Lori Been tagged...

My key is Heather Blue, Jodi green, red of course red, Christina purple, and my self Pink... I'm sorry if I mixed up and quotes on the copying of this tagg from Christina's web site...

15 Years Ago, I:
1. {Was in First Grade}
I, Jodi, on the other hand, was dating this really hot guy. Actually left my fiance...
I, Red, was busy chasing my kids around, Christina was wishing I had listened to my mother and not married that first one...
I, Lori... met my husband at work and fell in love.

2. {Loved to color & play with Barbies}
Was waitressing(Yep I was a BA with a Master Barber license too)...
Was working with autistic and pervasively delayed children
Was still a bean counter and refused to write poetry...
I was a surgical tech at a local hospital and loved trauma

3. {Was 6 years old}
I was 25 years old....
I was 32.
I was 23.
I was also 23.

4. {Thought the sun rose & set with my daddy.}
Thought the sun rose & set with my father...
Was sure my dad hung the moon and stars.
Had been fatherless for ten years.
My dad was my life and strength, and I am lucky to have him.

5. {Traveled to Chicago twice/month to see my dad.}
Took road trips with this 'new' guy. Funny he still hanging around...
Took 3 kids with me grocery shopping weekly.
Daydreamed about being a widow, I had been married for 5 years already.
I vacationed with Joe to many fun places learned and lived life.

10 Years Ago, I:
1.{ Was 11 years old.}
30 years old...
37 years old
28 years young
28 too.

2. {Waiting patiently for my sister Nikki to be born.}
Was a mom to a 3 yr 11 mos 3 day old boy and a 6 week old boy...
Was trying to raise 17 year old twins and deal with a 21 year old.
Began my second life and discovered writing again...
finding my voice.
I was pregnate with my second child Dominic... Thinking been here, done that...

3. {In 5th grade.}
Grade of just life, wishing I could go back to 5th grade...
Wishing I could go anywhere.
Wishing I could cure cancer, at least in one man.
Working part time at a new job ,on the open heart team. Loved it!!!

4. {Thought the sun rose & set with my daddy.}
Was terribly missing my father, who had passed away the previous year...
Was missing my dad as well and trying to help my mom adjust to the loss of my father.
Regretted not having a father to turn to.
Loving the fact that I married a man a lot like my father, a good man.

5. {Was accepted to be a part of the Indianapolis Children's Choir}
Finally moved into a house...
Moved the demon out of the house!
Had the best birthday party of my life and it wasn't even mine.
Loving my Chandler House and struggling with 2 kids and job and husband, contiplating moving to Pregon for job transfer...

5 Years Ago, I:
1. {Was 16 years old.}
Was 35 years old...
Was 42 years old..ick poo.
Was 33 years young.
33 years old

2. {Driving on my own.}
Driving on my own...LOL...
driving Jer up a wall? LOL okay okay....
Was being driven mad by my mom.
Driving too fast and too many miles.
Going in too many directions.

3. {Was madly in "love"}...
In acceptance, toleration and in love...
did not believe in love.
knew the easy peace of more than enough...
Confused on the illness of my husband, but trying to keep it together.

4. {Was a Junior in high school}
The mother of 3 boys 9,5,2 and pregnant with the Diva..
Was living alone for the first time in my life and loving it!
Had different dreams and still had hope for children of my own seed.
My husband diagnosed with cancer. What is my life's lesson???

5. {Skipping school to be rebellious.}
Working within my current field and being the rebellious one I am anyway. Nah..
Working in health care, working on me.
Was too busy dodging bulletts to be rebellious.
Not knowing if I can quit to stay home with my family or needing to stay for the insurance??? Struggling to keep it together...

3 Years Ago, I:
1. {Was 18 years old.}
37 yrs young...
44 yrs old and acting 30.
35 years old...
35 years old

2. {Had my heart broken}
Met my demons head on..
Was learning to trust again.
a widower Almost died for the SECOND time and almost made Charley .
Living in a new home so Incase of disaster (worse case senerio), I would have less up keep...

3. {Started dating Xander.}
Put up a hell of a battle...
felt real love (a side from my children) for the first time.
Found out my brain is not to be trusted.
Making new friends and holding on to my old ones ...

4. {Was a Freshman in college}
Veered off the beaten path...
Never found the beaten path but just kept walking anyway.
Decided that I am going to eat desert first from now on.
Stay at home Mom and learning it's the hardest job I ever had...

5. {Really learned how to party.}
Remembered what it was like to party...
Was trying to remember the party.
Who needs to party? I always feel drunk.
Started to relax and enjoy...

1 Year Ago, I:
1. {Struggling financially, spiritually, and emotionally}
<-------What she said...
<------What they said.
Decided that His will is bigger than mine.
Found balance with job (working for my husband) and kids and home.

2. {Living at home.}
Living at our home.
All six of us... Adjusting to having my mom living in my home.
Happy to be in any home at all.
Enjoying my home, and finished lanscaping the back yard.

3. {Dying to be "legal".}
Wishing to be carded...
Running from AARP!
Realized that I am closer to 40 than 30.
Coming into my age and enjoying my self for who I am... Finally achieved life time member at Weight Watchers. Yea goal!!! Struggling every day!

4. {Was looking for a job that I loved.}
Continuing the quest for the job I love...
Working to pay the bills but not giving up on my dream job.
Wondered if I would ever decide what to be when I grow up.
Realizing... what would my husband do with out me and feeling accomplished.

5. {Rediscovering my faith & preparing for a March retreat.}
Finding clues leading to self admission, honesty with myself....
leading to a rediscovery of ME...
Watching my mom slip away, and trying to keep myself from doing the same.
Prayed for a few souls that I truly agonize over.
Found an old soul I never got over... and thought, I'd lost forever...

4 months ago, I;

1. {Was living with Mary & Caitlin.}
I turned 40. Bleeeeeech!..
I had my first birthday without either of my parents.
Thought I would have children by now.
Experienced the best vacation of a life time and can't wait to go back.

2. {Got my job that I love.}
Still pluggin along.......
Giving myself time to find what makes me happy and working for a living.
Wondered if I will ever make a difference.
Struggling to keep staff at work.

3. {Started to see the light.}
Basked in the light, and let the warmth wrap around me...
Selling my parents home.
Prayed that I never loose sight of the Light.
Praying for the perfect employees.

4. {Was rediscovering my faith}
Looking a bit forward. More than I ever have in my life...
Believing just a tad that I might be lovable and capable of loving.
Had the most Incredible summer vacation of my life.
Trying to keep the balance and be everything to everyone.

5. {Was looking for an apartment.}
Building a manuscript.
Believing in myself, and that guy who has been hanging around for 15 years!..
Realizing that life is one big on going lesson and sometimes I have to do a retake.
Was looking for a reason and a way.
Knowing to keep the faith... I prayed a lot

Yesterday, I:

1. {Cried on & off all day.}
Wrote in a friends blog, to find those words to wrap herself up in, to find comfort, maybe a bit of serenity and
HOPE...
Read some good journals.
I worried about my job.
I worked my day off...

2.{Shed some light on a situation that's been bothering me for months.} Accomplished tons of work!..
Finished going through all the old pictures from my parents.
Received four books in the mail about publishing poetry...scary, scary stuff.
Got a lot done and made my son's day and showed up to school for something important to him...

3. {Had the day off.}
Ugh had to work, drive in snow.
Knew I should have been a teacher! Hee hee..
Worked 6-3, needed a nap.
Helped my husband deal with his Aunt's emanate death...and watched home movies.
Had happy hour with my girlfriends and had too much... FUN...(friend drove me home)

4. {Wrote 8 more songs for my collection.}
Finished a set up for a new template, wrote a scene for a film,did three loads of laundry, went to the store, cooked dinner, changed the cat litter, looked at houses, sat on my ass at 10pm fell alseep at 10:05pm, woke up at 11, fell asleep at

2. Oops...non linear tangent...
::Smile::Finished a good book, worked on so tax stuff, spent time with JC and the animals.
Fell asleep holding "How to Publish Your Poetry" by Helene Ciaravino open to page 23.
Touched base with a friend that I've missed... she shut down when her daughter was diagnosed legal blind at 6 years old. I've tried....

5. {Thought about a friend I missed. }
Thought about all those who have touched my life, however big or however small, it all impacts me...
Thought about friends lost and new ones found, gave thanks for both.
Thought about all that I have lost and missed them.
Prayed for all that I have and thanked God for the blessings. Wondered what the difference is.
Thank God every day for what he has blessed me with!!!

Today, I:
1. {Will tweak my witness for the retreat in two weeks.}
Wrote 4 Behavioral Reports...
Work, attend meetings and finish this.
::smile::
Worked and tried to hold my husband together. Prayed non-stop.
Slept in a little...

2. {Will go to my meeting at 7 for the retreat.}
Emailed that guy(Jer) told him I loved him...
Email my sons and tell them I love them.
Buy something for my granddaughter.
Figured I should do this tag and felt special at the comments on my red kitchen.
Spent the whole day with family.

3. {Will spend the night with Caitlin while Mary's out of town.}
Told all my children I love them...
Tell JC I love her.
Decided I hate the Cabage Soup Diet.
A lot.
Had dinner with both of Joe's brother's and sister-in-law...nice

4. {Will get Starbucks :)}
Cleaned the house before leaving for work. Stop at Dunkin Donuts... Take out the trash, cook dinner.
Will try to get Charley to relax...and not think about his Aunt.
Accomplished one goal for the weekend...chore

5. {Work from home.} .........
Dunno day is still young...
Stop and get a flower for JC.Go to bed...
snuggle.
Finish this tagg...arhhgg...

Tomorrow, I:
1. {Will help Caitlin with homework.}
Help the children with their homework...
Start a new book.
Finish the Bank Recs.
Go to church...

2. {Will welcome Mary home.}
I teach a class on Behavior(Understanding challenging behavior)...
Take four cats to the vet for a nip and tuck.
Wait for Sears repair man to come and fix the washer.
Worry about my job and my husband.
Go shopping with my daughter... she has been begging me to use all her gift cards from Christmas...

3. {Take Tink for her latest shots.}
Will tell all those in my life I love them, just as I did today...
Find something to smile about.
Look for things to write about, secretly wish I was a writer and not an accountant.
Clean my craft room and make a to do list for friend that is going to help me out around the house...

4. {Go to the doctor for this ear infection.}
Look forward to the Sunrise.
Look forward to just being...
Be thankful for what I have and hopful for what the future holds.
Pray for my husband's peace.
Look forward to the next holiday and decorate for Valentines...

5. {Will catch up on alerts, emails, & comments.}
Will begin all over again..
.and forward it moves!..
Be glad that I saw another day.
Find my way to everyone's blog...
Get a jump start on the next day's list... to get a head start...

Lori
I guess I've been tagged...
Top 5 Guilty Pleasures...

1. Manicures and pedicures... I love them and I feel like a princess when I indulge. I do not do it routinely... But, I wish I had the time to... Or... Maybe it wouldn't be such a treat if I did?

2. My house cleaner... I have completely justified it,(over the guilt) the feeling of walking into your home and it is all cleaned at once... It's amazing!!!! Since I work for my husband and do not receive a paycheck this is my payment from him... Plus I'm very cranky when my house is not clean... He is much better off paying for the maid, than my wrath.

3. My car... Joe bought me a new car and well, it's too big... I kindof ran into my brother-in-laws car in my drive way since I did not see him under my car... So, Joe and I swiched cars and he did not feel it was safe enough for the kids and I since I do a lot of driving... So we sat down and researched all the cars and what "he wanted" vs. Safety vs. Cost and he decided on my new recent car purchase... The Porsche SUV... I told him I did not care what he bought me and I would drive anything except a Hummer or of equal size to my new Denali. But secretly I was praying for the Porsche... And it's metallic lapis blue... It drives like a dream. There is no substitute...

4. Wine.... mmmm, should I say more. I'm always watching my weight, since it's what I've been doing since I was a kid... But, I justify it by saying it's fruit... Right... Guilty as charged!

5. Shopping.... I'm really... well usually pretty good when I shop. I like deals, and I do not splurge too much, but occasionally I go a little nuts. I think I like the act of shopping more than the actual buying. I'm actually worse shopping with my husband than without. Let me explain:
When I shop alone I'm always thinking "what is he going to say" or "He is going to kill me"..."That's way too much for that" It's my guilt talking....He rarely even asks about my missions or even notices I bought anything new.
When I shop with him.... He says... ohhh... Go ahead and get it you deserve it!!! He really hates the act of shopping so he rather that it be overwith it, than debate... Not sure? I'm ok with it... hehehe

Well there it is.... top 5 guilty pleasures

This is Lexi's 12th birthday

Lori
Time heals all wounds... Today I donated blood for a friend who's daughter has a real rare blood disease. Only 700 people in the world have been diagnosed ever. She need to have frequent blood transfusions every three to four weeks. The last time she went to get her blood, there was not any in her type. The banks are really low due to the holidays, People not making time to go donate and people using it up. This is a plead... In Arizona or not... Please donate blood if you can. I know the criteria is tough but take time out for all the little Hailey's out there. She is also on a bone marrow transplant list, so if you can get tested for that too you would be a HERO! I thank God for my healthy little ones everyday...Because you do not know how long you can have that, it can be taken away from you and no moments notice.

Lori
Why is it so sad? Why do we cry? The lucky ones get to find out what it's all about. The place we've been promised... I know not being with us all on earth is a bummer... But look at all the old friends and relatives you get to see again or meet for the first time. Are stars seeked out like here on earth? Are people in places or just mingling? Who keeps the robes so white? Am I going to count calories there too? Are these things we all think about to keep us from falling apart?... When all the sad things remind us they are gone from us, for a real long time (I hope) from meeting again? I feel selfish for the loss and constantly have to remind myself this is a celebration of life...
All I can think about is my poor Uncle, who was married to this beautiful woman for 65 years!!! What are his days going to be like? How can you go on with out sharing all the day's event with out that some"one" special?... To death do us part... Wow, they took that seriously... It must get easier, that's what they say... Right? Time... Some of us have it.... Some of us do not? You never know just how much time we have left. That is why you should live each day like it's you last... Tell that someone special that they are loved! We all are not as lucky to live 84 years.

My miss you Aunt Irene Rant!

Lori
Today is a happy day and a sad day... My Aunt has passed to a better kingdom and I'm sad for all the people who are going to miss her physical being. I know... being a good Christian, she is in a better place and no longer suffering from Lukemia and all the side effects, but I am human and sometimes I hate to admit it... selfish. I grieve. She was my one and only Aunt, from my Dad's side and also was my Godmother. Today was particulary hard in church, since we celebrated Baptism. My Aunt had a long a beautiful life with My Uncle and five cousins and many grandchildren. She was the life of all parties. When she talked with you, the feelings were always concern and warmth. She caught you up with all the day to day information, and always made me laugh. She had the gift of gab.She always validated my feelings and made me feel normal in this mixed up world. Here's to Aunt Irene... I will meet you again in my Lord's house.
Love you,
Lori

Lori
Ok, here it is... My first tag on blog... I think it's kind of the same as those many question e-mails that gives us unusual but interesting info about yourself that everyone might not know... Like you favorite flavor vanilla or chocolate...Or kisses vs. Hugs... You know the annoying things...
The 5 Weirdest Habits of Lori ...
1. I love those Dumb e-mail chain letters that allow me to find out more about my friends. I always do them and barely receive them back...Thanks alot!!! I love E-mail. I always feel loved or thought about when I receive them. I also love cards, sending and receiving, I hand make them because it comes from the heart, It's the way I feel when I receive one.
2. I clean up for the maid... My husband thinks that this is one of the funniest thing about me. I just think it's polite and she could do a better job if it's not as bad as it would have been.(I tell him it's the picking up that I do so she has more time to clean) I really can't justify it when I read it in print.
3. I hate surprises... I mean, I LOVE them but hate them too. If I can sneak about, I usually do(I hate that about me). That is why my husband is a last minute shopper or has done some crazy things to keep me in suspense. ie; Last year we went to a jewerly show and I fell in love with these beautiful earrings and I knew he knew...I really wanted them... So he had Holly our Jeweler call the office and leave a message that the item he wanted was sold out and it would be 8-10 weeks before they could get another pair! Like I would not see that on his desk at the office (we work together)... So he bought me a beautiful ski jacket instead... And hid the earrings in the pocket wrapped in a different box. He knows me too well.
4. I'm a clean freak... I think it comes from years in the OR and a sterile environment... But, I did not notice how OCD I am until my last born Gabi has picked up all my strange habits... It's weird to see it in your kids... She only opens the bathroom door(in public) with a papertowel after washing her hands . Never touches the unknown. Does not use railings... Uses hand snatcher till it comes out her pores... It goes on and on... More OCD's... Made bed everyday(no excuses last one out has to do it)...No dishes in sink. Trash cans clean with no trash in it. Clean car. It only gets worse as I get older.
5. This was harder than I thought... It's taken me all day to come up with this last one... And I even consulted Joe and he of course said right off the top... The clean up for the maid!! LOL!
This one even he does not know only my close personal friends laugh at me on this one.
***I buy two of the same things so that I can use it...weird huh...I do this so I can keep one and save the other. Example: scrapbook supplies; I'm a compulsive buyer and have to have all the new things and gadgets... I will not use my supplies if I only have one because I might want to use it another time then I won't have it... Scarry huh... I'm the same with candles.. I will not burn it because then I will not have it... I'm getting better at this one because I have so many damn candles. I could supply any candle store with the inventory I have... But, I truly love the flickering light, The soft glow, the containers,the soft sent through out the rooms in my house, and the memory of the place or person who bought them for me... Mostly my Mom... She loves candles even more that I.
WOW... Probably more info. Then you needed but it was kind of therapeutic. Thanks for thinking of me Chris...

Lori
Happy New Year!!!
We just returned from a trip of a life time. Joe, the kids and I went skiing in Durango, CO. The mountain is called Purgatory...We have been there... BK (before kids)but never like this... We stayed in a condo 15 ft. from the rentals and 20 ft from the slope. It was amazing!!! We left Friday am and stayed the night in NM. We arrived on Saturday and it snowed 10 feet that night. New Year's Eve they had this awesome parade of lights skiing down the mountain and better fireworks then the 4th of July. The snow was the highlight.(can you tell I'm an AZ. girl???) The powder was better than amazing and the conditions were perfect.All my kids learned to ski and did it quite well... since this was there first time skiing ever. Lexi and Gabi took 1/2 day lessons and Dominic already knew enough... (say's him). I'm sure the hockey player in him let him catch on so quickly.
Another highlight of the trip was to go to the Four Corners Monument. We loved standing in four states at one time.
I loved all my vacations as a child, with my family until I got to be THAT age, when it was more important to be with my friends... Not that I do not cherish that time either... but I know there will be a time "they" (my kids) will not want to be around us so much.It's late and I must rest.
I promise to do my tag tomorrow.
Lori
ps; It was so great to hear from you Tamara... You look great and you also flooded my heart with so many memories of when Chris and I were inseperatable. You are a big part of my past and I have missed you too. XO
01:14 am

Durango, 06