Wednesday = Snow Day!

Much success on my 356 day project today... Yes, my kids think I'm absolutely crazy. Maybe I even embarrassed Brandon a tiny little bit. Maybe not though.. he's used to me!

I love my son. He's one of the most unique human beings I have ever known. That, my friend.. is a good thing. Break the mold. Best to be our very own person. He is just that. And, It's fun because I "get" him.. and I know he "gets" me.



Bran asked me to take him on a little job hunt today.. so, I caught him in action coming out of Arby's.. (lol)



OH, taking Brandon with me to Giant.. I know he hates going, but he knows how much I love his company...


I sometimes wonder if he just goes with me so I'll buy him a Monster drink.....

Nah.... He loves me. I think that's really why he goes!!!!! In any event, I enjoyed his company!

The sky looks weird today. It would be really sunny... then it looked really unusual.... like this:

I wonder if someone up there is shining some sort of light down to me... I think about thigs like that a lot... I don't know if it's normal or not, I just do...

Oh, and before I forget... thank you my sweet kids for doing the snow removal for me. I would get out there and help, but you're both so young and strong. :)
I appreciate the help....

Spring.... where you hiding?

Please stop the madness of this snowy winter season. Enough is enough!

My Day

So, off to work I go!!!!!!!

And what a day it was! BUSY BUSY BUSY!!! Seems like it's more difficult than ever to catch a break this year! LOL Whew.. what did they do, hold all the work that needed to be done and give it to me at the start of 2011? Cut me a break my friends....

But, the nice break today was when Ed took us to K.C Prime. What a great group of people I work with. He took 9 of us to celebrate our partial completion of a major project we completed as a team, last week. It was nice. The project goes on for me, and for a few others, but we really pulled together and made it happen! Look, even Dorothy joined us! She was a great help, too! Although she's been a "temp" for a year, we adore her, and would love for her to stay on with our group. Unfortunately, she is happy being a temp, as she has her own project she's working on.. she's writing a book. You go girl!!!! When you go, we'll miss you!!!


Other than our fabulous lunch out, it was a busy day at the office. Mort did pull through and sent out the announcement that we'll be off from work tomorrow. I guess he's really looking out for us. I am glad I don't have to stress over trying to drive to work in messy weather. I hate that! And then, if I don't go in when we have work, I always feel guilty. I'm happy that I don't have to worry about it tomorrow.

So, it's time to go home!!!! Yeah, I'm outta here for the day!!!!

But, on to the school to pick Brooke up from Cheer, and then off to Pizza Hut where I'll whip up a quick hot meal for the family.. (lol)
There was no way I wanted Fred to have to think about what to cook up for dinner. I know he had a super duper busy day today, and he'll be on a terrible bad schedule for snow removal late tonight and into tomorrow. He's talking about leaving at midnight. I dread when he goes... I listen to the wind outside, I see the snow coming down.. and I feel horrible. I hate that he has to deal with stupid snow removal. I hate hate hate it!



But for now... everyone is home... safe and sound. Tummy's are full, and we're all doing our thing. Just keeping an eye on the weather...



356 day project... success!

Peace.

EA

If it's you leaving me dimes, you can rest now...

It's okay, I'll never forget you. :)

Monday's Thought Provoking Question...

Monday Monday.....

356 day project... today's pictures.

Aww... look at Little Miss Raccoon eyes today! Poor sleepy workin' girl...

What a day!!! Wow... it looks like another busy one at work this week. And, to top it off, it's looking like we're getting some more snow!!! Ut-oh... I can't imagine! I thought this was going to be a better winter, with less snow!!!!!

I couldn't get out of bed this morning. It was tough. I realized that it was probably because I overloaded on carbs over the weekend. They knock me right on my ass!!!!! Today I did much better! I made myself a great salad for lunch. And, I enjoyed an hour of good times and laughs with Meg and Mom. I was a little distracted by text messages coming in from Brooke, who was having some kind of drama at school... but other than that, it was a nice break for me today.

I'm enjoying the thought of HAVING to take pictures every day. lol.. I am on day 2, and I haven't failed yet! Wooooohooooo yeah me!!! Good girly girl!!!!!

I'm not sure many of the pictures will excite most people, BUT, they will always be taken by me, in my travels. You go girl. :)

Um, what happened to the weekend?
Is tomorrow seriously Monday?

Headache
from
Hell...

356 Day Project & Life...

In My Bedroom

My Gumball Machine

The Cars on this snowy day

Me in my XB

Roxy and my newest piggy bank

Today I begin the "356" day project. My own personal challenge to post at least one photo a day for the remainder of 2011. Had I started this on the 1st, it would have been my 365 day project. But, I'm a late starter! And so I begin.. starting with photo's taken today.

I am doing this in hopes that someday in the future I will have memories and stories for people to read and view.. especially for my family, close friends and loved ones. I intend on posting happy, sad, good, bad.. Nature shot, my pets, my travels.. you name it. If it's posted, I was there, and I lived it! The picture may, or may not need an explanation. (lol)

I'll do my usual blogging, but I'm going to post a picture along with, or without my usual daily blogs!

Ready, set... GO!

To view these photo's in full size, simply click on them! Each and every photo (unless it is of me sometimes) is taken by ME! Enjoy. This is going to be fun!

Late Night with Erin

SO, it's past 1:30 in the morning and I am wide eyed....
That will teach me for taking a nap and then drinking 2 really strong k-cups of coffee at 5:00 p.m.

I just finished watching "Chasing Amy"
Different than I expected....
A few people mentioned how Alyssa was a lesbian, and she couldn't be with Holdon because of her desire for women. I didn't see that at all. I saw her as a bi-sexual woman who had some bad experiences with men, so she took comfort in women, on both an emotional and sexual levels.
Holdon was an ass. I'm glad that a year later he was able to apologize for his bullshit, but the truth was... he didn't deserve her. She was madly in love with him. I felt so bad for her. And, all along, I thought it was going to be her that broke his heart! I would have done the same thing she did, minus the slap across the face.
The movie, to me.. was quite powerful. Totally and completely different than I expected!
It was a great movie. It really made me think.... And, I'm really glad I stayed up to watch it.

Now... how do I get some sleep? lol. I am not ever at a loss like I am tonight. I am usually struggling at 11 p.m to keep one eye open during a movie. Tonight, a different story.

Random Fact about Erin

Major Girl Crush
The Ideal Woman for me...
Kat Von D.
She would be my perfect match.

Having a hard time getting started today......

Happy Saturday!

I slept like a baby last night!!!! Ahhh... I needed that!

Today I have to do some grocery shopping. Seems we're out of food. I feel bad! Sometimes when it's hectic for me at work, I just come home and crash. Since hubby is the main cook, he usually notices when the food is gone. Me, well.. I suppose I should pay a little more attention. So, it's off the the grocery store today for me!!

Snow again? Awww come on. I am hating this weekend snow. It seems like over the past 2 years it always snows on the weekend. What's up with that? The timing really stinks!!!

I was on the fence about going to Wildwood for the weekend. I'm glad I thought better of it. As I understand, it's snowing a lot more there than it is here. I don't think Ilyn has been at the condo since we were there last.... and I think we were there in October. Wow... time is flying. S L O W down.... I don't wanna miss a thing.

Up early today. I might as well jump in the shower so I can make the best of the day!

Friday at last.

I can't say enough just how glad I am that this week is coming to a close. I mean that. This week at work has been so busy and crazy with so many different things going on all at once.

Tonight is a lazy, stay at home night with wine, my favorite scented candles, and some peace and quiet. It's a kid free home until Sunday. Usually we have at least 4 teenagers running around, listening to loud music, chatting on the phone, playing computer games, Wii or X-Box Live. Tonight... we'll have none of that! I sure do hope they have a nice weekend at their cousin's house!!!

No big plans yet for the rest of the weekend. I do want to go out somewhere and have a little fun. I have no idea what that will be yet.....

So, we're down to 3 cats. After these cats I am vowing to have no more pets. I cannot take it emotionally anymore. It completely wipes me out when something happens to them. We've lost 6 cats in less than 12 years due to illness. It's just crazy. I'm not sure I still believe in the whole theory that cats have 9 lives. If they do, they aren't living their extra lives over here. I am not doing it anymore!!!!!

A friend of mine gave me a fun toy to play with, but I left it at work!! UGH! I wanted to bring it home this weekend, especially since my girlfriend Ilyndove tried to snag it from me... lol, not happening. It was funny though. She's so silly.
I look forward to testing it out. Same toy my girlfriend Monica has. I'll have to see if she's used hers... woohoooooo!!!!!!

I am at a loss for blogging right now. I have nothing really to talk about right now. I think I really really need a good night's sleep!!!!

Well, time to relax. Gotta get the candle out. Bath & Body rules!


PEACE.

R.I.P Romeo ....

 

Going to 7-11 to grab hubby a couple packs of cigarettes - $10.50

Picking up some candy for the kids, even though they aren't little anymore - $3.00

Grabbing some milk - $2.50

Getting home and sitting in the driveway with my teenage daughter, talking about life, love and everything you can fit into 10 minutes while you listen to a song from the 80's - Priceless.



((photo of Brooke in Bermuda, compliments of me))

Erin Montgomery is having an ultra emotional day. I am definitely looking forward to the weekend.......

Work was very busy today. I finished the major project that was dropped into my lap at the very last minute. Fixed the issues and problems that needed to be fixed. I sure wish it was that easy to do with people. Like, how Brooke is struggling.. I wish I could just fix it for her. Or Fred... I wish I could sit down, make a few adjustments for him, and BOOM. But, it's not that easy. Nope.... it's not the same.

So, I came home from work and my Christmas tree was gone. All cleaned up and put away. Nice.. And, the house was clean... and the floors were vacuumed. The kids back room was looking nice! Slot machine all lit up and pretty... everything looked great. And, dinner in the oven. I wasn't hungry, but it was so nice, and so thoughtful. Thank you Mr. Montgomery. You really worked hard to make me happy and proud. I am, and I appreciate it soooo much.

Romeo is nowhere to be found. Here I go again with a broken heart over a cat. I hope he's just hiding out, and making a plan to come back soon. I have a love/hate thing with pets. They make us happy, they break our hearts. They mess the house up, then they come on over and start purring when I speak to them, or scratch them behind their sweet little ears. I tell myself every single time, no more pets. Then, there they are... I say I won't get attached. Boom, I fall for the little furry suckers in an instant.. Or, I don't - then suddenly they do something that's so endearing and sweet that I can't help myself. I hope he's okay. I hope he'll be home later. I am worried, I won't lie.

Tonight I'm going to watch "Pay it Forward", I think. Fred says that we saw this movie back in like 2001. I don't remember. Not a surprise. I have a hard time remembering things sometimes. Maybe once I see it I'll remember. I heard it's a good movie. I look forward to seeing it.

Random Fact About Erin .....

Monster Truck Shows on the beach in Wildwood New Jersey really turn me on. Yep... they get me excited. (lol)

There's a Monster truck show every year in Wildwood New Jersey. I think it's in late Sept, early October. I went in 2009. LOVED it. So exciting and arousing on some really strange level.

There ya go. A random fact about me.

Peace.

Wednesday

Oh Happy Hump Day!!! I am SO glad to be over the hump of this week! It had been nothing short of crazy busy at work this week. I've been making up for the weeks before Christmas that it was fun, easy, full of parties, etc... Insane!
This morning I was proud to speak up to one of my bosses. I was in the middle of a project yesterday when she came to me (all stressed out) and acted as though I was stupid for the way I was handling something. This morning I brought it in to her and she was very impressed. I told her... "See, I'm not stupid". Oops.. so I wasn't thinking really well before I said it, but she immediately told me she didn't feel that way at all! I know she did, but it cleared things up between us. I know she would absolutely fall apart if she didn't have me. She knows it TOO, and she does value me as an assistant. I'm grateful that she lets me know that most of the time.

Tomorrow I hope to finish up this darn mailing and be a little less stressed.

It's freezing out. I am already looking forward to spring.

So, Mom and Dad did their quick run to Stony Brook. They're not sure what to do. I think they have decided to submit their offer, with 1/2 down, but they won't be offering as much as they originally thought they would. I hope, what ever it is that happens, they learn something positive about this whole moving/ buying a house. I'd love to see them get a second residence so they don't have to move away from me. I'd hate that. Plus, I'm not sure Mom would want to live permanently in Stony Brook ever again. I know those weren't the best years of her life. Who would want to go back to a place with such dark memories.... I know I never want to go back to Missouri! ICK!!!! I know, it's not the same, I'm just sayin'.

Speaking of Stony Brook. Here's something that I've been realizing. I think that when I left, back in 1986, I was so deeply hurt. I know, I think I've mentioned this in a recent blog already.. but I've really been thinking about it. I loved it there. It was my home. I had some really nice, and really special friends there that I completely disconnected from ever since I left. That's no big deal until you actually sit down and think about it for awhile. It was almost like I threw away the first part of my life and never looked back. I was always proud of how I could do that... never look back.. but lately I feel like I just totally closed myself out of people's lives, and it ended up affecting me the most. Life is so strange and unusual. The older I get, the more I think about things..... *sigh I can't explain it..... and, that's okay....

An Absolute Must listen to Song!

This movie just moved into the top 10 of my favorite movies.
It made me laugh...
It made me cry.

I really enjoyed "50 First Dates"

Funny, I blog so that I can remember....
I thought I was crazy for doing that!

What a sweet movie.

My day.

I am trying to wind down. Had a busy day with a lot of high demands. I am going right back into it tomorrow morning too. Oh joy! I look forward to it. lol. When my boss is stressed out, and I'm not.. she gets annoyed. She's never satisfied until I become stressed right along with her. The one thing is, I function so much better when I take a deep breath and chill out about it. She doesn't understand that way... so in the end, I become stressed too!!!!!! UGH!!!! I always produce the best work, and she's always satisfied and grateful. That's the most important thing I guess.

I support a few different people within my office. Today it seemed like they all needed something right away. My desk was the popular place to be today. I had all sorts of people stopping by, asking me for this or that. It's all good. I like to be busy... but, I also like to be treated with respect. Only one person in my office forget's that with me sometimes. I usually do a good job reminding her. :P

I did come home to a beautiful meal, and the whole family sat and ate together. Brooke said her "regular" grace. I miss the simple things like that sometimes. I'm happy we all had a nice meal together, and thanks to the chef (Chef Fred) for a fantastic dinner. :)

50 First Dates tonight!!!! I'm looking forward to it.

I'll be happy to see Tuesday. Monday, not so much fun.

My movie from Netflix arrived today, but I'm thinking I won't be watching it until tomorrow. I wish I could just burn it so I could send it back tomorrow in the mail and get on with the next. That's what Monica does. She orders Netflix after Netflix and she burns and burns and burns. Then, when we go to E-Town to visit, we can choose from so many movies to watch! Of course, that's if we're not going to my favorite strip club in Pa! :) I am mad about one of the strippers there. Got my first lap dance there.. and my second... (lol)
See how fast I can fall off track? I love me some brain damage!

Anyway, it's a dreary night and I'm pretty tired. Fred has spent time working on his blog, and he's doing well with it. Our blogs are so different. I hope he enjoys it. I know it helps me get things out of my head, and lightens the load in my head.... I hope it's working well for him, too.....

I want to contact my old friend Bernard tomorrow if possible. I haven't talked to him in a couple of years, but he's like the kind of guy that once I speak to him it was like we never lost touch. I am nervous about contacting him only because it seems he's stayed with his psycho wife, and she hates me. Years and years and a lifetime later and she's still a mean, nasty person. Ugh. Anyway, if I do have the opportunity to speak with him, I'm hoping he can help a sister out. :) we'll see. Tomorrow is a new day.

I hope my parents get this house. I haven't seen them this worked up about a house since way back in the 80's when we were moving to Pa. Funny... seems they've almost come full circle....
I was so mad at them for making me move to Pa. I hated it here... Now, 24 years later, I'm still here (after moving all over for a bit). Married to a guy from Georgia, raising a couple of teenage kids, managing a career, and a house. Who would have ever thought? Strange... life is so strange....

Once again I find myself falling off topic. But hey, this is my place to go where I want with my thoughts...

Peace.

Monday's Thought Provoking Question...

Some Days...

Yep.... That's me. Sometimes there's no make-up that can cover up a set of tired and old eyes. This picture was taken of me, today after work. I climbed my silly ass into a tree and took this picture. I almost ate that berry... but remembered it's not part of my diet.

Peace.

Ahhh Monday... back to it. Exhausted!

Going back to work on a Monday after a nice long vacation is so difficult! I had such a hard time getting moving, but had no choice but to get some quick work done for Jonathan and Mort's visit to Florida. They're leaving Wednesday, so until then, I'll be a busy little bee! Nothing like jumping in head first! I'm exhausted!

I also started my new/old diet today. And, so far (it's 6:20 p.m.) I've done it 100% for the day!!!! Hip Hip Hooray!!! Day 1 is usually the hardest day... but today wasn't so bad. I am focused, baby! I joined a group with some of my girly friends in the Harrisburg area. We're going to support each other on getting in shape and losing these pounds! The group is on facebook, so it's easy to check in and everything. With that being said, I'm signing up for a 26 mile Marathon in Harrisburg for November, 2011. I can walk it, so I'm in! And, I have a partner that wants to walk it with me. Cat, one of my first girly love girls. Mwwwah! I can't wait to do this. I have to get in shape. I have to stop being so lazy. I can do this!!!!!

http://www.harrisburgmarathon.com/homeIE.asp - this is where I'll be doing my 26.2 mile marathon!!!!! I have 313 days to get ready for it!!! I need something like this to focus on. Healthy changes for 2011!!!!

My hubby is so depressed today. He's been depressed for awhile. I hate that for him. I want him to feel good and be happy. My Brooke is depressed. I want her to be happy and feel good. I wish it was something easy to change. It's not. It's life.... I hate it. I wish it was better than it is for him. And, for her... I wish she felt better.. *sigh.

Oops.. I have to run to the store so hubby can get beer. I'll be back to blog in just a bit.

Backt to the GRIND tomorrow!

I have been fighting with my computer since last night with trying to get pictures on my blog. If you notice that I have posted a few today, it's because I have been desperate to get the computer straight!!!! UGH!!! I am frustrated with it.......

Hope this is a smooth and easy week. I hope when I get to my office I don't forget all my passwords, and how to do my job. LOL!

Happy Happy New Year! I am going to do my very best to make this one heck of a fabulous year! Quite honestly, these past two years haven't been the best!

xox

Plans and Events for 2011

I know of some things that will be happening this coming year. Let me see if I can make some fun and new things happen too!

Weddings:
My Aunt Suzie will be marrying the love of her life, Duane. He is such a great guy and so perfect for her! She has been through a series of marriages, and spent time with such douche bags. This guy is her perfect prince charming, and I am SO happy for her!!! I couldn't imagine her with anyone else, and I look forward to their wedding this spring!!!!!

Meg!!! Ahhh....my precious MEG!!! I love her. She and Ryan will be getting married this November. I am so excited for them! What a great co-worker, friend, and sweet human being. They should have a great wedding!!! I know she's been looking forward to it for 2 years now.. It will definitely be one to remember!!!

----------

Divorces and or separations:

Jessica and Joe Thompson. I can't believe they are going to divorce. I mean, when I met them in 1994/95 while living in Missouri (MISERY) I met them. I never thought they would stay together as long as they did, but now... fast forwarding all these years later, and 3 children, who knew it would fall apart now? I feel badly for her. And, I guess I feel badly for him. It's hard to make a marriage work, but after all they've been through together, I figured they would hang in there. I suppose I was wrong.....

Ilyndove and Steven. So, they broke up last summer ...wow, that went by fast. Seems like yesterday I was at their house chasing Ilyn around trying to suck on her toes (lol). Anyway, she was going to get a divorce in 2010, but it didn't happen. I'd guess she would complete that chapter sometime this year and get on with her life, and her relationship with Dave. Dave divorced his wife Kathy, after being apart from her for the past 5 years. Now, it's Ilyn's turn to close that door.

I can't say for sure who I can picture breaking up this year, but I can say that I predict that Kathy may let Billy go. That was a disaster to begin with, and the fact that they are married, but living apart (like a town or two) is so bizarre. And the idea that he went off to Vegas to live for awhile without her is insane... but I'm not sure if it's he who was insane for going to live his "dream" in Vegas, or she who is Insane for taking him back when he came back from living his "dream". lol. I'd predict that this might be the year that they go their separate ways. Just saying....

------------------------------------------------

This year:
Brooke will turn 15 and finish the 9th grade.

Brandon will turn 17 (omg) and finish 10th grade.

I will celebrate my 43rd Birthday.

Fred will celebrate his 49th Birthday.

I will be married to Fred for 10 years.

I will be at Rider for 6 years as of next month....

I will go on my 7th (or is it 8th) cruise. This will be my first on the NCL Gem. From Port of New York to Bermuda. The most beautiful place on earth.


I'm sure I'll be adding to this list. But, these are things I can think of off the top of my head. This should be an interesting year!

Sunday, lazy Sunday

So, today was quite a lazy day. Although I look pretty full of life in this picture (it is from today), I feel like I could have stayed in bed all day long!!!!

Went to Freddy's apartment with some pizza to celebrate Bethany's 4th Birthday. The apartment is looking good. They're making it, and it must feel like an incredible accomplishment for them. I hope it continues to get easier as time passes. I know it's a great experience for them as a family. I wasn't feeling really well, so we didn't stay that long. We had pizza, sang Happy Birthday, cake, gifts, and out the door. Bethany was happy we were there. The kids are absolutely adorable.

Other exciting stuff going on...
Mom and Dad and the house in Stony Brook. This house is located right up the street from where I grew up. It's not something they're looking into buying to live in on a permanent basis, but rather on weekends, during the summer at times, etc.. and a nice bonus would be that it would be available to me when I wanted to go visit the Island. I would go a lot more often if I had a place to land. Staying in Hotels are limited and get expensive, and staying with my Granny is pretty much uncomfortable, so I haven't done that in years. So, if Mom and Dad get this house, it would be an incredible investment, as well as a great opportunity for me to go back to my roots and spend some time re-visiting my life as it once was.... I think by the sounds of it, I'll be making a day trip out there next weekend to see the house. Fred will be taking a look at the structure of the house, and all the heating, plumbing, etc to see if it's okay. I know nothing about that stuff, so I am just interested in seeing the house, the location, running around town for a bit... I can easily entertain myself there. I am always looking for something to jog my memories of living there. And, I'm always looking around to see if I recognize people, places, etc... it's nice. Feels strange going there, and I want it to feel good. I hope to be visiting a lot more often to where it feels comfortable again. I don't know if that makes sense, but it's how I feel.

I hope they buy the house. I'm pretty excited about it, and I know they are too. They can't stop talking about it. I think it's sweet. I sure hope it all works out. Life is to short to not be enjoying it all... and I think it would benefit everyone if they buy it.