreams. We (Jim and the kids and I) were in another town some where. We had to drive to places. At one point I was some where and I was bleeding. Then I woke up.

I woke up to fog. Grey skies and Fog. The fog was around for most of the morning until lunchtime when the sun was out and so was the humidity. The drive in was a little hairy on the way in. I managed to get to my space on the 4th level and headed to the office. I walked in with Sue C and went to my office. Started working on yesterday’s mail and spent most of the day on it. The charts took me a long time to sort and deliver and then I worked on today’s post office mail and then went back to yesterdays.

At lunchtime I took Dottie to TK’s Restaurant for lunch for a belated birthday. I preordered so that we could sit and enjoy and not be VERY late for work. She had a Cobb Salad and I had a cheeseburger with curly fries and two sodas. Let’s just say it didn’t feel right.

Toni Deponte passed around another flyer today this time Stacey Makris lost her dad and there would be a collection. That makes it the third person this week. It felt very weird. First it was Donna Cardona and her grandmother, Then Stephanie Gulley and MIL. Yesterday it was Adrienne Stovall and today was Stacey and Her dad. It gave an eerie feeling to everything and reminded many of us of time when we were back at Church Street South when we had a string of deaths all at the same time. Pattie Mosca told me this afternoon that Annette Chowaniec’s Step-Father is in Hospice and his time will be soon.

The drive home was humid. However, I managed to get home by 4:30. Mom was in the back watching TV. We had talked earlier in the day about me going to Kohls for new bras but later on Mom told me I could do it another time (like tomorrow) and to go through my bras and see what is good and not.

Over the next few hours I was watching TV, going on line and reading and answering some emails that came through the day and reading more of the ones from the lists earlier on the day. We did our own dinner which was cereal. I emptied the dehumidifier and paid the telephone bill. This time I used the CC. I couldn’t wait to do it. I didn’t want to get into trouble.

This weather has been causing problems right across the country. According to one report nearly 25 to thirty people have died in the tri-state area of Arizona, Nevada and California. Even here it was 90 degrees and Thunderstorms reported in the Farmington Valley area. Mom says they are predicted for here which would be nice. It was flip flopping around earlier and I am just expecting it to open up.

I was talking to Becca today. She was just getting home from errands too. She said she had to go to the food bank. I can’t imagine having to do that. I hope she will be okay.

Jennie posted to my group today. She posted greetings and will be posting eventually. She also joined more of Nicola’s groups.

Oh someone (I think her name is Evelyn) asked her to stop inviting her to all the groups. She could have done it privately instead of that. I imagined that Nicola got her feelings hurt. She probably understood where E was coming from. The discussion on the Snail Mail Chat group is about how long an intro letter should be and some people are weighing in on the subject as I write this.

I got an email from Kevin Smith (no not that Kevin Smith) from CT. He said he was working on a porch today and that I should be extra careful. I wrote back that I was and that I dropped out of the New England Group. I think a number of people know that by now.

I started my laundry tonight actually it was the undergarments. I was running out and like I said to Becca I needed to do this or I would be going commando and I don’t think anyone would appreciate that very much.

President Bush is going to be announcing his Supreme Court Justice Nominee in about 15 minutes. There was a report on it on ABC. It discussed the possible choices and how the choices could affect the country and the different organizations that would be fighting all or any of them.

I really was trying to get enough energy to write a letter tonight but I just can’t do it. I don’t know why. I mean here I am typing today’s entry and have been typing emails and instant messages through out the day. Why can’t I write the letter?
Well I think I am going to post this and then check emails. I want to go to bed so

July 18, 2005

It was almost quarter of ten and I was chatting w/Lowrider from the NE group. I told him about the 16 year-old kid from the previous night. I couldn’t tell if he was impressed or annoyed with the kid.

Diane and Todd came over earlier in the evening. She was over because no one told her about Mom’s “procedure”. Mom was too funny she was milking it (intentionally too) for all its worth. Diane complained no one told her about it. Can you see a pattern here? No one in that family talks to each other. Mom told her she didn’t want to make a big deal about it. They discussed alternative medicine, acupuncture and the fact she isn’t coming to the day 1 of the family reunion but she is going to be going to the open house. They left a little around 9:30.
I was so tired and I needed to sleep that I went to bed at ten.

In a little while I am going to iron the clothes I am wearing up to the reunion and then going to the bank and post office.

Oh my word. I just found out that Jim is expecting to come down here to spend the night. My room isn’t for consumption really. It could be. I have to get going now.

Oh I found my white pants they were in the dryer. All Week long!!!!

I spent the morning straightening the room to the best it can be. I helped mom with the bed making and ironed my clothes and showered. We should be leaving around 11 or so. It will take an hour to get up there.

I think I realized the person I was consoling on the Xanga site is also the one harassing Peacock. I am in a real jam there.

The rest of the day was great. The food was delicious and only a few times either of my brothers irritated me. One bitched about me giving the wrong address when I know I didn’t and the other one was insulted when no one said anything (which that discussion reared up this afternoon) to him about Mom’s stints. I walked away pissed. That night when we got back to the house I apologized.

As we were saying our goodbyes Nelson and a few others insisted I ask Mom one more time if I could drive. They actually said “Insist”. I said I tried, and even Donna said she was a big girl. We left around 6:30 and the girls were with us. Emily (God bless her little defiant heart) asked us about three times if we were there yet. If Mom wasn’t there I was going to tell her to knock it off.

We all started getting ready for bed by 9. Jim and Jamie had Mom’s room (she insisted) Kristina had the blue room and Emily and I had mine. Mom had the couch. Of course Mom didn’t go to bed until 2 a.m. Finishing up the laundry that Jim had put in the wash. Mom told Jim for the umpteenth time about the fans and how the kids were jumping and caused it to get broken. How many times were they going to get yelled at for it? We covered that the last time they were here. I told her and Jim once more that it was my idea and it was a pillow fight. For some reason Jim yelled at Emily and she came in here and hid her face. Jim saw it and later came back and apologized. She also did this “Jamie gets to do everything while she and Kristina don’t. I finally said she was too old for that crap.

It took Emily a long time to get to sleep. I rubbed her legs told her stories (I am truly not a good storyteller). It took me even longer (the soda and coffee were doing it to me) to fall asleep.

Sunday was crappy day weather wise. Emily and I woke up around 8:15. Mom was downstairs and so were Jamie and Kristina. I showered and dressed tried to check emails but couldn’t. Mom came upstairs to check emails and we chatted. I reminded her that I had bingo she asked me to do something. I went downstairs to empty my wastepaper basket and didn’t see Emily.

I asked Kristina and pretty much knew she had gotten into trouble because she was upstairs with Jim. He was sleeping or resting or whatever. I couldn’t imagine what she did in the fifteen minutes that I was upstairs.

I left for bingo after 9. Natalie was there and so were others. I got the people including Father George. He got up a couple of times and headed to the kitchen. Natalie had to go get him (I was really upset because I thought I messed up). She said if he takes off let her know.

Once bingo finished chatted with Phil in the kitchen and then took off for Liz and Nelsons for the next three hours. They were setting up for the party they were having. Everyone else started to come around 12:30 or so. I can’t remember who came first and whatever else. Mom and Jim and the kids came around 1.

I had called home earlier to see if they needed any help. Jim was still asleep and the kids getting ready. They stopped at the toy store and got stuff. Mom agonized about how fair she was about the toys. Jim reassured (not very well I might add) her that it was okay.








Okay I meant to write a list of who was at the family reunion and who wasn’t so here it is:

Attended:
Chuck Harris
Ray & Ro Coulombe
Serena Coulombe
Donny HebertAndy & Denise & Drew & Bailey (pup)
Marianne Hebert
Jane Hebert
Dan & Sheila & Ian & Rowan/Thawana
Claire & Kathleen Phelan
Bob & Robert Phelan
Jim & Kristina, Emily & Jamie Phelan
Liz & Nelson Rivera
Rich Morgan
Chris & Stephanie & Jason
Bob & Donna Coulombe
William & Susan Coulombe
Sharon & Shelley Coulombe
Donna & Bob Hall
Brian &Dawn Hall & Family
Don & Lorraine Coulombe
Renee Finch
Doris Coulombe

People who didn't come:

Shirley Harris
Chris and Jonathan Harris
Robert Harris & Judy Harris
Courtney and her Husband (Judy's Kids)
Joan, John, Thomas Rice
The New Jersey Coulombes (Uncle Lee's Family)
Michael and Kay Coulombe and their kids
Ray and Fatiha Coulombe (they had a good reason too)
Rachel Hebert
Chris Hebert
Greg Sherrod
Ethel & Diane (wedding shower to attend) Phelan
John Phelan
Claudia Phelan
Joe Coulombe and family
Frank and Gloria Coulombe & family
Carol and Frank Enos and boys
Rita Nomjko
Alan and Rebecca

Sunday afternoon was a day of rest for Mom and me. I hung out on the computer and she watched TV and dozed.

Monday returning to work. Lockbox came around 10 and so I had a chance to do some of the Bad Addresses and spent two hours on that. I took care of the charts. The mail came started on that. That will be finished today. I also went to TK’s for lunch.


It looks like I am getting new braziers this weekend. Mom doesn’t like the way the ones I have now look on me.
The Dolan girls came over to see how Mom was doing and stayed for about a half hour talking about their vacation and their fragile relationship with Sylvia.

The rest of the night was uneventful except someone who IM’d me and said hi. I didn’t know him and checked his profile and he had his naked body as a picture. I blocked his butt. It was nasty.

July 15, 2005

Good Morning!

It is after midnight and I was just heading to bed. I posted a very long entry at the blogspot journal so feel free to read it. I hadn’t written all week long for the most part. I was either too tired or too busy. I hope it won’t happen again like that.

I am so glad its Friday. Mom is home and now sleeping in her own bed and we have the Family reunion to look forward to on Saturday. It looks like we will be riding up with Ray and Ro (Aunt and Uncle from GA) that day. I had offered to drive but Mom didn’t want to. We discussed riding arrangements. That’s if I wanted to stay longer. We haven’t heard from Jim in regards to this family reunion. He did say he was coming but Mom doesn’t remember him saying it. He better get his sorry butt up here.

Well its time for me to hit the sack. I will post again later on today (probably when I get home) I hope you all have a great day and be safe.

It is now after 7 p.m. Mom is at her computer reading her emails and I am at mine moving my emails around and writing this entry. I am very tired and not feeling 100% but that’s okay because I am all for going to bed.

I finally got some sleep and woke up around 5 and got up around 6:15 (if I had a snooze bar on the alarm clock that’s what I did) showered, dressed checked emails and ironed a blouse.

Mom was up when I left she was waiting for the paper and to do things before going to get her blood drawn. Yes she drove herself. The MD said it would be okay. She spent the day doing her own stuff.

My day at work went well. Nothing out of the extraordinary happened. I got most of my work done (still have to work on the bad addresses and bulk mail). Through out the day I answered emails from my pen pal address. I need to answer Kristen P. She had sent me an email in response to this past week’s firestorm on the list. She was very appreciative and is remaining with the group.

I didn’t leave the office until 4:30. I didn’t get home until 5. Mom was starting dinner they were salmon cakes. We didn’t eat until 6. We had potatoes and salad and milk (for me). We just finished cleaning up the kitchen.

Mom says Jim sent an email letting us know he would be coming to the reunion. (After I swore I would kick his butt and email him and tell him off) I am not sure but I think he is bringing all the kids and now Mom is saying that she wants to drive up instead of having Ray and Ro take us incase the kids are there and she doesn’t want to leave.

I am thinking about what I want to do tonight. It’s a toss up between writing letters or sleeping or vegetating in front of the computer. I have so many letters to write and so many files to update.

July 14 2005

It has been a very busy week for me and most tiring. I was so tired and busy that I didn’t write in any of my journals. I did make a few posts in my Kate’s Diary group but that was just to update them on Mom’s procedure. I did make little notes in a note book so I will do a summary:

Sunday: I did bingo. The residents were cranky and restless. One decided she would not come to the bingo sessions because I “wasn’t doing it right”. Bunny said she would talk with that resident as well as Theresa.

I went to 11:30 mass and found out Father George would not be returning to St Agnes. He would be going to a facility for priests. He is currently still at Mediplex. I ran in to Lucille’s granddaughter Kelsey and she told me her Mom was at the hospital because she got hurt the night before.

The SF-Fandom Boards had been crashing and returned that night. I posted an article alert in the Charmed Forum.

Monday (didn’t write much there):

Work went well but was still backed up on mail delivery and opening it. Mom got a phone message regarding the time she needed to be at the hospital on Tuesday.

Things on the newest pen pal list were starting to get out of hand and Jennie was starting to get upset.

Tuesday:

That day was the longest. I got Mom to the hospital by 6:20 and I was at work ten minutes later. Work was incredibly long and tiring. Had computer problems that day but were rectified by Tony Fanelli by midmorning. Will be getting a new computer (old network gone)

Mom called me by 12:30. She had the procedure. I would go and visit her by 1 and returned by 2 p.m. She would be staying the night. Liz called me a few times during the day (I would later find out).

Talked with Liz regarding the procedure and she says she called the nurses station and got some info. Some of it was the same as to what I had. We discussed meals for the next day or two. She would be bringing dinner Wednesday.

I cleaned the house that night. I stayed up until midnight to get it done. I did manage to take breaks and read the emails. Watching the problems escalate on Jennie’s list. I felt bad.

Wednesday was the day I bought Mom home. I called around 9 or so to find out when I could pick her up. I can’t remember if she told me then or called me back but it would be ten nonetheless. I let Shirley know and she understood. I left around 9:30 and got to the hospital by quarter of ten. I decided to do the 4x times around the block until a little before ten. I was thoroughly disgusted with parking availability. Mom was wheeled down a little after 10 (I had called to let them know I was there) and we got her in the car and headed home. We went to Costco to drop off prescriptions then to the house. She made coffee and we chatted little bit and then I headed back to work. Liz and Nelson would come around 6 with homemade chicken soup. We had a short visit and discussion on the Family reunion.

It was nearly 11:30 and the charts and the mail were waiting there for me. I was a little stressed because I thought the charts would be delivered. No one complained or anything. Several staff members were moving to their new seating assignments and it would continue on Thursday.

I didn’t meet with Debra on Wednesday. I called her early Wednesday and explained and she called me back and understood as well. We made plans to meet next Wednesday.

I emptied the garbage and the recyclable stuff out front.

I went to bed after I posted to a few groups including my Kate’s Diary Group.

Today:

I had a wonderful sleep I felt rested and restored to my self. I did some early morning chores (emptying the garbage stragglers).

I sent emails to Jennie G. In regards to the problems that happened in the pen pal group the night(s) before. By the end of the day changes were made for the pen pal group.

I couldn’t find my regular set of keys that had my office keys on them so I had to use the other set. I would find them in the door shelf in the car.

The moving process continued for the Collections department and a few people from Registration. Daphne came back from a restful and exciting trip to Niagara Falls. Of course she brought Taffy.

Another donation flyer went around this week. This time it was for Stephanie G. Her MIL passed away Wednesday. We have until Wednesday to contribute. Donna Cardona came back today after saying goodbye to her grandmother.

Mom had visits from Ray and Ro Coulombe and Bob. Bob brought the Garbage can and recycle bin around back. I am not sure how long he stayed. Ray and Ro are fine and looking forward to the family reunion but also expressed confusion on the time limit that Donna imposed on their home. Mom and Liz are upset to but Liz isn’t going to make waves. I tried to give Mom another view and she shot it down.



I didn’t have a lot for dinner just fruit cups. Mom had the soup from last night. I know I will be hungry tomorrow.

Moved emails all around (especially yahoo) to the pen pal folder will look through it later. I chatted with Becca she is the newest member of Jennie’s pen pal group and a really nice lady. I had sent her and Jennie emails earlier in the day regarding the whole situation.

As I am writing this a 16 year old IM’d me. He wanted to know what I was doing and stuff like that I told him. I also told him I was old enough to be his Mom. He is from Milford and I asked him if we were in any groups together and he said should we be. I could tell he was surfing. When I didn’t like the way the conversation was going I told him to leave and not contact me. Now I am talking to Jennie.

July 10, 2005

It was after 1:30 when I got back from dropping off mail to the post office yesterday. I mailed Elizabeth Ruth’s letter with PS on it and the letter to Debra and her check and the Silkies payment. I also mailed the card for Sally Cheney for Ann. I was supposed to mail it Friday but didn’t.

The bills are paid except for the phone which I am doing on Monday. I will mail it out that day in time for it to get there. Now I can relax until next pay day.

I got tired all of a sudden. I was debating whether or not to lie down for a bit. I don’t have anything else planned for the day until around 6:30 when I will meet Jennie and her BF at Jimmies’ Restaurant for our walk. I told Mom about it and she said “you haven’t met her yet?” I told her I would be careful.

That walk never happened. I asked Mom when she wanted me to take the lasagnas over to Liz and Nelson’s and she said anytime. It was around 3 then. I called Liz and then made arrangements to bring them over. When the phone call was finished Mom asked me to get a few things at the store. I left for Costco went shopping and then to Liz’s. I was there until about 4:15 or so.

Mom started cooking dinner when I got back home. It was taken an hour and half. We didn’t eat until 6. I had emailed Jennie by then and explaining what happened. I never heard from her last night.

So for the rest of the night I watched TV, read emails and chatted with Frank in Fairfield. I made sure he knew I didn’t join the group for romance. He didn’t either but he wanted to see a picture of me. I sent him the one from New Years Eve.

I don’t remember what time I went to bed I was tired. I also wasn’t feeling that great. I think I am starting to PMS

July 9, 2005

It is almost 9:30 on the gray morning. I have been up since 7:30 and online checking emails and chatting with a guy from my journaling list. He is 3 years older than me and is divorced. He seems nice but I hope he doesn’t try to be more than friends. I am hoping the same with this guy from Fairfield in my New England Group.

I wrote out checks for Mom and Debra and in a bit for Silkies and pay the other bills. That will be it for the bill paying for this week. The next time will be in two weeks when pay day comes around.

Mom is getting nervous about Hurricane Dennis. She seems to think that it could adversely affect the family reunion next week. I hope it doesn’t Liz and Donna has worked very hard on it. The reason this discussion came up is I asked if she wanted me to take the lasagnas over to Liz’s house. Mom said not yet because she only made one yesterday and we ate it.

I heard from Irene B who wants to be my pen pal. I emailed her my address (I don’t know why I didn’t ask her for hers but maybe it can wait) and she wrote back that a letter will be sent out by the end of the week. I also updated some of the various contacts in my yahoo address book.

I have also been updating my appt. book and I was just checking my birthday list (updated that too) and Momma Cerrone’s birthday is next week!!! I want to get a card for her.

Speaking of cards Mardi loved the one I sent her last night. It basically said Friends are angels that help friends who can’t fly. She really needed right now. Her Mom is still in the hospital and she is upset by that and the behavior of some people on the SF-Fandom board. I am too.

Oh and I just put DM on my ignore list she is so damn arrogant and rude. Some one posted to the KS board that Kevin is more of a fantasy actor then anything else. He criticized Kevin’s acting on Andromeda and noticed that he is producing his projects like Costner. Well DM was disagreeing and then had the gall and audacity to say “why would you come to a fan board and say you don’t like his work?” Hello? Who are you the fan board police???

I came very close to emailing Stripe and telling her either she does something about DM or I was permanently leaving the board. Instead I put her sorry (DM’s not Stripe) on ignore. I also took her address out of my address book on Netscape.

July 8, 2005

I woke up around 6:15 and ironed the dress and mini-jacket I was going to wear to work. It took about 10 minutes to do. After that I decided to get on the computer. I re-read yesterday’s entry and realized just how tired I was. There were many grammatical errors and spelling errors as well.

I got online and checked emails. I was expecting a response from Gina regarding a discussion we were having about one of the lists we were on. I did later on in the day. She told me I was right on the mark.

Work was pretty busy. Didn’t get to finish everything but I will come Monday. Angela wants me to fold and mail stuff for her while she is on vacation. How could I say no?

One of my office mates got really sick today. She was weak and possibly going into Diabetic shock. She ended up going home but was afraid she would lose her job. I told her no way.

It poured all day long causing traffic problems. I had stepped into puddles with the shoes I had on and the ink from the inside of my shoes were all over my feet. It took me nearly 40 minutes to get home. I left around 4:20 and got home before five.

I joined another pen pal list. I have a new potential pen pal that I need to write an introduction letter for. I must be crazy. Now for all my pen pal lists I am trying to decided what I will keep (besides their searches for pen pals) stuff that goes into the journal. Something personally happening to them or family or stuff in the past. Not every thing I keep but stuff that interests me. Much like I do for my journaling lists.

I called Mardi’s house this afternoon she was working. I tried to call her cell but it wasn’t working. I chatted with Erin and asked her how she was. I told her I would call back around 6 instead it was around 7.

The Collections/Customer Service staff had a pizza party for Tina B. It was her 30th birthday. It was delicious pizza. I also serenaded her by singing happy birthday to her.

The rest of the night I read emails, wrote letters, and paid some bills. I also visited some of the entertainment forums (some of them are really getting on my last nerves with their arrogance. Theirs means the individual people.

I made sure I posted a message of introduction to Jennie to my Kate’s Diary group and asked anyone to keep us posted on their safety in London.

July 7, 2005

It has been a very busy and tumultuous two days since I wrote. I was so tired yesterday that I didn’t bother to write. I will explain momentarily.

Wednesday was an incredibly busy day. I got up in plenty of time and got to work on time. I managed to get breakfast and start my work. I was also greeted by a phone message from Debra. She needed to move our appointment to that afternoon. I called her and left a message that it would be fine. I let Shirley know as well.

I was still opening mail from the previous day and would be until this morning. The volume was getting back to normal but not enough that I would be finished in the one day.

I left for my meeting with Debra around 1:15. I made pretty good time and found the building with no problem. It helps to have the number of the building right on the awning. It was directly across the street from the library (at least that or the courthouse) on Church Street and across from New Alliance Bank at Elm. The offices are old but the façade of the building is old and beautiful.

Debra and I talked about the weekend events and what happened over the last two weeks. I told her about the parties and told her about the girl threatening me on RSML. We discussed work. When it came time for us to finish up she asked me if I would be able to come next week at 1 on Wednesday. I told her that would be fine.

After the session I hiked it to Subway for lunch. I got a veggie foot long sub along with a bag of chips and two sodas’s like I really needed soda. That took about 10 minutes. I managed to get back to the office after 2:30.

The rest of the afternoon I spent eating, opening the mail, reading the emails from the different email addresses and checking the forums. When it was time to leave I cleaned up my area and left a little after 4.

I was heading to Telka’s House and took route 34 and then route 15. I did manage to get a little lost even before hitting route 34. I managed to find it but I am sure the whole ride to route 15 could have been done differently. I could have caused an accident with the soda I had. It had already spilled a few times because I wasn’t being all that careful in driving.

When I got there I filled out the check for the admission fee and put the info on the picture(s) and put them in the envelope and took them to the front door. I knocked and Tyler came to the door. We chatted for ten minutes and showed him the pictures and he had to be neutral. He showed me his very large tattoo on his left arm. I knew even before asking what Telka thought of it and it would have been obvious. After the chat I went to her mailbox ad got the flyers for the baby contest. I went back and told Tyler they were there!

It was after 5 when I got back home. Mom was cooking dinner and I just did stuff. I checked emails and forums and revised my address book and stuff like that. I think it was nearly 5:30 when we sat down for dinner.

When of the major announcements was the winner of the 2012 Olympic sites. It was not us which I knew in the morning and Russia and one other place was out of the race. It was between Paris and London. London got it. People were hysterically crying and laughing and Mom looked at like they were crazy.

After Dinner I put out the garbage. I didn’t take it out of the trash can because it was supposed to rain which it did and because of the animals. Someone had done the Dolan’s garbage and Shagrue’s house. This morning I noticed that an animal knocked over the Dolan’s garbage can.

Today was rather long. I woke up around 3 for my morning ritual tinkle and took some aspirin. I had another dream this time a gorilla was in the house or in some place that was mine. I was dozing until 5. That’s when I heard the terrible news.

Several public transportation areas (subway and buses) were bombed in London. It was all over the news and has been all day. It was discussed on various forums, mailing lists and all of our UK friends had checked in at various points. By the end of the day Al Quida claimed responsibility. PM Blair made announcements and had the support of the world leaders including that of President George W Bush. They were all attending the G8 Conference in Scotland. It was 911 all over again.

The US security level was heightened to orange. Homeland Security commissioner encouraged us to use Mass Transportation but be aware of our surroundings. Through out the day news reports updated everyone.

I had lunch from downstairs and once again I used the credit card. Not a good thing but it won’t happen for a long while now. I had quesadilla’s, potato chips (2 bags worth) and two sodas (again). There was a slight miscommunication about quantity. They credited my bill.

The mail wasn’t quite finished but I will get it done. I managed to work on a couple of piles of bad addresses. I let Shirley know those were piling up and she asked me to do some a little at a time so that it won’t put Gloria behind.

After work I headed to Honda. I got there a little before five. I took what I think is the long way. Down route 1 to Milford exit 39 entrances and headed to Honda to exit 35. I was there for 45 minutes. Afterwards I headed back home. I stopped to see Roberta R.

We spent 45 minutes catching up on our lives and visiting with Phil next door and his pups. Charlie looks great. He is filled out and seems more trusting then he did the last time I saw him. He even licked my hand.

It was nearly 6:30 when I got home Mom wasn’t pleased about me keeping her waiting. Once I told her what happened. She let it go but she was annoying me too. During dinner we watched the news and talked about the meeting she had.

It was a difficult meeting and I could tell she didn’t want to talk about it. So I dropped it. We had salmon steaks, grilled potatoes from the grill and the baked beans and corn. Afterwards we cleaned the kitchen and I came upstairs.

Since then I have been reading emails, chatting with various pen pals, journaling lists friends and family, and Telka. I sent Telka information for Jason’s entry and had to check with Mom and Liz about his birthday. Liz says she will get back to me on that one.

I am finally going to meet Jennie from West Haven. We are going to go walking tomorrow along the boardwalk. I told Mom about it and she says go ahead. She didn’t have a problem with it. This is all contingent on whether or not it is raining from Tropical Storm Christina.

Oh I have received a pen pal letter from Jessica Strack. She has a new baby girl three months old and is adorable. She became a stay at home Mom while her husband is working. She has a daycare also. I printed out and mailed Barbara Frost’s letter and then sent her an email asking her to expect a letter on Monday the latest.

Okay now I am gong to bed….g’night.

July 5, 2005

It is nearly 9:30 at night and I have been home from work since 4:30. I had a pretty good day.

I woke up around 6:50 and rushed around getting ready for work. I also spent time on the computer to the point of being late. Mom told me what time it was. I told her I got up late.

I got to the office around 8:05 and said my hello’s and then got to work. I started with sorting Friday’s EOB pile. After I delivered that I started on the bad Address piles. I only got one day done. The rest of the time was the mail. Lockbox was pretty heavy because of the holiday. I was quite surprised that the Post office mail was light. I did get that done. I was able to deliver Susan’s, Sally’s, Marianne’s, Marie’s and Charlene’s mail for today as well.

I had no problems with the charts at all today. I received seven charts for the staff and ordered 66 for tomorrow. Whew. I hope that everyone that ordered charts will be in tomorrow.

I have two new Officemates. I am not sure of their names but they are with Registration. They were having problems getting set up in their new space. I was very proud of the fact that I didn’t spend the day grunting like I had in the past weeks.

The ride home was a little heavy but that’s to be expected on the day after a holiday. Luckily nothing happened to me but later on found out there were some pretty horrible accidents.

When I got home a letter from Jeannette Viers was waiting for me. She wrote mostly about her son. Where he was, where he was going, when he was coming home and how often she hears from him.

Mom was upstairs working on the computer and the dinner at each stage was cooking in the oven. We would be eating around 6:30 or so. It was well worth the wait.

During my waiting period I was online, checking emails, updating the address book several times and chatting with various people. The discussions on the new email list were getting heated. Sarah got sarcastic and I told her that it was uncalled for. She was being sarcastic because she didn’t like the fact that Nicky used the word paranoia.

I also posted a message to the journaling lists at the request of Marjie. She said a young girl needs surgery and needs a particular blood type. Mardi clued me in that it isn’t rare and the girl can get it from any hospital. WWW and Jodie posted their doubts as well. I apologized for it just a little while ago. I also let Margie know to be careful.

I can’t access the SF-Fandom board I haven’t been able to for two days. I don’t know why. I can’t even think of Stripe’s email address. OH well.

July 4, 2005

I woke up around 3 this morning to do my little bathroom run. My hands were hurting so I also went downstairs and took some Aleve®. I took a few minutes to watch TV. I didn’t go back to sleep for a long while.

Part of my problem was I was worrying about the Costco card I couldn’t find. I had put it in my pocket yesterday morning before heading off to Mediplex and when I came home from the picnic I couldn’t find it. I can’t remember if I left it in the car or it dropped out of my pocket. I looked when I got up again but haven’t found it.

I had been checking emails for most of the morning and the big discussion on the pen pal lists were why people don’t write anymore and there were a lot of good reasons. For the most part people seem to understand that time is a constraint. Some of them don’t like form letters and others like me and Joanne who isn’t really that bad after all don’t mind them.

I had breakfast around 10 and was chatting with Jennie from WH. We decided that we would be walking buddies and I think we are supposed to walk this week. She is 24 and a little shy but cool.

Mom slept late today. I was getting a little worried but I gave a time limit that if she wasn’t up before noon I would get her up myself. She did get up a few times this morning while I was online (4 or 5 this morning) but that’s it. She got up around quarter of 11 but not for long. She stayed in bed for a bit longer. She was feeling really sick. She said she was feeling poorly all night long.


I called Liz around noon and we made plans to get together at her house and so I got ready to go. I left here a little after 12:15 and stopped at Sylvia’s and said hi to Boppie as well. I may go check in on him to be certain he had his little walk.

Then headed to Liz’s I was there for two hours. We did the pictures and then talked about family dynamics. I left there around 2:30 ad then came home.

Mom was dressed and on the computer. She said she was feeling better but not 100%. I asked her if she needed anything and she said no. I called Telka to tell her I had the pictures and told her to call me to let me know when a good time would b to pick them up. I then left to see Aunt Helen.

Before going I stopped at the gas station and got gas. I also found the Costco card. It was in a compartment next to my seat. After the gas I got on the highway and got to M House. It was nearly 3:30.

I spent 15 minutes with Aunt Helen we talked about the family reunion and the holiday. The nurses and receptionist told me she had 30 people come see her today. It was wonderful.

After I left there I took a little ride (AKA getting lost trying to find Route 15 or Route 80) but I saw a deer. I got home around 4:30 and Mom was still on the computer. She did some errands and has been eating lightly.

Since I have been home been watching TV and had a bowl of cereal for dinner. Now I am going to get back on line and read some emails and then probably do some letters.

The rest of the evening I didn’t do the letters after all. I updated my address book, and answered some emails, and chatted with some new friends online. After awhile I put myself on “invisible” so that I could read and then relax.

July 3, 2005

I got up around 7:30 this morning after having a real disturbing dream. I was driving Bob and Ethel to visit a relative and it looked like we were in New Haven. I was driving the wrong way and Bob was there giving me instructions.

I hopped in to the shower and got ready for the day. I did check my emails and stuff like that before leaving for church and Bingo and then my visit to Aunt Helen.

I left around 9:15 for Liz’s to pick up the blank CD’s from Liz so that Mom can get the family photos done and then went to Mediplex.

I got there and saw Robert. Robert was acting like the spoiled brat that he likes to be even for his age. He did come into bingo and played but he was very quiet. I did tell Jay before he came in what happened and he said not to worry about it. An old friend from the OLOV Prayer group came in as well.

After Bingo I came home and Mom was still working on the lasagna. She told me she hadn’t gotten the flower and I said not a problem. I came back upstairs and did some stuff and then back down in time for church. I told Mom that I can go see Helen tomorrow.

I went to the 11:30 mass at St Agnes. I hadn’t been there since Easter. There was a visiting priest saying mass and he had a booming voice. He was there to help Father Callahan and this was his firs first to St Agnes even though he had been in Milford for 10 years. He talked about working in the prison system for 7 ½ years. After mass I came home.

I made a second visit to Sylvia and Boppie and got to say hello to them and we talked about stuff. Then I came back to the house.

Mom asked me to take the lasagna over to Bob and Ethel’s so that it can be cooked at the time they wanted. We also talked about getting laundry finished. I started the washing machine and then left for Bob and Ethel’s.

When I got there the streets were being staked out by the various neighbors and Bob was talking with some friends. I chatted with his friends and then headed for my car. I met up with Diane who had two legged friends along with two 4 legged friends named Connor and NICO. One was a shiatsu and the other a long hair Mexican dog.

When I came back I stopped by Sylvia’s and encouraged her to come and to bring Boppie. I told her Mom was really hoping she would come. I headed to the house.

Mom was still in her pajamas and about to do some cleaning up chores and shower. She wanted me to iron my clothes which I did.

July 2, 2005

It was a beautiful morning. I got up around 8 and started some laundry. Mom was already downstairs reading the paper she had been up a while herself.

Mom reminded me that we needed more of Costco’s laundry detergent and the container is too heavy for her to pick up. I told her I would go with her then.

Around 10 read some journal entries at mydeardiary.com. Everyone seems to be doing well. Kellie is adjusting to civilian life pretty well. My other friends there are doing okay.

I was really tired and wanted to lie down again but I knew I had things to do. I took a bath and got into some jeans and checked the laundry again.

WE got back from the store around 1. The hour previously to that we went to Costco and did fine except for the few times that Mom was short with me. I don’t like it when she does that. “Don’t go so fast”. I am going about the same speed you are so. “I wouldn’t have said it if it weren’t true”. BS. Your rudeness will not be tolerated. I told her not to talk to me that way.

I brought up the discussion about getting there on time. I don’t like not getting there when it starts. Mom doesn’t like being the first one there. The only time we should ever be late is if we are coming from work or a previous engagement.

Well it has been several hours now ands things worked out pretty well. Despite the fact we ended up getting lost. We got there at three. When we got there Nelson was there but Liz would be coming later. We started with chips, Buffalo wings and stuffed breads.

The main course was everything you could think of. In a nutshell I ate everything. We stayed until 6 and got home around 7.

Before coming inside I went over to say hello to Shannon. They were getting ready to leave for Block Island. Sean wanted to leave tomorrow. I took Shannon aside and made her promise to behave while there and to have a good time. Whether or not that worked (I am pretty sure it won’t) is a different story.

Donny shot off some fireworks and they were cool. I can’t tell if he is still doing it but I can hear them off in the distance. I guess he will do them later or tomorrow.

Mom is downstairs watching TV. Actually I believe she is sleeping she was when I looked last.

I chatted with High guard tonight. He is back in TN with his father for the summer. He tells me the move went well and he loves the town and the house he lives in.

Well I am going to bed. I am starting to fall asleep here.

July 1, 2005

I woke up late this morning and hopped into the shower and then got dressed. I really wanted to stay in bed this morning but I knew I couldn’t. I still had work to do at the office and wanted it out before the weekend started. I am hoping today’s volume of the mail is light. IF that is the case I can get to start on the Bad Addresses and the bulk mail.

The day progressed nicely. I was doing my work but unable to get to the bulk mail and bad addresses. I managed to sort and deliver Tuesday-Thursday’s mail this morning but still have today’s to sort and deliver. I can do that on Tuesday.

I finally got to the lobby mailbox and it was completely packed. I spent the last part of the day sorting through that and readdressing some of it and putting the rest into envelopes for those on the floor. I didn’t leave until 4:30. Before I left Ann complimented me on how much she missed me and how well I do my job.

As I got on the elevator I could hear a door opening, it was Marianne. I held the door for her and she thanked me. We chatted on the way down. The chatting consisted of the week being long. I later worried that I may have said something stupid (Marianne is the Executive Director of the department so you can see my dilemma).

The walk to the Garage was nice. The sun was out and it was cool. Traffic was certainly getting heavy. I got on the elevator and went to where I parked the car. The area was quite empty. I got into the car and headed down to the exit. While I was waiting at the bottom I bumped a car in front of me. I mouthed I am sorry. The A**hole shook his head at me. I was less than pleased. It was clear that the traffic on George Street was getting tedious people were getting on their horns and yelling.

I took my normal route to the highway. The highway was busy and at that moment I wasn’t sure if it was the regular rush hour traffic or both the rush hour traffic and holiday traffic. I really didn’t care as long as I got home. It was nearly five when I got home.

Mom was talking to cousin Del (the lovely lady we paid a visit too last Tuesday in Chester). She had finished the hat she promised Mom. Unfortunately she forgot it was for Jason and not Jamie. They talked for a little while longer and I looked at my mail.

I got a letter from Barbara F from the new pen pal list that Nicola opened up this past week. Barbara is from Kansas. She says she lives outside of Dodge City. It is the same city that was made popular (at least for me) in the TV show Gunsmoke. She was saying that in August they have Dodge City Days (a festival of sorts) and she agreed to make jewelry.

Barbara also told me she has a 2-year old Golden Lab. She got the girl from the Humane Society and she helps Barbara with loneliness while her husband is on the road during the week and is a horse herder.

I have to read more of the letter later but that’s just some of what she told me. I have e set up her file and added her name to some of the lists. I am pretty sure there is more to do but I can do that over the weekend.

Mom tells me that Bob asked her to make a dish of lasagna for the picnic on Sunday. She decided to make the three cheese lasagna and said she would go to the store. I asked her if she wanted me to come along. She said at first it was up to me and then no I could stay home. I was grateful for that because I was starting to feel tired then.

While she was out shopping for what seemed like an hour I had dinner. It wasn’t anything fancy but it was all I wanted. I had a bowl of cereal. I also had some fruit. I spent some time watching TV. Because of the holiday weekend programming had changed.

I chatted with Marjie from the new pen pal list as well. She was about to have a client come in (she is a babysitter) and they needed to talk. While she did that I watched TV and then helped Mom with the groceries when she came back home.

Mom had gotten only a few things from Stop and Shop. She had forgotten the list so she couldn’t get everything she wanted. I emptied out the trunk and also chatted with Sylvia.

Sylvia was watering the flowers and garden. Boppie was inside. I told her I could hear Boppie this morning and she told me the cat from across the street was antagonizing him. I reassured her I wasn’t bothered by it. I was rather pleased because he was my alarm clock.

For the rest of the night I was checking emails, updating my schedule for next week and checking out the forums.

I was very tired and nearly falling asleep in front of the screen. I had the fans at full blast and it felt good. I was hoping the thunderstorms would come through before long but it didn’t look as though it was going to.

June 30, 2005

I can’t believe it has been another two days since I wrote in here. For the last two days I have been busy with work and doing pretty well at catch up. I have done three days worth of opening mail and just have to sort them and deliver them tomorrow. Then I have to start on the bad addresses and then do the bulk mail. There isn’t a lot of bulk mail but I want to keep it under control.

We said goodbye to a few coworkers, and welcomed back a few of them too. Evelyn H is returning from the department and will be sitting next to Thawana. Barbara is taking the two month leave to be participating in the internship with the Union. She promises to come through at least every few days. Sally C came back today after burying her Mom after a long illness. When she walked by I told her I was sorry for her loss and we hugged.

Shirley is off for the next few days so I will be reporting to Ann. Ann was too funny today. She had on a pair of beautiful shoes but couldn’t buckle them. I had to. I did the first time but the second I couldn’t. Both times she had the door closed so no one could see.

I have been trying to reorganized and reassign my lists and forums to the various emails. I think I may have done well. I did have to change my Kevin stuff from the kiwibox address to the Netscape address. I am having a little trouble with the Ex Isle forum but I may just have to leave it where it is.

I heard from Telka today. She sent out emails for baby furniture because an organization called her and asked her if we had any. She also asked us to be watchful for articles regarding the Baby Contest. I asked her for one for Jason and she tried to send it via email attachment but I couldn’t open it. I will have to swing by during the weekend.

Mom got home from the Democratic Meeting a little while ago and told me the Town Chairman asked that she run for Alderman. How cool is that? Of course she will say no. She says she knows what her limitations are. She thinks she could do that Alderman part but the campaigning and stuff no.

Liz has been putting the finishing touches on the family reunion organization. She sent out the final email last night with the directions, address, phone numbers and stuff like that for the reunion.

I think I am making progress with the reorganizing the pen pal stuff. I deleted the “Potential Pen Pal file” from the file and will only have the actual pen pals there. I do have a “PPP” Folder on the yahoo site. I am constantly adding new addresses to the address book and will be looking through them when I finish the letters. I think I will be able to do it this weekend.

Last night I downloaded the Yahoo IM program. I have to say I really like it. I was afraid it would conflict with the MSN IM program and cause my computer to crash but it hasn’t yet. Well I am really tired and I need to get to bed. I want to get to work early so I can start early on the bad addresses. I am hoping to be home by 4:30 Tomorrow so I can work on the pen pal lette