tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74795526574782595952024-03-13T11:51:24.463-04:00refhater's random ramblingRefhaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09064218599795539844noreply@blogger.comBlogger164125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7479552657478259595.post-90913823709451058002013-10-23T23:23:00.000-04:002013-10-23T23:23:05.096-04:00Testing 1...2....3...<br />
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It only took my 3 years, but I finally remembered my password for this blog! YAY ME!<br />
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Anyway, Here's a short blurb about what I've been up to since I blogged last.<br />
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In the past 3 years I've moved twice, lost a lot of weight, gained all of it back and then some, drove the green machine into the ground and then bought a brand new car. I'm still single and still looking. My biggest adventure was creating greeting cards for Hallmark. They had contests (and we all know how much I love contests) I entered, and was selected a winner in 4 card contests and 3 writing contests. Not enough in prize $ to quit my day job at the hospital, but still fun! Oh, and I just celebrated 10 years at the hospital. Whoo hooo! <br />
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Hope y'all have a great day! (and cross your fingers that I remember my password before 3 more years pass.)<br />
Joelle<br />
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<br />Refhaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09064218599795539844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7479552657478259595.post-76173419439398231252010-11-13T09:09:00.003-05:002010-11-13T09:36:31.313-05:00tap..tap..tap... is this thing on?Hiya all! Long time no see.<br /><br />I've been having "cookie" issues on my pc, so it's been awhile since I was able to get on here and actually write anything. But, I'm spending the weekend at my parents house and am able to write for the first time in a long time using their computer. I should have thought of this along time ago, but what can I say.. I'm a blonde. Really though, not alot has changed since the last time I signed on.<br /><br />I still work at in the rehab department at the local hospital. Been there just over 7 years now. It's challenging, but I work with a good bunch of people. We all work hard in difficult positions for the good of the patients. We take pride in what we do and still manage to have a good laugh most days.<br /><br />I still have two nieces who are the joy of my life. They're 3 and 5 years old now and developing into such interesting little people. There is nothing in the world is better than the huge smiles and the bear hugs they run to great me with when I arrive where they are. I know that one day they'll grow up and spending time with aunt Jo Jo won't be as cool, so I'm savoring every moment that I can. The rest of my family is doing well for the most part. We have our ups and downs like most families do, but over all we're doing ok. I'm still single at this point. (Much to my mother's chagrin!) So, if you know any decent men out there; keep me in mind.<br /><br />I'm getting ready for firearms white tail season. It starts this following Monday. It's nice to be able to sit in the woods and just be. No multi line phones ringing constantly. No major drama. Just me, my back pack filled with way more crap than I'll need, a couple books, and my trusty rifle Mo Mo. (Why it's called Mo Mo is a long story... just chalk it up to being a exhausted blonde with dehydrated freezing cold hallucinations...) I just hope to see alot of cardinals (harbingers of death, and yet another long story) and add some meat to the chest freezer.<br /><br />I'm spending the day with my mom today. Christmas shopping, visiting a tree festival, and a women's night out in the city where mom's from. We're also going to be visiting the family of a friend who recently passed away. It's going to be a fun time.<br /><br />Well, I'd better start getting my act together. I'll hopefully see y'all again soon.<br />Joelle a.k.a. Refhater.Refhaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09064218599795539844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7479552657478259595.post-37634956394757681702009-12-11T16:20:00.007-05:002009-12-11T16:29:28.100-05:00Proof that there is a God and that he loves us...<div><div><div>My nieces Leah (4) and Susanna (2) ~ 2009<br /></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KZ0fL-aZFtc/SyK30B5VycI/AAAAAAAAAhs/uFPzxYy2zkQ/s1600-h/p11428ta104682_3_3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414091806542776770" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 256px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KZ0fL-aZFtc/SyK30B5VycI/AAAAAAAAAhs/uFPzxYy2zkQ/s320/p11428ta104682_3_3.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div></div><div><div> </div><div>Leah "Bear"</div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KZ0fL-aZFtc/SyK4pXsjImI/AAAAAAAAAh8/idoulPievMw/s1600-h/p11428ta104682_3_0.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414092722927772258" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 256px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KZ0fL-aZFtc/SyK4pXsjImI/AAAAAAAAAh8/idoulPievMw/s320/p11428ta104682_3_0.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div></div><div>Susie "Belle"<br /></div><div></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KZ0fL-aZFtc/SyK4vq5U0xI/AAAAAAAAAiE/CZeUsU2nFBs/s1600-h/p11428ta104682_3_1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414092831160849170" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 256px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KZ0fL-aZFtc/SyK4vq5U0xI/AAAAAAAAAiE/CZeUsU2nFBs/s320/p11428ta104682_3_1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div></div></div>Refhaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09064218599795539844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7479552657478259595.post-76905775971535412522009-10-21T18:14:00.020-04:002009-10-21T18:43:08.027-04:00Some random picsMy Halloween costume. "Swine Flew" (H1N1/Swine Flu)<br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KZ0fL-aZFtc/St-IPRET2II/AAAAAAAAAgk/dD4WNsefVK8/s1600-h/halloween+trail+1.b.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395180674474039426" style="WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KZ0fL-aZFtc/St-IPRET2II/AAAAAAAAAgk/dD4WNsefVK8/s320/halloween+trail+1.b.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div>My niece Susie and me.</div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KZ0fL-aZFtc/St-Io5wObmI/AAAAAAAAAgs/ikMPGvZKwYI/s1600-h/leah+b-day+09+081.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395181114892381794" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KZ0fL-aZFtc/St-Io5wObmI/AAAAAAAAAgs/ikMPGvZKwYI/s320/leah+b-day+09+081.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div>My Brother and his new puppy, Emma.</div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KZ0fL-aZFtc/St-K7KRGliI/AAAAAAAAAhE/vzGAqSiUssM/s1600-h/my_baby2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395183627586147874" style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KZ0fL-aZFtc/St-K7KRGliI/AAAAAAAAAhE/vzGAqSiUssM/s320/my_baby2.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div>My niece Leah's first day of school ever!<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KZ0fL-aZFtc/St-KgAnCJ3I/AAAAAAAAAg8/HRyXB2ft_00/s1600-h/8322_167821780128_655575128_3971115_8027771_n.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395183161137309554" style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KZ0fL-aZFtc/St-KgAnCJ3I/AAAAAAAAAg8/HRyXB2ft_00/s320/8322_167821780128_655575128_3971115_8027771_n.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div>The grand opening of my water park. I won a contest to name the water park. </div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KZ0fL-aZFtc/St-LkEeoAHI/AAAAAAAAAhM/wq9iT1SaqH8/s1600-h/Joelle+Beebe+Oasis+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395184330406887538" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KZ0fL-aZFtc/St-LkEeoAHI/AAAAAAAAAhM/wq9iT1SaqH8/s320/Joelle+Beebe+Oasis+1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />My family. (minus my sister.)</div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KZ0fL-aZFtc/St-NrOnVU-I/AAAAAAAAAhk/0rI5zKuyYYQ/s1600-h/FoMOvJ59yYTIQNkC736u.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395186652410106850" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KZ0fL-aZFtc/St-NrOnVU-I/AAAAAAAAAhk/0rI5zKuyYYQ/s320/FoMOvJ59yYTIQNkC736u.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div>My back yard in the winter. </div><div></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KZ0fL-aZFtc/St-MZqBe3HI/AAAAAAAAAhU/XWdgIJAKUPU/s1600-h/my+favorites+002.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395185251018267762" style="WIDTH: 239px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KZ0fL-aZFtc/St-MZqBe3HI/AAAAAAAAAhU/XWdgIJAKUPU/s320/my+favorites+002.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />My back yard in the fall.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KZ0fL-aZFtc/St-M0n7Ry1I/AAAAAAAAAhc/3so6b1DP3Xw/s1600-h/fall_1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395185714311842642" style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KZ0fL-aZFtc/St-M0n7Ry1I/AAAAAAAAAhc/3so6b1DP3Xw/s320/fall_1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Refhaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09064218599795539844noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7479552657478259595.post-88565355141692791202009-07-05T22:20:00.036-04:002009-07-05T23:23:41.973-04:00In a nutshell!I know... I know.... It's been forever and ever since I blogged. A couple of months at least. But as usual, I've been running around like a chicken with my head cut off. Let me get you caught up on the comings and goings that have kept me constantly away from this blog.<br /><br />I'm still working at the hospital (6 years now, YAY Me!) Rehab Services Dept. It's been a steady day in and day out. Barb, a good friend and co-worker who had retired passed away after a short battle with stomach cancer. Barb would winter in Florida and then come back and work in the summer so we could have some coverage for days off. Barb's death was really hard to go through. She was so vibrant and loved life and everyone so much it was hard to face the fact that I'd never see her again on this earth.<br /><br />My beloved Red Wings made it to the Stanley Cup finals. They lost and yes I am a conspiracy theorist. I blame the refs, the commissioner, and the media. In the end, even I have to admit that the Wings simply didn't get it done. Oh well, it's only a game and there's always next season. (Cue the Titanic music.... My heart will go on.....!)<br /><br />I'm still very active with photography. I'm entering contest after contests. Recently winning 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in local photo contests. I'll be taking a class in photoshop as well. I love taking pictures. A dream would be to have my own greeting card buisness. But, that will have to wait for another day.<br /><br />Had to get major repairs done on my car. $800 later and the "service engine soon" light still keeps popping on. UGH. I can handle oil changes, windshield wipers, and fluid replacement. But I'll leave the timing chain and serpentine belts to the pros.<br /><br />Nothing new to report on my dating life. Much to the chagrin of my mother! I'm doing well physically. Nothing bad to report other than aches and pains from getting old. Though I've fallen off the diet and exercise wagon. I'm struggling to get back into the habit. I had gotten into some bad habits with the dieting and am working on a better plan. My brother and I participated in a walk to raise awareness and funds for Celiac Disease back in May.<br /><br />My family is doing well for the most part. At times I am amazed at the number of things that we have survived. This was brought to the fore front with my dad's recent emergency surgery this last Wednesday. A week ago today, he asked me to check his pupils because he was having "floaters." Then the next day (Monday) I read on facebook that he's got a detached retina that if not treated within 24 hours he could have been blinded. His surgery went well and he's now resting at home. Then over the holiday weekend, there was freek accident that involved my uncle, grandma, and a friend of the family getting hit by a run away golf cart driven by my 2 year old second cousin. Grandma is ok and thanks to her dementia doesn't even remember the incident. Uncle Bob tore up his shoulder and has a bad case of road rash. The friend of the family got the worst of it with 2 broken legs; One broken in 3 places. I spend alot of time with my nieces Leah and Susie. They are so much fun and smarter than smart.<br /><br />So there you have it my friends. What I've been up to in a nut shell. I hope that everything is going well for you all. And this time I mean it when I say I'll blog again soon.Refhaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09064218599795539844noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7479552657478259595.post-67681860437237612582009-05-08T05:48:00.003-04:002009-05-08T05:49:21.899-04:00I'm still aliveIn case you all were wondering, I am still alive. Its been a busy time lately. I promise to blog again soon. <br /><br />Talk at yall later skaters.<br /><br />-JoelleRefhaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09064218599795539844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7479552657478259595.post-58608381898213580772009-03-24T20:38:00.032-04:002009-03-24T21:17:34.789-04:00So Far So Good!That knocking sound you're hearing is me knocking on wood after saying "So far so good!"<br /><br />I know it's only Tuesday; That there's still 3 more days for things to go horrifically wrong in this work week. But at least up to this point, it's been a good week. I didn't walk into a huge mess Monday morning. No one called in sick. And I got the stats and charges done before the 8 AM meeting this morning. (I could have done without going to the meeting, but it was one of those mandatory ones.)<br /><br />I got a call this morning from one of my co-workers who wasn't in the office yet. She had just turned on the radio in time to hear My name announced as the winner of a "Tim Horton's Office Invasion." So, this Friday, that radio station will be delivering Tim Horton's for 10 to my office. I barely remember entering that contest so it's hysterical that I ended up being the winner for this month. The only problem is that there are 20 people scheduled to work that day and they're bringing enough for 10. (That was the limit that had on the contest.)<br /><br />After much moaning and gnashing of teeth. We decided that the fair way to do the special lunch was to do it pot luck style. That way we can divvy up the stuff from Tim Horton's and add the pot luck stuff and everyone can participate. I felt bad picking names out of a hat for the other 9 people. Everyone usually eats lunch together, so what were the remaining 10 people supposed to do? Sit there and watch the ones who were picked eat? That just bothered me.<br /><br />Tomorrow there is another mandatory meeting that's going to give me a 10 1/2 hour work day. They are overhauling the way we do charging, and Josie and I have to go to a 4 hour training session. BAH! But, overtime is overtime. A little extra $ never hurts.<br /><br />Thursday I have a dentist appointment. Which means that I'll be spending extra time brushing and flossing until then. It's not that I don't take care of my teeth, but I don't really want to give the hygienist any reason to scrape anymore than she has to. <br /><br />Then Friday is the big day. The radio station's morning crew will deliver the Tim Horton's and we'll have a big party. Then it will be time for the weekend!<br /><br />Saturday my family and I are getting together to celebrate my dad's 60th birthday. And I don't have anything planned at all for Sunday. A day of doing any and everything I want to do and not having to do anything I don't want. <br /><br />Here's hoping that next week will be as good as this week.Refhaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09064218599795539844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7479552657478259595.post-36063094699655321202009-03-18T20:48:00.056-04:002009-03-18T22:17:56.697-04:00Who needs TV when you've got all this drama in your life?March roared in like a lion again this year!<br /><br />It began with my co-worker calling in sick for 3 days and then going on vacation for a week. There are only 2 of us secretaries manning the office and little or no back up coverage if one of us wants to take any time off. We usually stagger our vacations so that there is always someone covering the office. So in those 2 weeks I ended up with just over 13 hours of overtime. (This will be important later in this blog.)<br /><br />Next my grandma K. (Mom's mom) became very ill and had to be taken via ambulance to the hospital. It was discovered that she had diabetes and blood pressure issues. There is also the possibility that she had a stroke, but we can't tell for sure since she is already dealing with dementia. We spent a couple weeks dealing with hospital stays and nursing homes and all that good stuff. The good news is that Grandma's now back home and doing moderatly well. <br /><br />Then, my parents and I split babysitting duties for my one year old niece Susie while my sister in law took my other niece to visit her family in California. Both mom and I took 2 and a half days off to spend time with the munchkin. I had so much fun these couple days. Susie is so different than Leah, but so similar to her it's scary. She learned how to safely go down stairs and started to learn how to ride a trike. (She sits on the trike and we push her around.) One day Susie Sue and I had an adventure day and went to the butterfly house, out to eat, and shoe shopping. I discovered that she LOVES mac and cheese and pineapple. She loves to cuddle. There's never a dull moment with Susie, she's a mover and a shaker. I love the way she says my name. "Yo Yo Yo" for Jo Jo.<br /><br />(Here's where that overtime comes in.) I planned to use the extra money that I got from working all those extra hours to get my muffler repaired on my car and then use the rest on some books, groceries, and a gift or 2 that I needed to get. So, I headed over to Muffler Man after work on Monday to get that work done with the OT $ burning a hole in my pocket. As it turns out, I had to get the entire exhaust system replaced. The mechanic came in and said that the muffler itself had a "HUGE" hole and another part had rotted out and the 2 gaskets were blown. There went all the OT $ in one swoop. <br /><br />But, I'm not complaining. The faulty exhaust system had been filling my car with Carbon Monoxide. Compounding the problem was that it was a long cold Michigan winter and I had been riding around with all the windows rolled up for months. It totally explains the headaches, dizziness, and exhaustion that I had been experiencing. This is my second experience with Carbon Monoxide poisoning and its not fun. They say everything happens for a reason, so all that overtime in a sense saved my life.<br /><br />Then last night (Tuesday) around 11 (ish) PM, I got a call from my mom. Apparently the plane that was bringing my niece Leah and Sister in law home from their California trip was forced to make an emergency landing in Chicago. Somehow the windshield shattered and the plane lost pressure and had to turn around to for the emergency landing. Oddly, even before they left on their trip I had a bad feeling about them being on planes. My gut churned each time I thought about them flying. Thankfully, they were able to land safely and are now home. And, no one was hurt in the incident. I know God answered our prayers for safety! I'm glad Hilary and Leah had a good time. But hope they don't decide to fly again for a long long time!<br /><br />The way I figure it, we've gotten all the bad stuff out of the way for this month. Now it's time for good stuff to start happening. So, as the Cajun's say "L<em>aissez les bons temps rouler!" "Let the good times roll!"</em>Refhaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09064218599795539844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7479552657478259595.post-11323404835611294722009-02-26T23:16:00.032-05:002009-02-26T23:55:24.109-05:00Long time no see....Hi all,<br /><br />It's been a while since I've blogged. Sadly, there hasn't been much to write about. Work is the same, I'm still over the moon about my nieces, I'm still on a diet, still single, and it's still cold in Michigan. <br /><br />It's been a long week this week at work. Not only are we treating a hospital full of patients, but we're doing it with half our staff out ill. The flu and pneumonia bug has hit and hit hard there. Special thanks to my co-workers who called in sick yet came in anyway to "do paperwork" thus infecting everyone else. But, trying to find a positive in the situation is that I have 4.5 hours of overtime coming on my next check. Which will come in handy when I have to replace the muffler on my car. And thankfully, I managed not to get sick. (Knocking on wood as we speak!)<br /><br />I've been trying to get myself organized and clean my apartment. Not an easy task, let me tell you. I start with good intentions. "I will get one room cleaned and select 3 articles of clothing that I haven't worn in 5 years to get rid of by the end of the evening." I can get rid of those stirrup pants from the early 90s, it will be ok! Then 3 hours later, I find myself with an even bigger mess because when I was cleaning, I discovered a cache of books that I had set aside along with 15 "to do" lists and an odd assortment of miscellaneous things. (So that's where that missing glove went!) At the rate I'm going, it will take me 3 years just to get the one room clean and all the clothes I'm sorting will be back in style again as "vintage."<br /><br />This coming Saturday has the promise of being exciting. I am going to Disney on Ice! I'm hitching along with my mom, my 3 year old niece Leah, my aunt Sandy and cousin Adrianne. I keep telling everyone that I'm taking my niece Leah, but in reality, I'm excited to go myself. I'm bringing my camera (if it's allowed) and hope to get some good pictures. It's going to be a fun time. I'm so excited! <br /><br />Then the following week, I'm going to be babysitting my 1 year old niece Susie. I'm taking a couple days off of work and going to spend quality time with her. Situations have made it so that I haven't gotten to spend as much time with Susie and I had with Leah, so I'm excited to spend the time getting to know her and spoiling her rotten while my sister in law takes Leah with her to California.<br /><br />Well gang, I really need to get back to work. I'm supposed to be cleaning and getting ready for the weekend, but got distracted by downloading picture from my camera (so I can use it at Disney on Ice) and while I'm downloading the pictures, I had to sneak in here an blog for a minute. And, OMG! It's midnight! I have to go to bed! I have to get up in 4 hours! I'll clean again on Monday....Refhaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09064218599795539844noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7479552657478259595.post-13344272575025061682009-02-02T21:35:00.062-05:002009-02-02T22:42:04.846-05:0025 random facts25 random facts about me. That's the popular thing on Facebook right now. People post random facts about themselves and then other people comment on them. I'll kill 2 birds with one stone by posting a fresh blog here and status on facebook all at the same time. So, without further ado...25 random facts about me. Here they are in no particular order. <br /><br />1. I am ambidextrous, but write right handed.<br />2. I am very claustrophobic. <br />3. I HATE referees! Especially NHL ones.<br />4. I've been on TV, on the radio, in the newspaper, and on a magazine cover.<br />5. I've been to Ireland, Luxembourg, Russia, and Canada.<br />6. I'm afraid of seagulls.<br />7. On average, I read a book and a half a day. (around 300-400 pages each.)<br />8. I once won a trip for 4 to Club Med in Florida from the Coca Cola Company.<br />9. I have 4 alarm clocks set to wake me up each morning. <br />10. Over half of my wardrobe was purchased at garage sales. <br />11. I am a Notary Public.<br />12. I enlisted in a ninja training course at the local community college last year. I have since trimmed and toned my body into a deadly weapon, and am considered a "person of interest" by the Canadian and German governments.<br />13. I wear a medic alert bracelet at all times due to a severe latex allergy.<br />14. My goal weight is 130 lbs.<br />15. I have Celiac Disease. And participate in a walk every year to raise awareness about the disease.<br />16. I volunteer with the local Rotary club.<br />17. One of my hobbies is photography. I've made a side job out of it.<br />18. I have two nieces who I think are the best things since sliced bread! <br />19. I was almost named Betsy Ross because I was due on the 4th of July.<br />20. In July, I'll have been at my job for 6 years.<br />21. My family are my best friends.<br />22. I keep a magic 8 ball on my desk at work. <br />23. I've always wanted to be a character in a book.<br />24. I'm a Christian and proud of it. <br />25. I'm an avid whitetail deer hunter.Refhaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09064218599795539844noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7479552657478259595.post-69687940700487334992009-01-16T23:29:00.012-05:002009-01-16T23:55:22.121-05:00On top of the world!One of my favorite things in the whole wide world is spending time with my nieces. Watching them learn new things, discover the world around them, and seeing the joy that only little children can experience. I can't wait to watch the girls grow up.<br /><br /><div><div><div>This week I took a couple days off to help my mom after her surgery and also to babysit Leah. The 3 of us piled into Grammy's (my mom) behemoth Town Car and went to Grammy's physical therapy appointment. My Dad happens to work in the same building, so we visited with him for a little while. After that we headed to the library. And finally to MacDonald's.<br /><br /><br /></div><div>Leah loves to go to MacDonald's because they have the play space with the big climbing toy. She loves to play with all the kids. But, she has always been afraid to climb up with out someone helping her. But, that all changed yesterday.<br /><br /><br /></div><div>Let me just tell you, those things weren't designed for comfort on adults knees. I've got huge bruises from climbing through the play space. But, back to the story. I being an old fogie needed a rest and Leah was tired of waiting for me. After a quick lesson on how to push up with her arms and swing her leg (knee) up to the next step, Leah was off. She was so proud of herself and her new skill that she kept climbing for hours and hours. Up the steps, down the slide, and repeat! I was so proud for her!<br /><br /><br /></div><div>Here are a few pictures so you can see our little caterpillar become a butterfly:</div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KZ0fL-aZFtc/SXFj2D3tpEI/AAAAAAAAAfg/Ok2y-bK-6OI/s1600-h/!cid__0115091531.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292120817540113474" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KZ0fL-aZFtc/SXFj2D3tpEI/AAAAAAAAAfg/Ok2y-bK-6OI/s320/!cid__0115091531.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KZ0fL-aZFtc/SXFj511ojqI/AAAAAAAAAfo/CSfdR1Cai2A/s1600-h/!cid__0115091523a.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292120882492772002" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KZ0fL-aZFtc/SXFj511ojqI/AAAAAAAAAfo/CSfdR1Cai2A/s320/!cid__0115091523a.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KZ0fL-aZFtc/SXFj98LBCzI/AAAAAAAAAfw/I_N5jVeCmXM/s1600-h/!cid__0115091519.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292120952912546610" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KZ0fL-aZFtc/SXFj98LBCzI/AAAAAAAAAfw/I_N5jVeCmXM/s320/!cid__0115091519.jpg" border="0" /></a></div></div></div>Refhaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09064218599795539844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7479552657478259595.post-8319223247815765352009-01-12T15:42:00.006-05:002009-01-12T16:03:16.106-05:00A quick update....Hey gang,<br /><br />Long time no see. It's been a super busy last couple of weeks. First there was preparing for Christmas (my favorite holiday ever!) Followed by Christmas itself. (You should see the pumpkin my sister made me. Its AWESOME!!!) Then my mom had knee replacement surgery on the Tuesday before New Years. New years snuck past in a blur. And finally I've been helping my mom at her house because she cant drive or stuff like that.<br /><br />Everything is going well with me personally. I once again started my diet and exercise thing. Can you believe that eating what you want....when you want... how much you want plus not exercising for 2 months causes you to gain weight?? I've been supper strict with myself, but that all paid off when I stepped on the scale and had lost 8 lbs. I've managed (knock on wood) not to get the flu bug that's going around! Yay me!<br /><br />Work is ok. They're still doing the construction which has cause some interesting moments. I'm still dodging falling debris from the ceiling. And the weekend between Christmas and New Years, a pipe in the ceiling burst and caused a flood in the department. My co-worker walked in and discovered water pouring down the walls, collapsing the ceiling panels, and puddling on the floor. She called maintenance to report the great flood of the Apocalypse and was told to "Put a bucket under it." She responded with a "I don't think you understand, the ceiling is on the floor, a bucket isn't gonna cut it!" We now get a remodel and new carpet throughout the therapy department.<br /><br />My family is also doing well. As mentioned above, my mom had knee surgery. She's in pain, but doing ok as a whole. She's up and walking around, and even trying to get out of using her walker. Pretty soon, she'll be running laps around us all.<br /><br /> My nieces are growing like weeds. I swear Leah's going to be taller than I am by the time she's 5. She hasn't been able to come visit like she usually does because of mom's surgery, and she desperately wanted to come up to "Grammy's" She even went as far as to draw my brother a map how to get there. Susie is talking up a storm. Bill's gonna have big phone bills from her when she gets older.<br /><br /><br />Well gang, I have to run. I'm still at mom and dad's house and I need to get on the road back to my apartment before the big snow storm that's for casted hits. Another 2-5 inches is expected. Someone please tell me again why I like living here in Michigan.Refhaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09064218599795539844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7479552657478259595.post-91049724142421886292009-01-03T09:31:00.002-05:002009-01-03T09:37:35.045-05:00Check this out!Hey gang,<br /><br />Check this out...<br /><br /><img src="http://www.elisabethnaughton.com/images/Fortune_and_Glory_contest.gif" width="400" height="533" border="0" alt="" usemap="#Fortune_and_Glory_contest_Map" /> <map name="Fortune_and_Glory_contest_Map"> <area shape="circle" alt="Share image!" coords="314,349,31" href="http://www.elisabethnaughton.com/share_image.html"> <area shape="circle" alt="Enter today! " coords="222,350,32" href="http://www.elisabethnaughton.com/fortune.html"> </map>Refhaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09064218599795539844noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7479552657478259595.post-52649449662089518552008-12-22T17:57:00.025-05:002008-12-22T18:45:40.893-05:00The 12 days of Reffie's Christmas...<div align="left">On the first day of Christmas, </div><div align="left">the my true life sent to me </div><div align="left">Crooked NHL referees.<br /><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">On the second day of Christmas, </div><div align="left">my true life sent to me</div><div align="left">Two perfect nieces, </div><div align="left">And crooked NHL referees.<br /><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">On the third day of Christmas,</div><div align="left">my true life sent to me </div><div align="left">Three broken pipes, </div><div align="left">Two perfect nieces, </div><div align="left">And crooked NHL referees.<br /><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">On the fourth day of Christmas,</div><div align="left">my true life sent to me</div><div align="left">Four flat tires, </div><div align="left">Three broken pipes, </div><div align="left">Two perfect nieces,</div><div align="left">And crooked NHL referees.<br /><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">On the fifth day of Christmas, </div><div align="left">my true life sent to me </div><div align="left">Five migraines,</div><div align="left">Four flat tires,</div><div align="left">Three broken pipes,</div><div align="left">Two perfect nieces, </div><div align="left">And crooked NHL referees.<br /><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">On the sixth day of Christmas,</div><div align="left">my true life sent to me </div><div align="left">Six bills I'm still paying , </div><div align="left">Five migraines , </div><div align="left">Four flat tires, </div><div align="left">Three broken pipes, </div><div align="left">Two perfect nieces, </div><div align="left">And crooked NHL referees.<br /><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">On the seventh day of Christmas,</div><div align="left">my true life sent to me</div><div align="left">Seven months of snowing,</div><div align="left">Six bills I'm still paying, </div><div align="left">Five migraines, </div><div align="left">Four flat tires, </div><div align="left">Three broken pipes,</div><div align="left">Two prefect nieces, </div><div align="left">And crooked NHL referees.<br /><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">On the eighth day of Christmas,</div><div align="left">my true life sent to me </div><div align="left">Eight hives an itching, </div><div align="left">Seven months of snowing,</div><div align="left">Six bills I'm still paying,</div><div align="left">Five migraines, </div><div align="left">Four flat tires, </div><div align="left">Three broken pipes, </div><div align="left">Two prefect nieces, </div><div align="left">And crooked NHL referees.<br /><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">On the ninth day of Christmas,</div><div align="left">my true life sent to me </div><div align="left">Nine lotto ticket winnings, </div><div align="left">Eight hives an itching, </div><div align="left">Seven months of snowing, </div><div align="left">Six bills I'm still paying, </div><div align="left">Five migraines, </div><div align="left">Four flat tires, </div><div align="left">Three broken pipes, </div><div align="left">Two prefect nieces, </div><div align="left">And crooked NHL referees.<br /><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">On the tenth day of Christmas, </div><div align="left">my true life sent to me </div><div align="left">Ten extra pounds,</div><div align="left">Nine lotto ticket winnings, </div><div align="left">Eight hives an itching,</div><div align="left">Seven months a snowing, </div><div align="left">Six bills I'm still paying, </div><div align="left">Five migraines, </div><div align="left">Four flat tires,</div><div align="left">Three broken pipes, </div><div align="left">Two prefect nieces,</div><div align="left">And crooked NHL referees.<br /><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">On the eleventh day of Christmas, </div><div align="left">my true life sent to me </div><div align="left">Eleven photo jobs, </div><div align="left">Ten extra pounds,</div><div align="left">Nine lotto ticket winnings, </div><div align="left">Eight hives an itching,</div><div align="left">Seven months of snow,</div><div align="left">Six bills I'm still paying, </div><div align="left">Five migraines, </div><div align="left">Four flat tires, </div><div align="left">Three broken pipes,</div><div align="left">Two perfect nieces, </div><div align="left">And crooked NHL referees.<br /><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">On the twelfth day of Christmas,</div><div align="left">my true life sent to me</div><div align="left">Twelve months with family,</div><div align="left">Eleven photo jobs, </div><div align="left">Ten extra pounds, </div><div align="left">Nine lotto ticket winnings,</div><div align="left">Eight hives an itching,</div><div align="left">Seven months of snowing</div><div align="left">Six bills I'm still paying, </div><div align="left">Five migraines, </div><div align="left">Four flat tires, </div><div align="left">Three broken pipes, </div><div align="left">Two perfect nieces, </div><div align="left">And crooked NHL referees!</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div>Refhaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09064218599795539844noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7479552657478259595.post-77313007362187840442008-12-02T19:35:00.034-05:002008-12-02T20:35:36.947-05:00Like sands through the hourglass of time...So are the days of Reffie's life.<br /><br />Well gang, It's back to our regularly scheduled broadcast. Back to the grind of day to day life. What's been happening since I last posted? <br /><br />Well, I went hunting. I spent 5 days freezing my butt off sitting in my blind. I seriously sat and watched my snot freeze for hours. Opening day was awesome! I spotted 10 deer and shot at 2. The "Big" buck (at least a 6 point) and a larger doe. I missed both. Though I'm gonna claim that I "shaved" the doe. Those of you who hunt know what I'm talking about. The rest of the time in the woods was a let down because after the thrill of opening day, I didn't see another deer. While I'm disappointed that I didn't get one, I'm happy that everyone else in my family got one. <br /><br />The bad part of the whole experience was that I spent the majority of my "vacation" totally sick with a major allergic reaction. (Coughing, Congestion, Facial swelling...The works.) I conveniently forgot that I had recently developed a severe allergy to pine trees and mold. Which is a problem considering that I spent 5 days sitting in a moldy blind smack dab in the middle of a pine tree field. With all the hacking coughing that I was doing, no wonder I didn't see any other deer after opening morning. But if you look on the bright side, I probably scared them all to the rest of our hunting party.<br /><br />The funniest thing that happened was that my brother discovered a new "friend" in his tree stand. A porcupine had taken up residence over the summer. It was less than thrilled to share the space with Bill. It passed (pardon the pun) time by playing poop plinko over Bill's head. It climbed up to a higher branch and let loose. The poop would bounce down from branch to branch on top of Bill.<br /><br />Next we celebrated my niece Susie's 1st birthday. Susie cruises around now that she can walk. She loves anything with lights, sounds, or food involved. My favorite is how she jumps on the bed. We had everyone there (it was Thanksgiving time as well as her birthday) and it was fun to watch her make a mess with her cake. I can't wait to watch her and Leah grow up. Watch out world, here they come!<br /><br />Thanksgiving was nice. Though most everyone in the family was ill with the current upper respiratory bug that's going around. It was nice to relax with the entire family. Then mom and I went shopping on Black Friday. We hit Kohl's at 4 am and picked up some good deals. (I'm not gonna mention what we got since some were Christmas gifts for people who read this blog.) I'm still eating leftovers.<br /><br />In between all that I sandwiched a few days of work here and there. We're still dealing with the stupid phone tree switch that has all of central scheduling calls for the hospital coming to our department. There is still debris falling from the ceiling onto my desk. And to add to all the fun, they got us new computers. Normally new computers wouldn't be a bad thing, except we got the village idiot for an IT person. She installed the new computer towers, crashed both printers for hours, deleted all of the data we had saved on the original PCs, and made it impossible to access the information we have saved on disks. Her exact words to me today were "Why do you use disks, they're almost obsolete?" Ummm... could it be that our old computers that we were using were from the dark ages and that's what they used. Our budget cutting powers that be made getting things like flash drives out of the question. UGH the frustration.<br /><br />I'm almost finished with my Christmas shopping. Just have one 5 more people out of the 12 to get something for. I tried very hard to stick to my $20-$25 price range per person. There were so many things that I wanted to get for people but couldn't. Though I think that everyone will like what I got for them. Now comes the fun part of matching every one's schedule so we can all be together for the holidays. It's like a giant game of chess trying to find a day that everyone is available at the same time. Adding to the fun is that mom's gonna be having surgery on her knee before the end of the year. <br /><br />I really have to get back to my diet and exercising. I haven't been on doing either for the last 2 weeks and have gained 5-6 lbs. It's HARD to get back into it. But, I don't want to undo what I worked so hard to do for the last 2 years. So, it's back to the videos and away from the leftovers.<br /><br />Today I got an unexpected blessing. I had to run to the store to pick up a few things and take my pop cans back. I grabbed what I needed, returned the cans, and even treated myself to some bacon and broccoli salad. (Big mistake since it had peanuts hidden in it. I'm allergic to peanuts and am currently swollen up with a reaction to them right now.) But anyway, I had a scratch off lotto ticket that I wanted to redeem while I was there. I thought it was good for $1, but it turned out to be a $2 winner. I got 2 more $1 tickets with the winning. And with those tickets I won $45. That $45 couldn't have come at a better time. With the Christmas shopping that I've been doing, I was down to $5 in my checking account.<br /><br />Well gang, I've written a book. Hopefully I didn't bore you to sleep. I'm off to exercise, take a benadryl or 3, and then go to bed. The forecast for tonight and tomorrow is kinda iffy so I want to go to bed early just in case.<br /><br />See ya later skaters, Joelle "Reffie"Refhaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09064218599795539844noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7479552657478259595.post-15113127146524085262008-11-20T05:46:00.002-05:002008-11-20T05:47:48.655-05:00The sun will come out tomorrow... tomorrow...And I'll post more soon I promise.<br /><br />I've been out in the fields hunting and stuck at work the days I'm not in the woods. I've got lots of stories to post, but no time to post them. I'll post more soon.Refhaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09064218599795539844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7479552657478259595.post-54276473790437638432008-11-12T21:53:00.034-05:002008-11-12T22:31:11.373-05:00Are we there yet? Are we there yet?Friday, I just have to make it to Friday.<br /><div></div><br /><div>The last week and a half have been incredibly horrible. Work has been exceptionally stressful. Gary Bettman is making the NHL the laughing stock of the sports world. I'm tired of being on a diet and exercising. I'm surrounded by idiots. And, my shower won't stop dripping no matter how many times the apartment maintenance guy works on it. (It's like water torture...drip... drip...dri.. you get the picture.)</div><br /><div></div><div>But, at 2:31 PM this coming Friday (day after tomorrow) I'm on vacation. It's actually long weekends off of work. For the next 2 weeks I'll work a total of 5 days. It's firearm deer season and I'm taking the Mondays and Fridays off for hunting. And as an added bonus, Thanksgiving is the week after next so I get a day off of work with pay without using up my vacation days.</div><div></div><br /><div>I get to go sit in the peaceful woods for hours and enjoy the peace and quiet. And hopefully get a deer or 2 in the process. For 10 wonderful days I won't have to deal with 700 phone calls, biased referees, no dripping shower, etc... Granted I have to be up at the crack o dawn and sit outside in the frigid Michigan air for hours, but it's a break from the daily grind. Sure the swine deer will piss me off, but that's part of the game along with the gigantic tree that broke off and fell directly blocking my best firing lane. </div><div></div><br /><div>I got some good news last night regarding some friends of my family and won a contest on an author's website today. (The prize is a book and some author swag.) My baby niece Susie is gonna have her first birthday next week. I'll have my whole family together for Thanksgiving. Now if I could just find the socks I'm looking for I'd be all set. The burdens of the past weeks are lifting. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. It's probably the headlight on a train that's gonna run me over later, but for now the fact that the light is there is enough.</div><div></div><br /><div>Hope you all have a good one. Wish me luck in the woods! ~Joelle "refhater"</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Refhaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09064218599795539844noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7479552657478259595.post-88841103626856393722008-11-10T20:56:00.025-05:002008-11-10T21:47:06.932-05:00Job Humbug!I love my job.... I love my job..... I love my Job...<br /><br />Really, I do love my job. I have great hours, mostly good co-workers, and surprisingly even the hospital cafeteria food is somewhat decent. But today, today I hate my job. Hate it with the intensity of a thousand white hot pokers gorging out my eyeballs. Cursing the day I walked through the doors to the department.<br /><br />Over the weekend, the powers that be decided it would be "Fun" to change the prompts on the phone tree and not tell anyone. So instead of the normal calls for the rehab department, we (Josie the other secretary and I) got all the calls for central scheduling. There were over 100 calls within the first 3 hours of the day. To say we were less than pleased with the situation would be a gross mis statement. And we said something, the response we got was "Oh sorry, we didn't think about that." <br /><br />We begged them to send a network wide email regarding the change. They said that they couldn't do that because it would be too much work for them to contact all the offices, but they would let the family practice docs know. Josie and I were appalled. Notice the operative word there... To much work for THEM to contact the other offices. What about too much work for the two of us secretaries (central scheduling has 6 staff members) to answer 700 phone calls because they switched the phone lines and didn't tell anyone??? They can send a network wide email announcing each new webkinz the gift shop gets, but sending an actual work related message is a NO NO? (If I roll my eyes back anymore they'll start spinning in circles.)<br /><br />And here we thought last week was hellish... Oh we were so naive. How quickly we forgot the "magic" of the full moon. The full moon for this month is this Thursday. Shoot me now!<br /><br />The day was not a total loss though. I finally got the mess with my Norton Antivirus taken care of. I'm due a complete refund due to the fact that Norton billed my credit card twice for my subscription. It only took 2 emails to get that accomplished. That is if they manage to get that part right. I got my Christmas wish list finished and sent out to the crew. And last but not least, I'm a day closer to my vacation. <br /><br />It's finally firearm deer hunting season. I'm gonna take some long weekends and go sit in the woods. No phones, co-workers, or anything work related... Ahh I can't wait. Then we're gonna celebrate my baby niece Susie's first birthday.Refhaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09064218599795539844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7479552657478259595.post-91529170776858619572008-11-05T05:36:00.007-05:002008-11-05T05:58:47.382-05:00Philippians 4:8<p><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz7-6N4WmusxH0xpEC1FPBjLvKtJyExG5nFOEk73iFhu5CWcIx41ZvLYOGdy5s0_j2NjvXyKoB-lfo1xQTaLw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><br /><p>Just because I need a laugh today. My nieces never fail to bring a smile to my face and to my heart. </p><br /><p>One of my favorite scriptures is Philippians 4:8. <em>"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."</em></p><br /><p>When I think of Leah and Susie, I think of that scripture. What examples of unconditional love God blessed our family with. With today's world going to hell in a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">hand basket</span>, those girls are the hope for the future. And what a wild ride that future is gonna be. </p><br /><p>So, as <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">disappointed</span> as I am with the results of the 2008 Elections. I'm not gonna let it get me down. I've got 2 beautiful girls to think about. My family to think about. Both of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">which</span> are <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">inherently</span> true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, full of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">virtue</span> and praise.</p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KZ0fL-aZFtc/SRF7miNyFsI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/J-pp90Gw0ag/s1600-h/08+california+trip+051.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265125341322680002" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KZ0fL-aZFtc/SRF7miNyFsI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/J-pp90Gw0ag/s320/08+california+trip+051.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><p></p><br /><p><em></em></p><br /><p><em></em></p>Refhaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09064218599795539844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7479552657478259595.post-58930209431830903772008-11-03T22:04:00.002-05:002008-11-03T22:08:48.704-05:00Nothing new..Hey all,<br /><br />I know it's been a while since I blogged. But, there isn't really anything really interesting to talk about going on right now. I'm doing well. (Other than a case of hives over my entire body from who knows what.) Work is fine. My family is doing ok. The Wings are same old same old. I'm getting ready for hunting season. It's the week after next. I've just got to get some snacks and some books to read and I'm all ready to go. <br /><br />So, when something interesting happens, I'll let ya'll know. Until then have a great day!Refhaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09064218599795539844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7479552657478259595.post-71235957592389349302008-10-15T19:17:00.022-04:002008-10-15T19:51:34.991-04:00Blah Blah Blah....Ok, so I know I promised to write more last week. Forgive me, I got busy and forgot. That and I discovered a fun new web site and spend way to much time playing around on it. Other than being super busy and running myself ragged, life is good. Not a whole lot of anything really interesting happening at the moment. I'm finally feeling better, the Wings are winning, and gas prices are below $3.<br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div>The website that has been consuming what little free time I have is actually from a spam email that I sometimes get. I have an email address that I use when entering contests on line, and sometimes I get emails from the various companies that were hosting the contests about other contests they have going on. 9 times out of 10 I'll simply delete the contents of that email box since it's mostly spam. But occasionally there will be something worth checking out. </div><div><br /> </div><div>You can design your own Pringles can on the Pringles website right now. (<a href="http://www.pringles.com/">http://www.pringles.com/</a>) You download your images, pick preselected ones, add text and backgrounds. Then you have people vote for their favorites. I havent read the rules, so I don't know if it's officially a "contest," but it sure is alot of fun. </div><div><br /> </div><div>So if you're interested, go make some Pringles cans of your own. It's fun really! And if you feel the urge, I'd appreciate a vote or two for my cans.</div><div></div><div> </div><div>Thanks, Joelle<br /><br /></div><div></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KZ0fL-aZFtc/SPZ907CbenI/AAAAAAAAAXU/YXQmcBB8UJo/s1600-h/blog_th_pic_3921.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257527963156183666" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KZ0fL-aZFtc/SPZ907CbenI/AAAAAAAAAXU/YXQmcBB8UJo/s320/blog_th_pic_3921.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KZ0fL-aZFtc/SPaBMI8OClI/AAAAAAAAAXc/K0kx7Qovzy0/s1600-h/blog_th_pic_3955.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257531660560108114" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KZ0fL-aZFtc/SPaBMI8OClI/AAAAAAAAAXc/K0kx7Qovzy0/s320/blog_th_pic_3955.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KZ0fL-aZFtc/SPaBS9P7jvI/AAAAAAAAAXk/rQ64ycMiWKQ/s1600-h/blog_th_pic_5274.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257531777680641778" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KZ0fL-aZFtc/SPaBS9P7jvI/AAAAAAAAAXk/rQ64ycMiWKQ/s320/blog_th_pic_5274.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KZ0fL-aZFtc/SPaBX6XAz9I/AAAAAAAAAXs/7H49hF5MErI/s1600-h/blog_th_pic_5283.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257531862804385746" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KZ0fL-aZFtc/SPaBX6XAz9I/AAAAAAAAAXs/7H49hF5MErI/s320/blog_th_pic_5283.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KZ0fL-aZFtc/SPaBcfku3lI/AAAAAAAAAX0/QyU3VPRQ85g/s1600-h/blog_th_pic_5703.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257531941513518674" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KZ0fL-aZFtc/SPaBcfku3lI/AAAAAAAAAX0/QyU3VPRQ85g/s320/blog_th_pic_5703.jpg" border="0" /></a></div></div></div></div>Refhaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09064218599795539844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7479552657478259595.post-86991084222045380292008-10-06T05:40:00.002-04:002008-10-06T05:45:50.175-04:00Yes, I am alive....Yes, I am alive; But just <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">barely. </span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected"></span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Last time you heard from me I was getting ready to go on vacation. Celebrating in the fact that I could fit into a size 8. Well like they say, all good things must come to an end. </span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected"></span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected">It's now Monday, and I'm 5 minutes away from walking out the door to head to work. I had fun on my vacation. Though it was too short for my likeing. The rotary auction was last Tuesday and went well. (Other than the phones going down for part of it... Not good when it's a phone auction.) The garage sale didn't go as well, but at least its over. And to make life all the more fun... I'm sick again. Nothing major, just a cold. I'm so tired, I can hardly see straight.</span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected"></span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected">But, onwards and upwards. I'll post again this week. Talk at yall later!</span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected"></span>Refhaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09064218599795539844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7479552657478259595.post-88354712286544267032008-09-15T22:55:00.010-04:002008-09-15T23:05:42.212-04:00Back on top of the world!I could die happy right now. Seriously....<br /><br />It's a well documented fact that I've been dieting. Well this past weekend, it all paid off. I'm going on vacation this coming Friday and needed a dressy outfit. So, I trekked off to the outlet mall in a torrential downpour in hopes of finding a suitable garment. I ended up with 2 pairs of slacks, (thanks Jon!) A little black dress, 2 tops, and a skirt. <br /><br />Why am I so happy you ask? It's because I'm finally in single digits in clothing size. Down 6 sizes from when I started my diet 1/1/07. I can't tell you guys how amazing that feels mentally and physically.Refhaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09064218599795539844noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7479552657478259595.post-78814967894523625072008-09-10T20:56:00.024-04:002008-09-10T21:38:59.472-04:00What day is it?<em> "What day is it? Could you please tell me? What day is it? I'm confused you see..."</em> (from Brak on Space Ghost Coast to Coast.) It's been a really crappy week. I'm struggling to keep my head above water, and someone poked a hole in my flotation device. If it weren't for the fact the calendar says the day's change, I'd never know it by looking.<br /><br /> Work was abysmal on Monday. We were totally slammed with new evaluations. (There were over 20 before 7 AM.) Evidently everyone trying to get in their last hurrah before the end of summer hurt themselves. Then word came down the network that one of the Doc's from the hospital had been killed in a motorcycle accident the previous Sunday. Rumor has it that he crossed over the center line and was hit head on. Killing him instantly. The whole hospital was in a daze with shock. He was one of the kindest docs in the system. He treated everyone like human beings with respect and dignity.<br /><br /> Tuesday zipped by in a blur. We had a wedding shower/pot luck for one of the girls in the office. Then today I traveled to 5 of our satellite office to take pictures that "the powers that be" wanted for a retreat they are sending us all too. I'm happy to help by taking the photos. It gives me the opportunity to develop my "Portfolio." But, it just happens to fall in the busiest 2 weeks on my schedule for the whole year. I spent more time driving today than I spent at my desk today. And to make it all the more fun, my battery charger for my camera completely died today. So it's either spending a fortune on the special batteries or getting a new charger for $40. <br /><br />I'm 4 miles short on exercising this week. I've only done 4 so far and have to get 12 in by the end of the week. And since I have to travel from Freeland, to Midland, to Houghton Lake, and back again on Friday, that means that I have to do 8 miles tomorrow alone. I've done crappy on my diet as well. (Cue sad music here.) I was depressed with the recent passing of a childhood friend, a foster brother, and now co -worker that I backslid and ate my comfort food twice this week. French fries with lots of salt. Oh well, back on the diet saddle tomorrow. It's gonna be salads, salads, and more salads for the next couple days.<br /><br />The bright spot that I'm focusing on is that the weekend is quickly approaching. I'll be babysitting my nieces again, but that always is so much fun. Their unconditional love makes the world go round. I'm planning on taking them to the park and out to lunch at McDonald's. (And I didn't forget Leah... I've got 2 green suckers waiting for you.) The weekend while busy will have nothing more serious than the Count stealing Cookie Monsters cookies on Sesame Street. Then next week I go on vacation. Whoooo Hooo Hoooo! 6 more days!<br /><br />Sorry about the whining blog tonight. As I sit here typing, a fire truck and ambulance pulled up in my apartment parking lot and I got distracted. Never a dull moment around here.... I'll talk at ya'll later.Refhaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09064218599795539844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7479552657478259595.post-25118747555796315032008-09-04T05:40:00.021-04:002008-09-04T16:25:16.632-04:00contest time... part 2Ok gang that's it. The top 12! (See pics 1-6 on part 1 of this post.) Now pick your top 6 and let me know which you think I should enter into the calendar contest. Suggestions for titles would be nice too.<br /><br />7. <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KZ0fL-aZFtc/SMBCfjnQXxI/AAAAAAAAAW4/SpdLJiimHeU/s1600-h/loons+125.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242263076162526994" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KZ0fL-aZFtc/SMBCfjnQXxI/AAAAAAAAAW4/SpdLJiimHeU/s200/loons+125.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />8. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KZ0fL-aZFtc/SMBBdl76RDI/AAAAAAAAAWw/P0jK13XV0Hk/s1600-h/loons+075.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242261942914663474" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KZ0fL-aZFtc/SMBBdl76RDI/AAAAAAAAAWw/P0jK13XV0Hk/s200/loons+075.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>9. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KZ0fL-aZFtc/SMA_wPW8FXI/AAAAAAAAAWo/fQ_iOYzg-pI/s1600-h/ferris+wheel+3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242260064248272242" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KZ0fL-aZFtc/SMA_wPW8FXI/AAAAAAAAAWo/fQ_iOYzg-pI/s200/ferris+wheel+3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>10. <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KZ0fL-aZFtc/SMA7TvO9FjI/AAAAAAAAAWg/6EYdh8T_fOg/s1600-h/carosel+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242255176542000690" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KZ0fL-aZFtc/SMA7TvO9FjI/AAAAAAAAAWg/6EYdh8T_fOg/s200/carosel+2.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div>11. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KZ0fL-aZFtc/SMA6n4OF77I/AAAAAAAAAWQ/ueknPirmEc0/s1600-h/ferris+wheel+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242254423040061362" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KZ0fL-aZFtc/SMA6n4OF77I/AAAAAAAAAWQ/ueknPirmEc0/s200/ferris+wheel+2.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div>12.<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KZ0fL-aZFtc/SL-toTSNENI/AAAAAAAAAWA/jn8037OSwZg/s1600-h/6.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242099399165546706" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KZ0fL-aZFtc/SL-toTSNENI/AAAAAAAAAWA/jn8037OSwZg/s200/6.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div></div>Refhaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09064218599795539844noreply@blogger.com1