CLICK HERE FOR THOUSANDS OF FREE BLOGGER TEMPLATES »

Monday, April 27, 2009

At last!

I know this will make a few people happy - a new post! I know it has been awhile, but the newness of it all wore off and I sort of forgot. I promise I will try to be better!

So...lots going on. This coming up weekend is our NALS of Arizona state conference and installation of the new officers. I will be installed as President Elect...I am not sure how that happened, but it did, so I am going to embrace it! It should be a fun weekend, full of friends, food, wine and a little bit of education. :)

I have also been working on the committee for the Region 7/Region 8 conference we are having in Las Vegas! It is in the middle of June, but everyone is so excited! David is also presenting and I can't wait! That should be a really fun trip. Carol, Karen, Kathy, Delana and I are all driving up together...danger to anyone on the road! JK! Carol and Delana will driving, not me!

These conferences can be heavy on education (which is good), so we are going to squeeze every minute of fun out that we can! I think we will probably see a lot of sunglasses and heavy eyelids during the seminars! :)

I guess that is all for now...can't think of anything else to say!

Have a great day!

Monday, February 9, 2009

5 MORE DAYS!!!!!

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

10 MORE DAYS!!!

WHOO HOO! 10 more days until I get to see my very best frien' in the whole world! Duke - here I come - JK - Amy you know it's you! Hehe! Although I am not sure why it ended up February...why I am leaving the 80 degree weather for the 40/50 degree weather...I must be crazy! Things are so crazy around here, it will be a perfect time for a break.

Saturday I left the house at 8:15 am and didn't get home until 11 pm...I even had to take a change of clothes with me. That morning I left my house, drove downtown to teach a section of the CLA review class. I haven't taught this class in a while, but this particular group of individuals was great! They interacted, asked questions and I think we had a wonderful dialogue going on.

Once class was done, I headed back to my side of town and drove 45 minutes to a church in Sun City. For those not in Arizona, Sun City is the city full of retired persons. However, it was also where one of our family friends was being ordained. My mom and Lauren were at the library about 5 or 6 years ago, when Lauren befriended a mother and daughter. 5 or 6 years later, we are all still friends and we felt very fortunate and blessed to a part of Jose's big day. I have never been to an ordination, so I was not sure what to expect, but the service was beautiful! I was even able to hold it together until Jose started talking about his wife and children...when his voice cracked, there was no holding back the tears!

After church, I was headed back downtown to see some roller derby! A friend of mine (her name happens to be Amy - weird!) skates in the Arizona Derby Dame league. She is on the Schoolyard Scrappers and Saturday was opening night for the season. All five teams were skating. A bunch of NALS ladies joined one of our vendors who hosted a tailgate party before the event. They had wine, beer and so much food! It was so great! Then we headed into the area. Our other friend Kathy (who ended up having to work) made these super great pom poms just for Scrapper fans! They are rulers with the same blue plaid material as their skirts (if you can call them that) cut into strips and tied on the end of the ruler. There are perfect! The next bout is in April and we have all said we are in! I know Amy really appreciates the support as well - she kept saying "I hear nothing except when everyone screams my name!" BTW...her derby name is Mizz Nashty, a little play on her last name of Nash. We all love her and had a great time at the bout supporting her!


Left to Right Top Row: Delana, Pat, Tara, Linda
Left to Right Bottom Row: Stephanie, Brenda, Kerie
Amy is the second one from the right


Some not so good stuff happened this week too...I got a call from my sister yesterday while I was heading back to the office waiting for the light rail. Their house got broken into yesterday morning and she was on her way back. Apparently, it was two young boys (18 and 20 they think) that broke the window right next to the front door, reached in and unlocked the door. They pulled up a truck in the driveway and took their computer, Wii, camera, video camera, safe and Erin's jewelry box. Someone was walking by, saw them and called the police. They did drop the safe and jewelry box, but all of Erin's jewelry was gone. Luckily no one was home and Lauren will never learn of this, but still...it totally sucks! Why do people do that? How would they feel if someone did it to them? The man who walked by was able to get the license plate of the truck and one of the boys cut himself so they were able to get a DNA sample...hopefully it helps find them. Guess it is time for me to get an alarm system...guess I know where my tax refund is going!

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

A day in the life of a new Past President...

I wanted to write this an article for the association's newsletter, but I don't think it would be appropriate...maybe...you tell me Kathy.

All the anticipation, excitement and in one night, it is all over. Now, you are no one...just a face in the crowd. For the days leading up to Amy's installation, all I could think was "finally...no more annoying emails, no more drama, just plain no more!" But as we left the meeting and the days following, now all I can think is "boy did time fly by." It just seems like yesterday when Kathy, Karen and I were ditching a session in Tulsa in 2006, discussing what would happen if our then president stepped down and who would take her place...that was almost two years ago and the beginning of most incredible journey.

When I first decided to take on the challenge, I thought, okay...I can do this. Nothing to it. You preside over meetings, sign expense forms...what could be so difficult. Then I had to do it. Almost daily I received emails from members wanting me to make all kinds of decisions! There were days when I had over 100 emails on one topic - how does that happen?!? Of course then I would turn to my three trusted mentors, who in turn would receive the same 100 emails and a several from me, to help me through the insanity! Several times I would shout in my office "WHY CAN'T WE ALL JUST GROW UP!" But I dealt with it and moved on to the next drama.

There were good spots too...rejoicing when members passed their certification exams, the extra fun times we had at conferences (in the sessions and out), all of the great friends I have made, and all of the wonderful life lessons being a leader has taught me. I feel more confident, more self-worth, and just plain better about myself. I CAN do it! I can do anything!

So now as the volume of emails dwindles (not to zero, but significantly less than 100), and my need to make each and every decision is gone, I hope that I can focus on some of the things I wanted to do last year, but just didn't have the energy to devote to it. I want to remain an intregal part of this association, but I also want to step back and let someone else do the driving.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Spring Awakening

David is the best boss ever! Not only did he get me onstage seating for Spring Awakening on Saturday, but he took me to the cast party on Tuesday after opening night! We got to meet the cast and hang out...what a great time!






Now we are going to print out these pictures and have the actors sign them after the show on Saturday! I dare anyone to prove that have a better boss than I do!

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Some funnies...

The boss walked into the office one morning not knowing his zipper was down and his fly area wide open. His assistant walked up to him and said, 'This morning when you left your house, did you close your garage door?' The boss told her he knew he'd closed the garage door, and walked into his office puzzled by the question.As he finished his paperwork, he suddenly noticed his fly was open, and zipped it up. He then understood his assistant's question about his 'garage door.'He headed out for a cup of coffee and paused by her desk to ask, 'When my garage door was open, did you see my Hummer parked in there?'She smiled and said, 'No, I didn't. All I saw was an old minivan with two flat tires.'

An elderly gentleman... Had serious hearing problems for a number of years. He went to the doctor and the doctor was able to have him fitted for a set of hearing aids that allowed the gentleman to hear 100% The elderly gentleman went back in a month to the doctor and the doctor said, 'Your hearing is perfect. Your family must be really pleased that you can hear again.' The gentleman replied, 'Oh, I haven't told my family yet. I just sit around and listen to the conversations. I've changed my will three times!'

Two elderly gentlemen from a retirement center were sitting on a bench under a tree when one turns to the other and says: 'Slim, I'm 83 years old now and I'm just full of aches and pains. I know you're about my age. How do you feel?' Slim says, 'I feel just like a newborn baby.' 'Really!? Like a newborn baby!?' 'Yep. No hair, no teeth, and I think I just wet my pants.'

An elderly couple had dinner at another couple's house, and after eating, the wives left the table and went into the kitchen. The two gentlemen were talking, and one said, 'Last night we went out to a new restaurant and it was really great. I would recommend it very highly.' The other man said, 'What is the name of the restaurant?' The first man thought and thought and finally said, 'What is the name of that flower you give to someone you love? You know... The one that's red and has thorns.' 'Do you mean a rose?' 'Yes, that's the one,' replied the man. He then turned towards the kitchen and yelled, 'Rose, what's the name of that restaurant we went to last night?

Hospital regulations require a wheel chair for patients being discharged. However, while working as a student nurse, I found one elderly gentleman already dressed and sitting on the bed with a suitcase at his feet, who insisted he didn't need my help to leave the hospital. After a chat about rules being rules, he reluctan tly let me wheel him to the elevator. On the way down I asked him if his wife was meeting him. 'I don't know,' he said. 'She's still upstairs in the bathroom changing out of her hospital gown.'

Couple in their nineties are both having problems remembering things. During a checkup, the doctor tells them that they're physically okay, but they might want to start writing things down to help them remember Later that night, while watching TV, the old man gets up from his chair. 'Want anything while I'm in the kitchen?' he asks. 'Will you get me a bowl of ice cream?' 'Sure.' 'Don't you think you should write it down so you can remember it?' she asks. 'No, I can remember it.' 'Well, I'd like some strawberries on top, too. Maybe you should write it down, so's not to forget it?' He says, 'I can remember that. You want a bowl of ice cream with strawberries. ' 'I'd also like whipped cream. I'm certain you'll forget that, write it down?' she asks. Irritated, he says, 'I don't need to write it down, I can remember it! Ice cream with strawberries and whipped cream - I got it, for goodness sake!' Then he toddles into the kitchen. After about 20 minutes, The old man returns from the kitchen and hands his wife a plate of bacon and eggs. She stares at the plat e for a moment. 'Where's my toast ?'

A senior citizen said to his eighty-year old buddy: 'So I hear you're getting married?' 'Yep!' 'Do I know her?' 'Nope!' 'This woman, is she good looking?' 'Not really.' 'Is she a good cook?' 'Naw, she can't cook too well.' 'Does she have lots of money?' 'Nope! Poor as a church mouse.' 'Well, then, is she good in bed?' 'I don't know.' 'Why in the world do you want to marry her then?' 'Because she can still drive!'

Three old guys are out walking. First one says, 'Windy, isn't it?' Second one says, 'No, it's Thursday!' Third one says, 'So am I. Let 's go get a beer.' A man was telling his neighbor, 'I just bought a new hearing aid. It cost me four thousand dollars, but it's state of the art It's perfect.' 'Really,' answered the neighbor . 'What kind is it?' 'Twelve thirty.'

Morris, an 82 year-old man, went to the doctor to get a physical. A few days later, the doctor saw Morris walking down the street with a gorgeous young woman on his arm. A couple of days later, the doctor spoke to Morris and said, 'You're really doing great, aren't you?' Morris replied, 'Just doing what you said, Doc: 'Get a hot mamma and be cheerful.'' The doctor said, 'I didn't say that. I said, 'You've got a heart murmur; be careful.'

One more. . .! A little old man shuffled slowly into an ice cream parlor and pulled himself slowly, painfully, up onto a stool.. After catching his breath, he ordered a banana split. The waitress asked kindly, 'Crushed nuts?' 'No,' he replied, 'Arthritis.'

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Facebook junkie...coming through!

Sorry I haven't posted in a while...I have been obsessed with my other obsession...Facebook. It is so much fun and I have been reconnecting with all sorts of people...it is just great!

I have also been so busy with just plain life. Norma had her baby on November 11...Jack Christopher...he is so cute! I got sick right after he was born, so yesterday was the first time I got to see him after he was born. What a cute baby!


Amy, Shara and Dani went to see New Kids last night. Amy called so I could try and listen, but it didn't work, so she sent pictures and even a video! It was so great! I felt like I was right there with them...sort of! They even called after it was over...I had to wake up (because it was 1 am), but I was so glad they called to share their great time with me.