What a great NASCAR shootout tonight! Large wrecks, drama as the teams learn the new rules and driving the altered cars. Kyle Busch is not one of my favorites but he certainly deserved the win tonight. It was fun to watch.
As soon as I get back on par I am going to be making some changes on the blog. It is old fashioned, doesn't have the music up right and I want it where it can get out more and get some comments in return. It's lonely having a blog all by yourself.
I will keep you informed how it goes. I feel good about it.
It's supposed to snow tomorrow pretty good. It will be the first time we have had to use the snow blower this year. Just hope people remember how to drive in snow, they forget as soon as the road gets covered.

Do you believe in ghosts or spirits? I suppose if I said I do, half of you (if there are any) would exit the post now. Life is a risk. Yes, I do but that is for another day. I will tell you of the two times I saw 2 distinct apparitions in my home about 15 years apart...such vivid dress and detail it's emblazoned in my mind.
Of all the things to be crazy about I must say I can barely tolerate the GEICO squealing pig commercials. I can't change the channel soon enough; that is not a good indicator of making a wise choice in selecting that to represent your company no matter how silly they like to be.
The Energizer Bunny ads weren't half as irritating. Which irritated you the most of the two?
On that happy note, goodnight.

It is 12:44 am, Utah time but I had to get back on briefly. Someone asked me tonight if I had listed my Bucket List. To those unaware, it is a list that some people create of things they want to do before they die. Now, first of all, what kind of person would ask me that? They are already assuming I am going to die from this and giving me no chance to take the tests and go for a cure. Bucket list? IF I were ever to feel the need, it would be more of a post-it-note list. I have lived through much, seen much in Japan during the Vietnam War...have little money but am without price when it comes to the worth of my husband, daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren. I do not intend on receiving a death sentence with my ill health but even if I did I would have no list. I would want to spend all of my time with laughter, love and association with what brings me great joy.. my family. I don't care to climb mountains, be in airplanes, kayak down rapids or walk the ancient ruins. I thank the Lord for giving us people with the ambition,nerve and desire to go to the Amazon, the Nile, the Greek Ruins, the Galapagos Islands, the volcanoes, etc. I love watching their experiences and am grateful for them. Think... God has given us tens of thousands of people whose love is to film and share the wonders of the world with those who will never have the opportunity to see them. Thank you. I am content to live through your eyes.

They drew blood today to check the pancreas and liver. I now am scheduled for an endoscopy and a colonoscopy at the end of March. I am on the cancellation list to try and get it done sooner. The doctor that will do it has a great reputation. I've heard the medicine you have to drink is the worst part so I am not so afraid. Hah! Of course I say that now but how will I feel then?

I am getting anxious for NASCAR to start. I wish someone else in the family enjoyed watching it as much as I do. I record it when I can't watch it live, avoid the news then watch it later in the evening. I have a few favorite drivers and a couple I don't like but for the most part I enjoy all of them. I seldom watch the Indy races because it makes me so nervous. After seeing the crash and horrific death of Dan Whedon last year just reinforced it; even though the decision to race on that track should never have been made. Tragic.

Peace and Joy to the world.

Well, it is official. I am on a medical leave of absence from Target.Now it is time to get more work done and deal with what I have to do. I am certain I have to schedule an endoscopy and possibly a colonoscopy. Feeling sorry for me yet? (sigh) If you do...don't. There are always so many things that are worse. Tragedies are everywhere and I am grateful for to be where I am in life but could sure use a lottery win. This economy is harder on us than my health.
Today it snowed, rained and was sunny. You've got to love Utah.

Well, I see the doc Thurs but heard from 2 parties today it would be best to take a health leave of absence until I am thoroughly diagnosed and treated. They think there's other serious issues going on and specialized tests are needed. I need to decide within 2 days. Drats. I was wishing for much better news. Oh well, I will do what is best as I have a lot of living to do.
I am dying for NASCAR racing to begin. Funny, how I never watched it until 2001. I was very ill (wouldn't you know it) and couldn't get off the couch. It was the day Dale Earnhardt was killed in the crash and I watched it all for hours. I was hooked. I've barely missed a race; if I have to work I record it and watch it when I get home. It's amazing how fit and strong the drivers are, among the best of athletes.
I get frustrated with people who say who wants to watch cars go in left hand turns. They have no idea what goes into racing... and the dangers, the strategy... I love it.
I have a secret fear that these upcoming tests may show cancer. Please pray for good outcomes. I will, of course, keep you posted. You are the ones I tell... most is my secret from everyone.
The best is to keep focusing on tomorrow.

This is just a side note/request to feed my paranoia and fear of being alone. You don't have to make a comment or criticize, but if you think of it when it comes to comment, would you mind once in a while just posting a hello, or a I am here or a Hey. If not, that's okay. Loneliness is a ground I often step on.. minimal words would give me a more stable foundation. Love you.

I was unable to go to work but tonight went to my granddaughter's 5th grade school play which I wouldn't have missed for the world. She loves being on stage and that thrills me. I was on stage all through Jr and High School, my mom sang in local night clubs and my maternal grandmother sang on the Utah Stage. I was told my great grandmother also was a performer who knew the legend of those days, "Maud Adams". I wrote a play 10 years ago that was performed for the ward and then the stake (LDS). I want to submit it for roadshows.
Tomorrow is tax day and my already sick stomach is doing flip flops. I hate tax day. A few disasters in the past have made me totally paranoid every year. We've been so poor and had such a hard year, I fear for what they may want us to pay. Gees, I need a pill now, just to chill and try to sleep.

Today I was able to go to my daughter's performance at her church in a quartet singing, "Come Thou Fount Of Every Blessing". It was great; I am biased but truthful. Very proud.
She just turned 40 and isn't happy about it; she looks 30.
Wish I could say more tonight, but things aren't feeling well so I am going to retreat early and simply rest. I am supposed to go to work tomorrow for the first time in a while... please wish me well.

Doing better, ate a Smucker's peanut butter and strawberry frozen sandwich, one ice coffee, 8 saltine crackers, and about 15 butter puffs by Cheetos. Yeehah, that is progress!
I slept for 5 hours straight last night.
Today was the Powell children's funeral. I was glad to hear they were buried together in the same casket, an eternal bond. I pray so hard they will still be able to find their mom, Susan. The Cox's deserve to have their family closure and yet, have the peace of heart knowing they are all united in Heaven. God bless the police and all agencies trying to bring her home.
RIP Whitney Houston who passed away this afternoon at the young age of 48. Still no known cause released but I can't imagine her years of drug addiction didn't somehow come to play. Does no one learn through the tragedy of others? Always so heartbreaking. So much talent silenced far too soon.
Do they know how much their lives touch so many or has drugs removed that ability from them?

Our warm winter in Utah this year is nice but confusing for the birds and trees. Yesterday, out my front room window I saw robins, finches, woodpeckers, starlings and 2 yellow chickadees. We have trees and a bird bath which they all wanted part of at the same time. I walked into the back yard and it was like Alfred Hitchcock's "The Birds". There had to have been 25-30 large black birds in one tree, making "caw caw" sounds that were eerie.
Tomorrow night on our local KSL television they are replaying the opening ceremony of the Utah 2002 Winter Olympics for the 10 yr anniversary. I wonder if you can stream it off KSL.com.Please check it out if you can. It will begin at 10:35 pm Mountain Time. It was pure magic and I am anxious to see it again.
Yes, still sick. Infection should be cleared by now but the stomach won't let me eat without cramping and pain. That is the 2nd half of fixing me up. Looks like I will have to have an endoscopy so they can look down the throat and into the abdomen to check for tumors, anything that can be causing this as I am sorely lacking in nutrients. I am sure it won't be long and I will get back to writing for my Kathy-Simply Me blog and getting out in the sun
I want to get back to my part time work at Target but too weak from weeks down. It will take a bit, but I am slowly getting upright without tipping over.
Love you. Peace and Joy to your life.

I wish this was a post of what a wonderful Super Bowl Sunday I had yesterday. I was able to spend hours with the grand kids and family. It was great to be out of the house and with them, their constant busy, cherished fun moments.
Then it happened, the breaking news across our screen that Josh Powell had perished in a house explosion and the bodies of 2 young boys were recovered. No! There was no way it was going to be his 2 boys, they weren't in his custody. But, you know the story by now, it is everywhere.
I have been praying for their mom, Susan Powell, to be found dead or alive and be brought home since she disappeared Dec. 2009.
I have a million words in my head, but a broken heart that can't express them all. It is all so overwhelming when it is so close to home.
It is mind boggling that they died in the explosion and fire but just an hour ago we learned that he attacked both boys with a hatchet before the carbon monoxide killed them. Josh appeared to have no trauma. His trauma will be eternal.

Still hanging in there but it is looking like I won't make the full 10 days of Cipro. That is one powerful drug.
RIP Helena W. We lost a long time plumbing customer yesterday. She was a character, in her 80's and outspoken. I just learned she was on the stage in her early years and was quite the activist in many state and local issues..long before women really did that in Utah.
Sorry this is so short but just not up to par tonight.

Re:WalMart. I called today & they said I still owed and there was no record of payment. I sent the 2nd check off today but was told I will be charged a late fee. If I say the name "Calvin" they will probably (grr) waive the fee. They said the mgr at the store could not have called the right number as they are open 24/7 and not one dept. says it is now closed. Let's hope I get it waived. Man, a $39 fee for a $27 bill that was paid on time but technology went wonkers.

Also, the doctor called today. They found white blood cells which is bad news. I have a bad intestinal bacterial infection and had to immediately start "Cipro" which is a strong antibiotic.All the warning material scared the heck out of me. Funny, bad stomach get treated with pills that give you a bad stomach and can GIVE you an intestinal bacterial infection! I cried and cried. The pharmacist said the risk of the side affects were worth it to kill the bacteria which could lead to even more serious disease. Wow, that cheered me up. So, please think happy thoughts for me.

If no one said they loved you today that stops now. I love you and don't even know if you are there.

I had to make a quick trip to WalMart today, which I usually avoid as much as possible for a myriad of reasons but my payment was due today..being sick I've screwed my bill pile up and paying for it. They take my check, the machine endorses it, I sign that it was for the correct amount and hit "Ok."The clerk then pulls out a small paper that has printed that my transaction has been denied. 2 clerks later and no one working in their billion dollar offices on a Sunday..I still don't know what happened nor do they.. yet. Did they take my money & my bill is paid since they endorsed it or did the denial of accepting it cancel it out and will they then try to charge me $39.00 late fee? I can hardly wait to call and be put on hold forever tomorrow and find out. Sigh.

I know life is full of bumps in the road; sometimes it's the small, sharp rock that gets you.

I had a great day today. I was able to meet my daughter and granddaughter to help pick out school clothes. Thank you medicine for helping me through it, I enjoyed it so much. We went to Target and Shopko where Abby found some really cute outfits and at 10 yrs of age she knows the importance of a "deal" and got 2 for 1 twice. She is tall and still growing.. heads and shoulders above most classmates. Volleyball is suiting her well.
Almost every time I see Mitt Romney I remember the 2002 Winter Olympics here in SLC. It was an exhilarating but terrifying time after 9/11. There were blackhawk helicopters flying all over all the time. My police scanner picked up most of the security. Everything went so smooth..without major incidents and I fully credit Romney for it's tremendous success. He is an incredible business man, leader and unifier. People don't see the real deal. Just hoping for the best.
Peace and joy... to anyone out there.

Yes, sick has interferred again but that's ok. Saw the doctor today and they're running new tests and I may end up needing a colonoscopy (had one in 2001) and endoscopy to see what is making it so hard to eat and stomach pain. I guess my intense back pain is from dehydration and the muscles retracting or something like that. At least we're working on getting fixed.

Last night's debate was one of the best. Romney seemed on more solid ground and Gingrich had moments of discomfort.They needed to confront each other better. Rick has flashes and Ron is incredible. He will never be president because of his foreign policy but I admire him so much. He is so "off the cuff" and reasonable. Wow, did I say reasonable about someone running for office?

I did not want Obama early in the primaries but ONLY because I had seen he had so little actual experience and no foreign policy and especially because as a senator he only voted "present" on many issues that came up - he NEVER voted on any of a number of issues. You can't just look good and read good and suddenly be a good president, he needed more years. BUT, he was elected and I am a darn proud American. The Dems on TV are wrong to keep asserting that Republicans are racist if they don't like Obama. OH!, I am neither. I am uncommitted. I vote for the PERSON and the ISSUE. No party line will dictate to me how I vote. I think for myself. I wish more would do that and rid us of the electoral college whose voice counts, not ours.

Well, I worked 2 out of 3 hrs.Yikes, they could see I was still wobbly and let me off an hour early which I appreciated. I love Target.
So, 24 hrs of GOP Debate and State of the Union. I am "blah blah blahed" out...that is the result of too many debates.Wordings don't change, voice inflection does.
I'd like to seem a fist slam on the podium, faces to go red and DETAILS of how they are going to resolve their issues... Not, I will... I can.. HOW will you?
Politicians are not running on a full charge.

Little time tonight, crazy day..just getting strength back and backlogged errands to run. Tomorrow I got back to work after over 3 wks sick and am nervous. I have rounded up all my positive thoughts to wrap myself in. If I don't eat and keep drinking Gatorade, maybe a munch of a Vanilla Wafer I might make it.
The Utah Legislature began today and my mind is over flowing with frustration after just Day One but I am weary.I refer to their first day as "Puffery Peacock Pontificating".

Still sick but really enjoyed today and the 2 playoff football games. I don't have one team that is a favorite; I just love the game.When I watch one I will cheer them all on..but by the end of the 3rd quarter I usually lean one way for that particular game. I wanted the Ravens today. Alas. I was torn on the 49ers and Giants and would have been happy for either. The Cowboys is the only team I like the least and the owner has lots to do with it. His arrogance in his demeanor and the Babel's Tower of a Stadium just make you step back and wonder what he's thinking. How can their team play with all that bling shining in their eyes? Arrogance is not an attribute, it is a handicap.
I was on the radio twice this week; sometimes I miss it so much I ache. But with it comes all the trappings and craziness I've been away from. If I could get well enough, I want to have a podcast twice a week. Happy plans for the future makes today more exciting.