My Babcia's Babushka

A Toast to 2011

2012-01-05T23:30:00.000-05:00

Well, here I am, months later & not sure how I'm really doing. This year has truly thrown me for a loop.
This was the first Christmas without my Babcia. Christmas Eve was her holiday. It was a very small crowd this year, compared to years past. Great food & warm memories, but there was a hole that can't be refilled. She will remain in our hearts always. (pic above is from 2009 while making our Christmas pierogi. Babcia is the little lady in the front with the white hair :)
I have spent more days at funeral homes this year than any other. More family & friends have left this world. I am still here. But I remember, I am not alone.

I wrote the previous paragraphs from my phone before the new year & have finally decided to finish this post.

New Year's eve was spent with hubby & my dad at a local watering hole with a few regulars that I have pretty much known all my life. It was nice to just relax & enjoy friendly conversation. We headed home about 1:00 am & I stayed up playing my favorite game "Mahjongg Dimensions" on the computer for a little while.
School started again yesterday, so I am back to ~~hell~~ work in the cafeteria. My daughter graduated high school in June & I am STILL there...UGH! As I always say, it's not the kids that bother me, it's some of the people (and certain situations) I work with. But, since we have not yet hit the lottery, I am hanging in (holding my tongue, most of the time) until the day comes when I can leave with a celebratory air.
My daughter is starting her 2nd semester of college next week & is working at the on campus bookstore. She got the job this past summer after helping a dear family friend with a cleaning job there. She is enjoying it even if she rarely has time for hanging out with friends due to homework & getting much needed rest. I hope she looks back on these years fondly.
Well, I'm going to end here as my daughter & I watch my nephew on Thursdays so my sis & brother-in-law can go bowling. My nephew, who has cerebral palsy, is now 16 y/o! Even though he isn't mobile or can't talk, he still makes his presence known vocally & smiles quite a bit as well. I know in my heart he does recognize & understand us. He is a precious gift!
So, till next time...(I make no promises of when it will be ;)
Happy New Year to all of you!
I Remain, Waving My Babcia's Babushka,
Collette

Happy Independence Day!

2011-07-04T23:13:00.004-04:00

Image via WikipediaI hope you're all having a wonderful holiday! We went to a family BBQ early this afternoon & have been at home relaxing for a while.

Well actually, I've been ~~lurking~~ visiting some blogs & commenting on some, too. Your blogs have inspired me to post! (Truthfully, I felt guilty because I looked at my visit page at the bottom & saw how many people stopped by to see if I wrote another post ;) So, it was a little of both.

Since I was last here, I've been a little busy. My daughter graduated from high school on June 10th. She was in National Honor Society, D.E.C.A., played tennis, & wrote for the school paper. She received a scholarship for almost half of what she will need for the first 4 years of college tuition. (It will definitely help!) Last week Wednesday, she went for her orientation, picked out her classes & starts college on August 31st. My baby will be living at home because the college is about 10 minutes away. She has decided she wants to be a forensic pathologist, which means about 12-13 more years of school. This, of course, includes medical school. She better make great money when she's through because she will be paying the loans back. (I'd have to be a lunch lady until I'm 200 to try to pay that back...lol...UGH!)

Cover via AmazonAs for this lunch lady, my summer vacation started June 14. I've been trying to get some reading in. I finally finished reading "Gone With the Wind" & the sequel (written by a different author years later) called "Scarlett". My uncle sent a book for Sarah to read called "Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers" by Mary Roach. (related to her future career & because we like to read & watch gory, horror stuff) The book is more documentary with added author humor. It's a very interesting, but sometimes graphic, read. The book I'm reading now is "Annie's Ghosts" by Steve Luxenberg. It's a true story about a family member that no one knew about until his mother died. His story covers his grandparents coming to Detroit from Russia in the early 1900's until his modern day search for the unmentioned family member. I like this book because of all the references to the Detroit area. Living here, I can pretty much picture where & what he is writing about. I don't usually care much for historical facts but this talks about Poland, the Hitler regime & the holocaust. Of course, my great-grandparents were already in the U.S. but I'm sure we still had family in Poland during the war. (something I really want to start looking into)
Cover via Amazon
And the noise of fireworks begins...

AHEM! Sorry for the interruption. I am going to get this post done if I have to ~~strangle~~ ignore the noise-making people. I know it's the 4th of July but they've been at it every night for a couple of weeks already & they are ILLEGAL! Anything that explodes or leaves the ground is illegal in Michigan. So that leaves the only legal fireworks-SPARKLERS! Those they can play with every day of the year.

We now return to our post, already in progress...

The next book I will read is the new Steven Tyler (Aerosmith) book called "Does the Noise In My Head Bother You?". Sarah is getting it for me for my birthday (July 17-no gifts, just send money-please...lol). I love reading the Rock-N-Roll stories. I have a Kurt Cobain (Nirvana) memoir-type book & "The Heroin Diaries" written by Nikki Sixx from Motley Crue. It really makes you wonder how they are still alive (excluding, of course, Kurt Cobain who committed suicide). I am also waiting for the next book of Charlaine Harris' "Dead" series (also known as the "True Blood" books) to come out in paperback. I read the first 10 so I am eagerly awaiting the next one. And, I'm glad that the new season of "True Blood" has started on HBO! LOVE IT!!!!

Well, I meant to get into some other things but I guess you can see that reading is definitely a passion of mine (& Sarah's, too. Hubby used to read more before he got his laptop & smart phone ;) I will just have to post sooner & more often. (Yes, I have said that before. I will try harder because I miss it & all of you)

God Bless You, your families, & our United States of America on this Independence Day 2011! (OK-The World!)
Waving the flag like my babushka,
Collette

In Memoriam

2011-06-16T00:32:00.000-04:00

Just over one month ago, on May 10, 2011, my Babcia (grandmother in Polish), passed away.
Babcia was 94 years old. Yes, she lived a long, full life, but you could tell she wasn't ready to go. She caught a bad cold that turned into pneumonia & was in the hospital for a few days. They sent her home on a Wednesday, still too weak to even walk by herself. Two days later, on Good Friday, my uncle, in town for Easter, took her to the emergency room. She was septic. Babcia was still coherent through to the next morning until around 8:30 am, when she became unresponsive. The doctors were not hopeful.
A few hours later, before noon, she woke up as if nothing happened. We were all in shock, as were the doctors. They asked how she was feeling & she said "I feel good!". The hospital was abuzz with our Easter 'Miracle". The day after Easter, everyone from out of town left for home.
Even though she was free from infection, Babcia started going downhill shortly after that. Her body was just too weak. She barely ate what everyone was trying to feed her. They didn't expect her last a couple of days, but she held on. Eventually, the decision was made to put her in hospice.
She entered hospice on Wednesday, May 4th. Every day there was a message to get to hospice right away because "This could be it".
On Mother's Day, the whole family was there. My dad, his 3 brothers, my sisters, husband & daughter, my cousins, spouses...It was a celebration of sorts. We were all there for Babcia, our matriarch, the foundation of our family. We laughed & cried, sang & played polkas for her. We shared memories & picked on each other, the way we always do. And every once in awhile, we'd get a knowing smile from her. This was her party, the eternal hostess. Babcia had her family together.
Life is never fair as people have to go home & get back to work. The family flew back to their respective states as we all prepared for the end.
Monday, May 9th, the ones who live here, visited at various times during the day or evening. We expressed our love, as always & reluctantly went home.
On Tuesday morning, May 10, 2011 at 12:41 am, my Babcia went home to God.

I wanted to share this with all of you because you know how close I was to my Babcia. I am doing a lot better than I was so I knew it was time to tell the story. I will post again soon. Thank you to all of you for being here for me. I love you all!
Hanging on to My Babcia's Babushka,

Collette

* Filth & Foul*-Pardon My French

2011-02-24T16:35:00.000-05:00

I had no intentions of posting this very moment until I got home from my grandma's house. I figured it would let me vent off some of this steam.

I am sick & tired of this FUCKING SNOW!

(now you understand the title?)

Till Christmas, we barely had any snow. We had one bad snow/icestorm & then we'd been getting about an inch every other day or so. This was doable. Now that it's after the holidays, we keep getting INCHES (meaning at least 4-5) every week, but usually more often. And it's the wet, heavy kind that truckers can get stuck in. I have a little, blue Chevy Cobalt FWD (which I am grateful for), but small wheels tend to get stuck in big snow. I just happen to get stuck almost everytime I go to my grandma's which is every day. Most days, I go there & she needs something from the store, so I have to go back. If I didn't get stuck the 1st time, it is almost inevitable that I will get stuck the next time.

Take today, for instance, it snowed overnight, again, but only a couple of inches & it's been melting. I stop over to visit & babcia needs me to go to the bakery. Great! Not only do I have to try & find parking, but I also have to make sure I can get in & out without getting stuck. Of course, the spot in front of the bakery that I was going to take was filled by the time I got around the block. (parking is very hard to find here even when there is no snow) So, I spied another spot & wouldn't you know, also filled by the time I got to it. But, this time, there was just enough room for me to park behind it if I backed up a little on the snow bank when I backed in. Ok, good enough. Now to the bakery which is around the corner & down the street a little. No one in the bakery, so I get my goods & head out. Back at babcia's, I pull up into her mostly snow-filled driveway with the car blocking the sidewalk. I usually don't get stuck when I park this way. I take in the bakery goods & chit-chat a little.

I'm supposed to take her to the beauty shop tomorrow because we have a baby shower on Saturday. But, don't you know it, there's another snowstorm on the way for tonight through tomorrow morning. I did not mention this because come hell or high water (in which case there would be no snow...grrr) I will get her to the beauty shop.

Back in the car, I attempt backing across the street to the other driveway (my dad suggested it would be easier) & lo & behold I am stuck once again. This time I am blocking the entire street sideways. Lovely! Also, since it started getting cold, my car has a stalling problem. Probably something with fuel not making it to where it needs to go, but I haven't taken it in because...(a) Low on funds & (b) it starts right back up. Of course, this is wasting time when I have to keep doing it. A car decides to come down the street. She sits in the car about 5 minutes, looking at me & backs up down the street. Thank you so very much! Next time, I will charge for entertainment. Somehow, after about 15 minutes of rocking the car back & forth, drive to reverse, I made it back into the driving ruts. No matter how many times this happens, it is NOT something you get used to. It stills wears so badly on your patience that you want to get out of the car & just leave it. (till the snow thaws)

There is also the issue of the amount of gas it takes to get unstuck. And, with gas prices the way they are going right now, it's very worrisome.
I am having so many "If-Only's" right now. I think the major one would take care of a lot.

If only I had the money...

Waving the Babushka to flag down someone to push out my car,
Collette (((HUGS)))

PSST! Merry Christmas! (Yes, it really is me)

2010-12-27T02:24:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas & Happy Whatever-Else=You-Celebrate-At-This-Time-Of-Year!

Well, seeing how I got that out of the way...I really missed you all so much!
I know it's been almost 8 months since I last posted. I don't have any major, cataclysmic, life-altering, or out-of-this-world reason why I just stopped posting. Actually, life is pretty much the same here in good old Michigan. Same old shit, almost different year.
I do feel really bad about how I just stopped writing without any reason. If I made anyone worry, I truly apologize. And if no one worried...Well damn, someone worried, right? ***crickets*** RIGHT? LOL!
Yes, I am STILL a smartass! (better than being a dumbass, but I've been that, too, I suppose ;) OK, you can all quit nodding your heads in agreement now ;)
I suppose one reason I stopped sharing all my infinite wisdom (snicker) was that I felt overwhelmed. I was just so tired of everything at that point. I thought summer break would find me wanting to write, but, unfortunately, it didn't. I found myself almost dreading to be on the computer. As much as I love writing & reading online, it began to feel like a burden.

I got back to doing something I love, but hadn't taken the time for it in quite a while. READING. Real, ink-filled, finger-slicing pages that almost stay open on their own from stretching it open too much. I found myself engulfed in Anne Rice & Charlaine Harris. From Anne Rice, it was "The Tale of the Body Thief" & "The Vampire Lestat". Unfortunately, even though I have seen the movie, "Interview With the Vampire", I do not own the book. Eventually, I will pick it up. I could go to the library, but there is something special to me about owning my books. I admit, I do have way too many books (as does Sarah), but can't seem to part with them. Of course, there are quite a few that I could sell or donate without bothering me too much. I'll have to make that a resolution for New Year's (although I am rather bad at keeping resolutions & that's another post anyway).
As for Charlaine Harris, I have read the first three books that the HBO series, "True Blood", was created from. They are: "Dead Until Dark", "Living Dead in Dallas", & "Club Dead". I also have the next two books of what is formally known as "The Sookie Stackhouse Novels". But, of course, I have not taken the time to sit down & peruse them yet.
I can't recall how I got into the "True Blood" series, but it's become one of my guilty pleasures. I ended up watching the first two seasons online in about a week or so. As season three started, I caught the first episode online. The HBO/Cinemax package is the only movie group we didn't have in the Directv lineup. My dear, sweet (?), loving hubby checked online for pricing & found out if we ordered the package with all the movie stations, it would be cheaper than to just add HBO to it. So, VOILA!, I was able to enjoy the series from my tv instead of attempting to download & view it online. Now, I have to wait until summer once again for the new season to start. HMPH!
As for my guilty pleasures, I still love watching "Big Brother", "Survivor", & "Big Bang Theory". I have also become "attached" to "Dexter" this season & have only seen this past season with Julia Stiles. So, this means I will have to "catch up" by watching the series from the beginning. Never enough time for "must see" tv...lol. Another show I found highly interesting is the new series "The Walking Dead" on AMC. Zombies are always so much fun! A couple more shows I like are "Lie To Me", Monday nights on Fox & (no laughing, harrassing, or booing, please) "Glee", also on Fox.
I've also been on Twitter & Facebook quite a bit, so if you can't go another day, hour, minute or second without my fabulous wit, you can find me there.

Not much else to tell except an update about my grandma (babcia). At 93 years old, she's still amazing me every day! She's been in & out of the hospital quite a bit in the last eight months. She's still having the same stomach problems, but since she changed doctors a few months ago, they think they have finally found the reason for her stomach problems. There is an artery her digestive system that is blocked. When she eats, the blood tries to force it's way through the artery (the docs said there are a few arteries that do this). Since the blood speeds up for digestion, the pressure of it attempting to go through said artery causes her severe abdominal pain. It doesn't happen every time she eats or with certain foods either. They've tried to see if eliminating certain items would help, but it really had no bearing on the situation. The only option they said might possibly help would be to insert a stent in the artery, but that's not guaranteed & surgery at 93 y/o & with the rest of her health problems, would be too great a risk. Pain meds, antacids, & stool softeners only help a little, if at all. So, pretty much every day, she has stomach pain that gets intolerable at times. With pain & discomfort being a consequence, she is reluctant to eat at times. Babcia loves her food but the pain associated with eating anything makes her very leery. I believe that the worrying contributes to the situation as well. It just seems to be a no-win situation. It adds to my stress levels as well.
I still visit her almost everyday. She is, after all, only 4 blocks away. My dad lives with her & takes care of many things around the house. But, being the old-school, Polish woman she is, she still insists on doing all she possibly can without laying down until it is absolutely necessary. She still does laundry, dishes, cooks, sews, gardens (with help from my dad & myself) & whatever else she can get away with...lol! She gets so frustrated when she can't get things done because of pain or because her sight has gotten really bad. You can't blame her. She has always been very independent.
Now, you know I can't post without bringing up work. Not too much to say about that except it's as stressful as ever & getting worse all the time. I adore the kids. They are not the problem. Some of my co-workers, there lies the problem. Truth be told, the problem lies more with the boss man, the "manager" & a couple of employees that would get away with murder if it happened. And the bitch of it all is none of these individuals signs my check! With this being Sarah's (my daughter) senior year of high school, I am hoping to be finished with working in the cafeteria at the end of this school year. Unfortunately, money being a major factor, or lack thereof, I need to work. Although my paychecks are barely enough to contribute to our financial situation, they do help. I am still trying to find online work, such as data entry or something in that area where I wouldn't have to use transportation, therefore, saving money on the ever-rising price of gas.
I could probably write a lot more, but then who could keep reading? (congrats to those who have made it this far ;)
It felt really good to be back here, sharing with my online "family", once again. I won't commit to a certain date when I will post again, but I sure hope it will be soon because I may have a "little" more to share with you!
Thank you for being here! Once again, I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas, Festivus, etc... God Bless & may we all have health, wealth & happiness each day in our lives! (((HUGS)))

Bringing Back the Babushka,
Collette

Things Have Been Nuts...

2010-05-03T21:20:00.000-04:00

Hey my dear friends! So sorry I haven't been around lately. I know I should have let you guys all know that I am ok.
Things have been a bit crazy lately. My grandma has been & is still sick with stomach problems. She was in & out of emergency & the hospital without anything being done to help her condition. She has been talking with her stomach doc about having surgery to put a stent somewhere in her gastric area to open it up in order to keep her from being nauseous. Being 93, it will be very dangerous to have surgery but she is tired of living with the constant problem. Almost everytime she eats, she gets sick to her stomach. Then she doesn't want to eat for fear of feeling sick again or having stomach pains. She has lost way too much weight & I thank God that she still has the will to live, for now.
So, with all of this, & work, I still have my own family life. I suppose I let myself get worn down & ended up with a stomach virus for almost a week & am now taking antibiotics for an ear infection that crept up on me with a bad cold/cough & allergies.
We have had a couple of near 80 days where I sat out in the yard to take in some healing sun, which helps a little. But alas, my summer vacation is still over 5 weeks away. Today, I pulled a lot of weeds from my yard & will maybe finish next week if the temps come back up again as they are to be in the 50's for the weekend. UGH! I will never get well if these damn temps don't quit hopping about!
I pray you are all doing well & enjoying life. I am getting there once again, but it is taking some time. I love & miss you all! (((HUGS)))!!!
Waving My Babushka in the Wind,
Collette

Hoppy Easter and Other Miscellaneous Ramblings

2010-04-02T20:45:00.000-04:00

"cough cough" AHEM! Yes, it's me! And only a week & three days after the previous post. Not bad, for me anyway. So, on with the show!

First & foremost, before I do anything, I must thank Chrissy at "I Shoulda Been A Stripper". A few weeks ago, she gave me this wonderful award.

It's the "Feels Like Home" Award.

There is only one requirement to this award & that is simply to pass it on.

Pick five people who make you feel welcome; who make this strange virtual world of ours feel more comfortable, habitable - and then pass them this award as a token of your gratitude, a thank-you gift. So, I shall pass it along to:

Reffie at Confessions of a Reforming Geek

Mom Zombie at Mom Zombie

Aunt Becky at Mommy Wants Vodka

Dana at Life is Good

Clare at The Lilac Grove

It was very difficult to choose out of so many great blogs, but those are my five that are comfy spots to me.

What next? Shall I dazzle you with my brilliance? (cough cuckoo cough) No, I know. I'll ask a question. Guess what I got? I bet you'll never guess. C'mon, what do ya think? Any ideas? Ok, I'll give you a hint. You may get to see me live. (& maybe hear me sing) LOL. Ok, no singing, I promise. Is that a good enough clue? Did someone say webcam? YUP! That's it. I got a webcam. And I am thrilled! Now I can do vlogs & you can see my loveley face & hear me sing (NOT!). No, I will not sing online. I wouldn't torture you like that. I have to figure how to set it up. I have this week off for Easter break so I should have time to figure it out. I am looking forward to doing video blogs, but kind of nervous, too. We also got the webcam to talk to my family out of state on Skype. We did that at my sister's house on New Year's eve. We got to talk to my uncle in Minnesota face to face. It was pretty awesome. I've been playing around with it a little bit so we'll see how it goes.

Yes, I am on Easter break, thank goodness! I have off all next week. It's getting really bad at the school with all the fights. There have been fights all year, but it seems when it gets warmer, the kids get out of control. These kids were actually getting in fights on purpose so they could post them to "youtube". Is that ridiculous or what ? I wish I could get out of there, but my daughter has one more year left of school, so I am pretty much stuck. I certainly won't leave with her in that school. She is doing awesome academically & it really pisses me off that certain groups of kids ruin the school for those that care. The principal said he is tired of it & just doesn't do anything anymore. We have to call the police in most of the time. I just pray that no one gets killed one day. Sorry to bring down the mood.

Anyway, I want to wish all of you a very Happy Easter! Don't eat too much candy! Hopefully, you'll be seeing my smiling face soon!

Donning my Easter Babushka,

Collette (((HUGS)))

Calgon Take Me Away...NOW!

2010-03-22T23:13:00.010-04:00

Drum roll please...bum bum bum ba da bum. (--->running across the stage with the applause sign) somersault (UGH!) TA-DA!!!
WOW! The things I do for you people...hee hee hee:)
I am now worried that I will have to start each post with a spectacular entrance. So, if I don't, please, do not be disappointed. I may have actually ~~been forced to swallow~~ taken my medication that day.
(Damn, now what was that excuse I was going to use for taking so long?) Once again, I have taken my sweet old time to post. Well, you see, I was taken hostage to another planet by evil aliens. No? Um, I was on an a secret expedition in the frozen tundra of Anarctica to clone polar bears. Hmm...ok, I've been pretty busy & when I wasn't, I was too tired, lazy & frustrated to post. Of course, I know that it is during the times I am frustrated to get online & pour my guts out so I don't strangle someone or pull my own hair out. And even though it is late & I should get to sleep, I will let you all know a bit of what has been going on so you don't worry about me. Because I know you will for the simple fact that you are all ~~a bunch of saps~~ the best listeners & bloggy buds a girl could have! So here goes...

My babcia hasn't been feeling well & we have taken her to the emergency room 2 times, to doc appointments 3 times for this problem, & have picked up various medications & supplies in just over the past 3 weeks. She was having bad stomach pain. Now it's not so much pain, but nausea almost constantly, especially if she eats & then, she's only eating crackers, toast, etc. The ER, 1st time, thought constipation & handled it as such. A week later in ER, they said gastritis as nothing was found in x-ray or cat scan. The docs said today that the morphine she takes for her arthritis is causing the nausea. But, she needs it for the pain. These docs are foreign & want her (& all people) to be off any kinds of meds except for tylenol & ibuprofen. Maybe they get kick-backs from pushing OTC meds, I don't know. All I know is that babcia had osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis & fibromyalgia & is 93 years old. She can only do much with her aging body & they want her to exercise! I say, even if she is "hooked" on the morphine, it is giving her a better quality of life than she would have without it & being 93 years old is nothing to sneeze at. She does have an appointment for the stomach specialist, but not until April 29th. I told her to call everyday & check if they have any cancellations. Maybe they can do some tests to give us a specific diagnosis. She has had stomach problems since she was a little girl, but this is lasting way too long & I am going out of my mind! I have pretty much been the only one taking her places & running everywhere for her.

I need a vacation from life for a while! Just me, my computer, cigs (I was cutting down for awhile, but...excuses, excuses), lots of diet cola with lime, & I will probably need to eat every once in awhile (even if it doesn't look like I need to). It has to be somewhere warm, sunny, & away from civilization. I don't know for how long yet, but it will probably be for a while. I can hear the ocean now!

There's more to the stress but I shall leave that for the next post. (which will be up much sooner than the 3 weeks it took me this time!)

As stressed as I have been, I am trying not to let it get to me like the time of the "curse"...lol! Things always work out. I have to trust that there is a reason for everything we go through. So, with that, I will say good night. Sleep tight & don't let the perverts bite:)

Using my babushka as a hobo bag,

Collette (((HUGS)))

To Make a Short Story Long...

2010-02-28T23:04:00.011-05:00

PSST! Yes, you. Is it safe to come out? Hmmm...(looking around to make sure I don't get mobbed) It looks ok. Nobody but us here. WHEW! I really thought everyone would come jumping out & screaming "What took you so long?", "Why haven't you written anything?". Oh, I'm sure I'll hear it anyway...lol! Yes,I know. It's the last day of February & the last hour in eastern time. I really did plan on posting sooner. (likely story, I know!) But what matters is that I am here & ready to ~~bore~~ amaze you with my ~~lengthy never-ending~~ sitting-on-the-edge-of-your-seat, fantabulous writing! So, without further ado...

February is done! THE END

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!
Oh I just kill myself sometimes! LMAO!!!
And no, the men in the white coats did not come to take me away & I don't expect them to (unless one of you lets the cat out of the bag that I escaped)
But seriously folks, (ok, c'mon now, I have to get serious here. Deep breath! ) I think I'm ok now. OM...OM...OM...AH! Done cracking up for now. I think I am in silly mode. It's either due to not enough sleep or the fact that it's back to ~~hell~~ work in the morning. That place is enough to drive anyone nuts! In fact, I believe it's a prerequesite to be at least a little crazy. If you don't go in that way, you will leave that way!

So, I'm happy to announce that the curse, jinx, bad luck, evil eye, etc., that had been following me around is gone (knock wood) at least for now. I am ready to take in all the good luck I can get! Money can start rolling in any time! MONEY? HEL-LO? Hmm...I'm waiting! AHEM! So, anyway, things haven't gotten worse & maybe sort of evened out. Life is pretty much back to- normal.

I don't know what it is about that word-normal. I just don't think it has ever fit me at all. I have never cared much for the word. In fact, I shudder at the very thought that I could ever be...ACK!...normal. And judging by this post, I don't think I am in any danger of that! LOL!

So, life goes on & I am really looking forward to spring. The temps here are supposed to be near 40 pretty much all week so it should melt some of this snow. Although I can't really complain too much about this winter. The most snow we have had was this month. It's been about 6 inches here, 4 inches there. And quite a few nights with an inch or so to wake up to. I do not envy those of you who have had all that snow or those of you who don't usually get snow & did.

Something is up with Mother Nature this year for sure. I hope she gets on some medication soon! I don't think our world can take too much more of her antics.

I pray for all those who have been affected by the devastation around the world.

God Bless every one of you & your families! We can all use some blessings now & then.

So till next time, I remain...

Your friend & certified nut job

Babushka Waving in the Wind

Collette (((HUGS)))

January is Gone & I Hope the Curse Went With It!

2010-02-07T23:27:00.009-05:00

I can't believe it's already February! I guess with so many things going on, I just about skipped January. (I wish I could have skipped it!) Things have finally calmed down a bit, but I never expect it to last because the moment I let my guard down...WHAM!!! Hit with another mack truck. So, I suppose I should finish my "cursed" story or at least the "humbug holiday" part with this post. So we continue with Part 3, "The Curse Continues" or I Have Had Enough".

If you remember, in the last post, the curse took my car. In the first chapter, it was my computer. This is the culmination of the rest.

During the holiday season, it always seems that more people than usual pass away due to depression of the season, health problems due to the cold or various other circumstances. This holiday season, a period of about 2-3 weeks, 4 people I knew passed away. Three were guys I have known for some years, 2 my age & the other maybe 10 years older. I am 42. Two were from heart attacks & one died from falling on the ice & hitting his head. The fourth was my hubby's aunt, his father's (deceased for as long as I have known hubby) sister. She died from cancer. It was just found about a month or so before. She didn't really have many symptoms. She wasn't feeling well. Thought she had a bad cold & was constipated for longer than she should have waited. By the time she went to the doctor, she had stage 3 cancer of pretty much all digestive system. They wanted to do surgery but the organs were too far gone. She was finally put it hospice & passed a couple of days later. The Lord took her fairly quickly so I believe she didn't suffer too much. My daughter took it pretty badly because she stayed at her home many weekends as grandma lives there as well. Too many passings in such a short time...sigh.

This part can be considered curse/stupidity or blessing/luck. Maybe a little of both. A couple of weeks ago, my middle sister, who is 40, somehow ended up totalling her car, getting out of it with no damage to herself or others. She was drunk, doesn't know why she was in that area & says she woke to the car crashing. Apparently, another car was involved but the guy, who must've been drinking also, left before the police came. She was taken to jail & no one knew where she was until later that day. It happened at 6:30 in the morning. A friend of hers got her out in the early evening after we found out where she was & how much it would be. I thank God she wasn't killed or killed someone else. There is a whole story with this but I only mention this as part of the "fun" I have been going through since the end of '09. We also have a great aunt who my mother lives with that fell down while at the doctor's for a stress test. She tripped over some mops that were in the hall & broke the bone under her left eye in 4 places. So, she was in the hospital for a few days.

I think that's about it for the major stuff (for now anyway). So, if anyone wonders why I seem a bit pessimistic, I hope this gave you a little idea. lol.

Things have calmed down some & I have been busy as ever. I still have no sound on my computer. It looks like I need a new sound card. I will pick one up tomorrow (later) & hopefully that will take care of that problem. I love my 2005 Cobalt. So, does my daughter. Now she can take this car for her driving test to get her license. Soon another teenager on the road. (I will be praying the rosary constantly...lol) This car is very good on gas, too. So that helps a little with the financial situation that we're all in these days. Hubby & I are working. (even if we'd rather hit the big lottery) The weather here in Michigan hasn't been too bad this winter, yet. But, of course, they are calling for a good amount of snow Tuesday into Wednesday this week. But at least it's not like "Snowmageddon" that the east coast just had. Or it's not "supposed" to be...I shouldn't even think that! Put the thought right out of my mind before I jinx it!

I guess I have held you captive long enough. (those of you who have stayed this long) I hope you all have a wonderful, blessed week full of love & good things! Till we meet again...

Babushka Blowin' In the Wind,

Collette

(((HUGS)))

AAAAAARRRRRGGGGHHHHH!!!!! Are You Freaking Kidding Me?

2010-01-23T23:35:00.010-05:00

WAKE UP! I have got to wake up! Am I still sleeping? Someone please pinch me, I keep having the same nightmares over & over, just with a different cover of darkness. I open one eye & then the other. Hmm...I am awake. Ok, so I am in the movie "Groundhog Day", right? (I really hate that movie.)
Consciousness established.
It's just really bad luck all at once. With a glimmer of hope, I ponder that maybe, just maybe, the universe might be purging all negativity from my path for the entire year to come. (or the next few years) And if not, then my year is going to be hell.
It started with my computer, as I detailed in the last post. Then, the day after New Year's, my car decided to let gravity take over.
I purchased this car in February from a friend for $2500 after my '96 Neon decided it had enough. Not wanting to put any more money into repairs, I got a '96 Mercury Grand Marquis. My friend wanted a new truck & had this car from her parents that had passed on during the year. It was a nice looking car, & quite a bit larger than the Neon. I should have known from the beginning, when things started failing, that I would have nothing but problem after problem with this car. It started with a brake pad falling off when my DH was going to bring it home. Then a trans leak, followed by windshield wipers working intermittently & an oil pan replacement that would cost us $600. Did that stop us from keeping the car my Babcia called a "Gangster" car? Well, no, of course not. I'd just put oil in about every 2 days till we could "afford" to replace to oil pan. So what if the windshield wipers wouldn't stop until you shut the car off. A minor inconvenience.
I believe my friend's parents had been trying to let us know that we were not the rightful owners of that car from the very beginning. So, the day after New Year's, I started the car to go visit Babcia, drove out of my spot & into the street wondered why the rear end of my car was so low & the car was bouncing at a nauseous pace. Driving around the block & back to my spot, I exited said vehicle & noticed the rear end hanging so low it was like me not wearing a bra! This model of Grand Marquis has an air suspension which I found out costs a mint to repair (& no one will touch) or $800 to install a standard suspension. So that was pretty much the last straw on this car since I would still have the oil pan replacement to deal with after this was fixed.
For a couple of weeks, my DH drove myself & my DD to the school in the morning & I had my middle sister pick up DD while i got a ride home from someone at work. During this time we asked people to keep a lookout for something decent but not too expensive. It's really hard to buy a car when you don't even have the money to repair the one you have. Of course, my DH's alternator went bad during this time, costing us $200 that we had to borrow. But, a friend of the family heard about a good used car & we did end up getting it. It's a 2005 Chevy Cobalt. It has a couple things that need to be done, but the guy we bought it from is making sure everything is taken care of . He owns a garage & used car place so we can take care of things through him.
I didn't realize how long this post was. So, I will leave you, my dear, patient readers, with the knowledge that there is more to come. (ok, quit acting like you're sleeping over there) Not too much more, but enough to ~~gain sympathy~~ make another post out of my curse from the unknown.

So until we meet again, I remain,

The Babushka Brigade,

Collette

Curse of the Evil Eye, or Just My Bad Luck

2010-01-18T12:20:00.008-05:00

If you remember in our last episode, ~~our heroine our fabulous countess~~ I, mentioned "the evil curse". Instead of dissipating, it has continued with a vengeance. I know not where it came from, but destiny be damned if I can not find a way to rid the world of its horrific evil grasp!

*Ahem, don't be worried, I'm being somewhat dramatic. It's quite a bit of bad luck all at once, but we'll get through it. And now, part 2 of "Curse of the Evil Eye".

It all started the day before New Year's eve. My dd was doing her homework & needed me to get the 2007 version of power on my computer. She doesn't have a printer so she uses mine for printed out assignments. Needless to say, I was unsafely downloading & tragically received 2 trojan viruses along with some worms & other malware that killed my computer. My anti-virus caught it seconds too late. My computer was caught in a loop that kept exiting windows. Just a few days before, I had been thinking about how much I would lose if something like this happened as I don't do back-ups...sigh. So, I had to do a total recovery & it did back up all my files at that time, but I couldn't get the audio device to work, thus no sound. After hubby trying, unsuccessfully & after 3 days of recoveries, to restore volume, he figured it may be the sound chip.

So, I am up & running, sans audio, & a few quirks, loss of many programs & even more pictures. But, I have prevailed. I can read your posts & write comments & post my blog. And I am grateful.

Then another piece of the sky fell...

Babushkas Holding Strong,

Collette

Happy Freakin' New Year

2010-01-17T09:50:00.008-05:00

Happy New year to one & all! I hope your holidays were full of fun & feasting!

I know I'm a little late but things have been a bit, well, chaotic, to say the least.

The holidays went pretty well. Better than I expected, I suppose. Let's just say the madness was spread around rather evenly between families.

In the last episode, I mentioned that we ate herring on Christmas eve. In Polish, we call it "sledzie" & we eat it as a blessing & remembrance of the holiday. (or something like that)

New year's eve we spent with my sisters at the youngest's house with a few friends. We got on Skype & got my uncle & cousins on web cam for a while. It was pretty much seeing who was the drunker group. LOL. We are on astern time & they were on Central. I don't think they stayed up to usher in their own new year, but they were on with us for ours! The rest of the night was pretty quiet & we were home by about 1:30 am. New year's day hubby, dd & myself stayed home & just chilled, veg'd, & pretty much were lazy bums. I stopped over to babcia's to visit as usual, even though we did call her at midnight.

But the day before the new year's eve begins what can only be called an evil curse...

Battling with Babushkas,

Collette

And So This Is Christmas...

2009-12-24T11:33:00.008-05:00

Image via Wikipedia

Well, it's Christmas eve & it's almost time to start getting ready to be sociable. UGH! Yes, this evening we will be spending with my family. My uncle & his partner are in from Minnesota. The rest of my family will be meeting at my youngest sister's house at 6:00 pm for dinner & Polish traditions.
We usually start with sharing of the oplatek which is a very thin wafer-like square broken & shared with everyone to share good blessings & wishes for the new year. It's pretty much made of the same ingredients that a communion wafer is made of but it's a 5 x7 inch square. Then we sit down to say grace & all each a piece of herring. I know it has some meaning & I need to find that & the Polish spelling. When I do, I will let you know. LOL! We have a meatles dinner of pierogi (dumplings) filled with potato, cheese & plum, fish, kapusta (special sauerkraut with mashed lima beans) & dried plums & apricots. We usually have a few other thigs & dessert as well. After dinner, we sing Christmas carols, Polish & English & the kids will open their gifts. Then it's time to go to midnight mass, which is at 10pm because of the neighborhood or because we are Polish...lol! Those who don't go to church stay behind & cook ham & kielbasa (Polish sausage) for the after midnight meal when meat is able to be eaten. So, when everyone comes back from church, we eat & pretty much go home after that since it's usually around 1-2am.
On Christmas day, we go to my mom-in-laws house for dinner consisting of ham, chicken, sausage (pork & turkey), stuffing, turkey, potatoes, etc. There's a lot of food!!! Then since we exchange names every year, my hubby passes out the gifts. No, he is NOT dressed in a Santa suit. It would be funny, though...shhh, I won't tell him that! LOL. After all the fun is over, we all pack up food & all of our gifts & homemade cookies from my sis-in-law & head home to relax & digest.
I am so looking forward to Saturday when I don't have to do anything! I'll just be here reading blogs, email & playing mahjongg. That is my Christmas gift to me-Rest & Relaxation! I can not wait!
There is one thing my uncle told me yesterday that may be a gift for my whole family. He found out that my middle sis broke up with the ~~idiot~~ guy she got back with after making us happy when she broke up with him earlier in the year. Of course, UGH, they got back together but now we found out that they are no longer together. I certainly hope so. She deserves so much better & needs someone to take care of her instead of her taking care of him & his whole family. Anyway, I'm hoping it's a Christmas miracle. I will let you know, of course!!!

Well, I'm off to the bakery to pick up dessert & bread (that I had to wait a half hour in line to order yeaterday!). Then a nice bubble bath & soon after...The Peace, Joy & Love of Christmas! (cough cough) Sorry, I just choked there for a minute. LOL. Positive thoughts (& lots of cigarettes) will get me through.

Merry Christmas to all & to all Good Luck!!!

Using a Babushka to stifle myself,

Collette

Twas the Weekend Before Christmas...

2009-12-18T22:51:00.007-05:00

Cover of Jack Frost

As of 1:00 pm this afternoon, I am done with work until next year! One of the very few perks of working for a school district. Finally, the day is here that I've been looking forward to.~~since the school year started~~ I don't even care that our boss or our principal didn't spring for any party or gifts. As long as I finished my work & got out of there. That is what's important! It's better to leave than to receive. Or whatever the hell that saying is! LOL.
So, it's the weekend. It looks like it's going ot be a busy one with all the shopping we have to do. We don't have many gifts to buy. I think we have about10 people to buy for, not including ourselves. That shouldn't be too bad since we have an idea of what to get for each one. The usual hat & glove combo for mom & Ciocia (which means "aunt" in Polish). Toy trucks or planes for the boys. One thing I really wanted to get my dad is a peacoat. He used to have one years ago that he loved. He just happened to mention it a couple of onths ago, too. Unfortunately, it doesn't really fit in the budget this year & my one sister can't pitch in because she's been unemployed for some time now. Maybe next year. Babcia hates for us to buy her anything so we just get her a book of stamps. It's practical & she can always use them.
One gift that I am buying myself is an e-cigarette. It's an electronic cigarette that has a battery & a flavor cartridge attached. It tastes kind of like a real cigarette but instead of smoke, it's a water vapor that you blow out. The end even lights up like a real cigarette. The only thing in the catridges is the nicotine & none of the tar or carbon monoxide or chemicals. They have different strengths so that you can lower the amount of nicotine if you want to taper off & quit. And, since it is NOT a cigarette, you can "smoke" it anywhere. My daughter's former babysitter has one & I love it! She has cut down significantly. Also, no more smell of smoke or the coughing & hacking that comes from years of smoking. My non-smoking "friends" (I won't get started on that) can be around me & not worry that I am poisoning them with second-hand smoke. ~~I'll just have to kill them slowly another way~~ It's also a lot cheaper after the inital investment which is about $100( if you don't know somebody).

Right now the sequel to one of my holiday favorite shows is on. It's called "Jack Frost 2: Revenge of the Mutant Killer Snowman". The original "Jack Frost" (horror flick not Michael Keaton show) is barely ever shown & to even know that there's a sequel is just a thrill! If you didn't know, I love & was brought up on horror flicks. They are fun & entertaining to me. I mostly laugh because they are so unreal & bizarre. I haven't really been afraid of horror flicks in a very long time. The only one that used to scare me was "Salem's Lot" because of the eyes of the head vampire. Freaky glowing or red eyes used to bother me, but now they don't bug me so much. I suppose, after a while, you become immune to the things that used to be so horrible. Well, on screen anyway.

Well, I'm off to watch my holiday classic! Jack has amazing skills using icicles...LOL! Bloody good fun & more my taste for the Christmas season. I will be back next week (I hope) to send you off with lots of holiday cheer & to let you know if I have finished my shopping! Take it easy this week. We still have the new year to conquer!

Babushkas on Snowmen,

Collette

Happy Holidays or Bah Humbug?

2009-12-02T23:59:00.006-05:00

Image by HowardLake via Flickr

Well, Thanksgiving is over (WOOHOO!) & the holiday season is in full swing. Except for the fact that it is December 3rd & we have no snow (again, WOOHOO!) as of yet. Yes, they are calling for some flurries & snow showers during the week, but nothing to be worried about. In fact, just the past week has been chilly. We have had temps near 60 & above pretty much all autumn. I am enjoying the hell out of it. As you know, I absolutely hate & dread the winter season. The bitter cold, blizzard-like snow & the incredibly slick & dangerous ice that we deal with here in Michigan makes me want to hibernate until the temps hit 60 once again.

The weather is not the only dreaded thing about this time of year. All the shopping for gifts, finding parking, & pushing & shoving makes it seem as if selfishness has taken over. The news shows people physically fighting over the last popular toy that "my child has to have". Thieves are hiding around every corner watching & waiting until your arms, full of bags & boxes, are emptied into your trunk so they can knock you down to take your car with all the gifts that you worked so hard to save & scrimp for. The usually pleasant salespeople, that have been working many hours with angry customers who can't find what they want, are cranky when you get to them because there's no tag on the item you want & they have to search for a price.

Last, but certainly not least, we come to spending time with the family. Some we see all year long. Some we see during the year for events & get-togethers of sorts. And some come from out of town only a couple of times a year. It seems to me that the ones from out of town are the ones we'd rather see more than some we have closer to us. We are forced to make nice to others because "they are family" or "it's the holidays". Wouldn't it be nice to be able to be honest? So it hurts someone's feelings. I didn't ask to share my holiday with certain people. I would like to enjoy the holidays without any drama or negativity. I want the smile on my face to be genuine. I think if we could just eat & go, I would be very happy! But, it's not to be. I will be one of the few stuck cleaning up & being pushed out of the way so others can have their fun. The funny thing is, I'd rather spend time with my in-laws a during the holidays than my own family. Now you know I'm strange!

Well, I'm really tired because it's late, but I'm going to post this. It's how I feel most of the time during the holidays. The one really good thing about the holidays is having 2 weeks off from work. It's nice to work for a school district!

SO, how do you all REALLY feel about the holidays? MUHAHAHAHA

Hiding Behind My Babushka,

Collette

The Way You Make Me Feel-(Michael Jackson not mentioned in this post)

2009-11-08T23:17:00.007-05:00

Image by Mykl Roventine via Flickr

Well, it's kind of late but I just felt like posting. I don't have any specific topic or important news to share. I have so many things running around my head & I figured that I should get some out of there before they cause any trouble! Some thoughts just weren't meant to be locked together for very long. I suppose it's like a slow chemical reaction that can blow at any moment! (really don't need any exploding brains around here). You never know what's creeping around foraging for food. (possums, ratalopes, zombies)
You have questions about the ratalope, I see. It's actually a local ~~mythical~~ creature. I have only seen a stuffed one at a bar here in the city, but I have heard stories. The only one in captivity (although stuffed) resides at a bar called "Whisky in the Jar". This is where you can learn the history & legend of the Ratalope. The pic at the side is a jackalope which they say is a cousin of the ratalope.
Lately, I've been reading a lot of blogs. I have subscribed to so many that I just can't keep up! Of course, I do have certain ones that I try not to miss as I have met some wonderful people & made some new friends.
I believe that's what blogging is all about. To me it is anyhow. I have always liked writing since I was in grade school. A freind & I would write stories, together & separately. They were mostly the teenage "boy meets girl" stories to start with, but we wrote what we enjoyed reading. I like to think I do the same here. I write with the feelings & emotions of everyday life. I read & write what interests me. I need to feel what the writer is saying. I want to feel that I've been there or seen it. I've laughed so hard that tears rolled down my face. I've been so angry that I wish I could have been there to back a person up when they had no physical support. I've cried my eyes out when someone has poured their heart out in agonizing pain. And I've tried to be a rock, giving strength when someone is paralyzed with fear.
I know my blogs have yet to rise to that level of emotion, but I hope, when they do, others will be able to feel it through my writing. I am a very passionate person. (read: moody, bitchy, psycho) I can keep my moods in check-most of the time. Although, work can be a bit challenging when it comes to me being cool as a cucumber. And, it's not the kids that try my patience most days.
Anyway, as I said earlier, I've been checking out a lot of blogs, finding new ones everyday that I want to follow. I need to make a schedule to make time to do everything I need to get done on the computer. I've been ~~avoiding~~ ~~ignoring~~ trying to get to my emails as much as possible . I have a lot to read & delete.

I did happen to read "Blogs of Note" earlier today on Blogger & saw a certain blog that I found rather...different. In fact, I found the images a bit disturbing even though I understand the concept. I am praying that I do NOT have nightmares of these "designs". I will, however, leave you with a link, so that those of you that are adventurous (sadistic) may want to check it out. It's called 15 Shapes. Have fun & sweet dreams!!!

Covering my eyes with my Babushka,

Collette

Not Looking Ahead

2009-10-28T19:26:00.012-04:00

Image by Dalboz17 via Flickr

Not too much going on around here lately. I've just been working, reading a lot, (mostly blogs, of course) & enjoying the few nice days we have had with 60 degree temps, when it's not raining.

Today was gorgeous outside. It was pretty cloudy & gloomy in the morning, but by 3 pm it was mostly sunny & in the low 60's. I really needed that sunshine. I am not looking forward to the dismal gloom of winter.

The leaves are almost completely changed & falling off the trees at a rapid pace. I remember the spring, when the sun was starting to get a touch warmer day by day & the buds were beginning to sprout on the tree limbs. It was a time of promise of new life to come & warmer days to chase away the gnawing cold of winter. (Yes, gnawing-Winter BITES!)

So now with these last teasing days of soothing sunshine, I find myself dreading the long, cold winter. Hanging on to the warming rays that stream through my windows, I close my eyes, taking in the life-giving energy that seems to be for me alone. To remember this, in the depths of the frozen season swiftly on its way, will give me the strength, I hope, to endure another seemingly endless winter season.

With my babushka, as always,

Collette

XOXOX

Psst...Hey, don't forget to scroll all the way to the bottom & check it out! Pretty cool stuff! MUAH!

Snow is a 4 Letter Word

2009-10-12T00:06:00.008-04:00

Image via Wikipedia

Well Hello Everyone! Sit right down & you'll hear a tale, a tale of a fateful trip...screeeeeccchhhhh! Oops! Wrong tape! LOL! And, I KNOW you would ~~NOT~~ love to hear me sing, but, uh, maybe some other time. Have to save my voice to ~~yell at~~ say good morning to the lovely children in the morning at school. (damn, monsters, that's what they are...grrr!) Now, now, ahem.
As you can see by the time that has passed, I have been ~~avoiding~~ very busy. School is in full swing & I'm back to my usual schedule of work, stopping to visit Babcua & picking up my daughter from school. After that, I either go back to Babcia's to do some things for her, make dinner, do laundry, etc. In the evening, the shows are back on their fall schedule with new episodes & some I just can not miss. Survivor is back on. Not sure who I like yet, but I can't stand that oil business guy, Russell! I know you do what you have to in the game, but he is a very mean & nasty little man. I watch "So You Think You Can Dance". The city tryout are finally finished. Now on to Las Vegas where they pick the top 20 for the show. I just love watching the choreographed dances. Last year, there wer a couple of dances that were just so powerful in their stories. One was about addiction & one about breast cancer that just made you feel as if you were going through it! Truly amazing! "Lie to Me" & "Fringe" are another 2 shows that I really like. They premiered last season & the stories are not like any other that have been on before. I hope they stay on for awhile. On Friday, I have to see "Dollhouse" with Eliza Dushku. The storyline is a pretty scary one that makes you wonder if this is or could be already happening. If you check any of these out, let me know what you think.*

Sometimes I think I watch a little too much tv. I watch the news a few times a day. I wonder if I should be watching it at all. The news is just so damn depressing around here. Crimes, financial problems, government screwing around with our lives...And now the worst of it, always around this time of year...I really can't even bear the thought or the mention of it...UGH. Ok, don't say you weren't warned & do NOT let the kids hear. SNOW! ARRRRGGGHHHHHH!!!!!! Yes, I know. I'm so sorry! They brought it up on the news the other day. I know it's unavoidable. But did they have to say it so soon? I can't afford to get a place to stay for the winter. Unless...Quirky? You live where it's warm, dontcha? HUH? Some of you live in much warmer climes. I would just love to meet all of you. Perfect time to visit my southern friends. And if anyone likes the cold & snow, come stay here. I would gladly trade until about the beginning of April.

There are only a few things to learn about living in Michigan, or specifically near Detroit. We call "soda", "pop". To show someone where we live, we put up our right hand, palm facing us & point to a spot somewhere between the knuckles of the thumb. Even though we are just across the bridge from Canada, we still make fun of them, eh? (ok, it's not PC but it's funny) This one is very important. When it snows, if someone shovels out a spot for their car of puts a chair in the spot, do not park there. Legally, they can't do that but no one complains. It's just supposed to be common courtesy (or something...lol) Not much except to have fun. There are a lot of bars & drink prices are cheap if you hit the little places that look like a dive. At one time, I believe it was during the '80's, Hamtramck was in the Guinness World Book of Records for most bars in an area. Hamtramck is 2.2 square miles. I don't know how many bars were open at the time, but there are still enough that you can walk to & get drunk & not need a ride home. You may need someone to roll you to your door but I can't say I've ever heard of a designated walker.

As usual, my post went off course from my original idea. It will just have to be my next post. Remind me though, because it was a very important one on body odor. NOT! LOL!

So, we'll chat soon. I'll invade your blogs. I may lurk. I may give some of my sought after wisdom. You never know.

And one last thing, when in Michigan, The Polish Muslims are a popular band, not a religious group!

GO RED WINGS!!!

Bundling up in my babushka until someone sends me to the tropics,

Collette

* Opinions & statements of tv shows are my own. I have not been paid or asked to do them by anyone.

Obsessing About Obsessive Obsessions (Are you kidding me?)

2009-09-21T19:35:00.009-04:00

Image via Wikipedia

So I am behind, as usual. Not surprising, but I always get tied up doing something or other & then things get forgotten or get done when I "get around to it". Of course, I will drive myself crazy with all the stuff I have to do or should do or meant to do. Pieces of paper & notes are everywhere. It's Post-It Pandemonium!

It is time for me to get one of those things done that I have been putting off. I have not forgotten.

Over a week ago, I received a fabulous award from a fabulous friend of mine. Here it is:

I would like to thank the fabulous Mom Zombie for presenting me with this award. (I'm not worthy, I'm not worthy!) It's a stunning award & I am proud to add it to my blog.

The requirements for this award are to post the award on my blog, linking it to the presenter. Next, I must list my 5 (yes, only 5) biggest obsessions. Lastly, I must pass this award on to 5 other worthy bloggers. So, here are my 5 biggest obsessions, not in any particluar order:

1. The Detroit Red Wings. I really don't care much for sports. I don't watch sports on tv except for hockey. I've been to a few local sporting events in my life just to say I've been there, I guess. But when it comes to hockey, or more specifically, the Red Wings, I love watching the games on tv. I'd much rather go in person, but they're so expensive. I collect anything Red Wings. I have 3 game jerseys, one red, one white & one black. (not authentic, worn game jerseys but they are the "Starter" brand) I have shot glasses, regular drinking glasses, & a frozen mug, pajama bottoms, shorts, jackets & too many t-shirts to count, not to mention other miscellaneous items that normal(ly) people would not have.

2. Reality TV. I think it started with Survivor or Big Brother. In any case, those are 2 shows I still watch to this day. Even though I know that these shows are NOT completely reality, I still like to believe the premise of the show. A few others that I have come to enjoy are: SO You Think You Can Dance, American Idol, Rock of Love, LA Ink. I even liked Paris Hilton's BFF shows-GACK! There are some I just can not handle though like most of the ones on MTV & VH1. These are usually spin-offs from another show & & are just terrible & somewhat disgusting at times.

3. Office Supplies. I think this is the obsession I have had the longest. I can remember collecting pens & paper clips when I was in grade school. Put me in an office supply store & I will have boxes of stuff I just "have to" have. In fact, just last week, I received a couple of special pens in the mail. They are a dark green click pen with a rubber grip & write very smoothly. Where did I get these cool pens from? From Nanny Goats in Panties (N.G.I.P.)! They are my favorite pen of the moment.

4. Shoes. Need I really say anymore? Yes, I think I will! I guess I am a typical woman in this way. I love shoes. I love shopping for shoes. My feet don't change size when I gain a few pounds. I really couldn't say how many pairs of shoes I have because I have them all over the place. There is no "one" place I could store this many shoes. I laugh at shoe racks & bags. I guffaw when I see the "Shoes Under" commercial. I ROFLMAO when asked to pack shoes "for the weekend". I wonder if I am related to Imelda Marcos.

5. Blogs. Last, but not least, I am obsessed with blogs. Not with blogging, though I wish I would post a bit more. It started with reading just one. And as I decided I wanted to start a blog myself, I started reading & subscribing to more. Then, somehow, I found the Blog Catalog & signed up there. One day, I read "Crotchety Old Man Yells at Cars", loved it, & checked out Humor Bloggers Dot Com. From there, I started reading blogs from everyone's blogrolls & subscribing. Now, I have so many that I probably couldn't read them all in a week. I'm so obsessed with them that if I don't read some for awhile, when I finally get to them, I have to read all the previous ones just to "catch up" on what's been going on. It drives me crazy, which isn't a long drive for me at all!

So, those are my obsessions. I hope you got through them somewhat sane. And seeing that I have to name 5 bloggers with fabulous blogs, I shall present them to:

1. Kelly at Chains of Yesterday. Just recently started reading this one & love the openness she writes with.

2. Chrissy at I Shoulda Been A Stripper. Her blog is fun & entertaining. Oh okay! It's because I love Bernie!

3. Reffie at Confessions of a Reforming Geek. Geeks (reformed or otherwise) are fun people!

4. Quirky at Musings of a Quirky Loon. The lovable antics of a ~~looney~~ quirky mom & her family.

5. Moooooo35 at Mental Poo. I never know what to expect when I open this but am never too surprised.

Thank you for stopping by & sharing my award with me. Awards are never as much fun if you can't ~~brag about~~ share them.

Polishing the award with my babushka,

Collette

Menu du Jour-Turkey-Spam & Turkey Jello

2009-09-16T17:57:00.013-04:00

Image by keltickelton via Flickr

OK! It's been over a week. I figured I had better get in here & do some posting before anyone misses me! LOL! So...Did ya? Miss me? HUH? I thought so! Well, I missed you, too! (((HUGS))) Wow, that was a big hug. Thank you. I am much better now. That last post was a doozie, wasn't it? If you didn't read it, please, check it out now here.
Anyway, school started back up on Tuesday, September 8th, which means the cafeteria is OPEN! harumph! grumble, grumble. If you don't know the reason for my grumbling, it's because I work in our high school's cafeteria.

Yes, I am a ~~lunch lady~~ cafeteria aide. Contrary to popular belief, I do not wear a dress or support hose. We wear black pants & a maroon polo shirt. I do wear a black apron so I don't get food all over me & because I keep all my crap in my pockets. If I don't have a purse, I must have pockets. Like my purse, I carry ~~everything including the kitchen sink~~ only the essentials. We can wear tennis shoes or black non-slip shoes, but I just wear my comfy, black clogs. Although, somedays I feel the need to wear steel-toe boots. Those pans can be very heavy & HOT! On our heads, we can wear a white paper bonnet (UGH!) or a hair net. The nets aren't too bad because we get them in 2 colors: dark brown or dark blonde which pretty much matches my hair color. I prefer to wear the net over my ~~perfectly coiffed hair~~ ponytail rolled into a bun. It's much cooler.
Now I know everyone has seen the stereo-typical, slop-serving lunch lady behind the counter. There are days that I have stood & served food from behind that steam table. I have also run the cash register, which is actually a computer on a steel cabinet with the cash tray in the drawer. But, my job this year is to work the deli area or what we call "Sandwich Central". We make fresh sandwiches on a variety of breads. Since the school consists of around , maybe, 70% Muslim kids, we rarely use any pork products. Pretty much every meat is turkey-based. The only pork we use daily is pepperoni on the pizzas. This angers quite a few parents because the school district, well, pretty much the whole city, caters to the ~~foreigners~~ immigrants. But I digress, & that is another story within itself. So to continue...The lunchmeat we have is roasted turkey, turkey-ham, turkey-salami & turkey-bologna. Uh yeah, a little turkey overload. It's really not that bad. The taste is pretty similar to the "real" stuff. Then, we have cheese, lettuce & mild peppers.
Our cafeteria is pretty much your typical, dated public school lunchroom. It's on the 2nd floor, which makes it terribly hot during the warmer months here. We do have an elevator, thank goodness, to transpot our stock from storage or deliveries downstairs. Fairly often, we have to bring our own supplies upstairs ourselves as we don't have a stockboy. Sometimes, if we're lucky & he's having a good day, our delivery guy will bring things up. It really is part of his job, ~~until they can find someone who will deal with crap & his attitude,~~ but he believes he works too hard already. He delivers the food already prepared to the other 6 schools in the district. Mind you, our city is only 2.2 square miles. But, here I go, off on a tangent again. I hope you don't mind. It does tend to give a boring old story little bits of flair, I guess. All the school buildings are fairly old compared to many schools around nowadays. Our building was formerly the middle school until 1970 when it became the high school. I don't know what year the building was erected but my babcia went there when it was the middle school & she's 92. Now, my daughter is a junior there.

I suppose the job isn't too bad in itself. My hours are from 8 am to 1 pm. School lets out at 2:48 pm, so I get a little time in between to check in on babcia. I usually go back later on to bring her anything she needs picked up, take care of things she can't do, or mostly just to visit & talk. I absolutely love the stories from when she was growing up. Do you remember the picture of Rosie the Riveter? The woman in the blue jean shirt, raised fist, with the red bandana on her head? My babcia was one of the women who did the riveting on the planes! I am so proud just to say that she was Jessie the Riveter!

Back to job part of post...So, the hours are great, but the pay is awful, compared to other districts. We started out at a little over minimum wage, which went up to what we were starting off at & caps at less than $2 more, no matter how many years you work there. Now you know that a lot of lunch ladies are lifers so this blows a big old horn, to put it nicely. That's what you deal with when there is no union. But, I try to remember that I am blessed to have a job these days. It is within walking distance if the need should ever come up.

Once again, this is not the post I was going to write. But work can provide wonderful blog fodder. And, if you didn't notice, once I begin rambling, on & on & on, I can't seem to stop the force.

I hope you enjoyed the post. I hope you will visit again. And, if you have any comments, questions, or just want to shoot the shit, ramble on!

Thinking of using my babushka as a work bonnet,

Collette

P.S. Please scroll down to the bottom. I have some pretty cool stuff down there! Like an xtra comment box in case the usual commet section isn't working correctly. Thanks!

Warning: Tears May Short Out Your Computer

2009-09-06T22:40:00.010-04:00

Image via Wikipedia

Don't be afraid! Everything is just fine. Calm down. Chillax! Whew!
Now that even breathing has been re-established, I can begin.
I would like to apologize for freaking anyone out. I know that I don't write posts this close together, but I was inspired earlier today by a post from Mom Zombie . This post was about sisters & it really brought some feelings to the surface for me.
Usually when I write, it's about things that are going on in my life, but nothing overly personal. Maybe I'm just starting to feel more comfortable about sharing feelings online. In reality, I am a pretty emotional person. Not that I cry at the drop of a hat (like I used to do), but lately I have been crying a little more, being irritable, moody, etc. I don't know if it's peri-menopausal or that summer is ending or something totally different. I have been peri-menopausal, I suppose, for a few years now, I think. I have to make a doctor appointment to get my hormone levels checked. I guess that's what they do to determine peri or full-blown menopause. I have been on the depo-provera shot (birth control) for a long time & I do not get a period since I'm on it. So I have no way of telling with my periods. Also, I have been on medication for anxiety for over 10 years. I am now on Lexapro & it has worked the best for my panic/anxiety attacks. Unfortunately, I have almost ZERO sex drive! Not that I mind but, my poor, dear hubby (ok, I feel a little bad for him...lol) will not leave me alone. Sorry to those who want it more.
Hmm...that was not what I wanted to post about. But, once I started typing, I guess I felt I should give a ~~little~~ bit more of a behind-the-scenes ~~TMI~~ info. So, I might as well share that...drum roll please...I am a recovering alcoholic that on November 21st will be sober 8 years. I had to toot my own horn a little there. I don't give myself a lot of credit most of the time. I'm a very self-conscious person who would rather put herself down than take compliments. And after being in many relationships where I was cheated on, put down or dumped, I still, after almost 17 years of marriage to a good man, have serious trust issues. I say that it's not him that I don't trust, but other people who would drag him down into something, immoral or stupid. But in reality it would be up to him to make the choice, wouldn't it? He has never done anything to really make me mistrust him. I think, hope, pray, that it's my own mind & past that brings these feelings up way too many times.

I have shown my insecurity with him many times over the years & he just gets pissed off most of the time. It's always the "You don't trust me?" thing. And, I say, Yes, I trust him, BUT... Then I hand him the same old excuses. He can't understand why I still can't get rid of these old insecurities when he wouldn't do that to me. In my mind, I feel it can happen. There have been a few instances where he has been a little more than just friendly with others. Not anything that anyone would construe as wrong, except me. Because I know him. I know that it takes him a long time to get comfortable with people. He is not a very warm or open person on the outside if you don't know him. Lately, he is becoming more social, if that's how you want to put it. I don't go to the bar & hang out anymore. He goes to the bars around here. My dad & other guys are usually hanging around. He has always liked to people-watch but lately it seems that he is getting a bit of a roving eye & when I am not around, I fear the worst. I feel like I'm not good enough or ugly & he sees something better. He tells me, "I come home to you". Ok, but when does that stop anyone from doing anything?

I'm really should take my primary doc's advice & see a psychiatrist. She wants me to go so I can get checked on my anxiety meds. She is a doc that does NOT like to prescribe meds if she doesn't have to. I think it would just be a good idea for me to go for me.

I really don't have anyone in my life that I can truly open up & share with. Not since I stopped drinking. I've become more of a stay-at-home person. I'd rather be on my computer, or reading, gardening, at home than out with people. I have 2 sisters but even though we are close, I'm not comfortable talking to them about a lot of things. And if either reads this, (one of them subscribes here but I don't know if she still reads) please don't take it personally. I love you but there are some things that can only be shared with a person not so close to the situation.

WOW! That was NOT the original post I had in mind. I guess the post I read opened more old wounds than I thought. Also, I have been reading a lot more blogs that have been so open & honest. I just felt that maybe I could get this out. Somehow. I know it's going to take a lot to make me a stronger, happier person, but maybe this is a start to helping myself as well.

Thanks to all of you who have read this far. And those who couldn't read it all, I'm sorry. I didn't expect to do this. But, I am glad I did!

And, if any of you, ever need to talk or just say hi if you're having a rotten day, let me know! Misery loves company, right? Just kidding. I am here! Just being me!

Squeezing the tears out of my babushka,

Collette

Time to Stop Procrastinating!

2009-09-06T00:09:00.010-04:00

The procrastinator is back! I don't know how many times I told myself that I should just write. I have had ideas & thought "That would make a good post.", but did I do it? NO! Till now anyway. Oh, I've written a few comments here & there, but just couldn't commit to writing a post. Why? I could make a million excuses. But, I won't. I'll just say it straight out...I've been lazy. I've been reading blogs & email. Then something would come on tv. And then there's always the pretty, shiny things that distract me...LOL! Yup! Of course, dozing off at the computer is always something that comes up as well.

So, I am here & it's time to write! Onward!

Image by kudzuplanet via Flickr

Being that it is the Labor day weekend, we have our annual Hamtramck Festival going on. I think it's the 29th year. The city blocks off Jos. Campau, our main street, for about a 1/4 mile. There are 2 stages for bands & other acts. Rides, games, all kinds of booths with things to sell, drinks & lots of food. You should always come hungry to the festival because you will find something that you can't go home without eating! It used to be a mostly Polish area but now we have a very diverse crowd & something for everyone.

Our firemen make the best chili for festival. This year our local ABC affiliate is advertising the festival & had 2 of our firemen on tv to make the chili. Of course, when it came to adding the "secret ingredient", it was kept secret!

On Friday, my hubby, our dd & I did our usual walk-thru. We start at one end, walk down to where the rides block the other end, turn around & walk back. As we do every year, we stopped at the Fireman's booth & got our mugs. Then, we just strolled around a bit & people watched. It's always a great place for that & for meeting up with people you haven't seen in awhile.

Today, the festival started at noon. I took my babcia to the beauty shop early & to get some lunch meat. When I dropped her off, I wasn't feeling too well, so I stuck around the house today while my dd went with a friend so they could get the all-day ride bracelets. When they got back, they were a little sun-burned, but still full of energy as any 16 y/o girls. My hubby came home from work to chill for a bit & then headed off to the festival to meet up with my sis & bro-in-law. I have been sitting here, relaxing, watched a movie, & decided to buckle down & say hi to all of you!

Sunday after church, I may go to the festival to get my chili. The Sunday of the festival is my hubby's annual pub crawl day with people he works with. My dd spent the night at a friend's so I should have time for myself to have more peace & quiet. I definitely need it before we start back to school on Tuesday.

If I decide not to be lazy or get distracted, maybe I'll post again. Wouldn't that be a treat? Well, you may have to comment & beg for me to write again so soon...LOL! I tried to fix my comment box, so please let me know if it's working properly. I don't want to miss any of your wonderful comments. So, till tomorrow...maybe, I will be...

Wiping my mouth from all the delicious food with my babushka

Collette

Good Night, Good Morning!

2009-08-22T23:25:00.008-04:00

Image via Wikipedia

I'm back! Oh no. Sit down, sit down. Please. Ok, but a standing ovation? Too much! Ah, delusions of grandeur...
The imagination is a terrible thing to waste. And mine is a terrifying thing to see! I believe if I check back into my posts, I have probably said that once before. Already doing repeats. Tsk, tsk, tsk.
Anyway, we got back from Massachusetts almost a week ago. I am finally sitting down to write. I've had ideas about what to write all week, but figured, "I'll have time later" or "I'll remember that". Well, guess what? I didn't have time & didn't remember. So, here I sit typing whatever pops into my head. This should be fairly interesting.
It's pretty late right now & I should be in bed to get up for church in the morning. But what fun would that be? Posting right now is a challenge because I am dozing off as type. And, of course, the computer is acting up. Jamming up & slowing down.
It is now morning. I gave up on the computer last night. It refused to cooperate! It's bad enough when the kids won't listen. But when the computer decides to act up, that's it! Ingrate! As much time as I spend with the computer & it acts like a spoiled brat. I had to fight with it to shut down. I kept my cool & finally got it logged off & to sleep. Then, it was my turn to sleep. For a little while anyway.
Now, it's Sunday morning. My dear computer started up, no problem, knock on wood. I had a little more than 4 1/2 hours of sleep. Not too bad for me lately. I just hope I don't fall asleep in church! So, if you do see me nod off during the service, please nudge me lightly before I start snoring! Have a great day everyone! Remember, if you hear a loud growling noise or your windows start to shake, don't worry, it's just me snoring!

Hoping my Babushka muffles the snoring,
Collette

I'd Like To Thank the Academy

2009-08-10T12:14:00.012-04:00

Happy Monday Everyone! (yeah, yeah, grumble, grumble) My first order of business is to thank my dear friend, Chrissy @ http://ishouldabeenastripper.com/ for my very first blogging award. It is The Premier Meme Award.

The guidelines for the Premier Meme Award are to list 7 of your personality traits, as evidenced on your blog, & then to pass the award on to 7 other blogs with notable personality.

My list of traits are:

1. Family-oriented-One of the most important things to me is my family.

2. Fun-Just can't sit around & work all day-BORING!

3. Caring-I have a tendency to worry about others more than myself.

4. Intelligent-The Polish, blonde & female thing is just a cover...shhh!

5. Funny-There are times when I just bust out & hilarity ensues! (ok, so most of the time it's when I'm by myself...lol)

6. Giving-I would give you the shirt off my back (& anything else I have on because it's just too damn hot lately! So don't ask because me nekkid is not a pretty picture...lol!)

7. Emotional-I am usually pretty even-tempered but piss me off & Watch Out!

I have so many amazing blogs I read but here are a few that really get to me sometimes!

Ms. Quirky @ Musings of a Quirkyloon

Melissa @ Rock and Drool

Dana @ Life is Good

Chris @ Maugeritaville

Tiffany @ The Water Bottle

Sue @ Farvel Cargo

Margaret @ Nanny Goats in Panties

Thanks to them & quite of few others, my blogging abilities are being honed & perfected all the time. (time to get out the hip boots, it's getting pretty deep in here)

Image by wiccked via Flickr

Now since that is done, (finally, after hours of my internet acting up), I have some bad news for all of you. OK, it's not THAT bad. Sorry to worry you. I am leaving for vacation Tuesday morning. My hubby has 2 weeks off so we are driving to Massachusetts to stay with my cousins for about a week. They were here just over a week ago but now we're taking the fun there. They live in Westfield so it'll be about 11-12 hour drive from home. I'm near well surrounded on 3 sides by Detroit. I probably won't be able to get online, but I will ck twitter from my phone! My name is @rayvenne if anyone even cares...boohoo. I will miss reading all the blogs. So I will be busy reading when I get back.

We haven't been on a real vacation where we left town in quite a few years, so this will be nice. Besides, 2 weeks at home with the hubby would send me to the funny farm! Padded cell, here I come!

My babcia had me take her to the Polish Market here so I could take some kielbasa & other Michigan goodies with us. They have a Polish town near them but nothing is like Hamtramck. I am also taking Vernors ginger ale & Better Made potato chips. Only in Michigan, so anytime we visit family out of town or they come here, that's the "need to have" stuff!

I am pretty much finished packing. Tonight we have to go to my sister's house & trade my car for their minivan for the trip. My '96 Grand Marquis uses way too much gas & hubby's blazer is just not safe enough for that long of a drive. Then, on the road at 6am! I will be sleeping most of the time since it's a non-smoking vehicle. ARGH! Or else I would be pulling my hair out. Eventually, I would like to quit, but on my terms not because everyone wants me to. And of course, the more they bitch, the more I smoke. Maybe if they would just let it go, I'd get the state of mind to just do it. But, since hubby & some family members pick about it all the time, it just pisses me off.

Well, I'm not going to get into a smoking/non-smoking discussion here. It's a personal choice.

SO, that's about it for now. I will post when I get back & show some pics if I can figure out how to put more than the 2 I usually do!

Have a great week everyone!

Wearing the Babushka to keep the sweat from dripping down my face,

Collette