GOOD NEWS!!!!

Five. Years. Cancer. Free!

Yep, I did it! I can't believe it! What a milestone!!!!!

Yea me!!!!

Why Did the Tornado Cross the Road?

To get to the other side!

This was the scene near my mom's house on Saturday. I don't know who was more scared me or her. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Twofer :)

<

I hate June. Why?? Because it seems like everything happens in one month so that everyone can go on vacation in July and August. We had Cub Scout camp out, preschool graduation, Nephew 8th grade graduation, Niece 8th grade graduation, Football, Baseball, TBall, Irish Dance WHEW I am tired from typing it all.

I am now assigned to the academy. Yes, I will be teaching. Right now I am trying to learn from all the great teachers already assigned there. There are some really good ones. You know they are good when they take a subject that can really put you to sleep and they make it interesting! I am so impressed!

I am still trying to adjust to the 0400 wake up. It's not easy. I do like that there is a kick ass gym at the academy and that I am allowed to work out everyday! Yippeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.

Everything in one post.

My gosh! I feel like the last month has flown by. Every single time I start a post, something calls me away from the computer and I never finish.

Let me go back to meeting Peg! It was CRAZY and wonderful all at the same time. Thank God she is cute and just glossed right over the paperwork to get Moby on his flight. PS Peg, I swear I got a new cartridge for the fax machine. Moby is the cutest dog I have ever seen and Peg really is a SAINT. I picked her up, we went to lunch we took Moby to the Cargo area and I took her back to the airport so she could go home. Had she told me her plans ahead of time I would have just picked Moby up at the airport and dropped him at Jordanian Airlines. But I am glad that I met Peg. Really glad!

DC. Dc was wonderful this year. We had almost perfect weather, wonderful company, and we made the most amazing, meaningful side trip. My trip roomie Terry has a nephew at Walter Reed Medical Center. He lost both of his legs 2 days after Christmas. He has had several surgeries and is rehabbing right now. Terry wanted to go see him. I was afraid for what I would see there but I knew that my friend would need support. We were talking about it at the bar and two of our friends heard us say we were going. They both decided they were going and one was going to play the bagpipes. As we sat out in front of the hotel the next day waiting for Jim to tune his pipes, three other people asked us where we were going. We told them and they joined us. Everyone wore their dress uniform (except me because I was playing photographer) we took the bus there and walked up to the hospital. Nothing could have prepared me for what we saw there. I mean I have been a cop for 16 years now. I have seen dead babies, people hit by trains going 50 mph,people dead for weeks or months, people with their heads blown off, and brains splattered all over the street. I have never been as deeply moved nor will I ever get the images from Walter Reed out of my head. EVER. We marched to the ward where Terry's nephew was. We marched in to a promotional ceremony (by request) we marched in the cafeteria and most importantly we marched into the orto area. There sat before me at least 30 boys, and I say boys because some of them didn't look older than 18 sitting there missing their limbs. Some with no legs, some with one leg and one arm, some with no legs and one arm. Those images are etched into my brain. I will never forget. They all sat crying (along with me) as the bagpipes played several fight songs, God Bless America, and Amazing Grace. It was truly AMAZING. Those boys were so thankful that complete strangers took their time to visit and play the bagpipes. I am assuming they only see family while they are there. As we walked out of the ortho room and stood in the hallway waiting for Terry to say goodbye to her nephew a young boy with two prosthetic legs approached us. We said God Bless You and thank you for your service to him and he stopped dead in his tracks. He said " you guys are the real heroes out there everyday making this country safe." "Thank you!" All of us were teary eyed after that. So as sad as that part of the trip was, it was inspiring! A few photos are attached. When people heard what we did they decided that we would be making a group trip next year. :)

Happy Birthday Baby!

My baby is FIVE!!!! More later

Met a Girl and a Dog!

If I told you all the things that I got done today you wouldn't believe it. LOL
I will post more about meeting Peg when I get back from DC.

Be back Friday!

My Birthday In Pictures!

Happy Birthday to ME!!!!! Happy Birthday to ME!!!

Yeah I know I can't come up with a better song title. Tomorrow is my 40th Birthday! Yes, it's true. I am not sure how I am feeling. It's really just a number and the fact that I survived cancer is really my big accomplishment. :)

I didn't take the day off because honestly, no one cares that I am turning 40. My family does, and my kids are really excited. Me. Just having a reality check. It's the peak in the life line. I am halfway to death. Believe you me, I DO NOT WANT TO LIVE PAST 80. If I do just put me out of my misery. I can't believe that my life is half over. Isn't that sad? Then you start to question, is this where I thought I would be at 40? Ten years ago 40 was OLD to me. Now it's here.

Yep, I am sad. I was excited until today. Now I am sad. Another milestone and my Dad isn't here. I think that is my problem. I do appreciate the people I DO have in my life. I have some great friends, a wonderful family, my health and two beautiful children who I adore and my husband who has stuck by me for 10 years. I am hoping that after tomorrow the crying stops. LOL

I know I am a big dork. But now I am a big OLD dork.

So Happy Birthday to me! At least I have an excuse to skip the diet tomorrow. WOO HOO!!!!

TOO RA LOO RA LOO RAL

Over in Killarney,
Many years ago,
My father sang a song to me
In tones so sweet and low.
Just a simple little ditty,
In his good old Irish way,
And I'd give the world if he could sing
That song to me this day.
Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral,
Too-ra-loo-ra-li,
Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral,
Hush, now don't you cry!
Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral,
Too-ra-loo-ra-li,
Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral,
That's an Irish lullaby.



Yes it's St. Patrick's Day. The day my Daddy said he would come back and visit. Can I just say I haven't slept a St. Patrick's Day since he died. Kind of freaks me out that he said that. LOL. The kids were in the St. Patrick's Day parade on Saturday on the Trinity Irish Dance float. They had a great time even though the weather was a bit chilly. By the end of the day they were WIPED out. Me too.

Hope everyone has a wonderful St. Patrick's Day!!!!

When Irish Eyes are Smiling!!!! :)

Irish Dance. I think Jack's photo is blurry but there is pretty good video. If you don't see MY videos in the sidebar could someone let me know. When I look at my own blog, I see someone elses videos sometimes WEIRD.

Busy at the OB house. Irish Dance, Basketball, Tae Kwan Do. Congrats to Jack on his yellow belt. I have no time to write lately.

Work is great. Fell on the ice two weeks ago so I am off until Wednesday. Still hurts like a bitch but I am not one to milk being on the medical. I once really needed it and won't ever abuse it.

We have a new Superintendent. So far I like him. He launched a few bosses, one which I laughed about because that boss was an idiot. LOL I am not mentioning any names because I don't need the payback.

I will update soon. I am too tired to continue. Was up past midnight last night. OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH LOL. I know but I NEVER AM. Was up at 0600 on my own.

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

McKenna at her Christmas Party. Jack at his Christmas Concert

They are what Christmas is for me. This year I am not into Christmas at all. I only went shopping a few days ago. I can't seem to get myself into the season. I know what Christmas means. I am trying to force myself to celebrate. It's just not working and today is Christmas. I am out of time. LOL

The kids went to bed without a peep last night. Knowing that the earlier they went, the sooner Santa would arrive. I told my good friend yesterday that I love that they believe in Santa.

So today for Christmas I got............The Stomach Flu. Yippeeeeeeeeeeeeee it's what I really wanted and hoped for. I have been up since 0400 waiting for the bodily fluid festivities to begin. You know how your stomach sounds like a monster is in there all pissed off? Well that's the phase I am still in. Any minute now things will kick off with what I am sure will be a wonderful day. It's not bad enough that I had a cold for my mom's Christmas party and nothing tasted the same. Now today, I might not be able to enjoy the day at all. :(

I often tell people my life is like Murphy's Law. Whatever can go wrong will go wrong. LOL. I swear I always hope for better. But when the bad stuff happens. I can't say it's unexpected. At least I can laugh through it. I have NEVER lost my sense of humor. Even with cancer. That is what I am most proud of.

So Merry Christmas to all you readers,hope Santa left you something under the tree. Happy Holidays to those who celebrate something else. I can't wait to hear of all the great gifts that people got. I can't wait to see photos of the kids and their loot.

Love to all! Merry Christmas!

You Get the Best of Both Worlds

See the video bar up at the top because the stupid thing wouldn't load here.

I'm Free

Don't be afraid of your freedom
Freedom

I'm free to do what I want any old time
I said I'm free to do what I want any old time

I say love me, hold me
Love me, hold me
'Cause I'm free to do what I want any old time
And I'm free to be who I choose any old time

I say love me, hold me
Love me, hold me
'Cause I'm free to do what I want
To be what I want any old time
And I'm free to be who I choose
To get my booze any old time


LOL. I am back to my song posts.

I am happy, sad, nervous, excited, heartbroken all in one body.

I have worked out of the same station for 8 years. Made many friends. Laughed my ass off. Lost some friends there to cancer, suicide, old age, etc. I will miss everyone. Well, ok not the boss. Karma, he will get what he deserves someday.

So tomorrow is my first day. I know three people in the District. But I work by myself so I have to figure out where I am going on my own.

I am looking foward to a new beginning!!!!!

Cheers everyone. Things are looking up!

4-27

Nothing musical about that. It's what time I got my ass out of bed today. I woke up at 0400 but tried to go back to sleep. I only mention it because it's freaky that when I am usually looking at the clock at home, or work it's 427. Am or Pm doesn't matter. It's my birthday and I always find it strange that 99% of the time I look at the clock it's 427.

So I bid out of my district. I didn't want to do it. I love my 5 minute commute in rush hour but I hate my boss. 15 months until he retires and being on vacation made me realize how much I can't stand to be around him. Not another year. Can't do it.
I start my new district on December 6th. I am really nervous because it's really like starting a new job all over again. At least I know what I am doing. LOL. After 16 years I guess I should. I know I am pretty easy to get along with, so I am looking forward to making new friends. Hope I don't get lost. :)

Yesterday we got together with the family for a wonderful day of playing at Odyssey world in Naperville. We had a great time playing, had pizza, celebrated all the nieces and nephews and cousins Birthdays with cake. My Aunt and Uncle come in for Thankgiving every year and this gives them a chance to see everyone, play with them, and have a great time. I look forward to it all month long. Yesterday Litte Miss Trouble (how fitting that she was wearing a shirt that says Here Comes Trouble) climbed up on the frog hopper ride, and fell off. Not while it was moving, just while everyone was being seated. She complained of pain and asked for her Mommy. I was chatting with my SIL and Uncle in the party room so my hubby brought her to me. She put ice on her "wrist" for over an hour. McKenna is not an ice pack girl. She cries when she gets hurt, puts ice on it for a few minutes and then is off an running again. When she kept the ice on it for so long, I knew it was hurt. We left early (sorry everyone) dropped Tim and Jack at home and off to the ER we went. Luckily I know people there. Going there for work a few times a week pays off when the waiting room is filled with 75 people. There were people in the halls, people stuffed in the triage area, and people waiting outside. It was CRAZY. But for us. 1.5 hours from start to finish. Results: Broken elbow. Poor girl thought it was her wrist. Referred pain. So she has a half cast and a sling. She is currently snoring next to her father. I however was up 100 times overnight to check her and make sure she wasn't sleeping on it. She is usually a roll every 20 minutes sleeper but overnight she didn't move at all. Until 0400. Which is why I am here now. Once I am up, thats all. I am up. :( I am tired already so know I will be taking a nap this afternoon. I have to call the ped this morning and get their referral for an ortho. They have me one at the hospital but I really love my ped and trust their judgement. Guess I will have to run and get the films from the hospital.
So I have tried to attach a photo. It's been awhile but I think I still know what I am doing. :)

Hope everyone is well and had a great Thanksgiving. I didn't take a moment and review everything I am thankful for that day. Being a cancer survivor you do that every single day for the rest of your life. Every single day!

Breath In, Breathe Out, Move On

According to my watch the time is now
Past is dead and gone
Don't try to shake it just nod your head
Breathe In, Breathe Out, Move On

Don't try to shake it just bow your head
Breathe In, Breathe Out, Move On

I am so happy to be on vacation. Only 3.5 weeks but it's nice to get away from the boss. I know I have to stop letting him get under my skin but he does. Only 15 months to go and he's GONE!!!!

I am getting so much done around the house I am making myself very tired. The kids are in school all day so I have to do something to keep myself busy.

I went to Waupaca Wisconsin overnight on Saturday and I have to say it's a great little town. My friends and I went to a benefit for my other friends nephew. A great time was had by all. :)

We stopped several times on the way home to look for Wii's, and we were successful thank God.

Tomorrow I am going to a craft show. Just something meaningless to pass some time. Yippeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee. I won't buy a thing but I love to look.

We bid for straight watches at the end of the month and I should have enough time to get days all on my own. HA HA HA HA HA.

Christmas is coming and I am not in the mood this year. I don't know why. Bah Humbug! Maybe after Thanksgiving I will get in the spirit a little bit.

I have been Tagged!

The rules:
1. Link to your tagger and post these rules.
2. Share 7 facts about yourself: some random, some weird.
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post and list their names (linking to them).
4. Let them know they've been tagged by leaving a comment at their blogs.

7 Random Facts

1. I don't eat seafood. None. Hate it. Now before you lecture me I was in Boston and Maine for a family reunion and tried it all. Don't like it on the East Coast, won't like it anywhere.

2. I am a little shy walking into a room full of strangers. The old skinny me never cared what I looked like or who I knew. Now I am a little shy until I talk to a few people.

3. I come from a Police Family. Brother, Uncle, Aunt, Father. Yep, all stupid like me and took this thankless job that they don't pay me enough to do.

4. I don't have a middle name. Don't know why. LOL. Just don't.

5. My feet changed when I was pregnant. My shoe collection. Gone. Nothing fits.

6. I am a jewelry whore. Not now, but I worked for a Jewelry CO before I got on the job, I have more than anyone should ever own in their lifetime.

7. I am pretty lonely. While I have lots of friends and family. No one is really close geographically. The ones that are, are at different stages in their lives. Not married, no kids, kids way younger than me. Etc. It's pretty hard to find someone to hang out with since all my childhood and school friends are at the opposite end of the city at least 30 miles. In Chicago travel time that could be 40 minutes or 2 hours. Depends on the day and time. LOL My hubby works the opposite shift and I am alone all day in a squad car and then I am alone every night at home. Besides the kids I mean. How does one advertise for new friends at 39 and not come off as a total LOSER. LOL


Who I am tagging.

I don't know how to link them. I am a dork.

Martini - she is a newlywed and might not have the time to respond. WINK WINK


Alaine - because she is funny as heck and will play!



Steph - because it's her birthday



Radioactivegirl because she is my blog twin


Princess Pink Lady because she ROCKS!!!!

Chelle because I love her!

and Boobless Brigade Master because she inspires me. She also blessed me with one of the most wonderful acts of kindess years ago and I will never ever forget!

Everyday is Halloween!

LOL. Ministry? Anyone remember them? I mean besides me.

Happy Halloween to everyone. I ran around today from 8-4, McKenna's Halloween party at school, Jack's field trip to the Nursing Home to visit. I will keep today's post current and then post a few more later this week.

Someone told me to update my blog already. (Hi Tuesday!) When I looked I couldn't believe it's been that long. Shame on me. :)

The kids have been keeping me busy. Both were in soccer which is over. Hooray! McKenna is in Irish Dance, and they are both starting Tae Kwan Do this week. I have no idea when swimming starts but that is pretty soon too. Whew. I am exhausted thinking about all of that. On top of working, activities, dinner and baths, I run from sun up to sun down every single day except the weekend and sadly when they go to bed, so do I. But it's exciting. I am tired, but not complaining. Still happy to be alive every single day running around like a maniac. Glad that I am not sick. Other than tired. I feel pretty good. Happy in fact. Did I say that?
People who know me personally, wouldn't classify me as happy. I don't think. Funny. Definately. :)

So I am going to add some photos. The kids are great. Doing really well in school. Work.....that still blows. 16 months til my boss is forced to retire. Yes, I am counting the days!!!!!

I promise I will post more. Alot has been happening in 2 whole months!

Happy Birthday Steph!!!! Love you!

Where the heck have I been? LOL

Here but too lazy to blog. LOL. After 3 vacations. None which I could afford. (think tuition) I am back to work and busy as heck.

The kids started school last week. Jack is a big first grader, and McKenna junior K.
Full day all week for both of them. I have yet to enjoy the quiet because they had half days on my days off.

Next week, BOTH DAYS are MINE>>>>>>>ALL MINE>>>>>>> :insert evil laugh: LOL

I miss them when they are gone but look forward to uninterruped showers, tubs, laundry, housecleaning, and going to the bathroom. YIPPPPPPPPPPPPPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
I am excited thinking about all the things I will be getting done without their help. LOL I don't know what to do first.

Anywho......back to reality. I am working 9-5 which really jacks with my body's schedule. I am used to working 7-3 or 8-4 now I am up at 6, work out and get ready for work. I then sit around for almost 2 hours waiting to go to work. I get home at 5:30 check homework, make dinner, do baths and then try to stay awake until my kids fall asleep.

Both kids are playing soccer again this year. So add soccer practice on Thursday and Soccer games on Saturdays. I am going to register McKenna for Irish Dance and that is Tues or Wed. I hope she can stay awake for dinner after practice.

Today we went to Ralph's World at Ravinia, and then to Medievel Times for the 4pm show. The kids had a ball but are really ready for bed now. :) Me too.

Off to tubby land and then to dreamland.

Hope all is well with everyone!

Will add some photos when I get the energy. :)

Yo Ho Ho and a bottle of RUM!

Vacation

Vacation
All I ever wanted
Vacation
Had to get away
Vacation

LOL. It's the GoGo's. But I am happy to report I am now a week away from VACATION. Off to South Haven Michigan for a week, home for Jimmy Buffett and then off again to Lake Ozark. I. Can't. Wait. LOL

The kids are excited too. Jack asked me yesterday when vacation was and I told him only a week away. He just about fell down because he thought it was a long time away. LOL. My mom got him a metal detector to use on the beach so he can't wait to find treasure. (he had a pirate birthday party) Hopefully my little pirate will find something.

I won't be blogging or emailing from Michigan. It's not that kind of vacation. No email, limited cell phone use. Etc. Really getting away from it all. :)

If I don't post before then, everyone have a great week. I know we will.