maddiec24

A new beginning

maddiec24@yahoo.com — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 03:56:50 GMT

I know, it's been a while. I changed my journal, the title and layout. It feels like I'm starting over, it's been such a long time since I did a real post.

It's been a hell of a year, and I don't mean that in a good way. After all the other crap that happened this year, losing Helen completely gutted me. It was such a shock, and such an unbelievable loss. She was always upbeat and ready to cheer up a friend - - I can't tell you how many times she's done that for me. She was the first person to call me after Mom died. She was one of my very first online friends, when I first got into the XF fandom. Helen was simply one of the best people I've ever known.

I don't know where to start as far as updating. J and I are doing good. J's mom is doing chemo again and is doing pretty good. His dad may have prostate cancer - - they're still doing tests.

I still like my job. I've had two excellent evaluations, 2 bonuses and 2 raises(one of them coming up soon, on my first anniversary there). My hours are a bit erratic - - a couple of 32 hour weeks, then a 24 hour week, then 19, then back up to 32. More recently, because someone from our department transferred out. As much as I need the hours, it's been kicking my ass! One of the assistant managers, Laura, my favorite, still wants me to be a department manager, but for now I'm happy doing what I'm doing, getting used to working again. Also, I don't need the stress for the small raise I'd be getting. This has always been my problem - - I have no ambition whatsoever.

The horror story with our car continues. Since May, Larry, Darryl and Darryl(my name for the redneck mechanics who will *not* fix the car right) have had the car more than we have. Every time we get it back, usually after 3-4 weeks of lies from them, the check engine light still comes on, they say it's just a glitch, then J drives it until the transmission messes up so much he can't, then it's back to them. I know they're just trying to wait until the warranty they gave is up, and it's *so* frustrating.

Despite me being back at work, and the raises I've gotten, I don't think we're ever going to get completely caught back up and able to start saving money again. We *are* finally getting the house loan in our name, provided my brother signs over his part like he said he would. Tracey, my guardian angel at the bank, has already gotten the loan approved, despite our now sucky credit, and even got our payment lowered.

I'm ready for this year to be over, and as always, I'm hoping next year will be better. For all of us - - so many friends here have lost loved ones and friends this year.

Not to mention the sheer number of celebrities we've lost this year as well - - Patrick Swayze just today.I have so many fond memories of The Outsiders, Dirty Dancing(especially DD) and Road House.

Apologies and thank yous

maddiec24@yahoo.com — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 01:33:41 GMT

A big apology to dustandroses - - I missed your birthday and I'm so sorry!

And a bunch of very late holiday thank-yous - - it's been a rough and eventful week and a half here and I'm just getting caught up.

Holiday card thanks to: nehalenia and betagoddess - - thanks for your lovely cards!

Thanks to odogoddess and chazpure for the e-card.

Thanks to mrs_sweetpeach, my much-loved partner-in-crime, for the hand-drawn holiday wishes, yummy Belgian chocolates, caramel wafers(J laughed when I showed him how many!), cds, and J and I both thank you for the Jayne hats(as soon as he feels better,there will be pix).

Thank you to aswanargent for my pink bracelet! I love it!

lorelei633, your card wasn't in the mail when we checked on Christmas Eve. We'll be going back to Rhine sometime this week, and I'll check again.

rosybug, did you get a card from me? I'm very afraid I sent it to the wrong address.

I had the cold from hell(got it from J's dad at Christmas, and was sick from Christmas until, well, *now*, I still have the cough). I was scheduled to work one day last week - - Wednesday, which I managed - - Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, I was pretty much in bed. I gave it to J, who went back to work today after 2 weeks off, though he was miserable. The day before Christmas at Wal Mart was crazy, but not as crazy, it turns out, as the day after. That was *insane*.

The grownups skipped exchanging presents this year, and we just bought for the kids. Which we may rethink next time, for Elizabeth and Eve anyway. J's mom and dad bought them clothes, which they needed, and we gave them both clothes as well as a couple of other gifts. Their parents gave them clothes, a dvd each, a Disney Princess bath toy each, a set of Polly Pockets(Elizabeth), a set of those homely big headed pets(Eve), a Hannah Montana guitar(Elizabeth) and one of those lifelike dolls that cries and pees(Eve). Every time they started to open clothes, when they saw what it was, they threw it to the side. All Elizabeth was concerned with was the Hannah Montana guitar, and Eve the doll. That's not counting the Santa gifts on Christmas morning. Or the things Larae brings home nearly every day(I call them guilt presents - - since she rarely sees them, she gives them gifts to make up for it). Don't get me wrong, I remember how it was when I was a kid - - I hated getting clothes, too, and wanted the good stuff - - but Mom always told me, on Christmas and birthdays, whether it was clothes or a toy, always say thank you and at least pretend to be happy about it. It's just that the girls get *so* much, they don't seem to appreciate it.

J and I sort of exchanged gifts - - he got the latest season of Dragon Ball dvds, and I got the sound therapy nightlight I've wanted but was too cheap to buy(I can fall asleep to the sound of rain *anytime now!).

And we got bad news on Christmas Eve and New Year's Day. We found out on Christmas Eve that J's mom's surgery was cancelled - - in the pre-op testing, they found blood in her urine, which we were hoping was from a kidney stone. She had a CT sca the Friday after Christmas, and we found out on New Year's Day, there is a growth/tumor on her bladder. They're doing a biopsy, and I'm terrified of the results. Can't deal with it. No way.

I'm off work until Saturday, and intend to spend my week doing fun stuff. My BFF Jan and I are supposed to get together for Chinese this week if she feels better(she has a variation of the cold I had). Today I got laundry and cleaning out of the way. And I also made the dip I planned to make on New Year's - - cream cheese, cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped ham, onion, green pepper, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, etc, baked in a hollowed out loaf of bread. I've been craving it for weeks. Tomorrow I'm making broccoli-raisin salad. I'm also planing to make some flower arrangements for the cemetery, for Mom, Ben and Daddy's graves. I'm planning to use small stone-look vases from Wal Mart, and either roses or some pretty spring flowers.

I also plan to get caught up on reading slash - - I have tons of links saved, as well as the Nick Lea 2008 Christmas Zine - - I've only read one story, the very lovely I'll Be Home for Christmas by redblack32 and wolfens - - but I can't wait to get to the others. And I'm ecstatic that mrs_sweetpeach and I have a story in it!

I have seen the entire first season of Supernatural and I'm more in love with Dean than ever. And John. I have a serious JDM crush.

Not saying much about the new Doctor yet. I wasn't sure about David Tennant and he turned out to be my favorite. New Guy does have some big Converse to fill, though. BTW, will the next Doctor be a pre-teen? They seem to be getting younger.

If I forgot anyone in the thank-yous, in this post or previously, please bring it my attention.

It's a week until Christmas! EEK!

maddiec24@yahoo.com — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 04:11:36 GMT

I still haven't done any decorating, although I did, finally, buy some gifts. And even wrapped them today. In between going to stir my sugared pecans every 10 minutes. I made 4 lbs today, to give as gifts. I'm doing fudge, too, when I have another day off(which will be Monday).

Holiday movie rundown: I've watched Love Actually, A Charlie Brown Christmas, the Stephen Colbert Christmas Special, A Christmas Story, and How the Grinch Stole Christmas(the Boris Karloff cartoon version -- as if there is any other). I still need to watch A Muppet Christmas Carol and It's a Wonderful Life.

I was going to keep it a secret, but I can't. mrs_sweetpeach and I managed a story for the Nick Lea zine! Part of it had languished on my hard drive for years. I would open it and write a couple of words around Christmas every year, but it never really took off. This year, I was inspired, and mrs_sweetpeach got hold of it and worked her magic, and wallah, a story! It's a huge thrill to write with her again.

In TV news, I'm watching the original Law and Order again. SVU has become virtually unwatchable, and I recorded the ep Katee Sackoff was on a few weeks ago. It's sort of like watching an all new show. Aside from McCoy and Van Buren, I was unfamiliar with the rest of the cast. I really like Lupo, and Cutter. I even saw some slash in the hotel room scene! Cutter reminds me a lot of McCoy when he first started. And it seems like McCoy feels the same way, judging by his attitude toward Cutter. I'm meh about the chick, and I like Anthony Anderson's character well enough. I have to wonder, having seen last night's ep, if the writers are Firely fans.

I also fell under the spell of Twilight, which J and I call, variously, "the baby vampire movie"(me) or "Transylvania 90210"(J). One day, a little while before the movie came out, I forgot to bring a book to work to read at lunch and break, so I bought a copy of Twilight. And it didn't hurt(help?)that the poster display I passed going back to the pharmacy was always turned to the Robert Pattinson Twilight poster. He does make a pretty vampire. The book reads sort of like fanfic, and is unrealistic(and I don't mean the vampire stuff - - a whole town full of kids who don't drink, smoke, or have sex? Come on), but, overall, fun. And it pains me to admit it, but I bought a copy of the poster.

I'm getting caught up on Supernatural, via Netflix. I'm in the middle of the first season, and I had a weird deja vu moment during the "Bugs" ep. I kept thinking the kid looked so much like a young Nick Lea, and when they got to the scene in the woods, I was like, duh, someone on my flist posted that scene and pointed out that very thing. And I'm sorry, I've forgotten who it was now.

I was amazed to find, in watching the new fall shows, I couldn't get into Fringe at all, but I *love* Sons of Anarchy. Especially Chibs(Tommy Flanagan, see my lovely icon). I adore his Scottish accent, and I think his scars are very sexy. And they're real - - he was attacked years ago and given a "Glasgow Grin", I believe it's called. I'm missing SoA since the season ended. I love Katey Sagal in it, and even managed to tolerate Ron Perlman without makeup!

I know all the hoopla is over, but I had the worst virus on election day and didn't get to squee then. When J came through the bedroom and told me Obama was winning, I *had* to get up. For the first time in... ever, I guess, I watched the election coverage - - also McCain's concession speech, and Obama's speech. And cried during Obama's. This is the first election in years that I've been excited about and was proud to have voted in.

The Prop 8 thing brought me down, but hopefully that will be rectified. Did everyone see Jon Stewart debate gay marriage with that homophobic asshole Mike Huckabee(and hand his ass to him)? I love Jon Stewart so much.

I gotta get to bed, have to work tomorrow. Love you guys!

A few quick thank yous and Christmas quizzes

maddiec24@yahoo.com — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 15:17:26 GMT

Big hugs and thank yous to pride_of_erin, cruisedirector, lilyeyes, and jackiesjunkie for the beautiful Christmas cards!

Mine went out late last week, which is later than usual for me. And no pix this year, which is also unusual. We kept saying we were going to do a picture and never got around to it.

And, Christmas quizzes from pride_of_erin. Some of these are ironic, considering I haven't put up a tree or even a single decoration this year. That hasn't happened in... ever.

You Are a Bright Christmas Tree

For you, the holidays are all about fun and seasonal favorites.

You are into all things Christmas, even if they're a little tacky.

What Christmas Tree Are You?

You Are Socks!

Cozy and warm... but easily lost.

You make a good puppet.

What Crappy Christmas Gift Are You?

You Should Have a Pink Christmas Tree

For you, the holidays represent a time of friendship and sharing.

You're happy as long as you're spending time with the people you care about.

You are passionate about the holidays, and that start of the holiday season makes you very excited.

You sometimes go a bit overboard in your celebrations. You just can't help it!

Passionate, easily excited, sweet, giving, love, friendship, sensitive, caring

Your pink tree would look great with: More pink!

You should spend Christmas Eve watching: The Muppet Christmas Carol

What you should bake for Santa: Rice krispie treats with red and green food coloring

What Color Christmas Tree Should You Have?

Your Christmas Stocking Will Be Filled With Little Wrapped Presents

You've made Santa a very happy fellow this year.

Don't worry - what happens at the North Pole stays at the North Pole!

What Will Be In Your Christmas Stocking?

You Are the Furthest Thing From A Grinch

You love and live for the holidays. You even love the Grinch!

You're in the holiday spirit year round... because you're all about celebrating and giving.

Are You a Grinch?

You Are a Tree

You love every part of the holidays, down to the candy canes and stockings. And you're goofy enough to put a Christmas tree ornament on your tree!

What Christmas Ornament Are You?

Happy Thanksgiving!

maddiec24@yahoo.com — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 02:09:52 GMT

Just popping in for a second to say Happy Thanksgiving to all my friends and tell you how thankful I am for all of you!

I have to work a few hours in the morning(and, more frightening - - during the Black Friday sale), then we'll be going to J's mom and dad's for dinner tomorrow night. I made pumpkin pie, creamy lemon pie, potato salad, devilled eggs, and I'm doing a green bean casserole when I get home tomorrow.

Love you all! I read, even if I don't write or comment.

Because everyone else did it

maddiec24@yahoo.com — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 02:04:43 GMT

The Controversial Survey:

1. Do you have the guts to answer these questions and re-post as The Controversial Survey?

Of course!

2. Would you do meth if it was legal?

No no no!

3. Abortion: for or against it?

I'm pro choice.

4. Do you think the world would fail with a female president?

It depends on the woman. If it's Sarah Palin - - I'm very afraid it would.

5. Do you believe in the death penalty?

No.

6. Do you wish marijuana would be legalised already?

Yes. It should be in the same category as cigarettes.

7. Are you for or against premarital sex?

As long as the person is of age, it should be up to the individual.

8. Do you believe in God?

Yes.

9. Do you think same sex marriage should be legalised?

Why is this even a question? Of course it should be legal.

10. Do you think it's wrong that so many Hispanics are illegally moving to the USA?

I don't think there's anything wrong with people coming here. Most do it to have a better life, and if it wasn't so expensive to do it legally, there wouldn't be so many illegal immigrants.

11. A twelve year old girl has a baby, should she keep it?

That's a decision for the family to make. I think most 12-year-olds aren't mature enough to, but if she has a lot of support from her family, it's possible.

12. Should the alcohol age be lowered to eighteen?

No.

13. Should the war in Iraq be called off? What do you think will happen when all the troops pull out and leave a power vacuum? Do you think that will serve the interests of the US (or, for that matter, the UK)?

Yes, we should've been out of there ages ago.

14. Assisted suicide is illegal. Do you agree that it should be?

That's a tough one for me. I couldn't do it.

15. Do you believe in spanking your children?

I don't have kids. I can say that I don't spank my nieces. I was spanked as a child and didn't turn out all warped(well, not much).

16. Would you burn an American flag for a million dollars?

Ugh. Another tough one. I'm not nearly as patriotic as I once was. It would depend on how badly I needed the money.

17. Who do you think would make a better president?

Obama.

18. Are you afraid others will judge you from reading some of your answers?

Judge - - probably not. Disagree - - maybe, but that's fine.

Preaching to the choir

maddiec24@yahoo.com — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 01:47:33 GMT

Copy this sentence into your livejournal if you're in a non-same-sex marriage, and you don't want it "protected" by the bigots who think that gay marriage hurts it somehow.

Business as usual here

maddiec24@yahoo.com — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 21:38:07 GMT

Meaning, another series of ups and downs.

When I last posted, I was waiting for Wal Mart to call. They never did.

Meantime, a week ago yesterday, on Sunday the 5th, J's sister Larae called at 10pm to tell us they thought his mom had a stroke - - her right arm was numb. We rushed over to the hospital(in Hawkinsville, because they had called her oncologist, who works over there). It took us until well after 11 to get there, and when we did, J's dad had left already, and they had given his mom an Ambien and she was just barely conscious. We did find out that the numbness had started early Sunday morning, but they didn't call us to tell us or ask us to keep the kids, *or* call Larae and tell her to come keep the kids so they could go on to the hospital. They waited until Larae got home at 5 to go to the hospital. That is also when Larae was supposed to have called us, not at 10 that night. We stayed a few minutes, then came back home.

They did tests - - MRIs, heart, blood - - on Monday, and found 3 spots on her brain, which I was terrified were tumors. It turns out she had 3 mini strokes, the last of which caused the numbness. They don't know when the first two happened, and can't find anything they affected. She came home on Tuesday, and as of yet, they have no idea what exactly caused the strokes, but speculated it could be a combination of chemo, stress and maybe her hormone pills. She's gotten quite a bit of use back in her arm. They told her she'll never get it all back, but she says she will. We were over there Tuesday afternoon, and she does seem to be doing well.

Meanwhile, back on the job front, Rhonda from personnel(at Husqvarna, where J works, and I used to) told J to tell me to call today(they're closed for inventory this week, but are doing orientation) and find out if I should come in this week for orientation. I got a call back(you always have to leave voice mail, no one ever actually answers their phone there) and they told me it would be at least the 27th before they could get me in orientation. I had already planned on going back, and it would work out well - - no problem with transportation, I would be making more money, and get more hours.

So, I ran to the store for bread and stuff, came back here and fixed lunch, and while J and I were watching last week's Bones, wait for it... Wal Mart called and wants me to come in for orientation tomorrow and Wednesday. So we had to go back to Wal Mart, because I needed the WM uniform of tan pants and a blue shirt, and I'm 41 years old and don't own such a combination.

So now we're back to the problem of transportation - - not this week, since J's off, but later. He called his dad. The same asshole mechanic they always use has had the car over a month(with the transmission warranty running out next month) and is supposed to have been driving the car to see if the transmission is in fact acting up. It turns out that of course he hasn't been, the car's just been setting there all this time. J's dad was going to see about the situation this afternoon.

Anyway, one way or the other, I have a job! I'm undecided about what to do when Husqvarna does call me in. The work at Wal Mart would be easier, but there's no guarantee of hours there, or how long they'll need me. If I get back in at Husqvarna now, I have a good chance of becoming permanent this time before layoff. And J and I could ride to work together. But, the work *is* harder. I'll just have to see how it goes.

Oh, and since last week, I've had the cold from *hell*. I'm finally getting over it.

And we had our family reunion on the 4th. I'll be posting some pix eventually.

I think I got the job!

maddiec24@yahoo.com — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 23:39:14 GMT

Assuming I didn't fail the drug test. *g*

I did the final interview, and now they're waiting on the drug test and background check. It *is* a pharmacy job, part time for now. But it's a job!

I'm sorry about the long ranty post I made the other day. I should be looking on the bright side - - I have a job when a lot of people don't. As for the transportation, we'll just have to work it out. And the heat and air - - I'm still pissed it's messed up, but I've gotten spoiled. When I was growing up, we used a fireplace for heat and fans for cooling. Daddy was very old fashioned.

Is anyone else affected by the gas shortage? We went by Wal Mart last night for gas, and they were out. We'd already gotten a gas card and had to go get our money back and go to Enmark because Wal Mart was out for the second time in a week. That's scary.

You know that saying...

maddiec24@yahoo.com — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 01:14:25 GMT

For every action there's an opposite and equal reaction? That is my life. Especially the past week or so.

On Thursday the 18th, J had his dental appointment, and we just knew he would lose the tooth and the copay would be a lot. Instead, they were able to fill it and the copay was like $14. We were so relieved.

Then we got home and there was the repo notice. You guys know all about that - - it was a scary few days but we came up with the money. Again, relief.

More good news with the Wal Mart job.

Then the house nearly caught fire. Turns out I slandered the squirrels, though. J's dad came over today and went up in the attic to investigate. Bad, bad news.

When Mom and Ben moved in here, there was no AC - - the previous owners had used window units and gas heat. Mom and Ben somehow met this guy who told them that he and his friend had a used central unit that they would install for... I forget, something like $2500. Only, it turned out to be much more, because they kept needing this and that. And it's never worked right - - the vents in the office, back bedroom and sun porch have never heated or cooled right. They didn't insulate around the vents, so when it's humid they sweat. Robbie(and J's dad) said they didn't use nearly enough ductwork, or the right size or type ductwork, didn't run it correctly, or seal the return correctly. Mom and Ben had to have it worked on several times. They kept calling the guy, and he kept promising he would come and do it right. They finally took him to court, or tried to, to get the money to do it correctly. He kept missing court dates(he said he was working out of town). Mom talked to the Magistrate Court guy, who told her they couldn't really do anything - - the cops they couldn't find the guy(which I don't believe - - every drug dealer in town can). They also found out that the guy had gotten tons of supplies from a local home improvement center, on credit, and never paid, and had ripped off other people. And he probably stole the unit he installed here. I found all the paperwork Mom saved from when they took him to court - - the checks they wrote him and everything.

The final bit of bad news on this is that what caused the smoke yesterday was because the guys used wood to frame the heating coil, and the fan stopped working, and the wood nearly caught fire. It could've happened at any time - - the house could've burned down. So, we're faced with trying to repair it, or starting from scratch. We can't afford either right now, so it's a moot point for now. Luckily, the Autumn weather is kicking in, so it's not so hot *or* cold right now. It is, however, very hot when I'm cooking.

And the other bad news. J's mom and dad have been using our car(for when J's mom went for chemo and checkups - - cheaper on gas than their diesel truck). They put it in the shop two weeks ago because the transmission was acting up and wanted it replaced before the warranty goes out in November. Only, the guy's had it two weeks, it won't act up when he's driving, and he can't replace the transmission until he can prove it is the transmission. So, I have a job, but I don't have a way to get to it. We're going to have to try and make do with the truck, or get the car back and risk it breaking down. If we go with the truck, I'll have to take J to work, go to work myself, and then he'll have to wait until I can come and get him. He could conceivably ride with someone from here who works there, except he goes in earlier than everyone else.

And tonight, I sold an Autumn wreath and flower basket arrangement(that I made) on eBay. Not for a lot of money, but *I* made it! So God only knows what will happen tomorrow.

I want to be excited about my job, but with everything else going on, I'm not. I'm just scared and worried and stressed again. It's times like this I wonder what I did to deserve all the bad stuff.

Unwanted excitement here this afternoon

maddiec24@yahoo.com — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 02:29:38 GMT

This afternoon around 5, I went and told J I was going to have a nap, told him to wake me up in an hour or so, and left him playing WoW. The next thing I knew, the smoke alarm was shrieking, and there was smoke in the living room. I jumped up and ran around like crazy trying to see what was on fire. It smelled like burning plastic. Luckily, J had the presence of mind to flip the main breaker. We figured out it was coming from the AC vents. J called his dad, and he and my MIL came and J and his dad turned breakers on one at a time, and since nothing caught fire, they decided it is, indeed, the AC - - either a short circuit or these #%$@&* squirrels have eaten through a wire. It was too dark tonight to do anything about it, so my FIL is coming back tomorrow to see what he can do to fix it. I just stopped shaking.

Good news

maddiec24@yahoo.com — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 20:58:30 GMT

I had two interviews today. The first was with a guy who coincidentally used to work at the same place I did(and he didn't care for it). The second guy I liked much better, and we really seemed to hit it off. He told me I did great. They were going to do my third interview(along with a couple of others who made it that far), but were running behind, so he said they would call us about the third. And he did! Monday morning, and he told me to bring my ID/SS card, and that they would probably go ahead and send me for drug test. I am so relieved and *so* happy. Thanks for the good vibes, they really worked! And it's a pharmacy job, so that will mean no working in the middle of the night(I hope). Even if it is, it's a job! Love you guys!

Happy Birthday to trekkiegrrrl!

maddiec24@yahoo.com — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 08:39:34 GMT

Update and (hopefully)good news

maddiec24@yahoo.com — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 01:30:33 GMT

We managed to make the truck payment and stop the repossession, with J's emergency PC fund, my eBay and mystery shopping, and a loan from my aunt. Still very worried and stressed about the house payments, but, there may be good news.

I got a call from Wal Mart this afternoon to come for an interview tomorrow. It's not here, it's in Vidalia, but only about a half hour away. The pay won't be great and I'm sure the hours will be crazy, but it's a job! Yay! So, everyone, pleasepleaseplease send good vibes my way.

And thanks to everyone for the good thoughts and e-mails after my meltdown the other day. I was a mess - - didn't sleep well for days, and when I finally did, I couldn't seem to stay awake! And as usual, when I'm stressed, I *ache*. My left leg, all the way up to my lower back is bothering me, and I'm hoping that's stress and not any kind of injury. At least, I don't remember doing anything to it.

Love you guys! Maybe I'll have more good news tomorrow!

Not the best way to wake up

maddiec24@yahoo.com — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 10:59:21 GMT

I woke up 5 minutes before the alarm went off this morning. I heard a dog barking, which I thought was in my dream, as I didn't hear it after I got up. Then I heard a noise outside the living room window(coincidentally, the only window in the house that actually opens). I woke J up(and that's the fastest he's *ever* gotten up) and we spent the next 10 minutes hissing at each other about where the flashlight might be(in the office beside J's desk). By that time the noise had stopped. We went out front, and the neighbor's dog was in the yard, so I assume he had found some type of vermin by the window.

It was a little scary at first, though. There have been a lot of burglaries in town, no doubt because of rising gas prices and the bad economy. Just the other day, a guy knocked on the door wanting to sell a bike I'm not really sure was his.

TV

maddiec24@yahoo.com — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 01:58:58 GMT

Did anyone see the Sons of Anarchy premiere? I don't expect it to last, and I don't care at all for Mitch Pileggi's character, but I'll watch a few more eps. I thought I was the only one who had issues with Ron Perlman, but after discussing it last weekend, turns out I'm not. If he's not in makeup, I can't tolerate him. Vincent in Beauty and the Beast? Sure. Hellboy, no problem. No makeup? No way. And I don't normally care for Katey Sagal(sp?), because I only see Peg Bundy when I see her, but in SoA, she is *scary*.

I watched the Raising the Bar pilot, but couldn't stay focussed. I think it was Mark-Paul Gosselaar's hair distracting me. And why is J August Richards playing the same role over and over?

I wasn't completely happy with the Bones season premiere, because I was missing Zach, and also because Angela and Hodgins' breakup seemed so plot device-y and OOC. And I hatehatehate Sweets. Can't we have Stephen Fry's character back? And Angela's ex... wow. I see why she married him.

I heard Ellen Burstyn is playing Elliot's mom in SVU. Can't remember which ep, or where I heard it. I guess I'm still going to watch it, for Chris, but the magic has gone since it became the Benson show.

Looking forward to: the season premieres of Supernatural, Heroes, and The Unit. *NOT* Smallville. Since Michael's gone, I don't have to watch now!

I'm going to check out Fringe, My Own Worst Enemy, and maybe the US Life on Mars, but I don't have high hopes for it, even with Harvey Keitel in it.

Dragon*Con 08 part 2, best costume edition

maddiec24@yahoo.com — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 03:26:01 GMT

Some of the best costumes:

Finally, a Dragon*Con report

maddiec24@yahoo.com — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 03:21:34 GMT

The high points have been documented by peach1250 and drkcherry. As much fun as it was seeing the actors, my favorite part was seeing online friends, and just sitting and talking with them. I had the *best* time, and I'm very grateful to peach1250 and drkcherry for making it possible.

There was lots of walking. And waiting in line. And if I ever do this again, there will be absolutely *no* overpacking.

The fun stuff - - Michael Rosenbaum and his friend Chris singing "Careless Whisper", Chris telling the Rick Springfield story, and the whole Michael/James Marsters panel(where Michael sang again - - Michael McDonald this time). And the Farscape panel - - funny as always.

More fun stuff - - mine and drkcherry's conversation with Matthew Lewis(Neville from HP), who was very sweet and has the cutest accent. Meeting Avery Brooks, who admittedly sounded a bit out of it(I'll be nice and say maybe it was jetlag), but who was nice and absolutely gorgeous(his head is shaved again). Dean Haglund was delightful as well - - he talked forever with me and peach1250, and he seems to be by far the busiest Lone Gunman. He's done a comic book, artwork, a laptop chill pad thingy... and he had the cutest picture of him as a child that I now regret not getting. He was really sweet, drew a cartoon of himself when he signed my book, and I got a picture with him. Michael Hogan was very nice, Nathan Fillion and Alan Tudyk were impossible to get near, but were sweet when we did make it to them.

There were lots of evil Nazi handlers, specifically those of Michael Rosenbaum and Edward James Olmos. And the chick directing Nathan and Alan's line was pretty bitchy, too. drkcherry and I spent a lot of time stalking the actors, trying to get pix.

I'll try a day by day recap.

On Thursday, peach1250, starbukthegrey and I got to the airport around the same time and traveled by MARTA to the hotel. Then we waited in line for *ages* to get our badges, then met up with drkcherry, graysong and gradeafan and went for tattoos. Or, they did. I merely observed. While we were there, we encountered several Atlanta panhandlers, and freaked out the tattoo shop guy by telling him to Google Clex.

Friday, we went to a Michael Rosenbaum panel, I do remember that. And maybe the Walk of Fame? I forget.

Saturday, we had our pictures done, and more Walk of Fame, I think. And some of us crashed the rest of the day.

Sunday, we waited in line forever for the Michael Rosenbaum/James Marsters panel(or, drkcherry did - - peach1250 and I sat down until it was almost time for it to start). We encountered problems picking up our Rosenbaum pix, and had to wait while they were reprinted.

Monday I had to leave early to get to the airport. And no, I did *not* fly, I just took the bus there and back home. I had a funny encounter on the MARTA - - another Dragon*Con goer and I were talking, discussing who we'd seen, etc. This guy was sitting across from me, with his wife and baby, and he had this huge piece of wood and metal that looked like a weapon, with the ends wrapped in brown paper. I assumed it was part of some Dragon*Con costume. He kept listening to us, and finally asked where we'd been. We told him, and I was like, "Weren't you here for Dragon*Con?" No, they were there for a wedding.

My baby picked me up at the bus station, we hit IHOP and came home, where I crashed for several days.

Oh! We joked all weekend about me getting a fake tattoo and telling J I got one with everyone else. drkcherry got me one, and I put it on after we got home. I called J and told him I had a confession to make, and was acted all nervous, and he totally believed it was real! I laughed my ass off at the look on his face.

And now, pix!

My fvaorite, peach1250, Michael Rosenbaum, me, and drkcherry:

Me and Dean Haglund:

Various actors:

Avery Brooks:

Edward James Olmos and his granddaughter:

Gareth David Lloyd:

Lance Henriksen:

Mickey Dolenz:

Michael Rosenbaum and James Marsters:

Gigi Edgley:

Last pre-Dragon*Con post

maddiec24@yahoo.com — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 01:22:38 GMT

I'm finally packed, except for a few last minute things that will have to go in tomorrow morning. We went shopping this afternoon for provisions for J. I still have to make out a list of reminders for him, and find our extra alarm clock so with both set for Friday morning, maybe he'll make it to work. Since it was our last night before I go away, I made his favorite chicken pot pie, we watched TV, and he gave me a lovely pedicure. I miss him already!

If anything I need to know happens, link me and I'll read it when I get back.

*big hugs* Wish you were all coming with me!

Drive-by post

maddiec24@yahoo.com — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 01:59:50 GMT

In *4* days I will be at Dragon*Con with peach1250 and drkcherry. Things I have and haven't done:

I have not packed the first thing, or even decided exactly what I'm taking.

I do have my bus ticket and I hope to keep track of it, unlike the bright yellow Dragon*Con postcard I supposedly put in my important papers drawer so I could, you know, keep up with it. I can't find it anywhere.

I did pick up some stuff I need to take with me, but didn't pick up any plastic storage bags, which I desperately need to put some of that stuff in.

I need to get all my chargers(phone and camera) and the extra card and battery for the camera(and make sure both batteries are charged).

I have to make a list for J, for what he's supposed to do/not do while I'm gone. His extra loud alarm clock died, so there's some question as to whether he'll wake up for work on Friday. I also have to pick up easy to cook/microwave stuff for him to eat while I'm gone, because left to his own devices, he'll eat fast food or junk.

I *did* get my hair colored - - it's all red again! My baby did it for me, though he did repeat his usual "I know I'm going to mess this up" mantra while he was doing it.

Jan is taking me to meet the bus Thursday, and J's picking me up Monday, although, in a bit of irony, he may actually have to work on Labor Day. If so, he'll either leave early, or I'll wait at the bus stop until he gets there. or Jan will pick me back up - - I haven't told her about this development yet.

We're all recovering from Granny's death. J had a dream the other night, Granny telling him goodbye, and it seems to have helped him. I had dreams like that about Mom and Ben and it really gave me a sense of peace.

It's been raining here since... last Wednesday? Thursday? I know it rained *all* day on Friday, because I was in and out all day that day. We finally got a bit of sunshine late this afternoon.

We are still very, very broke. In fact, I wouldn't be going to Dragon*Con were it not for the generosity of peach1250 and drkcherry. I am hopeful about going back to work, though, hopefully by October.

Please send good thoughts to my friend Jan. She's had a lot of bad luck lately - - her mom's best friend and pseudo aunt to Jan died recently, Jan was in the hospital with a diverticulitis attack and is worried it's something more serious, she *cannot* keep her lawn mower or computer working. J got one of her two non-working laptops going, but practically by the time we got home, it had died again. Same thing with her backup desktop. She borrowed one of our spare desktops, and it worked for a while, but she did something - - downloading and trying to install updates for a version of Windows that was on her sister's PC, we think - - and now it only occasionally lets her get on the internet with a Linux Live CD J let her use. He has two of her desktops and 2 of her laptops and has been working all weekend trying to get *something* going for her.

And please think good thoughts for rileyc, who's also having a hard time right now.

Judging from recent activity, it's doubtful I'll post again before I leave Thursday, but there'll be a big Dragon*Con update when I get back.

Love you guys!

Another reason to love Ian McKellen

maddiec24@yahoo.com — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 04:35:23 GMT

He let a homophobic bishop have it:

"From the pulpit, homophobia is preached by some arrogant religious leaders who think their beliefs are superior to our inborn and, some would say, God-given nature."

Further update

maddiec24@yahoo.com — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 02:43:18 GMT

Thanks to all of you for your sweet comments and support. *hugs friends*

The viewing will be tomorrow night from 6 to 8, and the funeral will be Wednesday at 11. J is understandably very down tonight. He's already in bed. He was very close to Granny - - she babysat him a lot when he was little, and she lived next door until right before we were married.

We found out one reason J's dad took it so hard - - not that he needs a reason. Larae called back with the details about the arrangements and said that Granny asked for Dad, and she died right after he came in.

Last week, Jan's mom's best friend died of cancer. She was at home, with her daughter, husband, grandkids and Jan and her mom there. They were right there when she died. I never been with someone when they died. I always assumed I would be there when Mom died. J's mom says that's why she died while she was in the hospital - - that she knew how devastating it would be for me. I can't imagine how J's dad must be feeling. It's going to be a rough few days.

Keep us in your thoughts. Love you all. I hope to one day make a happy post again.

Granny Kirkley died this afternoon

maddiec24@yahoo.com — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 21:30:57 GMT

She died around 3 this afternoon. Her regular doctor saw her this morning. J's dad called me at 11 to tell me they had to do surgery on her colon - - something about her having a spastic colon and it was blocked, and that was one thing that had her in pain. Her blood pressure was dropping then, and she died before they could even schedule surgery. I don't have all the details yet, or any funeral arrangements. J's dad was in bad shape when J talked to him. He and Linda were going to make the arrangements at 5, so we should know in a little while.

Yes, it's me again, with bad news of course

maddiec24@yahoo.com — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 22:46:56 GMT

J's granny is in the hospital again. No evidence of a stroke this time. She left the hospital Wednesday and went back to the nursing home last Wednesday and was talking and alert. By Friday she was sleeping all the time and unresponsive again. We went to see her yesterday morning and she was the same. She woke up a couple of times, but wouldn't talk to us. We called J's dad and went on to my aunt and uncle's. J's dad called back and said they were taking her back to the hospital. We headed back up there. Linda was already there and J's dad came on as son as he could. She has another kidney/urinary tract infection. They did a CT scan, but saw no evidence of anther stroke. The ER doctor told us that the nursing home had Ultram(a pain med) and Adivan(sp?). Linda had just had it out with the doctor and nursing home staff a few weeks ago about giving her Adivan - - it makes her dopey and she sleeps all the time. Pain meds do the same. They were suppose dot have stopped the Adivan weeks ago. To add to the confusion, the nursing home refused to tell the ER doctor when she was last given the meds. They finally moved her to a room around 8pm(we'd gotten to ER around 3:30).

We also discovered that there are at least 6 prison inmates who were released to the nursing home, and 4 of them are sex offenders. A friend of Linda's found this out - - a few months ago, they started keeping the doors locked at the nursing home, supposedly because the patients were getting out, wandering around(other nursing homes around here use a wrist/ankle monitor that alerts them when patient near the door). It now appears it's because of the ex-cons. I looked it up on the GA sex offender registry, and they do list 4 sex offenders, 2 child molesters and 2 rapists as being in the nursing home.

J's dad is very upset about this and the med thing, and is looking for another place for Granny, but there are no empty beds anywhere else right now.

In other news, Larae is pregnant again, after assuring us she wouldn't. I'm not going to say anything negative this time. Last time I did and she lost the baby and i felt very guilty. I don't, however, have any idea how J's mom will be able to look after 3 kids, one a baby.

And so it isn't all a negative post, we got to see my niece Brittany week before last. She came up with her aunt(she's 19, only a few years older than Brittany. She came to see her dad, and brought Brittany and Brett with her. We didn't get to see Brett - - he was off with Stephanie and her dad's family. Brittany stayed a couple of days with my aunt and uncle and we got to spend the afternoon with her. We watched some old family videos that was a little bittersweet - - seeing Mom and Ben and some aunts and uncles we've lost, Robbie and Diane when they were still together - - and happy stuff, Brittany's first birthday, family reunions - - and made me seriously question my fashion tastes. In one I had on a hideous blue and green polka dot shorts outfit that I had completely blocked out.

Of course, pictures were taken:

Brittany, who looks more like Robbie every day:

Me with Brittany:

My favorite, my aunt with Brittany:

All three of us:

Happy Birthday to rakina!

maddiec24@yahoo.com — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 16:44:21 GMT