We Got Married!!

Loss of a Magical Man.

2011-07-19T17:28:00.004-04:00

Here is the note that Uncle Richard wrote to Robert and me after our visit in October. I just received it this weekend. He gave it to Mama and Daddy to give to me. Like so much of his writing, it was on the back of a Subway napkin, and will be treasure by me more than gold! He wasn't able to write for a while because of the tumor on his middle finger, but he was able to write this for us. I miss you Uncle Richard.Here is what I wrote for Uncle Richard's celebration of life. I truly felt him with me as I read it. I have so many more stories. Maybe I will write a book about him some day.

The Story of Uncle HoHo

For as long as I can remember, Uncle Richard has been magical. My earliest memories are of him showing me baby chicks hatching, and holding an egg up to my ear and hearing a faint little “peep, peep” coming from inside. New life was always springing up on the farm. He would say, “If you come by tomorrow, that mama hen is going to have babies, but they are going to be ducklings!” The next day, plain ole Mama hen had hatched baby Cayuga ducks. Magical! I couldn’t wait to see what kind of cute furry baby would show up next! I also loved how all of his animals got along. The dogs didn’t fight the chickens, or the deer, or the turkeys, or cows or sheep. It was how I imagine Heaven is: peaceful coexistence. He could get cows to walk down the side of the road in a single file line just by walking beside them. If one slowed down, he would gentle say, “Freckles, pick up the pace. You are slowing everyone down and nobody likes a slow poke. Panda face and Banny aren’t going to walk behind you anymore.” Freckles would pick up the pace. Magical! He could raise any type of bird or animal, nurse them back to health, and send them back into nature. He was never attacked by Weed-Eater, the demon possessed billy goat that chased everyone at least once and Mama several times. The geese didn’t hiss at him. None of them ever acted threatening to him or scared of him. He was always so patient when we called him several times each spring. I know when the first spring winds started to blow, that he expected it. Every baby dove and sparrow that fell from the poorly made nests became Uncle Richard’s next baby to raise. He would put them in a sock, under a heat lamp and lay them in a box beside him on the floor so he could feed them every hour, or he would put them in his shirt pocket to carry around the farm. He always seemed to have a baby something or other in his shirt pocket. He would say, “Guess what I have in my pocket?? If you guess, I will name it after you.” He raised the babies and let them go. He wanted them to be wild and free. Some would come back to visit when he was in the yard, like baby blue jay after he was grown and flying with the big blue jays or Beauty, the doe that stayed around the farm for years. They came back because he is magical.

I would walk along the river with Uncle Richard, Mamaw, Beauty the deer, and any number of turkeys, doves and dogs. We hunted for rocks, picking them up and discussing the beauty of each one. Several of them made it back to the house and were placed on the shelves in the kitchen. You see, like Mamaw, Uncle Richard saw the beauty and uniqueness in each rock, just as he saw the beauty, uniqueness and talent in each of us Grandchildren. He accepted us where we were, just as we were, and encouraged our talents always. He saw talent, gifts and worth in each of us, even when we couldn’t see it in ourselves. Children flocked to him, and he loved each of us for our uniqueness and despite our flaws. After leaving each visit, you could only feel special, talented, and uniquely LOVED. He is so much like Jesus in this way.

Long after Mamaw Outlaw forgot the words to “Happy Birthday,” she remembered the words to “Tennessee Waltz” so she and Uncle Richard would call me on my birthday to sing. He would start by snapping his fingers and saying “a one, and a two and GO, I was dancin’ with my darlin’ …” Then he would say “Bring it home Mama!” and she sang louder “to the Tennessee Waltz!” It was magical.

Uncle Richard and Nannie Smith had a special friendship too. When Nannie was getting close to death, Uncle Richard came to visit and sang songs to her that he had just written. The songs were “Mellow Out” and “Little Dove.” She tapped her foot and smiled weakly. She loved him so. He had “escorted” her safely to Florida and back, been there after Grandad died, and made her laugh through her tears. When they were together, they were like prank pulling children. It was so special that she would be his first live audience for songs that he would one day record and sing at “The Blue Bird Café.” I can only imagine their reunion in Heaven: tears, hugs, and lots of magical laughter.

When Nicole was about 3 years old, we all came home from Florida for Christmas. As we drove to Mama and Daddy’s house, we saw Uncle Richard walking the cows along the side of the road in a single file line. Nicole’s big brown eyes got as big a saucers, her mouth fell open and she gasped and whispered, “IT’S HO HO.” She saw the magic too! She thought he was Santa. Her Mom explained that he was Uncle Richard, but she could call him Uncle Ho Ho, which he loved.

Uncle Richard, I miss you. Goodbye. I remember. ‘Til we meet again, under the biggest, prettiest Magnolia tree in Heaven. Wait for me there. I will be there shortly, for our time on Earth is but a blink of an eye.

Love,

Shannon Outlaw-Kimsey

7-11-2011

Heaven Has a New Dancing Angel.

2011-06-10T22:56:00.004-04:00

When I think back as far as I can remember, I remember loving dancing, any kind, anywhere, any time, just DANCING. I loved to dance, I loved to watch other people dance, and I still do. I think the love of dance was in my blood. Nannie loved music and dancing, Mamaw and Papaw Outlaw loved to dance any chance they got, so we all got it honestly. Another HUGE factor in my love of dance was Miss Minnie Simpson. You see, Miss Minnie taught dance in our home town forever. She taught my sister Dana, and retired in 1985 after Dana's senior year. I started taking dance from her in 1975 when I was 3 1/2 years old. Miss Minnie taught us so much more than dance, though. She taught us poise, how to be young ladies, and not act like "heathens" running up and down the street before dance class (I had a hard time learning that). She was graceful, kind, firm when she needed to be, and so talented. She and Mr PB were like a 3rd set of grandparents to us. Everybody wanted to be a Simpson because they were all smart, good looking and so talented!! When I say talented, I mean WAY more talented than one family should be allowed to be! It really wasn't quite fair. The Simpson children were singers, dancers, classical pianists, engineers, neurosurgeons, lawyers, jet mechanics! There was not a "dud" in the bunch! We loved going to their house for Halloween, because John and Tommy always had rigged up ghosts to fly out of the trees and spooky music to come on triggered by God only knows what! Holidays and recital times were always so special. They would sing and play the piano! Such a happy home!
Each summer we went to "dance sessions" with Miss Minnie. My first one was when I was 6 and we went to Meridian, Mississippi. We went to a "big town" dance session each summer and smaller ones in Jackson or Meridian during the year. We went to New Orleans, Memphis, St Louis, Houston, to name a few. We danced all day, and went out on the town most of the night. We had a blast!! I remember going to New Orleans on one of many trips there for dance sessions. We were walking all over town exploring. Miss Minnie was the perfect tour guide, because she was always very aware of her surroundings and could gracefully redirect us out of the way of "trouble." I remember walking down the street and her saying "Ok girls, lets cross the street now." When asked why, she said "There are ladies of the evening up ahead, so we need to cross now." I was probably 8 and had no clue what "ladies of the evening" were, and of course, I could not let it drop. One of my sisters friends yelled out "She means HOOKERS!" I still had no clue, but Miss Minnie said, "Now girls, we don't talk like that" and scurried us to a safer part of the street. I can't imagine taking on the responsibility of several teen girls in a big city when the only other adults with her were my parents most of the time. She was fearless! Other dance instructors knew her and respected her. She was, well, FABULOUS.
I just found out tonight that my beloved Miss Minnie is now dancing before God on streets of gold. I find comfort in the fact that she finally knows how much she means to me and 100's of other "little dancing girls" who have now grown up. God bless you and keep you. With love, Shannon

A Rare Treat.

2011-05-31T21:24:00.008-04:00

Robert and I had Sunday and Labor Day Monday off together for the first time in 5 years!! We decided to take a quick "get away" trip to an area not too far from home. My friend Maria told me about Winter Park, which is just north of downtown Orlando. It is the most quaint town, with parks, museums, gardens, flowers, a boat ride through the lakes in town, and the most adorable boutiques and restaurants!! We decided to go Saturday evening after Robert got off work and come home Sunday evening. We booked a room through Priceline, and got a steal of a deal for last minute holiday weekend reservations! We stayed at the DoubleTree in Downtown Orlando. It was really nice. We went to the pool and relaxed for a while, then went to the room. I kept reading the hotel menu and book. They had chocolate chip bananas foster!!! I WANTED it, but I didn't NEED it. I didn't break down and order it, but I did read the other hotel information. We planned on sleeping in, since nothing would be open early on Sunday. At 2:30am I woke up for what I assumed was a bathroom run, but as I cleared my head I realized I smelled smoke! Not sure if I was dreaming, I took a minute and walked around, but as I got closer to the bathroom and the door, the smoke got stronger. I had just read the damn hotel information a couple of hours before about what to do in case of a fire, HOW COULD THIS BE??? I woke Robert up and told him something was on fire, so we got dressed and got all of our stuff together and found our way to the stairwell and ran down 5 flights of stairs, only to see a sign that said "If you exit the door, you will be outside" so we went up a flight and out the door, which lead through the kitchen and conference rooms, and finally to the front desk. Now remember, we are dressed in wrinkled clothes, half asleep, hair CRAZY, carrying our luggage. I told the guy "There is strong smoke on the 5th floor." The guy at the desk informed us that I was the 20th person to say that, but that we were downwind of a brush fire. No worries. No fire in the hotel. We made our way back to our room, with our luggage, wrinkled clothes, and crazy hair. People were walking around like they didn't smell anything!! They MUST have been high!! We got back to our room, but I insisted that we sleep fully clothed with our luggage packed and ready to go JUST IN CASE. Try sleeping after THAT! Anyway, we did get a little sleep here and there.
We spent the rest of the day walking around Winter Park, going to museums and on the boat ride. Cheryl met up with us and spent the afternoon with us. It was great! We decided to head home around 5ish, then changed our minds. I said, "Lets go to Olde Town" which is one of my
"happy memory" places from my Disney days! We walked around, looked in the shops and watched crazy people embarrass themselves on the mechanical bull!! We even found hot sauce with Mississippi State on it!!! It was the perfect way to end a great weekend!!! Fun times!!

I will try to update this blog more often. Sorry for the long delay!! I still need to write about my new job.

The First Day of the Rest of My Life.

2011-02-03T09:55:00.005-05:00

I have been putting off writing a post partially out of denial, partially out of not wanting to stimulate the flood of emotions that is certain to happen. Yesterday was my last day at HPH Hospice (Hernando Pasco Hospice when I started 9 years and 2 months ago.) This has been the longest time that I have stayed at a job, and far longer than any romantic relationship I have been in. I have learned so much about life, living, family dynamics, psych issues, drug issues, love, pain, bowels, elderly sexuality, nudist resorts, compassion, stress, tenacity, hope, dying, peace, angels, laughing until you lose bladder control, and crying until you vomit.
In 1997 my sister Dana started working at Hernando Pasco Hospice as the Children's Assistance Program coordinator. I was quickly recruited by her to volunteer at CAP camp as the camp nurse with Traci (who would later become my supervisor and one of my favorite people.) It was such a soul touching/soul searching experience to see the honesty and strength of grieving children. I am forever impacted by the experience. In 1999 I attended my 2nd CAP camp and met Dana's new boss Chaplain Tom, who would become a wonderful friend to both Dana and me, and a person who tried with all of his might to teach me to control my stress with breathing and mindfulness and meditation. (I did GREAT when he was there, but not so great on my own.) I am still trying though. It was difficult to tell Tom that I was leaving, so I took the chicken $H!t way out and told him by email. He met up with us for lunch in Miami this past weekend, and we visited and took him to Bass ProShop and the airport. He also came over yesterday to tell me goodbye. He is so special! In 2001 I interviewed in Hudson, then they sent me to East Pasco to meet with Dawn and the supervisors. I sat in the "old office" waiting for Dawn. There was a receptionist who looked like Dame Edna (perfect hair, perfect makeup, sweet looking older lady) then a young girl walked in and Dame Edna started yelling at her "Laura Weber, you little shit! I am going to beat your little ass if you don't turn in your damn notes!!" I thought, "I am in the wrong place. Dame Edna is a mean mean woman." Laura would become one of my best friends, one of my bridesmaids, and may still have issues with timeliness of turning in notes. A few years later I "saved" Dame Edna's (Sara) life by killing a baby black widow spider that was on her desk. She is deathly afraid of spiders. She retired, and we miss her so much. I actually took the job and moved by the end of November. After orientation I was put on the ECF/ALF team where I was paired with nurse Rhoda (who I had worked with at CAP camp), Jeanne and Kristi as my home health aides, and Laura (the little shit that Dame Edna was yelling at!) We had a great team! I quickly became attached at the hip with Jeanne, so much so that some of the nursing homes thought I was a home health aide. She taught me how to stand and "fight it out" instead of running away from issues, which was my way of dealing with conflict. She did this by pissing me off, then putting the child locks on the doors and driving around town until I would fight with her. I have learned so much more from her than she has from me! (Some good, some bad, and some really really dirty!) I did teach her to quit mixing multiple scents on patients, making them smell like a mixed fruit salad. Jeanne worked feverishly to find me "a man" for years. She would stop in the middle of the street, roll down MY window, and yell out at any man that was listening "My friend thinks you are hot and she is single! She has a big ass and tits too!" Now that I think about it, why do I love Jeanne??? She has tortured me! Seriously, we have so much fun picking on each other! She and Mike were in our wedding too. Mike also came to my last Zumba class and danced with us!! That was amazing! When I worked in the nursing homes with Jeanne we went to one that had a DEMON of a nurse Diane. She was mean to me, argued with me, and made me cry a lot. I almost quit hospice at 4 1/2 years because of Diane. I switched to the home team to get away from Demon Diane, hoping to make it to 5 years 3 months so I would be fully vested in my profit sharing. THEN Dawn wanted to hire her!! AND she did hire her!! I wanted to barf every time I saw her, but she was on my turf now! Then one day something changed. I realized that my patients were well cared for, medicated appropriately, clean, neat, and their families were prepared for what was happening. She was GREAT at hospice nursing. This woman who used to fight me and didn't want to medicate patients was doing a great job! I finally told her "Oh, I know my patient is going to be in good hands" when I saw she was the 24 hour nurse. Today, she is a wonderful friend and I wouldn't trade her for anything. I worked closely with a wonderful group of nurses, home health aides, social workers and chaplains on the ECF team, then the home team. Just before I got married Traci broke the news to me that she was transferring to the East Hernando office, so the supervisor position would be open. I thought about it, applied, and took the position. This decision would take me out of the field and put me in the office with Kristi (who was my HHA when I first started). I have grown very close to Kristi after spending so much time with her. We laugh at each other, shoot rubber bands, and throw small paper clips at each other. We had a great time. That doesn't mean we didn't get irritated with each other. It was a hard decision to leave her, as well as Jeanne, Diane, Bonnie, Tom, the list goes on and on. These people are my family, and have seen me through so much over the years. I will have to post specific memories as I think of them. This is the first post of many about my wonderful memories and why I will miss them.

A Funny Memory.

2011-01-15T08:21:00.006-05:00

Yesterday was Mama's 21st birthday again. She took off work and she and Daddy went to Vicksburg, which is a very usual way for her to celebrate her 21st birthdays. I called at 6:45am Mississippi time to sing to her, which is a big tradition in our family. Every family member calls and sings their own rendition of HAPPY BIRTHDAY. Occasionally I have to leave it on the answering machine, which scares the Bejesus out of me because I can't sing and I don't want it to "come back to haunt me" later. When I called, I "beeped in" on Dana, Clint and Ryan's call. Mama was awake (thank goodness) so we chatted while I drove to work about their plans for the day. Well, my phone rang at work and it was Mama. She was calling to inform me that they "made a wrong turn" (not likely since they have been to Vicksburg 1 million times) and ended up in Louisiana. She said "Guess where?" If I had made a "wrong turn" I would have ended up in New Orleans, but she hates New Orleans, so I knew that wasn't it. She informed me that she was in Tallulah, Louisiana at Daiquiri World. Here is the Daiquiri World story:
When Daddy worked on Eagle Lake for 9 years, Mama and I would go exploring. We kept hearing this ADORABLE commercial for "Daiquiri World in Tallulah" and it sounded FUN!! In our minds it was cute, had lots of pastel neon lights, and was just a happy place! That is what the commercial made it sound like! (I saw a "Fat Tuesday" later and thought "That is what I expected from Daiquiri World") Well, one Saturday we decided to try it out, so we drove to Tallulah and found Daiquiri World. We wouldn't believed it was the right place except it had a crappy old hand painted sign that let us know this was it. It was a little old tin shop with no windows, no neon. There were a few women coming out, which should have been a sign of what was to come. Lets say, If the blue eyeshadow factory exploded, these women would not have been able cope emotionally. We walked past the BLUE eyeshadow "ladies" and walked into the door. It was so dark inside, then the door slammed behind us. It took a few minutes for our eyes to adjust and we were locked arm in arm. Of course everyone turned to look at us. We were in! It was full of "seedy looking characters" and we looked like Quakers in our turtle necks and jeans. One guy walked by and said "Nice vest" to me. Mama thought he said "Nice chest" so she was ready to get the hell out as soon as our eyes adjusted. We turned around and walked out. Mama decided that since we had driven over here, we should at least go through the DRIVE THRU for a daiquiri. (I don't know if they still have a drive thru, but it was a big Mississippi/Louisiana thing to have drive thru beer barns and alcohol.) When we drove up, Mama (using her sweet southern voice) told the "lady" (who was hanging out of a hole in the side of the tin building like a trucker and had a cigarette hanging out of the corner of her lips) " We would like 2 strawberry daiquiris. This is our first time to come to Daiquiri World. You see we drove over from Vicksburg because we heard the commercial." The "lady" said in her gravely voice, "Yeah, I just saw y'all walk in the front door and leave." Of course she saw us. We sipped our daiquiris and headed back to Eagle lake laughing. This was another "Griswold adventure" that didn't turn out at all like we expected, but we lived to tell the story. Happy Birthday Mama and thanks for so many funny and wonderful memories!! I love you!

2nd Anniversary!

2010-10-18T18:34:00.007-04:00

The last 2 years have flown by! We looked at our wedding pictures, and it seems like not long ago. Last year we went to Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg, where we met up with Mama and Daddy. It was so much fun, and the leaves were changing. What a great 1st anniversary. This year we looked at cruises, maybe a Las Vegas trip, maybe just a weekend in Orlando. We just couldn't make up our minds. Our indecisiveness turned out to be a blessing. When we got the word that Uncle Richard was so sick, and I came for a visit in August, our minds were made up: 2nd anniversary would be a trip to Mississippi. This was the longest amount of time I have spent there since leaving in 1997. Our goal for this trip was FATTEN UNCLE RICHARD UP before his next chemo. Robert made wonderful bread, smoked gouda alfredo, pizza, and spaghetti. We opened the last bottle of our wedding wine that Scott (Robert's brother) made and toasted our anniversary, family, health, and trip. Uncle Richard looked wonderful!! He is working so hard to eat well and do everything the doctors are telling him. He has the best attitude!
We went to Tunica, Mississippi for our anniversary. We stayed at a beautiful casino, had a jacuzzi suite, and had a great time. The view of the Mississippi River from our 29th floor room was breathtaking! I was able to pick up some great Mississippi State stuff too. We got back in time to see Eddie and Justin, and watch most of GLEE! We went to the Canton Flea market while we were visiting. I saw some very creative things that have put me back in the artistic mood! I was able to get some cotton and hope to grow my own cotton plant here. They were picking and ginning cotton. I LOVE FALL!! We were able to visit the gin where Daddy works and watch the process. It is amazing to see how it all works.
We showed Uncle Richard Google Earth, which he loved! We "flew" all over the world, and made plans for future trips for him, which was not something he could have imagined possible 2 months ago. He will be getting his 4th chemo on Wednesday, and a scan soon after that to check the status of the internal tumors. We are hopeful that they are reacting the same way the skin tumors are!! The last night we were there Aunt Wilma planned a cookout for us. We aren't going to be able to make it for Thanksgiving, so this was our early Thanksgiving. It was so much fun!! Aunt Wilma made burgers, with lots of sides, sweet potato pie, brownies, YUMMM!! Uncle Richard's friend Country Jack visited and brought his guitar. He has the BEST stories, and wonderful songs!! It was such a special time!! I am so grateful for the time we spent our family and the hard work that went into the cookout!! GREAT TIMES!! It was hard to leave, but I feel so much better knowing Uncle Richard is doing so well!!
We stopped by Fairhope to see Marcus on our way back. I think we found the perfect town. I now know why Marcus has been trying to get me to visit for 8 years. I WILL live there!! It has the most adorable downtown area, is right on the bay, has flowers everywhere, houses with wrap-around porches and has to be perfection!!
We made it home at midnight, and I am still tired, so I may have to tweak this post as I get rested. Shannon

Backtracking.

2010-10-18T17:23:00.002-04:00

I need to blog about my trip to Mississippi in August before I go on to the 2nd Anniversary post. I have had time to process and deal with the emotions of that visit, so here goes:

My Uncle Richard was sick, VERY sick for about a month. The doctors thought he had staph infection in his forehead, finger, and toe. They had him on strong antibiotics, put him through painful tests, and he kept getting worse. Then came the devastating news: He has cancer that has metastasized all over, and they aren't sure if it started in the skin, or lung, but things looked grim. As a hospice nurse, I knew what all of this meant. As a niece, I knew what I couldn't accept. The thought of my Uncle Richard, who is such a peaceful, loving, positive, and amazing man, suffering was more than I could handle. As fate would have it, I was able to get time off work and a flight 2 days later to Jackson, Mississippi to check on him. I was prepared to stay in the hospital with him and hopefully not be "one of THOSE family members." For those of you who don't know what that means, it is the family member who comes in from out of town and is pushy, demanding, and willing to show their ass at any moment if necessary to get what they want/need. I knew he was in GREAT hands with my aunts taking care of his every need, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that the nurses and doctors were doing a wonderful job as well! They fell in love with him (not a shock! He is lovable and always hilariously funny, even in these circumstances! ) As I was landing, he was being discharged from the hospital. They had given him chemo to help with the pain and let him go home. When I saw him, he looked better than what I had expected. He had visible tumors on his head, fingers, toe, chest, and back, but that smile, laugh, and HUMOR were, as Daddy says, "salve for the soul." I stayed with him for the next 4 days, visiting, laughing, telling stories, trying to get him to eat as much as possible, and trying to get his pain under control. We talked a lot. I took lots of notes. The doctors had given him a 2 month-ish prognosis, dependent on how he responded to the chemo. When I left, we were fully aware that anything short of a miracle would make this be our last story telling, laughing, sharing visit. I had time off in October for our 2nd anniversary, and we hadn't decided where we would go. My wonderful husband agreed that Mississippi was the place to go, since this would be the end of the 2 month prognosis, and I had a deal with Uncle Richard that I would come when "it was time" and make sure he didn't have pain at the end of his life. Leaving was emotionally draining. I wanted to cry, fall out, lose it, but I kept my composure for all of those around me. This seemed the best thing to do. All of this "stuffing" of my emotions led to a "barfing on the plane" escapade that I will spare you of the details. Suffice it to say, don't eat a soft pretzel when really upset. It won't turn out as a shining moment on a bouncy plane full of kids pumped up about going to see Mickey at Disney!!
Dana and Joey came to visit Labor Day weekend. They also had a wonderful visit. By the time they visited, the chemo had "kicked in" and the tumors were almost completely gone!!! His pain was more manageable, his appetite was much better, and things were looking up!! Our miracle was in the works! He was losing his long curly hair and his beard was thinning, so he asked Joey to shave his head. This was the first time he had short hair as long as we have known him!
I couldn't wait for my visit in October. What a different visit it was going to be at this rate! By the time I would visit, Uncle Richard would have completed 3 chemo treatments, and tolerated each one really well.

(Sorry it took so long to write about this and about the way it is written. I needed this post to lead into my next post.) Shannon

How Time Flies!

2010-10-11T22:45:00.002-04:00

Two years ago today I married one of the most understanding men on Earth!! Happy Anniversary! I will write more on the blog about our anniversary trip. Love, Shannon

So Much Going On!

2010-09-01T20:51:00.001-04:00

I have so much going on and so much on my mind. I plan on writing this weekend and basically "barfing" my feelings out, but I need to organize them first! Stay tuned!! Shannon

ZUMBA!

2010-08-08T20:13:00.006-04:00

Several of us from work have been taking Zumba class for the last 2 1/2 months. It is the most fun exercise I have ever done. It feels more like club dancing than exercising. We go twice a week for an hour and it is so fun, fast moving and exciting, that the hour flies by! It is like a drug, and I am addicted! As our teacher Ms Georgina says, "You either really love it, or really hate it." Well, we love it! I have missed dancing since I stopped to go to MSMS 20 years ago! This is the perfect outlet for my need to dance and exercise, and it is quite a workout! I leave class soaked with sweat!
Saturday we had Zumbathon, which was Zumba from 11am to 3pm to raise money for American Cancer Society. We had 3 short breaks (about 10 minutes) after each hour, but otherwise danced the entire 4 hours! We raised just over $1000 on Saturday. I am stiff and sore from Zumba-ing for 4 hours, but look forward to class tomorrow night.

If you haven't tried Zumba, you should! It is a blast!! Don't worry if you lack rhythm, for you will find that you are not alone! We laugh a lot, we sweat a lot, and it is a great way to blow off steam after a stressful day. Our teacher Ms Georgina teaches our class to raise money for scholarships for students of Pasco High School. She is such a giving person and wonderful teacher. I am so thankful that we have her and that we found out about ZUMBA!

I got some really funky looking exercise shoes today to exercise and Zumba in. They are called Vibram and are really neat! Robert got a pair too. They make his feet look like gorilla feet! We love them. We were only going to try them on, but ended up getting a pair because they are so comfortable.
Have a great week!! Shannon

Disney Wonder!!!

2010-06-09T18:32:00.002-04:00

I am awe-struck and without adequate words to explain our Disney Cruise!! I'm not a big fan of letting people know when we are going out of town, so this has been a difficult task to keep from posting about my excitement leading up to the extravaganza.
This was all set in motion while we were on Robert's 40th birthday cruise in February. As a matter of fact, Robert's Mom called us about it the day we got back from that cruise. I was in shock and pretty sure I wouldn't be able to go. You see, I have been on a "every 2 month vacation plan" since February. This is VERY unusual for me. Two months after the 40th birthday cruise we went to Mississippi for my 20 year class reunion, which I am still sad that it is over! Now, 2 months after that, we had the Disney cruise.
This Disney cruise was to honor the life and memory of Grandma Doris Stenberg, who was the sweetest, most beautiful, and youngest woman in her 90's that I have ever met. She was known as Gigi by Rian and Mason. She was so kind and loving. We shared the same birth week and were quite similar in our strength and independence. She drove (and drove well) until shortly before she became ill and passed away. The Easter before she passed, she wore red, had her hair and makeup done as usual, was dressed to the 9's and looked fabulous. She never let on the she was very ill. That was Grandma Doris! Always the PERFECT hostess, looking like she was ready to go anywhere at any time. Her home was modern and young. She had wonderful taste in clothes, furniture, food, EVERYTHING. I was so blessed to know her for the 3 short years I did and only wish that she was able to be at our wedding. She sent me a birthday card when Robert and I had only been dating about 6 months. Her writing looked like my Nannie's writing! When I called her to thank her, I cried and told her that I never expected to get another birthday card from my grandmother, and I missed that. She told me that she was my Grandmother and she loved to send cards! She loved to travel, so this cruise was the perfect way to celebrate her. She was the rock of the family! We miss her so!
I will come back later and write about the cruise itself. I started in one direction and went into another more thought provoking direction and I want to sit a while and think of my 3 grandmothers: Nannie, Mamaw, and Grandma Doris. Happy, wonderful women who have given us happy, wonderful memories.

A Week Later, and Still Processing!

2010-04-23T22:27:00.010-04:00

One week ago at this very moment, we were deeply enthralled in conversation with classmates, some that I haven't seen in 20ish years, and if Heaven is any better, I want to go TODAY! It was a cleansing of the soul for me that I have needed desperately!! My outlook on life is so much better, my mood is so much better, and I feel that my life is so much better because I spent a weekend with these amazing people. I plan on keeping my new-found positivity through much adversity that surrounds me. I am still processing, and will continue to as the photos and photo comments are posted. We are already planning the 25th reunion and a mini-reunion in a couple of years to pull Marcus out of the brink of certain despair as he turns 40! I am having some sadness/withdrawals from the fun!! I learned this weekend that I can stay up past 11pm, and I can have a lot of fun!! (Now I must rest up!) Thanks to everyone who shared a wonderful weekend with us! It was far too short!
*** I had to add another thought: We are so blessed to have each other! As a talk incessantly about our reunion, I run across more and more people who say, "I haven't been to any of my reunions and don't plan on ever going. I didn't like those people and why would I want to see them now?" Wow!! What a sad thing!! We are missing each other so much, and there are people out there (who went to other schools) who don't care about each other and have only negative memories of high school. I only wish they could love their classmates like I do!! I miss y'all!! I am so glad that we had our reunion last weekend and not this weekend! The people of Yazoo City are in my thoughts and prayers. That is so close to home!

Some Things Do Stay The Same (20 Years Later)

2010-04-20T18:24:00.007-04:00

**I'm going to try to summarize this past weekend the best I can. I may have to revise it often as I process everything and get over my severe case of sleep deprivation.**

September 1988 I arrived in Columbus Mississippi to the new "Mississippi School for Math and Science." We had a caravan of cars and trucks to drop my brother off at Mississippi State for his Freshman year, and continued on to drop me off in Columbus. I was scared, excited, and CLUELESS as to what I was getting myself into, but I was also determined. I wasn't running away from a bad home life or unhappy school situation. I was running to adventure and the possibility of experiencing just about anything. It amazes me still that this day even happened! Let me go back 11 years and explain how close I was to missing this opportunity. This is proof that one small decision can change your life forever. You see, back in "those days" parents had a little more flexibility in deciding when to send their children to kindergarten. I was born in November, so I would either be the oldest in my class, or the youngest. Mama enrolled me in kindergarten in 1977. When it came time to go to kindergarten Mama asked, "Shannon, do you want to go to school, or do you want to go to Jackson shopping?" Being a girl, I chose shopping, so off we went and the rest is history. I did go to kindergarten then next year, which set me up to be in the Inaugural class of MSMS!
Back to my time at MSMS: I met this wonderful guy on our first day, and he would stand by me 21 years later as my Man of Honor at my wedding. Marcus kept me sane and has continued to be a steadfast friend. Christmas break junior year I was diagnosed with a severe case of mono that was causing my liver enzymes to elevate and my spleen to be enlarge. My doctor suggested I not return to MSMS since I was so sick. Are you kidding me?? I HAD to go back! Mama came to school with me to set up my room so I wouldn't have to lift anything heavy, and I was moved to the bottom floor so I didn't have to go upstairs. I didn't miss a single day of school! I'm so glad that I fought to stay! Graduation was so exciting and difficult. I lived with these people, loved these people, and didn't want to leave these people. (I felt the same way this weekend!)
When we arrived Friday at the campus I was greeted by the same faces! I mean everyone looks the same! Oh, we may have a little more weight, or a little less hair, but all in all, not bad for 20 years! Some of our teachers look the same too. We took a tour of the campus and quickly realized that we also act the same. It was like we never left. Robert went to our small 15 year reunion in New Orleans. We had only been dating 2 months, but he felt very comfortable around my friends. It was the same this reunion. They embraced him like he went to school with us. Robert, Cass and Jason could get into trouble if they lived closer to each other. We stayed up until 4:30am Saturday morning and 5am Sunday morning. It was like we wanted to make the most of every minute! I am paying for it now. I feel smarter after spending a weekend with everyone! Just being in the same place and breathing the same air as these brilliant people makes me want to learn more. Even though everyone is brilliant, the weekend didn't become a "let me show you how much smarter I am than you" reunion. It was like we were 17 again, only with legal alcohol, spouses, and children. We have lost teachers, one classmate (Roger), and gained lots of spouses and children in 20 years. We opened the Time Capsule that we sealed at the end of junior year. Mrs Judy Morris was obviously in charge of this. She kept a lot of pictures and mementos. She and Coach Butler were missed! There were a lot of funny things and embarrassing things in the time capsule. I'm so glad we did that!
I have spent the last few days looking at pictures from the reunion, longing to be back there, laughing at the photo captions and comments, and feeling truly blessed to have such wonderful people, as Marcus put it, as my family. I feel so bad for the classmates who couldn't make it. It was an experience that has changed my attitude and outlook! I haven't stopped talking about the reunion and laughing so hard that I wheeze!!

I am having a lot of sadness about not being at the reunion, so I still need to process! I will continue to add and edit this post. Shannon

A Holy Crap Moment.

2010-04-01T20:14:00.004-04:00

(Please don't take offense, as I realize it is Holy Week. Happy Holy week and Thanks be to God for the greatest gift to the world!)

Anyway, every so often I have a "Holy Crap" moment. Usually this happens when I hear something, and it makes me think about my age, which leads me to think about what my parents were doing when they were my age. What caused this particular moment was something I heard on the radio. They were talking about how having your parents at each of your sporting events, or how not having your parents there affected you. Honesty, I had never really thought about it. It was a given that Mama was going to be at everything. She always was. I didn't think it was an option. Daddy was at a lot of stuff too. That lead me to think about what was going on when she was 38 (which made Daddy 41). I was 11, which meant Joey was 13, and Dana was 15 (which was driving age in Mississippi when we grew up.Let's see puberty + puberty + new driver = hell) Daddy was farming through the rough years, and working at Cottonwood in Louisiana, but still made it to every dance recital, Catfish Festival and as many games as he could. He also taught us math and helped us with our math homework, which was his expertise. Mama was into every aspect of our lives. She was "Room mother" to one of our classes EVERY year. She was at every football game (pee wee, junior high and high school), every Little League, Pony League, and High school baseball game, every cheerleader competition, every dance show, and every lame "tom turkey"/pilgrim class play, and made the costumes too! When I was in junior high she was working at the bank and Daddy was working in Vicksburg full time. She still didn't miss anything, plus she ran the farm while Daddy was away working 16-20 hour days during farming and hunting season. She literally came in from the bank, stripped off her pantyhose and high heels and threw on her jeans and tennis shoes and went out into the field. (Yes, prissy Scarlet O' Meme ran the farm, got in the dirt, and did it all with style!) Their sacrifice takes my breath away. We didn't have drive-thru Wendy's or McDonald's, we had real homemade food. We went to dance seminars each summer, and went to Vicksburg to see Daddy almost every weekend. He would take me out fishing or riding every time we were down there, no matter how tired he was. I don't know how they did it. I think of how tired I am after work, and how I truly DREAD the idea of running any errands and I wonder "How DID they do it?" Mama was everywhere, and had a smile on her face, or what I could see of it poking out from behind the video camera that was the size of suitcase. Daddy would come in from the field covered with dirt and dinitro (yellow chemical) and sit down with us to teach variables. Mrs. Guy couldn't get any of us to understand how in the world you could add an "X" to a "Y", but Daddy did! They were and are an integral part of our lives academically, emotionally, and athletically (not so much athletically anymore!) They molded us and continue to do so. I feel like I just expected it as a kid and didn't appreciate it or think it was a big deal. They never acted like it was a big deal or a sacrifice, which is even more amazing. I appreciate what they did so much. They went above and beyond what parents are called to do, and for that I am forever grateful and indebted.
It is so good to have a moment like this to remember what is important, and it is quite appropriate for Holy Week too, as we think about Jesus, and God's sacrifice as a parent, and how He is with us all the time and continues to be no matter how old we get.

I am so blessed! Love, Shannon

One Month!

2010-03-28T07:41:00.005-04:00

Wow! I am bad! I can't believe it has been one month since I posted anything! I can't say "Oh, we've been so busy, I just can't find time to write." That would be a lie. Actually, we are just plain boring.
Right now we are both "under the weather." I shy away from the word "sick" because I don't FEEL bad, I'm just tired and SOUND sick. (OK, that could be a little denial, but I don't feel as bad as Robert did.) I love oranges, HATE orange trees! For anyone who has been around orange trees in the early spring, they have a sickeningly sweet pollen that covers EVERYTHING for miles and turns my sinuses into ground beef that free-flow a river of snot. I am about to the point of taking "feminine hygiene products" (the bullet shaped ones) and sticking one up each nostril. The only reason I haven't: I don't want my nose holes so stretched out that it's like looking into 2 caves of drippy snot. I know: Vanity!
My 20 year class reunion is coming up, and I can't wait to see everybody! I can't believe it has been 20 years. Any other day I would say, "I don't feel like I could be old enough to be going to MY 20 year reunion" but today I do feel it.
Almost 2 weeks ago we bought a Wii. I have been hearing what good exercise it is and how much fun it is. WE LOVE IT!! The first night we played every game at least once on the "Sports" and "Sports Resort." I beat Robert at boxing. It is quite the workout. My arms were sore for 3 or 4 days. I'm so glad we got it.

Tomorrow I have my first ever jury duty. I'm a little freaked out. I guess this could make for a great post!! The last time we went to this courthouse was to pay a speeding ticket for Robert 4 years ago, and we laughed so hard. The people watching was fabulous! I wasn't sure if I wanted to be the lady behind the glass or not. The excuses people came up with for why they got their citation and why they didn't think it was fair was hilarious! The lady just sat there quite robot-like and repeated "That will be One hundred eighty-two dollars and fifty cents" ......... "But I had to get my dog to the vet! She was having puppies all over the back seat and the officer wouldn't listen, and they said to take it up with courthouse, and what would you do if your dog was having puppies all over the back seat! You would drive 82 in 55 too! They said to take it up with the courthouse!"......."That will be One hundred eighty-two dollars and fifty cents" and on, and on. Each person that walked up had a great story, and felt that THIS was the place to state their case. We got to the point where we started playing "Guess the infraction, guess the excuse." You would have thought they had Judge Judy behind the glass. They actually had a lady that was probably making slightly above minimum wage, and really didn't give a $hit sitting behind the glass. Everybody had their crying kids and their excuses recited like a soap opera. I could see the logic: Multiple crying children under the age of 3 + GREAT story= I get to keep my One hundred eighty-two dollars and fifty cents. WRONG AGAIN. That equation may work IF you fight the ticket IN THE COURT, but it doesn't work AT THE GLASS WINDOW. Maybe I came up with an idea! Zephyrhills has a drive thru "git er done" marriage place, maybe I should open a drive thru "git er done" court. Just an idea. I do think that the "lady behind the glass" should write a coffee table book of good and not-so-good excuses for speeding and other traffic violations. *** I had to add this one: We were at a local outdoor mall and a well dressed blond lady driving a BMW was complaining that she was getting a ticket. The meter was empty. She said, and I quote: "I thought the meters were for DONATIONS." I am not making this up. She is either A) a BAD lair B) REALLY dumb C) not a charitable giver or D) All of the above.

Well, we shall see what tomorrow brings. Shannon

Happy 40th To My Wonderful Husband!

2010-02-28T18:22:00.008-05:00

We just returned yesterday from the most wonderful way to celebrate a 40th birthday! We went on a 5 day cruise out of Miami to Turks and Caicos and the Bahamas. It was amazing to spend this week together, since we have opposite work schedules most of the time.
Our vacation started out with a triple birthday party for Robert, Clint and Addison Sunday night complete with great food, great family and great friends! Dana, Clint and Ryan took us to the boat Monday, at which time Ryan informed us that he was pretty sure that the boat had a bunk bed room (hint, hint.) It was rainy and cool when we left, but there was NO WAY to dampen our excitement!! Miami is stunning from the water!! We even saw surfers at Miami beach!! I thought they were pelicans!!

We had the most wonderful dining room service from Imade, Gusti, and Samita! They sang Happy Birthday to Robert on our first night. The food was purely delectable every meal! The hot melty cake is an all time favorite!!

Wednesday we went to Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos. It was a beautiful little island with AMAZING coral reefs and snorkeling. Despite the fact that it was in the upper 80's the water was cool. It was only a few minutes before I adjusted though. Several cruisers had "overindulged" in drinks and sun on Tuesday, our "Fun Day at Sea." There were lots of half white/half red people hobbling around Grand Turk. Our snorkeling guides were so kind and wonderful. We went to 2 reefs. The last one had 2 friendly stingrays and one friendly barracuda.

We had some very rough seas due to a storm over Half Moon Cay, which caused us to skip that port. I was prepared with my Scopalamine patch and Phenergan, but it didn't help much Thursday night. I'm sure I was one of several people who were kneeling at the porcelain alter Thursday night.
Friday was SO much better. Nassau was beautiful!! There is so much more we want to do there. I hope another trip there is in our near future! We were one of 5 ships at port that day. Atlantis is breathtaking. We only wish we had more time to walk around town and go to the beach.

Now, it is back to the real world! No more naps, having my bed made twice a day, having every meal prepared for me, dishes washed, fresh towels delivered, heavenly soft bed turned down, and worst of all NO MORE HOT MELTY CAKE!! This is going to be difficult. Reality is cruel! I must say that Carnival has been such a great experience for us. Even though we had to miss a port, they are masters at making people happy. It only took us 15 minutes to get downstairs, off the boat and through customs! (It took 1 1/2 hours in Tampa!) We had the best time people watching while we waited for our wonderful chauffeurs Dana, Clint and Ryan EARLY Saturday morning. We played "What band or music artist would this person listen to?" Try it! We laughed so hard, we cried. Thanks so much Dana, Clint and Ryan for your hospitality!! It is always 4 star!! Love, Shannon and Robert

Day 6 No Fried Food, Hold the Salt.

2010-01-26T18:08:00.004-05:00

Well, it has taken me 6 days to "get it together" enough to write about this. I had a dose of harsh reality Wednesday of last week when I tried to exercise my "duty" to give blood. I have always felt strongly about blood donation, and since there are so few who can and will, I try to do it when the blood mobile comes by our office. This time was really important, because of all the suffering people in Haiti! I used to give every 2 months, until I pushed myself when I was borderline anemic and went ahead and donated, and ended up barfing up oreo cookies on a patient and passing out in his house. All I could say was "I ate oreos. It's not coffee grounds" (meaning, "I don't have a GI bleed, I just ate oreos, which can look a heck of a lot like the crap you barf up if you do have a GI bleed.") Anyway, I went in the bus, and did all pre-donation stuff, then she took my blood pressure. 176/110!!! Yep, that's where you are when you can have a stroke, and end up REALLY messed up!! They made me wait and took it again: 150/108! Bingo! Still too bad to donate, still REALLY bad. Well, as a nurse and a perfectly manipulative and in denial one at that, I figured that my BP would be up when I went to my yearly Dr appointment later that afternoon, so having a pint of blood drawn off that day would drop my blood pressure for that visit, but they wouldn't take it. Long story short, I'm now on a strict diet of low salt, low cholesterol (no fried food), and low calorie. I'm also on BP pills twice a day. My thyroid was worse, my BP was bad, my cholesterol sux, I'm having sleep apnea (I'll talk about that in a minute), and my weight has gone up ridiculously since I was there Oct. 2008. Yes, I got married AND became the supervisor all at one time, but I am so irritated with myself!! Yes, I have a very stressful job, but I should have more control than this!! She also broke it to me that I will be "high risk" if I get pregnant. Not what I wanted to hear. I want to be "low risk" and use a midwife in a birthing center in a tub! I'm not a hospital person. They give me the shakes!!
(Back to Sleep apnea) I have always been a sleep talker/walker, no biggie, as a matter of fact, Robert has really funny stories about some of my shenanigans. He even finds it funny depending on the amount of sleep he has had. Well, the last few months, Robert has noticed that I quit breathing. He used to wake me up saying "Are you ok? You aren't breathing. That freaks me out!!!" Well, he knows I will start back breathing, so he doesn't wake me as much. He said I go 15-20 seconds without breathing (apnea.) This can increase blood pressure and cause weakness, irritability, weight gain, feeling of fatigue all the time, swelling of the ankle, etc. All of these are me. I went for a sleep study Friday night and I'm waiting for the results. I didn't sleep well, so I'm not sure if they will find anything.
I have been eating sensibly for a week now, and I'm doing really well with it. I thought going without fried food would completely go against my Southern system, and in some ways it has, but I'm dealing with the emotional part of dieting really well this time. I think the whole idea that "it's do or die" helps. Also the "over achiever"/OCD part of my personality kicked in because I WILL be "low risk" if I get pregnant.
Anyway, our house is on a diet! I'll keep y'all update on it! So far, I don't feel homicidal, or even depressed. I actually feel better. I cried all the way home from the Dr Wednesday night, but I'm great now. It's amazing how much better I feel since I had my head pulled out of my ass with my well-timed dose of reality. Thanks for all of your support!!! Love, Shannon

Let's Talk About the Weather!!

2010-01-06T19:57:00.004-05:00

Can I have a little global warming please? This super cold weather is definitely the yin to our sweltering hot summer's yang. I know I am NOT going to get any sympathy from my northern friends, but y'all have to understand, much like people acclimate to living on the equator, y'all have acclimated to living in super cold. I HAVE NOT ACCLIMATED TO COLD WEATHER. 60 is great to me, 30 sux! The hair on my legs is growing at a feverish pace. I have to MOW my legs daily! It is like an expose' I saw on the fur industry. (You know, the one where they take rabbits and fox and other animals and force them to live in really cold enclosures to make them grow thicker longer fur.) I could grow my own fur coat! It is supposed to dip into the upper 20's here in the Tampa area through the weekend. A cold snap here and there is great, but this is going to be over a week of freezing temps! We went to Target tonight and I bought the last pair of knit gloves in the store. They are absurdly ugly!! They look like your great aunt Myrtle knit them for Christmas! At this point, I don't care. They will keep my hands warm! It is so cold that when Robert rides his bike to work, within 3 minutes he is sleepy and seeing Jesus. Thank goodness we have extra padding on us for insulation. The really great part of this is thinking that in the spring and summer, we should have a lot less bugs around and the fact that this is perfect snuggling weather! Everybody snuggle up and stay warm! Love, Shannon

Christmas and a Couple of Interesting Movies.

2009-12-27T17:02:00.009-05:00

Christmas has come and gone once again. The older I get, the closer together they seem to get. I worked Christmas day, and it wasn't bad, all in all. Someone has to do it, and this year was my year. Robert came with me to keep me company. I made it through the day without setting off the alarm. We brought the TV and DVD player into the "bullpen" and watched the most awesomely ridiculously awful movie called "The Happiness of the Katakuris." It was SO awful, that it was hilariously funny. It is a Japanese subtitled movie that the box describes as "The Sound of music" meets "Dawn of the Dead" which is a zombie movie. I found this gem at the library. It caught my eye because it did look like "The Sound of Music" with Japanese characters. I laughed so hard I wheezed. Robert, Tammy and I watched it between phone calls. Lorie was in the office some of the time, but I'm pretty sure she thought we were crazy. The movie had music/dance numbers in it, mixed with zombies and such. We may have a new Christmas tradition. I wonder if some Japanese family was watching "A Christmas Story" and laughing at it and thinking it was awesomely ridiculously awful.
We went to Brandon to see the "little Kimseys." There is nothing like seeing kids with new presents to make Christmas feel like Christmas. They were so cute and sweet. I wish it could have been like the wedding, where we had all of the Outlaw-Pezoldt-Kimsey little ones together in one place. Our nieces and nephews are so special to us. It is crazy to think that Nicole was 6 and Rian was 4 when we started dating. Now they are growing into little ladies!
Today we went to eat at Yamatos for a late nice Christmas dinner, then went to see "Avatar." It was really great, BUT let me say that if you have ANY inner ear problems or tendency to have motion sickness, either don't see it in 3D, or get there so early that you can sit in the very top row. We saw it today and got there 5 minutes after it started, so we had to sit in the 2nd row!! Barf fest!! It was so close and so fast action. I can't wait to see it again at home and not in 3D.
Well, I hope that everyone had a great Christmas and I'm looking for a great New Year!!

Needing a Little Christmas Spirit.

2009-12-14T20:28:00.003-05:00

I'm having difficulty finding my inner elf. It is bothering me too. I am so blessed in so many ways, but this year I'm not feeling like it is Christmastime. Maybe it's the weather. Considering it is 85 degrees outside, that is a good possibility. (My plants are starting to bloom; the grass is growing like summer!) Maybe it's because I have to work Christmas day. Maybe it's because I won't be able to see my family on or around Christmas. We were able to spend Thanksgiving with them, but that wasn't enough for me. (Give me an inch, I want a mile!) I've watched more Christmas shows lately than I ever have. Maybe I need some of those "Ronco" commercials like when I was little! That let me KNOW it was Christmas. My Christmas tree is fabulous! I even bought a space heater that looks like a fireplace (fake logs and flames, and all!!) It looks perfect, but I sweat when I look at it, even though the heater isn't on. I thought I was going to have a heat stroke getting it into the car! The people at Home Depot were looking at me like I was crazy. I'm working really hard to get in the spirit! I should have it in a week or so!!! Merry Christmas to all! Love, Shannon and Robert

Wonderful Birthday!

2009-11-07T09:25:00.003-05:00

We spent Wednesday to Friday in Orlando celebrating my birthday. We met Cher on Wednesday night and had dinner at Landry's. It was wonderful. We came back to the room and watched Modern Family and laughed so hard we wheezed!! Thursday I got in free to Disney, so we went to EPCOT for the food and wine festival. The day was PERFECT, not too hot or too cool. We tried different foods and it was such a great way to spend my birthday. (It brought back memories of my 20th birthday, which I spent there during my CO-OP semester.) I had many calls from family singing "Happy birthday!" It was wonderful. On Friday we went to Sea World and walked around and rode the rides. It was warmer and we got some sun. They have some beautiful aquariums! We left early afternoon because I was becoming weak and sluggish (forgot to bring my thyroid med, so I went without for 3 days. Not a good idea.) It was such a nice break. Thanks to everyone for the birthday wishes!! Love, Shannon

Joey Turns 40!!

2009-10-27T21:19:00.003-04:00

OH MY!!! Doey is 4o!!!! We had a wonderful birthday party for him Saturday! It was a mixture of a 40th birthday, Halloween Pumpkin carving, and all out "battle royale" between the Dawgs and Gators! What a great day!! Joey wanted fried catfish for his birthday, so I drove up for the day and made fried catfish, french fries, slaw, and hush puppies. I listened to the game on the way home, which was STRESSFUL!! I had to set the cruise control to keep from speeding! WOW!! I'm so blessed to have a brother like Joey!! Happy birthday!! Also, Joyce and Nicole had the place decorated SO ADORABLE!! Thanks for a great day!!! Love y'all!!

1st Anniversary/Vacation!

2009-10-16T17:46:00.008-04:00

We are wrapping up our last couple of days of vacation, which has been wonderful! This is the first time since the honeymoon that we have had 9 days off together. We went to the Smoky Mountains for 5 days and were able to meet up with Mama and Daddy as they did an impromptu tour of the southeast. We stayed in a cabin in Pigeon Forge. The leaves were changing and were breathtaking. We learned a lot on this trip, so I had decided to make of list of things we have learned:
1) A year can fly by like the blink of an eye. We had such a wonderful and fun wedding a year ago on the beach and went on a wonderful cruise to Grand Cayman, Cozumel, and Roatan, Honduras, so this year we went to the mountains to celebrate 1 year together.
2) Fall is the BEST time of the year. We left 102 degree heat index in Tampa and enjoyed low 70's to low 50's in the mountains. The leaf colors developed into the most magical scene between Friday and Tuesday. On the way through the Smokies to Pigeon Forge on Friday, I said "I would like to see more reds." I got much more red on the return trip! It was purely God's art!
3) Time shares are CRAP!! Especially BLUEGREEN. When I booked the cabin, I looked up "discount cabin rentals Pigeon Forge" and pulled up a great rate for a 2 bedroom cabin with hot tub, whirlpool bath, etc. When I called, I was informed that we would have to take a 90 minute tour of a time share for the discount rate. "No problem" I thought. We will be there for 5 days, we can spare 90 minutes to save over $400! It was actually 3 hours, and it was high pressure. We went knowing that we wouldn't be buying because we don't get a lot of time off together and WE DON'T HAVE THE MONEY! Well, just google "bluegreen complaints" and you will see what we went through. They basically told us that the only way to have your kids or grand kids (which we don't have!) remember you is by buying Bluegreen and "insuring" a great vacation every year! "Are you willing to neglect your family by NOT buying this?" This was my 2nd time share presentation and they always get pissy when you say "If we convert units to dollars, you are saying this room is 400 UNITS per night and your price per UNIT is $3, that means we will be paying $1200 per night, right? We don't even spend 1/12 that when we go on vacation!! How is that saving money?" I feel bad for the people who bought and can't do basic math. It was a "one day only" opportunity, so they wouldn't let you leave and think about it. This was their way of preventing us from researching on the internet. (Sorry that was so long!)
4) Mama is WAY more of a mountain person than she thought she was! She REALLY loved the high parts of the mountain! We climbed to the highest point, despite the fact that we thought we were going to DIE! The only reason we went was because we saw a really old couple (80's) on their way down and figured "If they can do it, we surely can!" We got to the top and couldn't see crap!! It was so foggy!! And none of the people on the way down even bothered to tell us!! A-holes!! Robert got almost all the way up, and turned around thinking he had been gone too long, only to see me and Mama trudging our way up, so technically he went up 1 1/2 times. It was a 1/2 mile hike one way at 45 degree angle!
5) Pigeon Forge is Kissimmee with mountains!! And boy do they love their pancakes and go carts!! I have NEVER seen traffic like Pigeon Forge traffic! It is worse than rush hour in Miami! No joke! You can easily take 1 hour to go a couple of miles! That is not because of wrecks either!
6) Harrah's at Cherokee has our money. We started by walking about 3/4 of a mile to the casino, then had to get a card to play, then donated money! Mama and Daddy always win and they didn't this time! When we left, we discovered that they have shuttles to the parking lot, so we didn't have to walk all they way! We were losers in so many ways! (This was the same day as the climb up the highest point #4.)
7) There is a lot of "authentic" Cherokee stuff MADE IN CHINA! My family has always loved native American history, clothing, dream catchers, etc. so when we see this stuff, we have to check it out! I don't understand why it is being made in China! That is just wrong!
8) We found Elvis! He is in Pigeon Forge with his friends just across from the Titanic! The Smoky Mountain Knife Shop is HUGE (like the size of a mall!) If you need to cut somebody, that is the place to go to get it done! It had wonderful artifacts from all eras too! Mama thought she was turning into a dude because we spent so much time in there!
9) Christmas occurs year round in the mountains and there are lots of Christmas shops to celebrate it! We went to a huge one after the Knife shop, not as payback, but it could be taken that way. There was a room off to the side where the men could go to watch the Gator/LSU game. It was a beautiful place.
10) Trips are more fun with others. Don't get me wrong, we LOVE to go places just by ourselves, but we tend to rest a lot and become under motivated at times. We saw so much stuff and did so much, and I credit that to having Mama and Daddy with us. They love to go and see things, and that is so awesome! We went on the ski lift and gondola in Gatlinburg so Mama could experience her fear of falling! She's an adrenaline junky now! She'll be skydiving by this time next year! She wants to Zorb down the mountain!
11) ALWAYS get a place with a hot tub if you will be climbing mountains and walking a lot. This saved us!! We enjoyed our nightly hot tub time! We would sit in there and talk about the day and laugh!
12) It is nice to not check email and computer! I didn't get on the computer much while we were gone. I have been addicted to a couple of games and checking web sites, but I didn't care about it at all while I was gone. How nice.
13) Vacations are good for the soul! And fall is such a great time of year. I feel rejuvenated! Hopefully I come back to work a less stressed and better person.
***14) Afternoon naps are AWESOME!! I think we should make this a part of every day! (I forgot to add this last night and it's my favorite!)
Here's to many more anniversaries and lots of happiness and great vacations! Shannon and Robert

I Have My New Crown......

2009-10-08T23:09:00.002-04:00

.....So that makes me a Princess now, right? I had the most thorough dental cleaning I have ever had in my life and my teeth are sparkling white. Now comes the task of starting every 6 month cleanings. Dr Norman was very impressed at the lack of plaque and buildup on my teeth. I need to get a night guard to help with my jaw clenching. I'm not a grinder, just a clencher. I've got to put out a wonderful word for Dr Norman Castellano!! I'm not sure if he needs more patients or not, but I will send everyone I know to him! What a compassionate and gentle dentist! He does perform pediatric dentistry if the child is old enough to follow directions (since the place isn't childproof.) Thanks a million Dr Norman!! You are also quite entertaining! Shannon (the almost completely reformed Dental Wimp!)

Dental visit.

2009-09-26T19:17:00.003-04:00

I want to start by saying I am a dental wimp. I have a high pain tolerance, BUT due to aforementioned dental trauma as a child, I avoid the dentists worse than I avoid patients with the plague! Well, I have found the kindest and gentlest dentist and his name is Dr Norman Castellano. I went Thursday night for x-rays and cleaning and he did x-rays and got my broken tooth prepped for a crown! The visit took about 3 hours and it was a very late night, but it saved one whole visit! Norman and Robert grew up together from 6 years old on and have GREAT stories. Norman's hours are great for me (7:30 pm Tues-Thurs. and all day Saturday). I don't have to miss any work. It was wonderful to have Robert, Norman, and Chris talking about growing up. It wasn't the quiet, uptight, awkward visit like dental visits usually are. I was really worried about how much work I was going to need since it has been 7 years since my last dental visit, and 8 years before that! I only had the one broken tooth that I went in for and a small amount of decay under a very old filling in a wisdom tooth. My teeth need a good cleaning, but he was amazed at how white and straight they are without having braces! My bone and roots are also in great shape! I still have all my teeth, including wisdom teeth. I have been so blessed to have good teeth and to be the only kid out of the 3 of us that didn't need braces. I think I will start going to the dentist like I should since Norman is so nice and gentle and his hours are so easy to work into my schedule.

On a different note, Robert went to work this morning, leaving around 3:40am, forgot his elbow brace, so he turned around down the street to come back and when he opened the garage door a guy jumped up and ran down the street. He immediately came in to make sure I was ok and no one was in the house, so he let the guy run off. He thought the guy jumped out of the tree, but later realized he probably jumped over the fern in front of his car. We found out later in the morning that the house next door and across the street had cars broken into last weekend. One lady's home was almost broken into in broad daylight last Sunday. We spent the afternoon at Lowes getting motion lights and window locks, and installing all of this stuff!! I didn't want to have to spend that much money, but it happened!! I got the chainsaw and cut down all the bushes in front of windows and cut down all the ferns and palms in the front to open up the area so it is hard for someone to hide. I feel tired but safer! All the neighbors know what is going on and we are all locked and loaded. We'll see what happens!! Shannon and Robert

Disappointed!

2009-09-15T19:03:00.005-04:00

You know, I didn't realize how sad I would be about Patrick Swayze dying. I'm a hospice nurse for goodness sakes!! And it was expected! I guess it brings to a close the wishful thinking and dream that I would one day dirty dance and get grinded on by one of the few men who could be tough and a wonderfully sexy masculine dancer at the same time. He was just HOT!! And he could move like no other man!! I think of him crawling across the floor to "Baby" and dancing in the staff quarters in Dirty Dancing and I just get hot!! I LOVE him in "The Outsiders" which was the movie with all the HOT guys of the day in it. I love Roadhouse! (I love Sam Elliott too! His voice makes me quiver!!) Oh my!! He also made me want to play with clay!! Anyway, God bless you Patrick Swayze for having the kahunies to take dance lessons and not care what other guys thought!! You made us all smile and have lots of sexy dreams about you!!!

Rough Week!!

2009-09-10T19:59:00.006-04:00

Whoever came up with the idea that 9-9-09 was lucky is insane!! This is how our week has been: Monday: AHHHH! First day off together in a month. So nice! We went to Busch Gardens, which was not crowded and Robert got CRAPPED on by 2 birds!! Should have been foreshadowing of events to come, but we didn't take it that way. I always heard that if you get crapped on, it is good luck, so he should be DOUBLE lucky!! Tuesday was rough. Trying to figure out what all happened at work from a 3 day weekend. No biggy. Wednesday: THE DAY FROM HELL! Starts with a very confusing call from a nurse, can't go into details, but let's say SWAT was involved in a day long ordeal. During a meeting, my phone rings, it is Robert, figure it is nothing, accidentally hang up on him, send him a text, I'll call when SWAT problems are resolved. I called later only to find out that he had been hit by a car!!!! Read previous post. CAN THIS GET ANY BETTER??? Today, totally miss an important issue on the overnight report because I was distracted and I'm just a dumb a$$, left to deal with my failure and worry about it all day long UNTIL my new best friend the friggen jury subpoena woman shows up at 4:15 pm!!! The subpoena is for a court case that has been continued numerous times since the spring and will fall right in the middle of my vacation!!!!! Tomorrow is 9-11, the anniversary of the worst disaster of our time and the one year anniversary of Robert getting laid off. Sunday is the 5 year anniversary of my Nannie's death. Nannie, I could use you now. I want you here!! You could make me laugh and help me make sense of all of this like you always did!! I miss you so bad! I just hope we have gotten this all "out of our system" and can move on to a much better week!! Oh, and next week I have to go to the dentist twice to fix a tooth that has been broken for 5 years and I have put off due to my severe fear of dentists! Thanks Dr Stratton!! Hey Nannie, can you take care of him up there for me! I'm going to need mental health counseling after all of this!! Or at the very least some ativan, haldol, thorazine, or a cocktail of all the above!!

Unfortunately, It Finally Happened

2009-09-09T10:50:00.003-04:00

(As a prelude to this post I have always ridden a bike, 25 years, I love it and I have lost 90 pounds since February of this year.)

This morning, while it was still relatively cool out (GTEFCU sign said 75 degrees at 7:30am), I felt like running up to Wal-Mart to look for some paint for several little projects I am working on. It happened. While crossing the road, a car turning right hit me. Fortunately I saw it coming and prepared as much as I could. As soon as I went down I popped right back up and pulled my bike to the grass. In hindsight, I saw that I had raised my right foot up before she hit me and pushed off the car towards the grass. I didn't make the grass so I am a little bruised and scraped up and the bike was totaled and still sitting on the side of the road. Where my right foot was the right pedal went through her bumper. After the Pasco Deputy and an FHP officer had taken care of the situation the woman offered to take me to replace my bike which I gladly accepted and walked home my new bike. She was charged with the accident. Her citation was for "careless driving" and was $166 and 4 points on her license. Shannon is a bit freaked out with all this and I can't blame her. If my bike is still there tonight and Shannon and I pick it up I will post a pic for you all.
Robert

Happy Labor Day.

2009-09-07T17:12:00.002-04:00

Today was the first day Robert and I have been off together in a month. It was so nice to have a day off with him. We went to Busch Gardens for the day. I know it sounds crazy, but it really wasn't busy at all. Marcus, Robert and Brian were supposed to meet us, but they were so tired after their cruise that they couldn't make it. We had a nice time. It was quite warm, but it was a beautiful day. I hope everyone had a great day. Now back to work tomorrow. Time to play catch up!! It will be another month before we have time off together.

I hate oatmeal!

2009-09-01T06:53:00.003-04:00

I have been eating oatmeal for breakfast for the last two mornings because my sister said "eat oatmeal even if you have to choke it down. It is good for you. Just do it." I have eaten it before and I quickly get to the point where I start to gag! WHY, OH WHY CAN'T GRITS BE AS GOOD FOR YOU AS OATMEAL??? It's just not fair! It brings back memories of doing the "Mayo diet" where you have to eat certain things in combination to lose 10 lbs in 3 days. One day you have to eat cottage cheese, which absolutely makes me barf. I have blended it, held my nose, chased it with water, everything. I even made my friend Jeanne sick watching me try to eat it and she loves cottage cheese. I feel the same way about beets. Anyway, I'm going to try to keep eating it, but I'm not sure how long I can. Have a great week. Shannon

Going Crazy? Already Crazy? Been Crazy for a While?

2009-08-21T21:10:00.004-04:00

Last weekend I had a major case of "the crud" of some sort. Something between the plague and the pig/bird flu. I started sneezing. No big deal. Allergies. Then my head filled up, like it was going to explode. Pain. Exploding would be ok, it would reduce the pressure. Then Saturday I just wanted to crawl in a hole. My ears were full of fluid, so every sound was muffled. My head hadn't exploded but the pressure was increasing. Sunday I had the sweats, and I mean POURING sweats, along with the pressure and fluid in my ears. Then came the chest congestion. Then I was better. Thank goodness I am well for this weekend. I think I picked up some Miami crud. Through all of this I didn't miss a day of work, as my OCD will not allow for that. On top of feeling bad, some of the staff had cases of the whineys/fits. It never ceases to amaze me how some actually think they can tell the boss exactly what they will and won't do. Silly excuses are my favorite. I'm glad I was raised to have the work ethic that I have. It may drive me crazy, but I would never want to be lazy.
I am hoping to be able to keep up with more frequent blogs.
We are still riding the bikes. I will attach a picture of one of our predawn rides. Love, Shannon

Celebration Weekend!

2009-08-09T20:07:00.005-04:00

We went to Miami this weekend to celebrate the big "4" with Ryan!! It was a G-Force birthday! The movie was really cute! Ryan got to start the movie in the projector room. It was wonderful to have the crew together again. We missed Joey, Joyce and Nicole. We had not been to Miami since Chad and Tracy's wedding in February! It is ridicules to go 6 months without seeing my family!! Anyway, we had a great time, as usual!! Much love to all of you and happy birthday!
FYI- Ryan isn't developing faster than the average 4 year old, he knocked his teeth up into his gums and had to have them surgically removed. He had extras to spare, so he should be in good shape!

A Special Week!

2009-08-05T06:40:00.002-04:00

Our Special little guys turn 4 this week!! I can't believe it! How time flies! Happy Birthday boys!! Love, Shannie and Robert

Much Needed Break.

2009-07-26T09:35:00.003-04:00

We had a much needed long weekend and went to St Augustine to see Joey, Joyce and Nicole. We were able to go to the beach and the pool, as well as walk on St George Street. We stopped by to see friends of mine, the Jonas'. It was great to see them. They recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. We ate wonderful food at Yamoto's, JT's, and Harry T's. St Augustine has the best restaurants.
We were able to teach Nicole to ride her bike. She is a very fast learner and has great balance! I hope she practices and builds up her butt callouses so she doesn't get a sore butt every time she rides.
I don't think I talked in my sleep the last 3 nights. If I did, Robert was tired to know. We have both rested so well!! I feel rejuvenated. I hope everyone has a great week!! Shannon

My Poor Husband!

2009-07-23T07:24:00.002-04:00

Alright, I have a confession that some of you probably don't know: I have the WORST sleepwalking and sleeptalking problem EVER!! I have my whole life. Last night I woke Robert up several times talking about stupid stuff!! I saw the bike car carrier thing on his head and kept waking him up about it. IT SOUNDS STUPID, BUT IT WAS SO REAL TO ME. My dreams are so vivid that I can't wake myself up enough to pull out of it. He had to get up at 4am, so I think he got a little irritated with my craziness. It was funny to him for a while, but I think he is officially OVER IT! I would have been over it a long time ago if he was keeping me awake like that! He has lots of stories! We can't watch anything like Dirty Jobs, or anything too freaky or thought provoking before I sleep, or it gets worse. I'm not sure what to do about it, but it is getting worse. I don't want to pay thousands for a sleep study to say "yes, you are sleepwalking/talking, here are some pills" because I don't want to take anything. Any ideas? I take Melatonin sometimes, but I still do crazy stuff. Maybe my brain is screwed up from eating too much dirt with lots of cotton poison in it or standing outside watching the plane spray the cotton fields all those years, or maybe I ate a lot of lead paint, or the pictures I teethed on, or the mercury in my fillings, or maybe I'm just crazy! I may never know, but if I don't start sleeping better and feeling rested and letting Robert get some sleep, he may get a tranquilizer dart gun and knock me out. That actually doesn't sound so bad!

Good Times, Great Memories!!

2009-07-20T20:13:00.006-04:00

With so many of my friends having reunions and planning our reunion, I have been thinking a lot about what, I guess, I can now call "the old days." I put on my iPod when I ride (don't worry, I only put one ear piece in) and I play our reception play list, which has EVERY kind of music from 60's, to reggae, to steal drums, to rap to recent music. When it comes to my all time "get your butt moving" music, it would have to be FOOTLOOSE! It brings back memories of putting on my walkman with my FOOTLOOSE tape, and dancing down the road, by the river and down past Mamaw's house. I wasn't a runner, or a speed walker, I was a dance-walker. I never had to worry about anyone seeing me, because it is so far out in the country, and it is so flat you can see for miles. It was great!! If it was late enough I could see fireflies and bats. I want to do that again! I also listen to Meatloaf, which is just the most timeless music! I think about cheering, and riding around with friends and singing Meatloaf songs. Fun times!

Ooops!!

2009-07-17T11:50:00.000-04:00

I cannot stress enough to everyone to please watch out for bike riders. On the way to work today I was cut off by a black Toyota Camry with gold pin striping ( I know it's funny what you see in slow-mo). I was never seen by the driver. I had do ditch the bike at a good clip and got a little roughed up. I am OK and the bike had a few readjustments. So sore now. I can't wait until tonight (sarcasm). It amazes me as I was walking back that no one stopped to ask if I was OK. I was, but I feel that if Shannon or I saw someone in the same situation we would at least ask if they needed anything. I am done ranting for now, it kinda hurts to type (just kidding). Riding has always made me a little more aware of others and I am sure Shannon will attest to that as well. I just wish people would slow down, just a little, and be a little more aware.

Robert

OK, now this is getting ridiculous!

2009-07-17T11:34:00.004-04:00

Baconnaise? Spreadable bacon? You know, deep down, we all want to try it. Everyone know's that you can wrap a turd in bacon and it will taste good. I am thinking of adapting our blue cheese dressing recipe to use Gorgonzola and Baconnaise. Enjoy.

Shannon & Robert

Robert's New Discovery.

2009-07-16T06:51:00.004-04:00

Robert found this somehow, but I'm not sure how. It is BaconSalt. So, for all those vegetarians, Muslims, and Jews who have wanted the taste of bacon, you can now join our love of bacon. (My question is "How would these people know what bacon tastes like, and therefore, want to try it?") It sounds like something we will probably try. It seems funny. Shannon
PS- Still riding the bike everyday. Only missed 2 days due to crappy weather in over 7 weeks.

A Nice Day!

2009-07-12T17:14:00.003-04:00

We decided to go to the beach after church today. It was raining when we first got there, but it cleared up pretty quickly. The water was amazingly clear for the rain and bad weather. The gulf is usually flat and smooth as glass, but today it had a lot of waves. We saw 6 sting rays, lots of fish and a tiny baby cowfish. It was a great day! We must do this more often. We are so close to the beach, but we get so busy we don't go very often. Shannon

Happy!!

2009-07-10T21:30:00.003-04:00

I love our new car!! It may be small, but it is wonderful!! It rides so smooth, and handles so well in rain and crappy weather (which we have had a lot of lately!) The windshield is so clear that it looks like it isn't there! The seats are comfortable and the trunk is a good size! I can't sing enough praises for the Yaris!! I can't wait to check the gas mileage!! I don't miss my Tribute at all and I know we made the right decision!!
Yesterday I woke up to a flat tire on my bike, so we went to buy another tube and tire. The tube we bought was defective and burst quickly after we inflated it!! I was so aggravated! Robert took it back and got another one. I rode 2.5 miles this morning and another 2.5 tonight! I'm glad to have a functioning bike again. Missing my morning rides throws me off! In over a month I've only missed 2 days of riding. Not too shabby! Have a great weekend! Shannon

Moving in.

2009-07-08T21:24:00.003-04:00

Yesterday I put everything from the Tribute into a huge plastic tote as I cleaned out 7 years worth of accumulated "stuff." I had enough "feminine" things in there to last years, and I didn't even realize it!! I had to go through all of the junk and throw away stuff, and move the necessities back into the new car. It is nice to have a new start. The car drives so smooth and is so comfortable!! It handles very well in heavy ran and deep water. I'm glad we made the change!!
I LOVE "So You Think You Can Dance!" This is the best year ever!! I miss dancing so much!!! Shannon

Changes.

2009-07-07T21:31:00.003-04:00

Well, today my Mazda Tribute started acting a little "funny." Not bad funny, but sluggish and funny. It has 175K miles, and has every right to act funny. Well, since we are a one car family and my work is 20 miles away, I have to have a reliable car. So today we went to the Toyota dealership and bought a Toyota Yaris. It is really nice and gets great gas mileage. It is silver and is much roomier than it looks. It was difficult to leave my baby and all it's memories. I carted Cody and Pippin around to trips and vet appointments. It is sad.
We have been riding bikes every day and we only missed one day due to rain. It has been nice. Robert rode 26 miles like a crazy man yesterday! I would die!!
Have a great night! Shannon and Robert

The Sadness Continues!

2009-06-29T19:56:00.006-04:00

I am sad, of course about Farrah and MJ, Ed and David Carradine (note to self: don't put on fishnets, and diddle myself while choking. It's just a bad idea, plus your family has to answer a lot of questions!), but Billy Mays!!! I LOVE me some "as seen on TV" crap!! I have mentioned this in the past!! I went into the "As seen on TV" store in Orlando, and when the doors opened, I heard the H alleluia Chorus!! I kept telling people "Oh I have that and it is wonderful! And that too!" I have the Hercules Hooks, Ped egg, Mighty putty, Fabric glue stuff, Hair remover pads, topsy turvy, shark steamer, pet pedicure thing (Pippin won't use it! It freaks her out) and I'm sure I am forgetting something!! What are we going to do?? Who will peddle crap?? His sidekick doesn't have the UMPH! that Billy had! How weird to be bopped on the head in a airplane and die soon after! It was his time. God rest all of their souls!! Shannon
PS- We are still riding. I haven't missed a day of riding in 3 weeks!

2009-06-29T19:56:00.001-04:00

Productive Morning!

2009-06-27T11:24:00.004-04:00

I took Robert to work, mowed the yard, sprayed RoundUp on all the stuff I want to die in the yard, cleaned out the shelves above my washer and dryer and took my Management and Supervision final all before 11:15 AM!! Shannon
PS- I got a lot more done today. We met Robert and Brian for dinner and a movie. We saw "The Hangover" which was absolutely hilarious!! I can't wait to buy it and see what things in the background I missed. When we got home there was a little white dog running around the front yard. MY LITTLE WHITE DOG PIPPIN!!! I almost had a heart attack! She is old, blind, and not the brightest dog! She must have slipped out while I was unloading the car and she stayed out for 4 hours!! She didn't even have her collar on! The screen porch door was open so the cats could run in and out, so I hope she spent most of the time there. From now on we will have a "Pippin Check" every time we leave the house. We were lucky this time!! She is quite tired right now, so she must have been running around a lot!

Friday, glorious Friday!

2009-06-26T21:38:00.003-04:00

I'm sitting here watching Farrah's Story, which is such an honest, raw and open look into terminal illness. Having been in hospice for over 7 years, I have seen this story played out time and time again. Fortunately for my sanity (in some ways) I have been somewhat "removed" from the rawness of it since being in the office for the last several months. I took so many of my patients illnesses personally and suffered so deeply when they suffered, but I covered really well until I got home. I'm not sure I am ready to see this, but I'm going to watch it. Sorry to be a downer.
On a happy note, I got my hair colored, cut and styled this evening and it took 3 hours! I have never had someone take that much time on me!! She took 40 minutes just to blow dry it!! It was so relaxing!
On a funny/silly note, today I got irritated that a coworker wasn't listening to me, so I tried to get his attention by "falling out" on the floor, kicking a little, and moaning and he STILL didn't pay attention!! I feel like Bruce Willis in 'The Sixty Sense." What do you have to do to get a little attention?? My coworker Debbie just laughed! I did a reenactment later and he said, " I can't believe I didn't see you?'' It was pretty funny and a great stress reliever after a stressful week. We had puppies in the office at closing time, so that was fun too!
I wasn't able to go biking tonight because of bad weather, but we did 3 miles this morning. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! Shannon
Ok, I just got a little nostalgic and watched "We Are the World." What a great song and how impressive that so many artists got together in 1985 to do something so different. I also remembered how much my brother-in-law Clint looks like the young Kenny Logins (mucho caliente!)

Day 17 and 18.

2009-06-26T06:43:00.006-04:00

Yesterday was a weird day at work and out of work. We did our 2 miles before work and I took my time going into work. I got there 5 minutes early instead of my usual 30-45 minutes early. It was nice to break the pattern for multiple reasons. Work was challenging as usual. It was very sad during the day when we heard that Farrah had passed away. I still remember the red bathing suit picture with the "happy boobs." I still haven't watched Farrah's story yet. I've got to be in the right frame of mind, and I'm not there right now. I got a text from my friend Jeanne saying that Michael Jackson had died! 2 in 1 day! and Ed McMahon to boot this week! How sad! Whatever your view of MJ, everyone my age was effected by his music and music videos in some way. We danced to his music and tried desperately to "moon walk." When I got my glasses for the first time he was paired with Pepsi and the sparkly silver glove was on the Pepsi billboards. When I put the glasses on I COULD SEE THE SPARKLES!! It was amazing!! I hope their families find peace that transcends all pain.
We just got back from a 3 mile ride and I'm SO glad it is Friday. We went to the Casino last night with Robert's friend Dennis to make up for missing last Friday due to a "come apart." We had a blast, but I'm a little tired. Mama taught me not to go out on a "school night." It was hard to roll out of the bed to ride, but we did it. I'm getting my hair cut and colored today. It is long overdue. Have a great Friday! Shannon

Days 15 and 16.

2009-06-24T19:48:00.003-04:00

I rode yesterday morning, but Robert blew a tire yesterday and it was late by the time we got it fix. We rode this morning and this afternoon. Riding has been a blessing and a great stress reliever. I think there would have been bloodshed if not for biking.
You know how you run across something unexpectedly and it sparks something in the back of your mind?? Well, a few days ago while cleaning out the garage, I saw a copy of my resume. It didn't mean much to me at the time, but the last few days have really got me thinking. When the benefits are outweighed by the negatives it may be time to start looking around. I am keeping my eyes open and my heart open to other opportunities. I can only be taken advantage of as much as I let myself be taken advantage of. I am going to be prayerfully open-minded. Shannon

Day 14.

2009-06-22T20:40:00.002-04:00

This morning we rode 3 miles and after a long day of cleaning out the garage Robert rode another 7 miles with me. That makes 10 miles for me and about 15 for him, because he rode some while I was at work. I needed the ride because it was a crazy and irritating day. It amazes me what people will call in over and not think twice about. It also amazes me that management doesn't notice that some people are always at work, while others find every reason not to come to work, or not to stay at work.
I also got a call from an irate family member wondering where her family member was, since *****disclaimer: I am not making this up***** the crematory said her family member was not dead and was not there. She wanted to know what I did with the patient. I have never seen the patient and therefore didn't know what happened. I tried to call people, but ended up taking her phone number. During my 20 minute butt chewing, the crematory was trying to call her and say that they had made a mistake. A MISTAKE!! Putting pickles on a burger you ordered with no pickles is a MISTAKE!! Telling someone their loved one is not dead and not there when they are in fact dead and in fact there is a travesty!!! That my friends, is just one of the crazy stories of today!! One more for the books!! I need a vacation!!

Day 13.

2009-06-21T11:13:00.001-04:00

It is hot!! I was able to ride 3 miles this morning. We are going to Anna Maria Island this afternoon after Robert gets off of work. We won't be able to spend much time there because we both have to work in the morning, but at least we are able to go down there for Father's Day. I just talked to Daddy. I wish they lived closer so we could spend these holidays with them. I miss Mama and Daddy. Happy Father's Day Daddy!! You are the best!

Attack of the back!

2009-06-20T13:56:00.002-04:00

I'm writing this laying on the floor because when I was cleaning this morning I bent over and when I tried to straighten up, my low back locked and starting hurting really bad. It is the left side now and slightly above where it was in February. I'm icing and laying on my back with my legs up. CRAP!! I was going to ride this evening after some major house cleaning. Hopefully something will happen and my back will quit hurting. Shannon
PS- I was able to do some cleaning and rode 3 miles. This time my back hurts WAY more after sitting, but if I can tough it out for 20 minutes of pain, it gets better and I am able to walk.

Day 11.

2009-06-20T08:18:00.002-04:00

Rode 2 miles in the morning. My work computer screamed and died early in the day, and everything went downhill from there. The whole day (and night) was "one of those days." Shannon

Day 10.

2009-06-18T19:06:00.002-04:00

Despite crappy weather I was able to get in 2 rides today. This morning Robert and I did 2.5 miles and I was able to do another 2.5 miles tonight between rains. Our friend Robert V is about to come by and look at the house RIGHT NEXT DOOR to rent!! ( HA HA! Marcus and Lo, I am stealing your yard boy!!!! HA HA HA!! evil laugh!) This would be wonderful encouragement to keep the house clean and straightened up. We'll see!! Shannon

Day 9,

2009-06-17T18:37:00.003-04:00

Rain + Thunder + Lightning= No Bike Riding this afternoon! I'm so upset! Robert and I rode 2.5 miles this morning, but I'm out of luck this afternoon! My routine is blown again! The positive is that "So You Think You Can Dance!" comes on tonight and I can't wait!! I just let the cats in because of the bad weather. They are FREAKED out!! Pippin is actually much calmer than usual. I usually sleep really well in this type of weather, so I am hopeful that I will get a great night sleep. Have a great night!! Shannon

Day 8: What OCD Does for Me!

2009-06-16T21:24:00.004-04:00

I have been attending a "Mindfulness and Meditation" class for the last 3 Tuesdays. Last week after 2 hours of yoga I bought a bike and started riding for the first time in over 20 years. Today, 1 week later, after the 2 hour class, we rode 7 miles, for a total of 9.5 miles today. We took the night off last night, since we were both exhausted and the weather was bad (as I wrote earlier.) My OCD causes me to get into a serious schedule and stick with it, so skipping last night threw me off a bit.
I REALLY needed the Meditation/Mindfulness class and 7 mile bike ride after today! I had back to back CRAZY calls today to top off the day. One was a complete repeat of a conversation I had already had with a pt 2 hours earlier (same pt, same comments) who is younger than me, so it's not a Alzheimer's issue! Plus the pt had had the SAME conversation with another person in the office between my calls with her! She had NO recollection of the calls!! Then I got a call about a pt hearing voices in their head that they couldn't understand. I made a remark to the nurse that maybe it was speaking in a foreign language (We must have a sense of humor about things, or we will go crazier!) I later found out the pt was pretty sure the voices were saying curse words. One more for our book "We can't Make this Sh*T up!" It's never dull around our office!!
Robert is going to ride with me on the early ride in the morning!! Yeah!! Love, Shannon
PS- I want a lab after I saw one on one of my friend's facebook page! Isn't it sweet???

Day 7, not so exciting.

2009-06-16T06:30:00.002-04:00

I rode 2 miles before work yesterday, but the weather was terrible on the way home and much of the evening AND we were tired, so we took the afternoon off. I felt much more rested this morning, so I've already done my ride this morning, about 2 1/2 miles. Shannon

Day 6: The Tour Expands!

2009-06-14T09:43:00.003-04:00

Robert woke up this morning with a major case of "spunky butt" and was ready to start the "tour." I, on the other hand, woke up with a case of "lazy butt" and wanted to rest. I find it difficult to get going when I'm in this mode, BUT once I get going I feel so much better! We decided to ride a different route today. The tour was 7 miles!! I can't believe I did that in one ride, since it took me 2 rides yesterday to do that much. My butt hurt some when I first started this morning, but it quickly went away, or went numb. It is so nice to have someone to exercise with. Our plan is to ride Flatwoods(11miles) soon and the Pinellas Trail (38 miles) which is Downtown St Pete to Tarmpon Springs in the future. Mr Spunky Butt wants to do that soon, I want to work up to that LATER. I can feel the decubitus starting already. Each day that I ride longer I actually think it is possible. Shannon
PS- Tonight we did another 5 miles, so the grand total for today is 12 miles!! That's like riding from Mama and Daddy's house to Belzoni!! Hot Damn I'm good!!! I'm feeling really good right now. Hootie Whooo to endorphins!! I started taking vitamins again today. I hope my weight starts to go down or I'm gonna be pissed!

Day 5-Continued Tour de Meadowpoint.

2009-06-13T20:51:00.002-04:00

Today I rode 2 miles this morning, then this evening after Robert and I went to dinner and to see "Land of the Lost" (which I will get back to later) we went for a 5 mile ride to the end of Countyline Road and back. I'm still not comfortable riding in the bike lane of the street, so I ride on the sidewalk. My confidence is building though. It is nice to feel my energy level increasing again. I have got to get into better shape and lose weight if we are EVER going to consider having children. Each day I am going to try to do a little more.
Back to "Land of the Lost": it was funny. A lot of the main funny parts were on the commercials. Will Ferrell is just not right.
I talked to Mama today, and I guess we won't be making the Mississippi trip in July. I'm a little disappointed, but in many ways I would rather go in the fall, (which I have mentioned is my favorite time of year in Mississippi) and see Mama, Daddy, Josie, Dumplin and home. We are supposed to go to North Carolina in October for our 1 year anniversary, so maybe we can "swing" by there. I want to bring back a lot of my pictures that I left at home.
Everyone enjoy the rest of the weekend! Shannon

Day 4- Tour de Meadowpoint.

2009-06-12T19:55:00.002-04:00

I am officially a cyclist now! Just joking. We rode this morning at 6am, which was really nice. Tonight we rode to a Greek restaurant up the road, ate, and rode back. That was really great. It decreases the appetite and made me feel better. Robert rode to Walmart and back, and to Walmart and back again today while I was at work for a total of 8 miles, not including what he rode with me. (He doesn't LOVE walmart, he just forgot his wallet the first time and had to go back.) I would have said, "To hell with it" but he was determined. I'm going to ride tomorrow while he is at work. I'm still not steady enough or confident enough to ride on Bruce B Downes, because I'm not ready to die unnecessarily. I'm working on it, though. I swurve when I try to look over my shoulder. I'm a spaz!! Anyway, I will keep y'all updated!! My butt doesn't hurt anymore. Yeah!! Love,Shannon

Bike Riding Day 3!

2009-06-11T06:36:00.003-04:00

I went for a ride this morning at 6 am. Yesterday I was just tooooo tired after work. It was really nice this morning, although it was a little humid. It is so quiet and peaceful in the morning. Robert was right, early morning rides are very nice and relaxing. I didn't even notice my butt hurting and did not squirm as much! Maybe I'm building up my butt callouses! I hope to feel energized today!! I hope everyone has a great day. Tomorrow is Friday!! Shannon
Part II: We rode another 3.5 miles this evening after dinner, so that makes 5.5 miles today! Not too shabby for a new bike rider!! I felt really good today and my mood was much improved with the ride this morning getting my blood flowing. Robert plans on riding with me in the morning since he is off. We are really having fun riding together. Have a great night and a wonderful Friday!! I've got to get ready for "So You Think You Can Dance?" Shooby dooby dooby DANCE!!

Bike Riding Day 2!

2009-06-09T21:19:00.004-04:00

After riding for the first time in MANY MANY years, I am having some sore butt issues today. We rode over 3 miles yesterday, but today I could only tolerate 2 miles since I had done about an hour or so of yoga. Thanks to KC, I have some help with my sore butt, IF it gets out of hand. I've been sore since jumping around at Mike's party Saturday night and haven't recovered!! Tomorrow may either be MUCH better, or considerably worse in the soreness department. Only time will tell!! Much love and a whole lot of laughs (you may see me on Funniest videos with the bike riding!) Shannon

Wooo Hooo!

2009-06-08T19:18:00.003-04:00

Shannon got her bike today and it was so much fun riding with her. We rode about 3 miles today and I really look forward to spending a lot more time with her riding. I have tried to explain some of the wacky stuff I see riding to work at 3 a.m., armadillos, raccoons, assorted wildlife and the other morning of in the distance you could see the sky lighting up with streaks of lightning. I am just so happy to be able to share my passion for riding with her.
Here she is riding her new bike. Ain't she cute!! I love her!!

(This is actually Shannon putting this up. A little self deprecating humor never hurt anyone!! )

Surprise!! Mike Turned 40!!

2009-06-07T20:54:00.002-04:00

Jeanne pulled off the most wonderfully perfect surprise 40th birthday party for Mike last night!! He was expecting to go to dinner, but first they needed to go to "a hospice fundraiser/meet-n-greet." (That was how Jeanne got him to the party location.) He was Shocked!! We had decorated the place, had a dj, and LOTS of wonderful food and friends. (The funny thing was that last year I was the one surprised!! We got engaged on Mike's birthday last year at Leroy Selman's.) The music was wonderful. My legs hurt from jumping around barefoot on the concrete. You would think that I would learn after all these years!! It was so much fun, but has taken all day for me to recouparate. Anyway, Happy Birthday Mike and great job Jeanne!!

UP is a must see!!

2009-06-04T21:49:00.003-04:00

Tonight we went to see UP with friends. I wanted to see it from the moment I saw the first preview, and even more after the review from Marcus. Here is how he describes it:

* Sometimes dreams get unexpectedly postponed.

And sometimes they don't come true at all.

* Life involves loss, and it sucks. (This movie does not avoid the subject of loss or disappointment, or sugar coat life's sadness, loss, lack of involvement of people who should be significant to us, etc.)

* Sometimes the people that we think are heroes are really just assholes.

* We don't have to accept things that are being forced upon us.

* The end of one chapter does not mean that the book is finished.

Turn the page and see what happens next.

* Friends can often take the place of, and do a better job than, absent family. This reminds me of an anonymous quote that I recently saw and LOVE:

"Friends are God's way of apologizing to us for our families."

* Sometimes it is necessary to dump our baggage and make a new start.

Every one of these points is represented in the most heartwarming and gripping way. It is visually one of the most beautiful films I have seen. It is Pixar, but at times you think it is true scenery. It makes you cry, think, laugh, sigh, everything a movie should do!!
I will be buying it when it comes out on DVD!! The short film before it was the cutest, sweetest, and set the mood for the movie!! I loved it so much!! This movie is wonderful for adults and children and full of excellent life lessons!! Shannon and Robert

My New Addiction!!

2009-05-26T23:21:00.002-04:00

Good grief!! Robert suggested I get on Facebook last night, and now I am addicted!!! It is so much fun to see how many people you can find from your past!!! I think Robert is a little in shock how many friends I have in less than 24 hours! At this point I have 75 friends! I tried to explain to him that when you grow up in a small town you know everyone, in fact, you know everyone from the surrounding towns too!! It is making me miss home again!! This is fun!!! Love, Shannon
PS- I have some great pics on there too!!

Happy Memorial Day!

2009-05-25T17:43:00.002-04:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Memorial day! I worked. I was able to watch the PBS Memorial Day Concert last night, which was amazing and so touching. I have watched it for the last several years, and it makes me cry. It is a great way to get a small glimpse of what the military and their families go through.
My Mama sent a great email about a lot of the facts about Mississippi. Mississippi has a large number of famous writers, actors, singers (blues, rock and roll, and country all started there) and sports figures. There is a small town in Mississippi called D'Lo that I go through every time I go home. D'Lo sent every eligible man in the town to WWII and every one of them died. I can't imagine what that must have been like. I am so thankful for all of the people in the military and am so grateful for the sacrifices they make every minute of the day! God bless y'all and God bless America and our military all over the world! Shannon

It's Done!!

2009-05-23T08:00:00.006-04:00

(Disclaimer: This is NOT my yard, but it was getting there!)
After 10 straight days of rain and probably 2 1/2 weeks of not mowing, there was long enough break between downpours to mow. The bad part: it came at 7am this morning. The yard looks great, but I am not so sure how happy our neighbors are with mowing, edging and blowing at 7am. We did not get shot, so I am assuming they slept through it?? There is another front that is going to hit in about an hour, so we had to do it!! It looks really nice! It is so good to know it is done and I can spend the rest of the weekend not worrying about it. I may go to the new IKEA in Tampa today. We are having a little girls and guys get together tonight. The guys are going to see terminator or Wolverine or some guy show that we don't want to see. We are going to relax and rent a movie. We are looking forward to that.
I had the BEST message on the answering machine yesterday! It was Dana and Ryan screaming and laughing. When Ryan stayed with us last October we went to the Zoo and he fell in LOVE with the poison dart frogs. Well, when we were in Orlando we ate at the Rainforest Cafe, so we picked up several different colored poison dart frog toys. Some of them were sticky and when thrown against glass, they race down the glass doing flips and back bends. He loved them. It is so wonderful to hear a child squealing over an inexpensive low tech toy. He said "They are the BEST!!" I think Dana was happy and relieved that we sent something that isn't alive.
Everybody have a great weekend and wonderful Memorial day!!

American Idol!!

2009-05-20T21:56:00.002-04:00

This is the first year in a long time that I have really gotten into American Idol. I must say this has been the BEST finale EVER!!! Holy crap!!! I have never seen so many famous performers on one show!! And they were willing to sing with the kids who are basically unknowns!!! It was amazing!!! It is still going on as I type!! Now I am SO ready for "So You Think You Can Dance!!" It is such an inspirational show to me!!! I miss dancing SO bad, and when I watch it, I want to start dancing again!! It fuels my passion again!
Oh my!!! They are about to announce the winner!! I have always loved and pulled for Adam. We saw him over a year ago in a DVD we saw of "The ten commandments, the musical" and he was phenomenal!!! And he just lost!!!! What the hell!!!!! Chris is a good kid, but I don't think he was the best. I'm in shock!!! I think Jeanne (who I have been texting all night) had a heart attack because I haven't heard from her!!! I hope Adam is more successful than Chris like Daughtry was when he lost. Anyway, I'm going to bed now!! Shannon

Much Needed Getaway!

2009-05-17T15:09:00.015-04:00

This weekend Robert was able to take off, so we got away! Our stress levels have been unbearable and my sleep walking/talking has escalated to a nightly event. This is a good barometer of when to take a break. I must sing the praises of Priceline.com, which Marcus turned me on to. I picked areas of Orlando that we wanted to stay, then you pick a star level of hotel, then you name the price you are willing to pay. I picked several areas: Disney, Universal area, Downtown area. I put in my price, which I'm not embarrassed to say was $50, and waited about 45 seconds for an answer. Crowne Plaza Universal accepted our bid. It is nonrefundable once you enter a bid, so you just can't enter bids willy nilly. The room we stayed in was very nice, as was the hotel. The max price on the back of the door was $460/night. It was not THAT nice, though. I can't imagine paying that price for any place!!
We got to meet up with Cher Friday night for dinner at Bahama Breeze and some good visiting time. It was wonderful!! It has been too long since we have seen each other!! She looks wonderful!!

We got up Saturday morning and decided to go to Sea World. Neither of us has been there since our early twenties. It was a great time. We got to ride the Manta, which is scheduled to open in a month or so. It is CRAZY. We were on a roller coaster FACE DOWN and going really fast and high. It was really neat!!

They had an adorable show with lots of animals that were from the humane society.
The Shamu show "Believe" was wonderful. I love the way the Busch theme parks are so patriotic and recognize our military people. It was really touching. We saw another show that had dancers and people I like to refer to as "flippy floppy kids." They flipped and flopped and flew through the air on long white strips of fabric. It was fabulous!!
It has always amazed me what people will wear to theme parks. Some wear high heels, some wear bathing suits, some wear little shorts. It's just amazing!!!

Today we went to Downtown Disney. We walked all around and had a great time. It wasn't too busy or too crowded. We left there and went to Celebration and walked around a little street market and shops. It was relaxing and peaceful. Now we are home and continuing to relax for the rest of the afternoon!!! AHHHHH!!! That was a great break!!

Love, Shannon and Robert

PS- We did not see this guy!! I found him on the internet! The guy we did see had SLIGHTLY longer shorty shorts on, and they were really tight!!!

Been Awhile.

2009-05-11T15:51:00.003-04:00

I know it's been a bit since I have posted, but work has been rampant. I cannot believe all this has happened so quickly. I am going to be an uncle again, Mother's Day, P-Joe's B-day, our 4 years since we met anniversary, our seven months since we had Dorothy's wings and got married. All I can say is that we love you all. We both have been so grateful to you all through all this. Marcus, you are still as amazing as ever. BTW, thank you for hooking me up with the Wickers Sauce. Shannon now has her steak fries. She has been making them since it came. I had to take some of the sauce to Beef O'Brady's for Shannon when she got her chicken strips. We are planning our first anniversary trip but there is still a deep down longing in my soul to get us all together again for another party of epic proprtions somehow. I can never thank you all enough for the shear joy you brought us. We are so blessed.

Robert & Shannon

Happy Mother's Day and Happy Birthday,

2009-05-09T21:14:00.004-04:00

I have been "under the weather" the last several days, so I have been very slow getting getting things done. I wasn't able to go to Jennie's wedding in Oviedo tonight because of feeling so crappy. I am very disappointed, but I didn't want to risk making them sick or being unable to make the 2 hour drive home.
Anyway, tomorrow is a VERY special day!!! It is Mother's Day!! Happy Mother's day Mama!! You are the greatest!! It is also Daddy's birthday!! Happy birthday Daddy!! You are the greatest!! Daddy was born on Mother's Day, so that makes it even more special. Tomorrow is also 4 years since Robert and I first "met." By "met" I mean the first time we got matched on Eharmony and started asking/answering questions. The four years has flown by!
I hope everybody has a great Mother's Day. I wish I lived closer to my parents so I could spend these holidays with them. If you see your Mom tomorrow, hug her tight. I will have to hug my Mama over the phone, which will have to do for now. I do realize how blessed I am to have a Mama and Daddy that I can talk to on the phone! Much Love, Shannon

A Ray of Sunshine!

2009-05-03T16:00:00.002-04:00

We celebrated Mother's Day today with Robert's parents since Robert was off. We found out that Scott and Kelly (Robert's brother and sister-in-law) are expecting a baby ON OUR 1ST ANNIVERSARY!! How neat is that!! We are so excited!! We asked Kelly if they have twins, if she would just give us one?? She assured us that they were only having one. It is so nice to have some wonderful news!!

Regrouping.

2009-05-02T20:14:00.003-04:00

I'm trying to regroup and get back into writing mode, but it doesn't seem to be happening right now. I have my beloved laptop back and as soon as I get back in the mood, I will begin to write funny stuff again. Love, Shannon

Loss of a Coworker

2009-04-25T20:46:00.002-04:00

Today our hospice family lost a very spunky member. Her name was Fran and I can't begin to list the adjectives that describe her. It is so very hard in hospice dealing with death day to day. We care for people as they prepare to die, and we care for their family members that are left behind, and we do it well, VERY well. This is the problem: We are now the ones that need the caring. A void is left and the "teachers now become the students." Fran was a nurse turned social worker, and at 62, could still do the splits (I've seen it.) and did martial arts. We are so sad about our loss. God will have a challenge on his hands with Spunky Fran!! God bless you Fran.

Fun Time Ahead!!

2009-04-23T20:16:00.002-04:00

Tomorrow after work I am going to a bachelorette party for a friend of mine who grew up in Oviedo, Fl and I met working in North Carolina at "Camp Itchycoochie" (as my brother called it.) I am so excited for her and can't wait to see her again. It has been 7 years since I worked in North Carolina!! It has been such a stressful week, that a little girl party and gambling will be a great distraction!
My "Man of Honor" Marcus and Robert came down from Fairhope to do some Central Florida scouting for Robert. Robert lived in the Cayman Islands when we were there on our honeymoon (although we didn't know it at the time) but has since moved back to the States and is looking for a new home base. Well, he LOVED Tampa, which means I have another former Mississippian moving to the area!! I hope we get to see him often and MAYBE Marcus, Lorraine and family will move down soon!! That would be SO great! Then we could rescue Robert's sister Angie and her family from Greenville and move them here!! And then..... anyway, we went to Leroy Selman's last night and had a wonderful time. We closed the place down. Robert insisted on gloating to Lorraine about the wonderful food she was missing. She is such a great sport! If I had one drop of the patience she has, I would be golden!! My Robert enjoyed telling stories of my sleep walking/talking escapades. Marcus is now very glad our "Marriage Contract" didn't pan out (see several blog entries before the wedding). I think he would have killed me with all of my shenanigans!! Robert finds them thoroughly entertaining and loves to try to "keep me going" by asking questions and feeding into my talking! I'm not right in the head, especially when I sleep. It's bad enough that I could probably get a "crazy check" if I tried. For those of y'all that didn't grow up in the Delta, I don't mean anything offensive when I use the term "crazy check."
Well, I've got to try to rest since tomorrow promises to be a stressful day at work, and a very fun and tiring day at the Hard Rock!!! Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?? I sure as hell do!!!! Bring it on!! Love, Shannon

Dealing with Attitudes.

2009-04-20T18:39:00.003-04:00

Even though I am a nurse, I've never been very fond of doctors. (I mean no offense to any of my friends who are doctors at all!!!) I never could understand how the little nurses in the little hospitals had the time or desire to mess around with the little doctors with BIG god complexes!! Anyway, we have a new Dr, and I'll call him Dr Richard Head (for obvious reasons.) Well, Dr Richard (Dick for short) comes in with a major attitude each day and tries to get us to do things that are his job, but he feels are the jobs of the "secretaries." We are NURSES, who are nursing supervisors, who have 12 nurses, 9 home health aides, and 110+ patients to take care each and every day. He even DARED to make negative comments about the ONE doctor I truly love (not including you Dr Jennie!) I'll call him Dr Awesome. Dr Awesome is so nice to us, respects us as professionals, and trusts our judgment completely. I guess Dr Dick feels if you use terms of endearment (like honey) you aren't taking him seriously. Well, from this day forward, Dr Dick is now "Sugar Booger." If "honey" drove him nuts, "Sugar Booger" should run him OFF!!! Maybe if I "Bless his heart" "Sugar Booger" will find a more suitable work environment. Kill em with kindness!! Bless his heart!! (There are SO many days I'm glad I still have my Southern drawl after 12 years of being in Florida. You can say stuff and get away with so much more with a Southern accent!!) Love, Shannon

Feeling Spunky!

2009-04-18T21:32:00.002-04:00

I had a dream last week that I got my hair cut short, which started the wheels turning. Monday I decided to be ballsy and walk in to a hair salon and tell them to do "whatever." Well, I couldn't find any place open on Monday except one that had a long wait, so I took it as a sign and waited until Tuesday. After work I walked into a salon that I have been to before. I don't get my hair cut very often. As a matter of fact it hasn't been cut since just before the wedding (over 6 months ago!) The lady at the salon was from Jamaica and was so sweet. I told her to cut it about shoulder length in a style that wouldn't make my round face look any rounder. She didn't want to cut it that short. She suggested I only cut about 3 inches off, so went with that. It is very soft and healthy right now, so I am happy.
We are in the process of looking for a small car for Robert since his has crapped out again. We want something with low miles that we can take to Miami or Mississippi and feel comfortable that it will make it. My 2002 Tribute has 171,500 miles on it and is running like a champ!! We are going to keep it forever. I think it is in such good shape because I started using full synthetic oil from day 1. Anyway, we looked at a Toyota Yaris (yes, it is small and Robert is a big guy, and it may conjure visions of clowns packed in a car with the two of us in a small car, BUT it is much roomier than we expected.) It gets great gas mileage (29/36) and is very reasonable. It's an idea we are seriously looking into as soon as we get his running enough to get it up there to trade in.
Today we did yard work and bought some herbs and a bamboo orchid. Robert planted it tonight. It reminds us of his Grandma Doris. She LOVED orchids. Dana had an oriental pot that had the bottom broken out of it, so we put it in the yard and put the orchid in it, and placed large Mexican beach stones on top. It is pretty.
That is about all for now. Shannon

Spring Break Wraps Up!

2009-04-11T22:41:00.005-04:00

Tomorrow is the last day of Spring Break, which means back to work Monday!!! It has been a great week with Nicole. We have rested and done lots of wonderful things. I can officially say that I have had an ASS FULL of Busch Gardens!!! We went Wednesday and today. I wasn't able to ride any of the rides because of my back and fear of causing more problems. It was fun seeing Nicole get the "coaster bug!" She rode everything!! I wouldn't let her go on Sheikra last year because I didn't feel she was ready. Well this year she went 2 times with Jeanne and would have gone several times today, but it was so busy and the lines were long. She LOVES coasters!! It was good to get out and walk around the park. We went shopping some, got pedicures, went to some restaurants, saw Monsters vs. Aliens, Busch Gardens twice, and after tomorrow church 3 times. We had both computers die this week, so we were completely computerless for what Robert says was four hours, but it felt like 2 days!! We cooked out over the firepit tonight and ate outside and looked at the stars. It was really nice. Nicole wants to go camping now, which I find EXTREMELY funny because anytime a bug came near her, she freaked out!!! She is VERY much like her Aunt Nina (Dana) in the respect! Camping would be a hoot with her!!! We have a picture of her with a shirt that says "Nature Girl" on it. It should say "Nature Girl as long as it doesn't touch me!!" She is great!! Her "bug dance" is one in a million!!

I hate for this week to end! It went by WAY too fast!! Happy Easter everybody and Happy Birthday Marcus!!!! Today is 6 months since we got married!!! Love, Shannie, Robert and Nicole for a few more hours!!!!

What a Difference 19 Years Makes!!!

2009-04-02T19:59:00.002-04:00

Today I spoke at a local high school to 3 classes of students who are interested in the medical field. The teacher wanted me to speak on nursing and hospice. It was really fun! It was so strange being back in a high school!! I haven't stepped in a high school since I did a brief tour of MSMS at my 10 year reunion. I felt test anxiety all over again! I know I'm going to have the "showing up to school naked" dream tonight. High school is very different now!! The classrooms were more flexible in the set up. Half of the classroom was a computer area, half was "desks" (Not the desks we had!) and a hospital bed setup. The desks were individual tables with chairs that WERE NOT ATTACHED and could be pushed together to form a few larger tables. They even had a culinary classroom that had a commercial kitchen. MSMS was state of the art in it's day, but this was amazing! In the "common area" there was a huge tv screen that had announcements and information on it as well as rows of lockers. It was clean and nice. This will be the school that our kid (if we have one) will go for high school. We are very fortuate because the Elementary school is about 1/2 mile down the road, the middle school is next to the high school, and everything is very close to us. It was an excellent experience. (I found it strange that the bathrooms didn't have doors on them, the individual stalls did, but you could see right into the bathroom. God forbid you have to barf, fart, or poop. I would NEVER be able to go there!) I am on Spring Break now, so I am a happy woman (who is feeling very old since I just spent half the day talking to students who weren't even born when I graduated.) I'm going to take my geritol and go to bed!!! Have a great weekend!! Shannon
While looking for a picture of MSMS I ran across this picture. This was my physics teacher and he is still really good looking!!! Sorry Marcus!!

Looking Forward

2009-04-01T21:03:00.005-04:00

I have always loved fall, which is one reason we decided to get married in October. I thought ahead and wondered "When would I love to go on a trip to celebrate anniversaries?" October was a natural choice for me. Growing up in Mississippi, where the summers are so sweltering hot I thought they would never end, fall was always a welcomed change. Fall meant football games, cool weather, and the smell of fresh picked cotton. It was GREAT. The few times I have gone back during the fall, I just walk around in the wide open fields with my arms spread out soaking in every bit of cool breeze I can. It is a feeling like no other.
During the summer of 2001 I was a camp nurse in North Carolina. I became addicted to waterfalls. They are so relaxing to me and beautiful. The combination of fall and waterfalls makes me want to see the leaves change. I am hoping that we can make a trip this fall to take in the beauty of the leaves, the cool of fall, and the relaxation of waterfalls. I'm looking forward to this, and hopeful that this will happen. I have wanted to do this for the last 4 years, but it hasn't happened just yet. We will see. I'm trying to remain hopeful about everything right now because I am tired of hearing bad news and how we shouldn't be hopeful!! How are we going to get out of this if we lose hope?? Hope is the essence of life. I opened my profit sharing yesterday and it dropped nearly $4000. I could have done A LOT with that money, but it wasn't something I paid for myself, so I'm looking at it as a gift that had some taken back. Looking forward and planning is helping me feel positive right now. Much love, Shannon

Almost There!!

2009-04-01T06:26:00.002-04:00

Today is not only April Fool's Day, but also the last day I will be in the office for just over a week!! I'm excited because I need a break!! Tomorrow I am talking to 3 classes of high school students about nursing, hospice, and working with terminal people. What a happy discussion for them to kick off Spring Break! I hope I will be interesting and informative. I'm sure going to try!! I love to talk and I love to talk about nursing and the difference we make, so it should just flow out of my mouth.
After my "Career Day" experience I will be doing some satisfaction surveys with a few newer patients. I just did 30 of these in January, and now we will be doing 10% of our cases every month. I really enjoyed going out to the homes again and talking with people I only get to talk to on the phone. It will feel like a bit of freedom riding from place to place instead of sitting behind the desk.
That is about all that is going on right now!! Shannon

Looking Forward To Spring Break!!!

2009-03-23T17:31:00.004-04:00

I'm excited to say I have a Spring Break this year again!!! Last year I started celebrating Spring Break with Nicole, so we decided to do it again since we had so much fun. I really need a break since people are getting crazier (see previous posts.) I'm looking forward to some fun and much needed relaxation. My back is feeling better, so I'm hoping we can do a lot of fun things. Robert is in the beginning of Chiropractic visits. He has quite a bit of spinal disc degeneration too. We are 2 old sad cases. He is in the initial stages where you go from feeling way better, to feeling like someone has beat your ass!!! Robert thinks that he has been a part of the WWE (on the losing end) since Dr Burns is so strong and seemingly "jumps from the third rope" when adjusting him. I keep assuring him it will get better and he believes me.
I'm getting a bit of a farming bug. I really want to start a garden. I guess I'm an old Mississippi lady after all. We have a Topsy Turvey and are growing tomatoes. I love me some "As seen on TV" stuff!!! I'm looking at growing more herbs, cucumbers, onions, garlic, etc. We will see how this all works out.
Have a great week, and stay away from crazy people. Love, Shannon

St Patick's day!!

2009-03-17T18:39:00.005-04:00

Happy St. Patty's day everybody!!! I wore my green shirt with bejeweled shamrock and Celtic cross shirt from the Christmas Parade (Christmas around the world was the theme.) I also had an Irish Princess crown. My coworkers had no idea they were in the presence of royalty!!
After 7 years and 3 months of working at the same place, I have come to the conclusion that people are getting CRAZIER!!! Not good, funny crazy, I mean YOU NEED TO BE MEDICATED!!! crazy!! I'm not sure if it is stress from the poor economy, or pesticides and hormones in food, or mad cow, or alien abduction, or WHAT, but at least the population of people I have to deal with are getting definably more insane. I'm not talking about our patients either. Generally they are the sane segment of the family. Whatever the cause is, I hope it comes to an abrupt end soon or I'm going to lose my mind. Pray for my sanity and the sanity of those around me!! Thanks!!! Now go drink your green beer!!!

Love, Shannon

Millionaire, Parade, Mexican, Japanese, and Casino

2009-03-15T09:23:00.003-04:00

This was the first weekend that Robert and I have been off together that we haven't gone to a wedding, or a funeral since our wedding in October. It has been really nice. Our "original plan" was to go either to Venice, FL or Orlando for the weekend to get away. Friday night we went to see Slumdog Millionaire, which was really good. Saturday morning we woke up and had to decide what to do: I had a float in the founders day parade in Zephyrhills that we needed to be on or we could scratch that and leave for wherever. We decided to do the parade since I knew there would not be a lot of people in it. We had 8 people on our float including Robert and me. I'm glad we went. After the parade we ate at a wonderful Mexican restaurant and talked about where we wanted to go. We decided on renting movies and hanging out at home.
After a much needed nap, I heard LOBSTER VOICES. This puzzled Robert until I explained that "Larry the Lobster" was calling me. Meaning: I NEED TO GO TO HARD ROCK CASINO TO PLAY LARRY THE LOBSTER!! We went to one of our favorite Japanese steakhouses "Yakamoto" and had a wonderful meal and headed toward the Hard Rock. Well, Larry the Lobster wasn't good to us, so we moved on to another game that looked like Wheel of Fortune, but I'm not sure what it was. It was fun and good to us. We doubled our money, so as it turned out our meal only cost us about $18. Not bad for a night out!! We came home and watched the movie "Fireproof" which was very good. The acting wasn't good, but the concept was very good for a married couple. It makes you stop and think about the things you should do for each other and how you should love each other instead of getting so aggravated.
Today I'm not sure what we are going to do, but I know we have another movie to watch "Nights in Rodanthe." Yes, I'm making Robert sit through a chick flick. Cher says the beach house reminds her of our wedding. It looks really beautiful. Anyway, it has been a wonderful weekend together even though we didn't go anywhere. Have a great Sunday!!

Diving With Sharks.

2009-03-11T17:13:00.004-04:00

It's so funny Shannon mentioned she never thought about sharks when she was 30 feet down on the Sea Trek. There are truly two kinds of people. Those that are freaked out be things swimming by them and those that just appreciate the wonder that they are experiencing. Shannon is one of those that I think truly appreciates and respects what she sees while diving. I would love more than anything to continue diving with her. I just had to post that I would like nothing more than to experience her learning more about and diving with the incredible array of life many never get to see in the wild.

Ready For Another Cruise.

2009-03-08T22:00:00.006-04:00

I watched our honeymoon video tonight since Robert was at work. We had such a wonderful time and saw so many beautiful places. It was a relaxing week for us after so much hard work. I'm ready to go again. I want to go snorkeling again and would love to learn to scuba dive. I never once thought about sharks when I was in the water, which is amazing because I get freaked out by sharks. I'm keeping an eye out for good deals since it seems like people aren't traveling much. I'm not sure we will be able to do it, but it is always fun to look. I have pictures from the wedding and honeymoon at my desk to try to calm my soul. I hope everyone has a great week! Shannon

Wish We Were Still In Miami!!

2009-03-06T18:25:00.006-05:00

I can't begin to explain how much fun we had in Miami the weekend of Tracy and Chad's wedding. It is terrible returning to "real life." We were able to see our family and friends that we haven't seen in a while. I know everyday can't be a party, but it sure seems like it can when you are there!! We are going to make Cher come over here so we can have another "girls night out/bachelorette party." Robert's idea was put names in a bowl and draw to see who gets to be the bachelorette. I think that is a great idea.
I had a new experience today. I had to do a deposition. I've been a nurse just shy of 15 years, and this was my first depo. Thank goodness it wasn't against us. I don't think I was helpful at all, but at least it wasn't a bad experience. They were nice to me. Thank goodness for Debbie (our risk manager) and Cher. They helped me so much and were so supportive. I think I will be calmer if it ever happens again, which I hope it NEVER does. I'm looking forward to sleeping well tonight since it is over.
Have a great weekend!!! Love, Shannon

A Wedding, Three Birthdays, and No Funerals.

2009-02-23T19:04:00.008-05:00

We took a long weekend trek to Miami for another Pezoldt wedding. Three down, two to go. Chad, the baby of the Pezoldt crew, was married to Tracy in an amazing and beautiful ceremony at the Dee ring Estate. All I can say is WOW!!! Tracy looked like a real version of Cinderella and Chad looked, well, HOT!! They are such a gorgeous couple. I've never seen Chad so composed, calm, happy, and proud. The day was beautiful, the people were beautiful, the food was good, and the party was purely Pezoldt. Pezoldt should be a new adjective!! There is NO party like a Pezoldt party!!! These people don't sleep, EVER!! When they meet you, they suck you in, and you too become family. This sentiment was repeated at every table at the reception. I am not blood or marriage related to the Pezoldts, but I am related to them by love and the way they take you in. You see, when my sister married a Pezoldt, my whole family became in laws of the Pezoldts. It's hard to understand until you experience it. I guess Pezoldt could be a verb too. You see, when my sister married Clint, all of us Outlaws got, well, Pezoldted. (meaning adopted, sucked in, and made family.) They all love life in way not often seen. They also love each other in a way that is so heartwarming. They also love friends, and lots of them. They love having them around all hours of the day and night!!! They will stay up talking to anyone who shows up at the house until the sun rises the next day! It is wonderful, and wonderfully tiring. I can't hang anymore. I stayed at Mama P's all the time when Dana first moved to Miami, but I am a light weight and can't stay up like they can.

Anyway, back to the wedding. Tracy had the most angelic and adorable little girls as flower girls, and the cutest little guys as ring bearers. There was one little guy who was especially dapper, if I may say so myself. He stayed the whole time and danced until the music shut off. Maybe he kept dancing after the music stopped. He is a dancing machine!!! He gets it honestly from both sides of the family. I was going to take the kids back to the house since I wasn't expecting to stay long (with the bad back) but there was no leaving until we were kicked out by the cleaning crew. It was so much fun. Montego, one of Chad's buddies, and his wife were there with their little baby (less than 6 months) and mom had the baby in a cool swaddle sling dancing around. That baby was so good. He was either sleeping or smiling the whole time he was being danced around. Fun was had by all!!
As for the 3 birthdays, we had Nicole, Robert and Clint all celebrating birthdays within a week, so it was a special time all around.
This was the first wedding Robert and I have been to since we got married. It was nice to sit back and think, "It took a lot of work to do all of this. Thank goodness we don't have to do it again." Also, it was nice not to have to do the single girls/guys thing.
We wish much love and a lifetime of happiness to Chad and Tracy!!

Love,
Shannon and Robert

Happy Valentine's Day!

2009-02-14T18:23:00.002-05:00

I hope everyone is having a great day! As Robert said, this should be the best Valentine's for me since I don't have to worry about everyone asking if I got engaged!!! I can't believe we have already been married 4 months!! It's gone by fast and been pretty crazy. We have been through what could have been the "in sickness" part the last week. My back pain escalated to horrific Thursday night. I almost went to the ER, but as a nurse I am very aware that you don't go to the hospital Friday through Sunday because you don't get care and you just lay there and run up ridiculous bills. So I stayed here and rocked and cried all night. Robert is so wonderful to me. I feel so bad for him because he felt so helpless because he couldn't stop my pain. I went to the chiropractor Thursday and then got a deep tissue massage, which my sister-in-law said would hurt like hell afterwards, but would get better and help the following days. Well, she was right. Thursday night was my hell. I couldn't walk. Friday was bad until late in the evening. Today is better. I have numbness in my right outer leg and foot, but that is SO much better than pain. I can deal with this. I was getting worried that I would be like that forever and I wouldn't be able to go to Miami this coming weekend. If I keep getting better, I should have no problem. We will be celebrating a wedding, 2 birthdays (Robert and Nicole), late Christmas and Thanksgiving, and Valentine's Day all in one weekend. I can't wait to see my family!! It's been over 4 months!! I'm excited!!! Love, Shannon

Web marshall's at work!

2009-02-11T18:55:00.002-05:00

I thought this was pretty humorous today. We have a web Marshall (I'm not sure if this is a PERSON or a COMPUTER SERVICE or what!! I picture a person staring at a monitor and going, "oh hell, Shannon just wrote something inappropriate." to which I say, " You should have heard what I just said." I don't mince words, but I do watch what I write in emails and on pagers at work. I've been blocked for pornography many times when I looked up something in WebMD, Mapquest, and the yellow pages. I'm not sure how they get porno out of that, but to each his own.... Well, today I wrote the word "spank" in a text message to a home health aide. The context was "Bob (who is very unsteady and a fall risk) got in the shower without anyone to help him. You need to spank him and tell him not to do that again." (Bob is a very feisty old man who would love nothing more than to be spanked, but will have to make do with verbal threats to fuel his "fantasy") A message popped up that said, "Web marshal blocked due to inappropriate language Level 5 use of the word "spank" I'm not sure if level 5 is low or high, but I'm pretty sure I've said Level 1 or Level 100 dependent on what the scale is. You've got to love big brother!!! Love y'all, Shannon

Getting Better!

2009-02-10T19:32:00.002-05:00

I must say I had my doubts about how much a chiropractor could help me. I am amazed that I am so much better than a week ago! My back is so much better, although me co-workers don't think so because I am moving so slowly. My walking problem is because my muscles in my right leg are so sore from guarding the hip and back and walking on my toes. I have an occasional catch when I turn over in bed or stand up. God forbid I sneeze!!! That is the worst and I think I'm going to die every time I sneeze!! I'm hoping to be ready to boogie in time for the Miami trip! I can't wait to get in the hot tub!! I hope that anyone who is having back or neck problems will try a chiropractor. I think even Robert is becoming a believer since I'm doing better. He has been so wonderful to me!! He is a wonderful husband!! He waited on me like I was a queen. I'm so fortunate!! Shannon

Gasparilla

2009-02-07T21:04:00.002-05:00

I set my DVR to record the Gasparilla parade today. We had Laura's baby shower today at the Olive Garden and it was a blast. I would not have been able walk around the parade anyway since my back and leg are still giving me some problems. It looks like it was VERY crowded. I didn't see any of Chad's bachelor party crew on TV and I haven't received any calls to bail anyone out, so I'm assuming all is well with the wild boys. Another reason I set the DVR was to see if the woman (Gail) who was calling out the floats was sober this year since she was completely drunk last year. Well, she was sober. I guess she learned her lesson last year. I'm using this weekend to rest and heal in order to be ready for party weekend coming up. Everyone have a great weekend. Shannon

My first experience with a chiropractor.

2009-02-05T17:56:00.002-05:00

Well, I guess it is time to admit that I have been having back pain constantly for just under 2 months. I know! I'm a nurse, so I should have done something weeks ago, but honestly, I HATE DOCTORS! (No, not the one I work with, or any I am friends with, but any doctor that is looking at me as a patient. My blood pressure goes up and break into hives! Seriously!) Anyway, my pain escalated to the point where I couldn't move and I started crying at work and all the way home yesterday. I didn't want to go to my family doctor because I knew that they would put me on a bunch of muscle relaxers and pain killers that I wouldn't take, so I had Robert call and make an appointment with a chiropractor close to home. Dana had a lot of success with her back in the past, so my pain led me there. At this point I would have downed a quart of motor oil if someone told me it would help my pain!! I could barely walk yesterday and this morning. I had an appointment yesterday where they did a lot of x rays and muscle/nerve tests and range of motion tests. I had to go back this morning for the results. As expected the results were not good. My neck doesn't have the curve it should and where my lumbar and sacrum meet (basically the top of the butt crack) has degenerating discs, which is causing nerve pain from my right butt cheek down my leg to my knee. I also have muscle spasms and very tight muscles along my spine. I'm putting ice on the hip and the chiropractor adjusted my spine this morning. I can walk now, slowly, but I'm walking. My pain has gone from a 9-10 to a 4, which is nothing short of a miracle to me!! (My blood pressure was really high yesterday from the pain.) I have been in so much pain and so cranky that poor Robert has been catching my wrath. I know he's glad I'm feeling better. I think he was scared of me! Anyway, I will be going back 3 times a week for a few weeks and will have a followup assessment to see how the spine looks. I'm so glad I did this! I should have gone 20 years ago when this started.

Super Bowl!

2009-02-01T22:14:00.004-05:00

It lived up to its name!! I am so glad it was a nail biter. I was afraid that the highlight was going to be when Bruce Springsteen nutted the camera!! I wanted Kurt Warner to win because he is such a good guy, but it was fun to watch anyway!!! My brother has always been a Steelers fan as long as I can remember, so congrats Joey!!! Well, I've got to try to sleep after all this excitement!! Goodnight!!! Shannon

Casino!

2009-01-31T22:47:00.003-05:00

Well, we went to the casino and got there early enough to play a little, see a lot (and I mean A LOT) of hooker clothes, and lose a little money (very little!!!) Every skank in Tampa was out and showing IT ALL!! Lord have mercy!! They weren't even wearing pretty slutty clothes. When we left the entrances were blocked (I assume for fire code limits.) It was fun and good to be able to go out together. Well, everyone have a wonderful weekend!!! Love, Shannon

I forgot to add one other thing: I don't understand why some women feel the need to wear heels so high that they can't walk in them, or that make them walk like they have 2 peg legs!!! Some of us (and I am including myself in this) WERE NOT MADE WITH BARBIE FEET THAT MAKE US WALK ON OUR TIPTOES OUR ENTIRE LIFE!! Agony and sexy don't mix!! My suggestion is slightly lower heel and more swagger!!

I may have lost my mind.

2009-01-31T16:36:00.004-05:00

Last night I had the sudden desire to go to the Hard Rock Casino. Since Robert had to be at work at 4am, we sidelined it until today. It hit me this morning that this is going to be a crazy night to go since the SuperBowl is in town, and it is probably going to be packed!!! We are going to play "big" tonight if we can get in (ie. nickle slots, Larry the Lobster.) We haven't been in a long time and I love to walk around with all the lights and sounds. I'll let y'all know how it goes. Shannon

Christmas is over.

2009-01-25T17:17:00.003-05:00

The tree is down. Once again it's hot outside. I can't fool myself any longer. Now the house seems so empty and much less "Martha Stewart-ish!" I will survive though. Robert sent me a link for a toy that he found that we need for meetings and such. It is called the screaming monkey slingshot. It is a monkey slingshot and would come in handy at our meetings when people are talking, not paying attention, or get long-winded. Love, Shannon

PS- I guess Pippin found her hidden cornbread because it wasn't there when I moved the tree. Thank Goodness!!!

I think today is the day!!

2009-01-25T13:47:00.004-05:00

Today, January 25th MAY very well be the day that we take down the Christmas tree. It's not a definite yet, but it is a possibility! I've made the first step in getting the ornament boxes out. I'm not exactly excited about it, but Robert made a remark about it being time. He is right.

We had a birthday party for my crazy friend KC last night at her house. It was a lot of fun. One of our co-worker's daughters brought her massage table and chair and did massages. It was wonderful. Traci hid bottles like Easter eggs all over the house. It was good to get together again. This weekend was way too short. Tomorrow is time to get back to work. Everybody have a great week!! Love, Shannon

Tomorrow.

2009-01-19T21:19:00.005-05:00

I generally avoid talking about politics. I am middle of the road politically, so it is best for me to stay away from this subject BUT I can't help but reflect on people I have met in my life and how they would feel about the historic significance of tomorrow's inauguration. I met a man in Indianola at a nursing home who was somewhere in the age range of 120ish, but he couldn't be the oldest American because he didn't have a birth certificate. You see, he was born of slaves, so he wasn't "counted". He was amazingly sharp, could tell us in great detail about growing up and loved sharing his story. He was blind and a diabetic, but he had a memory that amazed me. I sat by him, as a young nursing student, listening to him for as long as our schedule would allow. I can imagine that he is smiling and so proud of the significance of tomorrow. I think of a former patient of mine who recently passed away. He was one of the youngest Tuskegee airmen. He lied at 14 saying he was 18 years old to fight for a country that didn't think of him as an equal, but he put his life on the line for our country. I can imagine that he is very proud of this country. I think of Philip (the one armed janitor from our school) who was so sweet to us, and how it would break my heart when he would say "Yes,sir or mam" to all the kids at our school. He always smiled, so I'm sure he is really smiling right now. We live in the most wonderful country in the world and I am hopeful that it will continue to get better. God bless everyone. Love,
Shannon