Linda's Sunflower

Florida Work Trip

2012-01-29T16:42:00.004-06:00

I found out on Wednesday, January 4th that I would be attending a workshop in Melbourne, Florida with 5 others from the Eagle. We are getting a new advertising system, and this was the set-up workshop and training on how to build the system to work for us.

Our flight left at 6am on Monday, January 16th, and we went straight into the workshop after checking into our hotel - Crowne Plaza.

It was a very INTENSE two weeks of work, and there is much more to be done.

Corby flew down late Thursday afternoon - the workshop stopped at 2pm on Friday so the folks who were flying home for the weekend could leave. Three of us stayed, and three in our group flew home. I had opted to stay because it didn't make sense to fly home for 36 hours and then get back on a plane to Florida. We enjoyed a lot of rest and relaxation, and went to Cocoa Beach on Saturday afternoon.

The weather was beautiful the entire time, and I started my day watching the sun rise over the ocean.

We saw dolphin fins several times, and one jumped out of the water the first week we were there.

We worked late every day, so we didn't get to do a lot of sightseeing. We were all pretty tired after the long days!

Cheryl, Molly and I got a chance to know each other even better than we already did!

The next 5 months are going to be insanely busy. There is a lot of work to be done, and I have to keep up with my regular job. But the pot at the end of the rainbow is a new advertising system, one we've needed for a long time!

Really Good Book

2012-01-11T20:45:00.002-06:00

This will obviously be listed in my "January 2012" books post in February, but I just finished "The Witness" by Dee Henderson.

I've read Henderson's books before, though it's been a long time. I got this one free on Amazon, and I truly enjoyed it. It was a pretty unique story line and a book I would highly recommend!

2011 Books

2012-01-09T20:21:00.000-06:00

2011 re-cap:

74 books by female authors
14 books by male authors
2 books by couples
total = 90 books

top female author = Robyn Carr - 6 books
followed by Sherryl Woods with 5 books

top male author = James Patterson - 6 books
followed by Stuart Woods & John Grisham with 2 books each

Starting January 2012 off with Hidden Summit by Robyn Carr...

December books

2012-01-08T20:51:00.000-06:00

I only read 5 books in December. Could it be because December is a crazy month for everyone?

Anyway, here's my list:

1) Longing - Karen Kingsbury (paperback)
2) A Love That Multiplies - Michelle & Jim Bob Duggar (hardback)
3) Lethal - Sandra Brown (hardback)
4) Kill Alex Cross - James Patterson (hardback)
5) Comfort & Joy - Kristin Hannah (hardback)

These are all authors I've read before, and some of them are my favorites. I love Patterson's Alex Cross books, and this one was great! Hannah's book was a quick read, but very enjoyable. Lethal is one of Brown's best books. Kingsbury always leaves me wanting more. And the Duggar family continues to intrigue me. This book was written after baby Josie was born prematurely and spent months in the hospital. I'm not sure I learned much reading this book because I watch their TLC show, but it was interesting none-the-less.

I'll be recapping my 2011 books sometime in the next few days. I read a total of 90 books, compared to 76 in 2010.

Melbourne here I come!

2012-01-04T21:25:00.002-06:00

Florida that is.

Found out today that work is sending me for 2 weeks of training to Melbourne, Florida. It's for the new advertising system. Last minute...

Hoping Corby can take a few days off work and come down on the weekend in between for some sight-seeing and to celebrate our 24th anniversary (Dec. 26, 2011).

My Newest Set

2012-01-03T20:57:00.000-06:00

of stamps...

Now I need to get them put together so I can use them!!!!

Back to work for 4 days, then I'm taking a couple of days off next week. Hope the unseasonably warm temps (high 40's up to 60's later this week) stay around for a while, of course, we'll pay for it sometime soon I'm sure.

Jan. 2, 2012

2012-01-02T14:36:00.004-06:00

Slept in a bit this morning. Brandon had to work, but the rest of us were off.

Went out to Lowe's to look at front doors - we need one desperately. We found one we liked that wasn't too expensive, but rather than have them install it (for $250+) Corby is going to see if Paul will help him install it and then we'll pay him. We also picked out a new water softener. Corby with either drive Kaitln's truck one day this week to pick them up, or they'll go after work one night.

Kaitlin took this picture of us at the Wings game on Friday night...

Here are the games we played on New Year's Eve:

Love both of those games. The adults (me, Corby & Melody) played against the kids in Buzz Word, and they beat is both games. The second game was much closer though. Kaitlin won both games of Apples to Apples. I never win, but enjoy playing!

Today is college football bowl game day - in fact they go on for another week or so. K-State is in the Cotton Bowl, playing Arkansas this Friday, January 6th. GO WILDCATS!

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T20:13:00.002-06:00

The last few weeks have been super busy.

Kaleb came home on Friday, Dec. 23, and just went back to Manhattan today. We loved having him home - he's our very own stand-up comedian, so he keeps us in stitches most of the time!

We got together with my whole family, including my niece, Lenore, who was here from Germany on Christmas Eve. Our meeting place was the clubhouse where Mike & Diana live. It has easy access for both mom and Rhonda. We had a great time - lots of good food and a great gift exchange.

Corby got me a Shocker hoodie, a Shocker umbrella and a new robe! Brandon got me BOSE speakers for my computer (WOW!), Kaleb got me a Wildcats bowl t-shirt, and Kaitlin got me a Shocker t-shirt. I also got another Wildcat t-shirt, and I know it was from either my brother or sister-in-law, but I honestly can't remember. Isn't that terrible? Too much going on when we were opening gifts and I lost the gift bag. Anyway, I got some cool stuff!

All 5 of us went to the Wings game against Missouri (former Wing Kim Roentved is their coach) this past Friday. It was a nail biter. After leading 8-0 in the first quarter, we were leading 10-8 until Missouri tied it mid-way through the fourth quarter. We scored the go-ahead goal with just under 2 minutes left in the game, and held on for the victory - our first against them this season (we're now 1-3 against them). It was a sell-out too! Our next game is this coming Saturday, Jan. 7, also against the Comets!

Kaitlin and Kaleb went to the Shocker's game against Creighton yesterday at 5. Unfortunately the Shox lost, but it was a good game. Melody came over last night and we played games and ate fajitas. She left around 11pm since she had to get up early this morning. We stayed up until the stroke of midnight, said "Happy New Year" and went to bed!

The kids and I did some shopping today, while Corby stayed home, put up Christmas decorations and cleaned house (aren't I lucky?). We went to Best Buy, where Brandon used a couple of gift cards and bought a Kindle. I hope that means he will read more than he does now! We stopped at Office Max and picked up a couple of things, and then went to Kohl's. I had $20 in Kohl's cash, and bought a $69 purse that was on sale for half price for $14.50! GREAT bargain. I hate paying big bucks for purses, and tend to use the same one for at least a year.

The Chiefs beat Denver 7-3 today for their last game of the season. They've played much better since they fired Todd Haley a few weeks ago. We'll see what next season brings.

Going to enjoy the holiday off tomorrow before heading back to work on Tuesday. Then I'm taking a couple days of vacation next Monday and Tuesday.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!

Quet Day

2011-12-18T20:33:00.003-06:00

Had a quiet day. Guess I'm preparing to go back to work tomorrow. Having worked only 1 week in the last 3, it's a change for sure! But after one full week, we'll have two 4 day weeks for the holidays.

The Chiefs beat the previously undefeated Green Bay Packers today! First game since they fired Todd Haley, so maybe this is a good omen?

Corby baked macadamia nut cookies today for the first time. They are DELICOUS! I am taking a bunch to work tomorrow. No reason for them to sit around here just so I can eat them!

Life Is Crazy

2011-12-17T18:33:00.000-06:00

It's been a crazy few weeks. I've finally gotten all my Christmas shopping done, and all my cards out. I've gotten a few cards from people I crossed off my list because they haven't sent any out the last few years, so I've added them back on my list.

I was on vacation this week, though I spent quite a bit of time answering e-mails and taking care of work issues. Next week will be busy, and I'm short-handed with staff. We'll muddle through. We always seem to.

Mom's condition is deteriorating. Her memory is so bad that you can talk to her and 30 seconds later she's either repeating herself or asking the same question. We're taking everything one day at a time right now.

Kaitlin is anxiously awaiting a visit from her best friend Lydia, who still goes to K-State. She lives in the KC area, and will be spending 5 days with us next week. It's always good to see her. She's a good kid.

Kaleb will be home next Friday and will be home for just over a week. It will be good to see him!

Melody took me out to Abuelo's last night for a belated birthday dinner celebration. We've had trouble finding time to get together. We had a great time, and she came back to our house afterwards, where we played a game of Scattergories. It was hilarious! Brought back memories of playing it with dad, when he would come up with super crazy answers.

After our visit with mom this morning, we went to the bookstore at WSU so Brandon could get a Christmas gift for the person he drew for Christmas. We had a quick bite to eat Jimmy John's and then did some shopping at Kohl's. I had a 30% off everything coupon. We all got shoes - Corby, Brandon and I got athletic shoes and Kaitlin got a pair of boots. Brandon also bought a new wallet - after 6 years he needed a new one! We stopped at a couple of apartment complexes to get some information for Brandon. They were both quite pricy and neither had a model we could look at. We finished up the day with our Dillons shopping. It wasn't too bad - my guess is everyone else was out finishing their Christmas shopping!

Brandon and Kaitlin are going out tonight with Brady - they're going to grab a bite to eat and then go see the new Sherlock Holmes movie. We're staying home to watch K-State's basketball game at 9pm. Let's see if we make it through the whole game. We're old, you know!

I can't believe Christmas Eve and mom's 84th birthday are a week from today. 2011 has flown by!

November Books

2011-12-04T13:53:00.001-06:00

I've been slacking on my blog, something I assured myself I wouldn't do. I think the month of November was so crazy at work that my fried brain wouldn't let me think hard enough to blog...

Anyway, I managed to read 8 books in November:

1) The Best of Me - Nicholas Sparks (hardback)

2) Wild Justice - Liz Fielding (Kindle)

3) All I Want for Christmas Is You - Lisa Mondello (Kindle)

4) The Next Always: Book One of the Inn Boons Boro Trilogy - Nora Roberts (hardback)

5) Bonnie - Iris Johansen (hardback)
6) Home for Christmas - Kate Davies (Kindle)
7) The Litigators - John Grisham (hardback)
8) The Duggars: 20 & Counting - Michelle & Jim Bob Duggar (paperback)

Sparks, Roberts, Johansen and Grisham are some of my favorite authors, and I enjoyed all of their books. The Kindle books were either freebies or really, really cheap, but I enjoyed them too. I'm fascinated by the Duggar family, and watch their show on TLC whenever I can; so I liked their book too. It was written several years ago, and I picked up their latest book too. I plan to read it this month if possible.

Johansen finally ended the storyline of Eve Duncan and her murdered daughter Bonnie in her newest book. I'm sure she will continue to write about Eve, but we FINALLY know what happened to Bonnie. Loved the series, but it was time to find out how she died all those years ago.

October Books

2011-11-05T19:42:00.003-06:00

I read 11 books in October:

1) Escape - Barbara Delinksy (hardback)
2) The Millionaire's Nanny - Carol Grace (Kindle)
3) 1225 Christmas Tree Lane - Debbie Macomber (Kindle)
4) Shelter - Harlan Coben (hardback)
5) Dreams of the Dead - Perri O'Shaughnessy (hardback)
6) An O'Brien Family Christmas - Sherryl Woods (Kindle)
7) Wish on the Moon - Karen Rose Smith (Kindle)
8) The Banker's Bride - Carol Grace (Kindle)
9) Seriously...I'm Kidding - Ellen Degeneres (hardback)
10) The Christmas Wedding - James Patterson (hardback)
11) Bring Me Home for Christmas - Robyn Carr (Kindle)

Delinsky, Macomber, Carr. Coben, O'Shaughnessy, Woods & Patterson are some of my favorite authors. Loved all their books. Degeneres' book was very entertaining and I found myself laughing out loud several times. You can see from the books I read that I'm a softie when it comes to Christmas stories!

Long Day

2011-10-29T19:36:00.002-05:00

Left home at 10am this morning.

Visited mom - who was in a good mood and happy to see us. She repeated the same story over and over, but that's not unusual for this stage of her dementia. Thank goodness she still knows who we are. She may get our names confused, but she knows us.

Headed out to Suzuki to look for a new car. Brandon had a great car-buying experience there the first of July, and bought his first brand new car all on his own - with no co-signers. Three and a half hours after arriving, we left with a brand new 2012 Suzuki SX4 - Crimson Red.

I was getting pretty desperate for a car. My Saturn was getting more and more unreliable. We haven't sold it yet. I think we'll keep it for Kaitlin to drive when she can so she doesn't have to drive her truck and spend so much on gas. I do know I'm not putting any more money in it.

Had my birthday dinner at Abuelo's after we left Suzuki. Brandon graciously bought our dinner for my birthday, even though he already bought me a Blu-Ray player. What a great kid!

Corby & Brandon left Abuelo's and headed to the Thunder hockey game, while Kaitlin and I headed home to relax after a hectic, busy day!

Where Does Time Go?

2011-10-28T19:58:00.001-05:00

I'm not sure where time goes. As I get older, it just seems to fly by.

I celebrated my 55th birthday on Wednesday. It was a quiet day - day 3 of a 3 day vacation. I didn't do much of anything except read and hang out on the computer. Blissful! Corby fixed fajitas for dinner, and we have plans to go to Abuelo's tomorrow for my birthday dinner.

Rhonda got out of rehab yesterday afternoon. I hope she continues to take care of herself, do all of the exercises they prescribed, and continues eating healthy. Those are probably 3 tips that all of us could abide by.

Last night's World Series game between the St. Louis Cardinals and Texas Rangers was a classic. The Cardinals won it in the 11th with a home run, but the lead changed hands so many times I couldn't keep up with it! Right now, they are tied 2-2 in Game 7. GO CARDINALS!

K-STATE BEATS KU!

2011-10-22T20:44:00.001-05:00

Final score K-State 59. KU 21. YAY!

Crazy Busy Week

2011-10-22T20:40:00.002-05:00

We are dealing with new systems at work. Our features sections are now going through CCI instead of Dewar. This means that layout is being done through Mactive, using a remote server in Tacoma, Washington. Have we had problems? YES! Do they have everything figured out yet? NO! Are we using another new system to "ad dog" - make sure ads are on the pages and released? YES! Will I survive? MAYBE!

It was a rough week. I don't think the "powers that be" were totally prepared, so we had some rough times. I'm sure we'll get it all figured out sometime soon, but it was a very stressful week.

Thank goodness I'm on vacation until Thursday. Hopefully! As long as there aren't any major problems. Thank goodness Hope, my assistant, has picked up on the new system very quickly, and I definitely think she can handle my absence.

Corby bought another pumpkin at Walmart yesterday, and decided to carve it. Looked pretty good in the dark last night.

Great Weekend!!!!!

2011-10-16T15:25:00.002-05:00

Kaleb is home for the weekend! YAY! He got home early Friday evening. The kids went out to Hamburger Heroes for dinner and then the boys went to a movie with friends.

Had a lot of fun on Saturday. Got up early and had breakfast at The Beacon. They have the best breakfast in town! From there we went and visited mom and then went to Derby to visit Rhonda in rehab. She continues to do well.

We finally made it out to Tanganikya Wildlife Park in Goddard. It was a beautiful day, mid 70's with a mild breeze, and the park is beautiful! The baby tigers were precious, but because they are behind glass the pictures aren't that great.

We saw exotic monkeys, giraffes, rhinos, bunnies, turtles, alpacas, lemurs and white tigers. The twins hand fed the alpacas and lemur.

It's a little expensive, but worth seeing the animals up close and personal. I imagine the park will continue to grow and get more and more animals.

GREAT FUN!

We also did grocery shopping at Leeker's and then watched the Wildcats beat Texas Tech! GREAT game and it was fun watching it with Kaleb.

Corby put a new alternator in his car this morning. Kaitlin fixed me and the boys pancakes and bacon for breakfast. Yummy! We went to Atwood's and got Kaleb a new Carhartt coat for the winter, and then went to Sam's to pick up a few necessities. Now it's time to relax before dinner. Corby is fixing chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes and corn on the cob.

Wednesday blues

2011-10-12T21:59:00.002-05:00

It's been a busy week...

New layout system at work...going live next Monday. Hope I survive it!

Rhonda is doing well at rehab, lots of physical therapy going on. We need to get her moving, and able to move around her apartment so she can be self-sufficient. Fingers crossed....

Terry took mom to Grene Vision this morning - got her lens put back in her glasses, and they straightened them out after her fall over a week ago....

Chiefs Win...

2011-10-09T16:51:00.001-05:00

It's a cool, rainy, beautiful day!

Abby is spending it camped on clean clothes. I had to put a towel over the top so she wouldn't get fur all over them.

Corby fixed whole wheat pancakes and turkey sausage for breakfast. Then we ran to Walmart to pick up a few things. I bought mom, and me, a winter shirt. I need to go to K-Mart sometime this week and find mom some winter clothes. She has some from last year, but I know she'll want a few new things.

The Chiefs came back from being down 17-0 to the Indianapolis Colts and beat them 28-24, IN Indianapolis! WAY TO GO CHIEFS! After losing their first 3 games, they've won the last two.

The Cardinals are behind the Milwaukee Brewers 6-5 in the first game of the NLCS. Hope they come back and win too!

Kaitlin is fixing chicken enchiladas for dinner. Yummy!

Saturday? Really?

2011-10-08T22:12:00.000-05:00

What a busy day!

Corby had to work today, so Brandon, Kaitlin and I headed out early this morning. Grabbed breakfast at Quik Trip and then visited mom. I took one of my scrapbooks and we looked through it. I think she enjoyed seeing the pictures, though her vision isn't very good.

Ran by Marilyn's and picked up some paperwork for Rhonda to sign. Then went and visited Rhonda at the rehab place in Derby. It's pretty nice and she walked to lunch while we were there. Hopefully within a few weeks she will be able to go home.

We were starving when we left Rhonda's, so stopped at Freddy's in Derby and grabbed lunch before heading home. Picked Corby up and did our grocery shopping at Leeker's. Doesn't take much time to spend $150!

Brandon, Kaitlin and I went and saw THE IDES OF MARCH with George Clooney and Ryan Gosling (Corby stayed home). It was a really good movie.

TGIF!!!!!

2011-10-07T21:13:00.001-05:00

Thank goodness it's Friday!

Corby and Kaitlin went to Red Lobster for dinner, so I enjoyed a bit of quiet time at home. Brandon went to dinner w/Brady. Now we are chilling and watching the Cardinals in the playoffs. GO CARDS! I've always been a Cardinals fan, probably because I have relatives who live in St. Louis.

Thinking about going to the Bob Seger St. Louis concert in December...I am a huge fan and he's one performer I've never seen in person. Hope tickets aren't too expensive!

Headed to visit mom (as usual) in the morning and go visit Rhonda in rehab.

Wednesday Blues

2011-10-05T20:13:00.000-05:00

Rhonda finally went to the Derby Rehab center today. I hope 2-4 weeks of rehab will put her back on her feet and able to take care of herself!

Crazy busy day at work. Of course, when isn't it?

Corby grilled steaks for dinner. Brandon bought them for us on Saturday. Said he likes to eat steak, but doesn't know how to cook it. Well, his dad does! They were yummy. Had baked potatoes too!

Mom called tonight and wondered when someone was coming to get her. I told her she got out yesterday when Terry took her to the doctor. I think Marilyn is going to take her to see Rhonda on Friday evening. We'll go over on Saturday, as usual, and then go and see Rhonda. Corby has to work. Kaitlin wants to go see THE IDES OF MARCH with George Clooney and Ryan Gosling, so we're hoping to do that Saturday afternoon.

Steve Jobs, the founder of APPLE, passed away today from pancreatic cancer. While I'm not a big fan of APPLE products, he was a true visionary and the IT world is better today because of him!

Is is only Tuesday?

2011-10-04T21:10:00.000-05:00

Rhonda is still in the hospital. Her potassium level was high this morning, and they want to get it under control before sending her to rehab. Hopefully she'll go tomorrow. I stopped and visited her on my way home tonight.

Mike is doing okay after his fall. Nothing broken, thank goodness.

Terry took mom to the doctor today, after her fall on Sunday night. She had a regular appt. scheduled for next Monday, but we thought maybe she should get in earlier and make sure everything was okay. The doctor said they treated mom's bruises and contusions correctly, and she didn't appear to have any broken bones. Thank goodness!

Brandon stopped by Best Buy on his way home and picked up The Lion King and African Cats - both came out on Blu Ray today. Can't wait to watch them!

Corby fixed hamburgers in cream of mushroom soup, mashed potatoes and green beans for dinner. Yummy!

Monday Blues

2011-10-03T20:45:00.000-05:00

Rhonda is headed to rehab in Derby tomorrow. They still had some things to take care of today...

Diana took Mike to the ER this afternoon, after his bad fall at Cowtown on Friday night. His knee will be fine, there's a bit of water on it, but it should heal okay. At least the city is picking up the tab on his medical bills.

Mom fell last night, bruised her head, her arm and her knee. I am going to call the doctor tomorrow and see if I can get her in. If not, her regular 2 month appt. is next Monday.

Cops

2011-10-02T15:36:00.001-05:00

I was just reading my current issue of Entertainment Weekly, and I totally agree with their Top 5 Picks for TV'S COOLEST COPS:

#1 - Sonny Crockett and Ricardo Tubbs -- Miami Vice (1984-89)
#2 - Lennie Briscoe and Mike Logan -- Law and Order (1992-95)
#3 - Mary Beth Lacey and Christine Cagney -- Cagney and Lacey (1981-88)
#4 - Joe Friday and Frank Smith -- Dragnet (1952-59)
#5 - Dave Starsky and Ken Hutchinson -- Starsky and Hutch (1975-79)

I have DVD's of all the Miami Vice seasons, and three of the Starsky and Hutch seasons. I loved to watch Dragnet when I was a kid. Law and Order in the early days was really good, though it's run its course now. And I loved watching Cagney and Lacey. I remember a show featuring female cops was quite the sensation back in the early 80's.

I may have to break out my Miami Vice DVD's and watch a few episodes. LOVE Don Johnson!