Lights, Camera, Action - Rudy Rama II

This is Rudy's 3 month photo. He's such a Happy Baby!

RAIN, finally some precipitation

We haven't had measurable precipitation since February and we are in a serious drought being more than 13" below normal (what we were at this time last year). Our lawns are brown and we are watering just enough to keep it alive (our watering is being monitored).
We got some rain blow in about 40 minutes ago and it didn't last long but something is better than nothing.
Forecast is for highs this week 98-101 through the weekend............more drought.

The First Night On My New Mattress Set

As many of you know, we bought a new Stearns & Foster Mattress & Box Spring Set (Siena Collection - Orchestra) earlier this week, it was delivered yesterday and last night was our first night to sleep on it.............the jury is still out. The mattress is so lofty that it's more difficult to even get into/out of the bed, it moves around more (the other mattress was so firm that you could never tell when the other person was moving), but I didn't feel the pressure points of my body and that is positive.
Luckily we have a 60 day return/exchange guarantee (if we use this special mattress cover that we had to buy), so should we not get used to this new mattress, we can find another to replace it (definitely a hassle but worth having a guarantee of comfort).

What has been your experience with a new mattress, was it heavenly your first night or did it take a night or two for your body to decide?

How I'm Spending My Summer

Due to our big trip this fall, we've decided to stay put in Texas this summer. We will undoubtedly make some short weekend travel to see Rudy in Houston, and may make an day or overnight trip to North Padre Island, but otherwise we intend to stay at home and enjoy ourselves. This summer in South Texas is already proving brutal with the heat and drought, then there is the situation with the fuel - I can enjoy myself closer to home this summer.

What are your plans?

Humbled For The 2nd Time This Week

Thank You Friend!
This award has been bestowed on me by my friend, Polly at Random Ramblings As is customary, this award should be passed along to 2-5 different bloggers that deserve this. Passing the torch is so difficult because there are so many deserving bloggers and sites.
I'm going to be stingy this go round and give this award to only 2 people (can I reserve the right to add to this list later).

Today, I would like to give this award to a new blog AZ Blogging and it's author Uncleche. This man appears to have one of the kindest spirits I've ever come across.

Ada at Scramories because of the incredible woman behind this blog. She was taking her finals this week and I'm hoping she did a stellar job (I'm sure that happened :))

New Photo of Rudy

This is him at 15 weeks, aint he gorgeous!!

THE MOMMY AND ME BOUTIQUE: Personality Feature ... Everyone Has A Story ...

This is an interview that Corline at The Mommy and Me Boutique did on me.

THE MOMMY AND ME BOUTIQUE: Personality Feature ... Everyone Has A Story ...

What/Who I Wanted To Be When I Grew Up

I'm going to tell y'all something about me that I don't talk about often.
When I was younger, all the way up until the time I met my husband at 21, I thought I would get out of the Army and become a Cloistered Nun.
I was raised strict Roman Catholic, up until I was about 13, I was in church as much as I was out of it. I could recite Mass in Latin and sing hymns in Latin better than I could in English, I prayed many times daily and found myself praying even while I played.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

Why can't I quit thinking about smoking a cigarette?

Okay, I've been suffering lately wanting a cigarette and I haven't smoked, don't even have a cigarette in the house (thankfully) but I have started taking a half blue Chantix tablet again each morning - it helps. I had some left over when I was weening myself off and I probably have enough for 30 days. I'm hoping I won't need it for that long. I really don't want to smoke, I know I don't need to smoke so why the hell do I think about it all the time? Could it be that I'm feeling more winded than usual lately? Yes I'm going to talk with my PCP about this when I see him in August. In the meantime I'm chewing gum like it's my lifeline, which there is some truth to I guess.

I honestly don't think I'll smoke, no, I know I won't smoke but damn it, I'm tired of wanting one. Does this ever go away?

I Think We've Found Our Bed!!

Well, after more looking this afternoon, I think we've decided on a Stearn & Foster, great price, fantastic bed and a 60 day try out. We're headed back out to this furniture store later tonight to make the purchase, said they can deliver on Friday. This leaves me plenty of time to shop for all the other new bedding - sheets, pillows, and a new down comforter!!! Afterall, who wants to spend this kind of money and make the bed with old bedding :):)

Thanks everyone for your opinions and advice.

What It Was Like To Manage A Mental Health Clinic

As I was doing my EC Drops this morning I came upon a blog where the author was talking about her work in a mental health clinic and I was reminded of the almost 9 years that I worked/managed one, and the reasons I abruptly quit. This was a large outpatient practice with 4 Psychiatrists, 3 Psychologists, and 2 Masters Level Therapists. We saw between 127-148 patients a day, five days a week. The providers in total grossed approximately $3 million a year. I had 6 full time and 1 part time employees. Because of the pace in the office, and the way these "professionals" treated the staff, it was difficult if not down right impossible to keep good employees. Then of course there was the way the patients themselves treated the staff (it's no wonder they are in treatment), and eventually the way the staff treated one another..........mental health or the lack thereof affects everyone in close proximity to the patient.
The problems I had with trying to handle staff and handle providers that had mental health issues of their own, eventually made me feel like I was loosing my own mind. I was working 12-15 hours a day, 7 days a week, taking 3 steps forward and sliding back 4..............I either left with only short notice or risk myself being one of the patients.

The World & The Internet & Blogging

I'm so overwhelmed with the people I have met since I started blogging - absolutely some of the most interesting, phenomenal people on the planet! I'm so amazed with how far some people have come in their quest to fulfill their life's purpose.
The blogosphere is a place, maybe the only place where people from every background can come together and share what they have in common and the differences that make us take notice of one another. We open our eyes and See.

Everyone of you have touched me in ways I cannot even describe. I am a better person for knowing each of you, thank you for walking with me through this period in my life.

Arte y Pico Award

Craft Junkie
has thoughtfully and graciously bestowed an award on my little site. I feel so honored! Thank you so much, you've made my day!

"The "Arte y Pico" award was created and to be given to bloggers who inspire others with their creative energy and their talents, whether it be writing, artwork in all media's. When you receive this award it is considered a "special honor". Once you have received this award, you are to pass it on to at least 5 others."

There are so very many blogs that deserve this award (and maybe they'll end up with them from someone else - here's hoping) and I'm only able to give out five (5).



The Buzz Nutter because I've learned so much from this blog. The atmosphere is upbeat and positive and if you ask a question, you get a response - What a novel approach!!

Random Ramblings because she has a diverse blog and she is kind and loving and has become a friend all the way across the pond.

Roller Blog because this blog takes me back to my younger days and does it with such style and grace. This blog is always reminding me that some part of me will be forever young.

Maggie's Mind because this is where I go daily for my dose of reality in my lifelong quest to stay quit with smoking. Maggie was the first person's blog I read about her quit (she just had her 1 year anniversary) when I was trying so hard in the early days of my own quit. She is my inspiration.

Are We There Yet because she so tirelessly remembers the fallen heros that keep our streets safe. Her blog has a little of everything and she has a lot of heart.

Who Do You See When You Look In The Mirror?

There was a time, (for years in fact) where I don't remember looking into a mirror, it was a stage I guess where I didn't feel like I was attractive enough to look at myself. Actually this has happened to me a number of times since I entered my teenage years (OMG that was a VERY LONG TIME AGO). It was quite possibly fits of depression. There have also been periods of time when I felt sexy, very womanly........hmmmmm, I really enjoy those periods :). I loved being pregnant, I felt sexy (and horny) all the time! Now with the years showing me more maturity, plenty of lines on the face, more grey hair than natural (or colored for that matter), you might think that I'd feel well, old - oh contrar, I feel sexy again instead.
What is it? Could the freedom I feel actually make me feel sexy - yes I think that's a big part of it. It's the same kind of sexy I felt as an older teenager when I could drive, had a job with money in my pocket.........ooooohhh, those were the days!!

Who/what do you see when you look in the mirror?

Starting To Shop For A New Mattress

After almost 17 years with our current mattress, it's time, no, it's past time to purchase a new one. I've known for quite some years that we needed to do this, when I start sleeping like arse every single night and the pressure points keep me awake...........give it up, get a new mattress. I'm drawn to the idea of the temperature-pedic but some reviewers say it's hot - Yuck, I don't like hot. Then there is the Select Comfort Beds, kinda like blow-up beds where you can adjust each side differently, don't know how long those would last without the rubber wearing thin and BOOM one night in the middle of love making - Yikes!!!

On a serious note, I want a king size, not too firm, not to soft, a pillow top that will stay a pillow top.
ANY SUGGESTIONS?
Of course I won't go out and buy solely on your advice but I'd look at the beds you suggest.

And then pillows............like down and medium fill - any good brands come to mind?

What Advice Can You Give To Others?

Something similar was posted on Geek Mom Mashup and I thought it would be a great idea to do something similar.

I'll start this out with 3 examples of Good/Prudent Advice I've given or been given:

You'll learn more about life with your mouth shut

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you

Always take the high road

What piece of advice can you share?

It's Official, the 2008 Pool Season Begins - Cocktails Anyone?

Winston begged to come swimming with me........come on it, the water is fabulous!

You didn't see it because it was sitting on the table but I had a Bloody Mary in a insulated tall boy and we laid in the sun soaking up the rays.

I wasn't bothered by Entrecard not working at all and when I decided after 3 bloody marys and enough sun to leave the pool, Entrecard was again up and working properly.

See what a good cocktail can do for someone :).

The season is just beginning so there will be plenty of time in 100+ degree heat and Deb in the pool.

What's The Problem With ENTRECARD Now?

OMG, everyday it's something different that doesn't work properly and it's frustrating. Ever since the fire, service has been dicey to say the least. I had someone tell me that I was getting too worked up over something I didn't pay for.........PAY FOR? Yes I pay for it with my time and that is worth a great deal of money! People advertise their EC Advert on my blog with points that cost them time or money or both. Don't hand me that lame excuse!
I guess I could find something more productive to do with my time like reading the blogs of people I've come to care about, or do housework, or, or, or BUT I choose to drop Entrecards first thing in the morning with my coffee. I cut cigarettes out of my morning routine and instead drop ECs and now that is being taken away ----------STOP!!
Wow, I really sound like a raving lunatic don't I? I guess the mania is surfacing.
I'll try to calm down, really I will.

****EDIT****

It's 11:45am - is it too early for cocktails at the pool?

Lights, Cameras, Action......Rudy Rama

We are home from Houston.  Our son is all graduated from his Anesthesiology Residency (although he still has until the last day of this month to officially work the residency).

It was our first time staying at The Houstonian and it was very nice!  We made the reservation for a Concierge Level Guest Room and it was worth the extra.  Our room although not large was also not small but was luxuriously appointed.  The bathroom was on the small side but made up for the size with the beautiful amenities and the stellar water pressure.  The bed, oh the bed - I will tell you that it's the most comfortable bed I have ever in my life slept in/on.  In addition to a very plump pillow-top, there were sumptuous linens (at least 800 count), down bedding and very plump down pillows (many).  It was not firm, nor was it too cushiony, it was as baby bear said.....just right.  The Houstonian is not just a hotel but a club, a very high end spa.  It is only 4 floors high and all rooms look out over a forest and a babbling brook (no joke).  The Concierge Lounge was large and well appointed with high end coffees and teas, soft drinks, high end liquour, very generous continental breakfast, along with a cocktail time, and later in the evenings sweets and cordials, then finish off the evening with executive turn down service.

Oh yeah, I got away from the most important aspect of the trip - I got to see Rudy!!!  He's grown so big that I hardly knew him, and he's such a wonderful tempered baby with a constant smile on his face along with coos almost non-stop.

Of course I have pictures.

I feel I am without a doubt the most fortunate and blessed woman on earth.

I'm In A Foul Mood - RAG-RAG-RAG

Okay, I'm feeling real pissy today, nothing is going to make me happy or feel content.

Today was the first day with a new trash pick up system and they screwed the pooch and completely skipped our street so early afternoon we called the city sanitation and they sent out the truck again - oh yeah, this happened with our old trash collection system 2 weeks ago too. The city gave us 2 96 gallon wheeled containers (real nice ones), one for recycling 1x a week and the other for trash, also 1x a week.
Imagine how stinky garbage gets when it's continually 98 degrees, week after week.

Was out running errands and met up with every bad, inconsiderate, butt driver in the city - Yikes!!!!
Do people leave their brains and manners at home when they get behind the wheel of their car? I wish they'd leave their cell phones at home instead, if they aren't talking on the thing, they are texting and not paying attention to traffic. Does anyone care about using directional signals, going to speed limit, they are either driving too fast or too slow. Do they care about people that may be in their blind spot? Does anyone driving give a rats ass that there are other people on the road?????

Then I had to take my baby Winston to his Aunt's house to spend the weekend while we make the trip to see Rudy and his parents as the hotel we need to stay in doesn't allow pets. I don't do well without this dog, he's pure love.

Then of course there are some minor irritations with EC the last couple days. One advert showed on my dashboard while a different one showed on my blog. It bothers me to have EC cheat people like this, someone paid a good amount of credits to have their advert show up on my blog and it never did. I've also had wacko stuff happen with my EC credits, blah-blah-blah. Stinks!!
Or the number of EC drops I'm following only to find a big nothing - How are they screwing with us like that? Or the number of blogs with music I hate or the advertising that talks to me - more like a lecture - TURN THAT CRAP OFF!!!!!

And oh yeah, I've wanted a cigarette all day today (no I didn't smoke).

I think that I need to go take a nice relaxing bath...............

Magazines Subscriptions

Do you or does someone in your household get a magazine subscription?
What magazines do you subscribe to?
Where is your location of choice to read your magazines?
What do you do with your magazines once you've read them?

I get Glamour (which is actually one of the best woman magazines I've ever read), and Lucky (it's okay but the fashions are too young for this older woman and way to pricey - guess I'm cheap at heart). I get my magazines as gifts from my daughter (she says I'm impossible to buy for). My husband gets GQ (Gentleman's Quarterly), and another one that I can't recall the name of.

Our location of choice to read magazines is the bathroom, sitting on our royal throne.

I usually leave the magazines sitting in there for an extra month and then give them to a neighbor that doesn't subscribe to either of those magazines (this is probably the best way to subscribe - neighbors take different magazines and then swap at the end of the month, it's like getting twice as many magazines for the same price), take it to the hair salon we go to.

Look What I Found In Our Trees

I was outside enjoying the birds earlier only to be fortunate to snap these two photos.  I don't know much about birds but the yellow one looks like a parakeet to me, I guess it got away from it's home/cage.

It's been so terribly dry here in San Antonio, we are more than 10" below our normal precipitation levels so we are out filling water for the birds and other creatures a few times a day and also filling the countless bird feeders we have on our property at least every other day.

They repay us with beautiful song.

Where Do You Do Your Computing?

Where do you use your computer?  Do you have more than one?  Do you use a laptop or a desktop?  Mac or Windows PC?  Can you look out a window?  Is the room dark or bright?  Do you start your day on the computer or end your day on the computer?

The main computer I use is an iMac (desktop) and I use it in our bedroom which is actually pretty dark but there is a window right next to where I sit and I'd have a pretty nice view if I'd open the blinds.  I think I'll do that now actually.

Because we're retired, I'm able to spend a great deal of time on my computer.  Normally I get up in the morning get a cup of coffee, chat with my husband (who has been up most of the time for at least an hour already) and head back into our bedroom to sit down at the computer.  I spend way too much time on the computer most days according to my husband.

I have iTunes playing in the background and I love this life of mine!

When we go on trips (it's hard to call it a vacation when you're retired), I take along my MacBook (laptop) and do what I can from where I am.  Of course since our favorite trip is a cruise, I'm not on the internet very much, maybe once or twice a day for 10-15 minutes (time is expensive and slow on a ship).  I'm going to try to post photos and a narrative at least every other day this fall when we're doing a full transit of the Panama Canal.

***EDIT***

Come on EC, give me something I can rely on for fast efficient service/performance!!!

Social Networking Sites

Do you USE any Social Networking Site on a regular basis, meaning - do you actually go to the site and spend time on that site?

I go to Technorati and try my best to add favorites but it's been so darn slow lately that I'm turned off.

I go to Link Referral and review blogs. It gives me a chance to read sites that I haven't been to (and some that I have been to) and bring my input into the blogosphere.

I set up BlogCatalog and MyBlogLog but I have to be honest and say I don't go to the site on a regular basis.

I also set up FuelMyBlog but that too has been so horribly slow that I dread trying to fuel the blogs of people I find and so I've stopped adding them.

Then there is Twitter.....I tried people but I just don't get it and I think it has something to do with my generation and how we communicated.


What other sites are out there that you have found, what's good, what isn't?

Oh yeah, I should probably add that it isn't my ISP (I have corporate level service at home), nor is it my computer as I have 4GB of Ram.

Have a Question for Cat Lovers

A beautiful stray happened upon us 3 years ago during a frigid winter spell and of course I made her a protected bed outside and fed her, needless to say she has stayed a spell and we've fallen in love with her.

Can our Magoo ever be domesticated?  I believe she was at one time because she was never afraid of me or our dog.

Look What Rudy's Gone and Done.....

He's become so bright that he needs shades- hhhaaaaha

It's been a month since we've seen him and this weekend we're going to be in Houston as our son graduates from his residency program and becomes a full fledged Anesthesiologist (4 year of college, 4 years of medical school, 4 years of intern/residency).

Here's another photo without the shades (for anyone that doesn't know, Rudy is my Grandson) and his Mommy (my DIL).

Thanks for allowing me to ooooh and ahhhh.

Turning Down EC Adverts

Have you ever turned down someone wanting to advertise their EC Advert on your blog?

Under what circumstances would you turn them down and then how would you do it, what would you say if anything at all?

Do you check out the blog before you agree to advertise?  Would it matter if that site had loud or offensive music or talk?

Would you judge a person's blog by the advert that's running or do you even pay any attention?

The longer Entrecard is around and the more people in the world that come to participate the more these issues may matter to some people.

What other kind of things concern you about EC?

What Irritates You The Most When You Blog?

MUSIC on a site drives me bananas and for awhile it seemed I had irradiated those blogs from my drop list and then recently I've come upon probably 5 that are playing music.  Why do you think that we want to hear music, that we're in an environment that we can listen to music (that all of a sudden starts fucking blaring), or that we like your style of music? 

Yeee Gads people - Stop with the Music, Please!!!!!!

Another recent irritation I've found is that EC is showing a drop by someone and when I try to reciprocate, there is no EC card on their site or the "site" that isn't there.

ooooooooh, can you tell I'm in a bitchy mood this morning?

At What Point Will The Price Of Fuel.......

Make you change the way you live your daily life?
How will YOUR daily life change?

I don't know for certain where the price of fuel is headed, by Independence Day, by Labor Day, or by the Election but one fact is certain, the price is headed upward of $6-8 per gallon (my thought) by the end of the year. Because fuel costs have a trickle down effect, how expensive will it be to purchase food, to run errands, what jobs will go away or at least what jobs will be negatively impacted? Can you even afford to drive to work or will you take mass transit or perhaps car pool?
What could be cut out or downsized in order to save costs?

We've already made changes in our daily lives by staying holed up at home more of the time. We are fortunate to be retired and not need to make a daily drive to and from work. When we retired we made cut backs in our budget for things that were not necessary, increased deductibles in home and auto insurance, made changes in the way we grocery shopped and cooked, did we really need both a landline and a mobile phone, did we actually watch all those movie channels? We didn't "need" to make all those changes (to the tune of thousands of dollars a year) but we did and then took the monies that saved and socked it away.......luckily we have that to supplement now if needed. We'll travel less than we have in past years (although I'm glad I already bought the airfare for the cruise this fall), and we'll eat at home more often.

After yesterday's prediction of higher fuel costs to come we went out last night and topped off our tanks at $3.99 (premium). Today, premium fuel at the same gas station is $4.09 a gallon with even more escalation expected before the end of the weekend.
OMG!!!!

I've Been Tagged - Six Unspectacular Quirks of Yours

I've been tagged by Patricia at Communication Exchange to tell you about Six (6) Unspectacular Quirks of Mine.

1. Since I quit smoking, I hum all the time without knowing I'm doing it.

2. I don't like hair on my body.

3. I walk VERY Fast.

4. I'm terrible at remembering people's names.

5. I see spirits on a regular basis. (yeah I know it sounds kinda out there but it's all good spirits, people I love that have gone before me, people I admire and respect.  I know they want me to understand that you are never completely gone).

6.  I have 3 cowlicks on my head.



The Rules for this MeMe are as follows:

1. Link the person(s) who tagged you.

2. Mention the rules on your blog.

3. Tell about six unspectacular quirks of yours.

4. Tag six following bloggers by linking them. (I will also email them.)

5. Leave a comment on each of the tagged bloggers' blogs, letting them know they've been tagged.

I'm tagging the following people via my blog since I don't have private emails for them

Maggie at Maggie's Mind (and she's got a great new blog design, go see it)

Lynda at Life Rushes By

Diva at Diva in Da Chantix House

Polly at Random Ramblings

Laura at Zental Floss

Did you watch Swingtown?

I've been waiting for this summer series to begin and tonight I got my first show. I think the initial reason I was so curious was because when I was growing up the Hush-Hush series was Peyton Place. I never got to watch it, we were shuttled off to bed and my folks watched it in a room where the door was locked. Imagine that, imagine what was so risqué in the 60's that people watched it in locked rooms. OMG, can you imagine what our parents would have thought about a series like Swingtown.
I for one thought Swingtown has potential as long as they don't let the kids parts take a main control of the storyline. Loved the music, it was our music, I could sing and dance with every tune played.

Did you watch? What did you think?

Morale Booster Needed for a Fellow Quitter

I was just reading a post from a recent Quitter, Buffy who is having the early "I'm a bitch, stay away from me" part of the withdrawal from smoking. This is the worst time and it helps to get plenty of encouragement so if you have a moment, please stop by her blog and post a morale booster for her.
I could never have made it these almost 262 days (shy by a few hours) had it not been for the support of fellow quitters and bloggers like Maggie, Lynda, or Diva. There were others but they stopped blogging or started smoking again but this group of women have stayed the course and we continue to blog with each other every day.

If you are a quitter or are thinking about quitting, go by and visit these blogs.

I'm not going to be one of those ex-smokers who can do nothing but put smokers down.......I know how much I loved smoking, I know how hard it was to quit but the bottom line is that after 36 years of smoking 1+ packs a day, I was able to quit with the help of the drug Chantix and the help and encouragement of my PCP.

Saved Text Message or Voice Mail

Tell us the story behind one of the text messages, or voice mails you have saved on your phone.

I have saved a voice message from each of my children and my husband so that if anything were to ever happen to them, I will have their voice to listen to forever.

I think it's been HOT long enough

Today will be my first time in the pool this season, the water in the pool is already 90 degrees and it's hit 100 degrees outside already and it's even more hot in the enclosed pool house.  The daily high has been stuck in the upper 90's to 100 degrees now for probably a good 3 weeks.

Yeah, so I know the next question you're just aching to ask.........."When do we get to see Deb in a swim suit?"

You won't get photos out of me, no sirree bob, this 53 year old body just aint what it used to be and a miracle bathing suit isn't enough of a miracle for this old lady!!!

Fuel & Food

I was able to find premium unleaded for $3.99 a gallon, I filled up and then went to the commissary to purchase my food for the month $357.38 (and this includes non-food items like toilet paper, paper towels, paper plates, detergent for dishes, dishwasher, and laundry, ziplock bags, dog food, cat food, dog treats, mouth wash, toothpaste, hmmmm).  I will purchase about $70 more during the month of fresh fruit and vegetables as needed.

Although a few items went up in price, most actually came down, coffee sure did, but most stayed the same - not too shabby actually!!

Just a few examples:

My folgers black silk coffee in the large can went for $8.99 a month ago and was at $6.99 today (bought 3 of those suckers), the large bottle of coffee mate in flavors went for $3.00 and I believe a month ago it was close to $3.39.  Large loaf of bread $1.25, dozen brown eggs $2.39.

I "try" to feed us both on $5-8 per day (not to include snack foods or non-food items) and do a pretty decent job at that but then again I've always been good at making my cooking dollar stretch!!

What's YOUR Japanese Name?

I've been tagged by Chilly at On The Bricks to pass along the Japanese Name Chart below:



My name is tekutushika (Debra)
My blog name rinkarinka lutamo (Mama Flo)


Of course I'm going to tag the following 3 people:
Maggie
Polly
Laura