Have you ever gotten a Christmas present that was unforgettable? I was thinking today when I was reading some helpful hints on holiday gift giving that the most unforgettable present I have ever gotten for Christmas was something so small. I DID say unforgettable not the BEST. This gift was given to me by a co-workers wife. She actually was also a previous classmate of mine but that's neither here nor there. Everyone in the office got the same thing so it wasn't like she planned to give me the most unique gift or anything. But it was homemade. She (have I got you wondering yet?) did a small needlepoint of a corn cob and attached it to a ball mason jar lid and filled the jar with popcorn. I used that jar for so many years I can't begin to tell you. Somehow in one of my moves I have lost track of it, but I sure did get plenty of use out of that little popcorn jar those many years. And I thought of her everytime I made popcorn. Think about THAT this year when you are planning your gift giving.
Heidi Flash
HEY! Buy me a drink!
December 02, 2008
November 19, 2008
Help a Sista OUT!
I got an email from my sister today. Seems she is feeling the "pinch" of the economic times we are in. She has had a delayed reaction to it all apparently as she said "I don't know why but this month has been tough. I'm living in constant fear of becoming over-drawn." I thought about that for a minute because I too have been feeling like money is tighter (as in closer to the poor farm cause money is tight EVERYday in my world) than usual of late. Of course in my case it is probably the fact that I am supporting my daughter and 2 grandsons this month because their deadbeat dad is a ...well...a deadbeat dad. She goes to court (WITH me there) on Monday so HOPEfully the outcome will be favorable. But aside from all that I know where Sis is coming from. Gas prices have effected more than filling up our tanks. I feel like we all have a "budget" of sorts in our heads. We know we make enough to cover the mortgage, utilities, gas, groceries, etc and we also have a pretty close "play" money budget figured out. What we haven't gotten our arms around is the fact that the gas and groceries budget is EXTREMEly higher than last month or the month before and so on and so on. Add to that the trickle down effect......one doesn't feel the pain all at once it seems. It's gradual. So a fill up went from $25.00 to $30.00 - meh - not too horrible. But month after month it's eased up and you've made concessions here and there and BAM! All of a sudden your mortgage money isn't there! And it costs $60.00 to fill your tank. And when the F*%# did mayonnaise go from $1.99 to $4.19?!?!? WTF!!!!!!
What's the answer then? Well - things WILL get better. I went to fill up yesterday and it cost me $25.65. I was so relieved. In the meantime bfJ and I don't go out as much. Not a bad thing at all - he's fun to be with. I take my lunch to work. We ALWAYS use leftovers. And we tighten our belts a little (sure wish I could tighten my jeans!). It WILL be okay. Work hard and stay focused. We're already a step in the right direction with gas prices! And don't plan an extravagant Christmas. Kids have plenty and will appreciate one nice gift better than a dozen cheesy gifts. I plan to take Kmart up on their re-instituted lay-a-way plan. It worked for me back when I was a struggling single mom of two! Thanks Kmart! And HEY - Bill Gates and/or Warren Buffett - I am not opposed to donations to a worthy cause. ME! "Help dis Sista OUT!"
October 22, 2008
bfJ is coming home!
Hi all - in case you didn't know - bfJ has been in Texas for the last month doing insurance inspections on boats damaged by Hurricane Ike. He's been pretty busy - mostly trying to find a wireless signal from anywhere but the library - but things are starting to wind down so he can come home! He has been living on the boat so the expenses haven't been nearly as bad if he had to stay in a hotel. And he even got to join a gym for a month for $57.00. sweet! But I have really missed him. Mostly cause-
- The bed is really cold with only one person in it
- I apparently have lost all capability to cook for myself. bfJ does all the cooking (dinner that is) and we eat waaay better when he is home. I HAVE had quite a few salad dinners but haven't really cooked very many veggies.
- I don't drink much beer alone. At home that is.
- I go out way too much when bfJ is away. Not my fault though - there has been lots going on around town. So I go.
- I fall asleep way early which is weird because when he first left I stayed awake way too long.
- I can talk myself out of going to the gym in a nano second!
- Having full control over the remote is going to be something hard to give up!
- Did I mention the bed is waaay too cold alone???
So I'mma smilin' - and I have a party to go to tonight. ::sigh:: bfJ - hurry home!
October 08, 2008
ENOUGH Already!
Political bickering SUX! Unfortunately though it’s come to be routine in a Presidential Election year. ::yawn:: I can’t wait to get back to the stupid car commercials.
So last night my WCB went to the Palin Rally in Greenville. He came back this morning sporting a new button “I’m Voting For The Hot Chic.” It was funny. The other morning I came into work and on our fence around the property is a HUGE McCain-Palin sign. “No, seriously boss, who are you voting for?” It’s all good though cause I agree with him (yes – she’s the hot chic too). I honestly do believe that McCain is the better choice. Let’s face it – nobody is perfect and we certainly have had a few Presidents in our history to prove that! But I do feel that McCain is going to make the better (i.e. more thought out) choices for ALL Americans.
I overheard someone say this morning, “sure Obama is promising no more taxes. He’s going to put everyone out of business so that the average Joe is not going to have a job. No job – no income – no problem – no taxes!” The biggest thing I hear though in support of “that one” is that “that one” is “going to bring our troops home.” Last I heard it was still an all-volunteer Army. Sure they all want to come home – but this is their JOB. If you ask me ANY DAMN DAY OF THE WEEK if I want to go home (from work) I am going to say HELL YES!! But I’m still not going to leave while there is work to be done. And neither are any of our soldiers. While you are making arrangements for everyone to come home (you bleeding heart liberal) why don’t you plan to help them find jobs too?!? Oh yeah – didn’t think about that did you?
So let me get this right – Obama is going to end the war, balance the budget, promise health care to everyone and manage the energy crisis. How long is he planning to be President?
September 26, 2008
I'm ALIVE!
Aside from the fact that I have not posted in for-damn-ever.....I'm ALIVE! OMG! I had the worst cold. Thankfully it only lasted three days and it was three days that I missed work that I was not missed (much). During the time I was off I discovered that 1) daytime television SUX! 2) my neighbors are still really weird with their comings and goings 3) I get bored easily 4) I do not cook very good chicken soup for myself....when I am sick. You see - bfJ is in Texas surveying all the silly boats that found their way onto highways and on top of other boats after Hurricane Ike. So I had to make my own soup. And be sick all by myself. Lemme tell you - it's way more fun having bfJ around when I'm sick. He makes the best chicken soup. His soup is so good that generally when I eat it I don't get sick for months. I should have had him make some before he left. If I had only known I was going to get a cold. But hey - a cold for me is rare. And when I do get one I can generally hold it off till the weekend when I can sleep for 10 hours straight and then I am ok. Well not anymore! Guess bfJ's soup is the catalyst. Which I didn't have. But you already knew that.
OKAY - I promise to write more often. Lots of things have been going on. One day I will catch everyone up!
April 02, 2008
Friend Pimp
I don’t need a Friend Pimp. What is a “Friend Pimp” you say? My definition of a “Friend Pimp” is someone that insists you meet someone that they know that they want you to know. Now this is okay in social situations – like bringing along a friend to a bar and introducing them to you. Or having a dinner and inviting different folks over. But I have a friend that sent me an email and wanted to get my phone number to give to someone that they know that lives close to me. “Um – why?” The answer was “well I think she would like to meet you. She is new to the area and wants to meet some people.” “Um – okay – tell her to go to a bar.” Geez – I know it makes me sound like a total ogre but I have reasons. And scars (sort of) (okay – maybe they are emotional). What I mean is my wuzband use to meet people at the boat docks where we kept our boat. Some were fun – some not so fun. I was “social” but didn’t cast off that “warm and fuzzy I want to be your friend” kind of feeling to EVERYone. Cause I didn’t LIKE EVERYone. He use to get so mad at me.
Wuzband-“Sally wants to be your friend”
Heidi – “ok”
Wuzband – “you should be nice to her”
Heidi – “ok”
Wuzband – “you treat her mean”
Heidi – “HOW? I don’t even hardly talk to her”
Wuzband – “that’s what I mean”
Heidi – “we don’t have anything in common!”
Wuzband – “bitch!”
I swear this is how the conversations went. I finally got so tired of hearing that shit from him that I told him to quit trying to find me friends. I didn’t have time for the friends that I have and if he continued to insist that I be someone’s friend I was going to tell them straight up what I thought of them and end all chance of them ever wanting to be my friend. GAH! Even as I am typing I am thinking how frickin GAY (not in a sexual way) this all sounds.
And what is wrong with not liking someone anyhow? Is there a rule that you have to be friends with everyone? I understand not causing any bodily harm or personal injury. But do I HAVE to fake a smile and carry on a conversation with someone that I sized up as an idiot after only 5 minutes? And I don’t like women that try too hard. What is it with some people that just try too damn hard? You know the ones – they are totally in your face (or personal space) while they are talking to you. And you are supposed to not do anything but listen to them. They know everything – have done everything – taken classes on everything – taught everything – had every illness known to mankind and have all the coolest stuff. Only no friends. But YOU could be their friend. Humm – maybe it’s not just me! If they are so “cool” and have no friends but want to be YOUR friend – doesn’t that say SOMEthing?
Don’t get me wrong (please) – I love to meet new people. Some of them might even end up being a friend. Some may be an acquaintance that I enjoy the occasional conversation with. Some will be those that get a polite “hi – how are you doing?” and others are just not going to get the time of day. Cause I’m (apparently) a bitch!
But lets go back to the “Friend Pimp.” What would happen if I met this person that he wanted me to meet and then I didn’t like her? Anyone given any thought to the consequences that situation would cause. Now YOU don’t like a friend of a “Friend Pimp.” And now the “Friend Pimp” is going to think you are a bitch too. This is a no win situation folks! “Friend Pimps” need to go away! Or at least leave me alone – okay?
March 25, 2008
ROTFL!!!!
Has anyone besides me noticed that television selection BLOWS lately? Yeah - I know about the writers strike. And this whole thing about bringing SOME of the new shows out a little at a time BLOWS too! On top of all that our (cheap ass) DVD player crapped out this weekend. So bfJ and I were doing a little channel surfing Saturday night and came to the Comedy Channel. I had never heard of Ralphie May. OMG is he funny! I have not laughed out loud like that at a comedian in a while. He is hilarious! If you get a chance go to the link and play some of his stuff. And don't take him serious for crying out loud - he's a COMEDIAN!
March 21, 2008
SPRING!
YEAH!!!! I know it was yesterday. Today is FRIDAY though so there is even more reason to CELEBRATE! Nothing much going on here though. I have the daughter and grandsons in town. Nothing compared to last weekend! Friday I drove to Norfolk to visit gfDoc for his kickoff fOOl mOOn event at his house. (read: party) GREAT time and a good turnout; thanks in part to the Shamrock Marathon event taking place on Sunday. Saturday was the Green Dress Run. About 150 folks running (or walking) around the ocean front of VA Beach got a few stares. Had 2 or 3 beer stops (read: party) and it was back to the bar (read: party). Sunday was volunteer time. Every year the TH3 gets together and "organizes" a waterstop for the Shamrock Marathon. This year we were dressed a Pirates. On a normal day (read: warm) that would not be so bad. But THIS year - OMG! It was so c - c - c - o l d! And WINDY! I was wearing my beer wench "costume" and I am here to tell you - it's the type of outfit you're going to want to wear in a nice warm Tavern. I got out of my car and immediately started shivering. And re-dressing. By the time I STARTED to get warm(er) I was wearing gfDoc's fleece, jacket and rain poncho and my neck warmer, gloves and hat. Needless to say there was not much "Pirate'ty" to see! Oh - and we had to be there at 5:30 AM! That means getting up at 4:00 AM to get dressed and drive to the Beach. ouch! It was a good time though and lots of fun seeing everyone.
About noon I decided it was time to hit the road back to Beaufort. Figure a 4 hour drive, no sleep, beer, cold, meh - I'll be okay. I thought. I was on the road an hour and had to pull off for a power nap! I still made it home about 4:30 though. And soaked in a nice warm Jacuzzi bath with a cool glass of wine. AHHHHhhhh! Now THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKIN' ABOUT! I was refreshed enough to make it to the couch! And then to bed by about 9:00! I didn't finish unpacking until YESTERDAY! And that is just because my daughter needed the guest room!
Hope everyone enjoys their Easter weekend. I'm hoping to get out of work a little early today and start enjoying this beautiful weather! It's about 65 degrees and sunny. Good day to work in the garden but the thought of "work" is not really inspiring me. Maybe I'll settle for a glass of wine instead!
March 18, 2008
Get Over It!
It's been a week and Obama is still yammering about the race card. Hey - Obama - you are BLACK! You are where you are because of it. Deal with it. Make it work for you. Quit trying to look at who said what about your race. You are not going to win anyhow.
Hillary - you are a WOMAN. You have (some) qualifications to become president but you are not going to win either. And quit trying to share the ticket with Obama. White wimmens ain't suppose to hang with black mens.
Enough of me being a smart @$$. But seriously, the Democrats haven't got a snowballs chance in h*ll of uniting their party with such a serious split. The damage has been done. Get over it! Both of you should go home until November. And "news" should be "new."
March 06, 2008
Thankful
Tuesday I sent out a note to several of my email buddies and asked them for a favor. The title in the subject live was - "HUGE FAVOR - as if there was any other kind." I asked that these folks log into my great-nephews address book and post a comment to him as he is battling a horrific cancerous brain tumor. He is EIGHT YEARS OLD! I was overwhelmed with the responses and the folks that really did forward my message to more of their friends and then THEY posted too. I am reading messages referenced to me from people I have no earthly idea who they are or how they got the message. I am just grateful for all of it though. And overwhelmed with gratitude. So if you haven't signed his guestbook - stop now and PLEASE do it (www.matthewcostis.org) and if you know someone that might be interested in helping the lil guy feel like a ROCK STAR then by all means pass it along. Matthew was taken by helicopter today to the Children's Hospital in DC. He was having seizures. His radiation treatment is being delayed. He needs prayers too.
Here are some of the comments from the folks I know-
Hey Matthew,
We just returned from Thailand and heard about your website so we are just dropping in to give our support. We know your Aunt Carol so obviously being tough runs in the family!
| Name: BETH From: NORFOLK,VA |
Hi Matthew,Just another friend of your Aunt Carol sending best wishes and lots of prayers your way. |
| Vindy aka CowPoke | God Speed. You don't know me, but I know and have had fun with your Auntie. |
| Name: Liz From: Topping, VA |
Hey Matthew - looks like you are a rock star overnight - how lucky can someone be to have all these people pulling for you. Your Aunt Carol is definitely someone to have on your side. It can be all about attitude and it looks like you have it to get through this. Will be looking in and checking out how things are going for you. You got a prayer everyday from this house. Keep on smiling and God bless you every minute of the day. Liz |
| Name: DJ From: Newport News |
Happiness is like a butterfly. The more you chase it, the more it will elude you. But if you turn your attention to other things, it comes softly and sits on your shoulder. Anita and I are praying for the butterflies. |
| Name: Judy From: Chesapeake, VA |
Hi Matthew. Just stopping by to say Hello. I can imagine it's a real tough time, but remember, you can beat this....our bodies have an amazing way of fighting illness and cancer, we just have to fight and believe! I know you have such a wonderful family and many friends-let them help you fight when you get tired. |
| Name: Todd From: Portsmouth Virginia |
Matthew! What a rock star you are! 130 comments in just a few days! Hang in there, stay tough, and before you know it - the hard times will be a distant memory! Take care little man. |
| Name: Kathleen From: Cumberland MD |
Hi Matt - my son Rick forwarded your website to me. He is a friend of your great aunt Carol and I am delighted to meet you via your website. I am a praying woman, and we have a prayer list in my church which is sent out each week to about 18 people who pray. Your name will be on it for next week. From what I read, you are an outstanding young man and have what it takes to get better. As you can see from your guestbook, so many people care and want you to be the healthy, happy person God created you to be. I'll be checking back off and on to see how you are doing. God's blessings to you dear one, Kathleen |
| Name: Dan and Tammy From: Beaufort NC |
Hi Matthew. I don't read my e-mail every day or I would have responded to your aunt Carols request sooner. Don't loose faith, miracles happen every day. |
| Rick From: Cumberland MD |
heya Matthew ! I'm a good friend of your great aunt Carol; she sent me news of what you're dealing with and this website today, and I have passed word via blog to my circle of friends. It's good to hear you're enjoying your video games and pizza (if you have a couple of slices with sausage and pepperoni, save 'em for me !). My nephews are 18 and 15 and they have a 15 year old sister. My 15 year old nephew is way into video games and laughs at me because I can't understand how to work the controls ! Stay strong, buddy; alot of people are in your corner ! |
| Name: Ben From: Atlantic Beach, NC |
Hey Matthew! Cool Site!! I need to get a background like this on my my space page. I know your Aunt Carol, she's pretty cool and a really good friend of mine. You must be an awesome guy, because she said so, and she knows her stuff. I wish you all the best. |
| Name: Amy From: Williamsburg |
Hi Matthew my name is Amy and I am a friend of your Aunt Carol and I am a kindergarten teacher at James River Elementary in Williamsburg and I told my students about you.They want to wish you a speedy recovery and will be thinking about you everyday! |
| Name: Doug the Duct Guy From: Richmond, Va |
Man I like that tie. Can I wear it??? Just wanted to let you know that we are thinking of you and praying for you. Feel free to e-mail back if you want to and feel like it. What else can we do for you? Keep fighting. Many folks are on your side. |
| Name: Mark S From: Williamsburg, VA |
Matthew, I'm happy to hear your surgery went well and I pray for your speedy recovery through your treatment. Your Aunt Carol is an "old" friend of mine and she told me how courageous and strong you are. I look forward to hearing stories of you teaching your little sister how to play soccer as well as you. Keep charging! |
| Name: Tom C From: Williamsburg VA |
Matthew, |
| Name: Leslie From: Beaufort, NC |
Hi Matthew, I'm a friend of your great aunt Carol, and she certainly thinks you are special. I can see why.I read your website and loved the comment you made about Hilary and Obama. Wow, what a great way to express your ideas. I have a grandson your age, and your sense of humor reminds me of Cody. He and I will both be thinking of you and sending huge amounts of positive energy your way. |
| Name: Mark B From: Williamsburg, Virginia |
Hi Matthew! Your Aunt Carol tells me your an amazing young man...My son Adam is 10, and my daughter Maci is 5. They both are telling all of their friends at school today to say a big ole prayer for you!!! Take care Matt... |
| Name: Cindy S From: Montichiari, Italy |
Hi Matthew, |
| Name: Brad From: Southport, NC |
Matthew, |
| Name: catherine M From: Raleigh |
Hello Matthew, you are a very courageous little man and I know you'll get through everything and will be back running, playing and doing all the things that you like in no time. |
| Name: Sheila From: Morehead City, NC |
Good morning Matthew, |
| Name: Denise From: Beaufort, NC |
Hi Matthew, Happy Saturday!! I'm a friend of your aunt Carol and Mom-mom. I love your website, I can't wait til you put some of your own stuff on it!! |
| Name: Tom D From: Norfolk, Va |
Hi Matthew, I'm a friend of Mom-mom and your Aunt Carol. I just wanted to send you some warm wishes and hope that you’re feeling better. |
Those are the ones I know. There were no less than 20 folks that signed that I have no idea who they are but I am humbled by the response.
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