March 14, 2006 was Tuesday

And the day of my open heart surgery to replace my mitral valve.

On March 2006, morning the paramedics were late, at 7 AM, to transport me to the hospital where I would have the surgery. All of about a 10 minute drive if that. However it was the first time, in about two weeks, I inhaled the outside air. I did not care if it was laced with exhaust. I was outside. And free--if just for a few moments. I remember being prepped for my surgery. The preppers were all younger than me, yet I had to trust them. All nice tho. Then when whatever they completed what they completed a young man said, "Put her out."

***The next thing I knew, I woke up, with my arms tied down and a tube down my throat. Yea. I remember that REAL well. I wanted to yank that sucker out of my throat ASAP. I woke up sooner than they expected. Caught em off guard.

Good. It was almost 4 pm.

Anyway, I was taken to ICU. I dozed in an out. My feet felt containers between my legs. Of course, I tried to pull them out by my feet. Catheters. For my bladder and one for the incisions in my tummy for the fluid.

During one of my 'in' moments, I whispered to a nurse and asked what time it was. Twas a little after 7 pm. I asked her to turn the TV to "American Idol." Yep. You read right. "American Idol." I don't remember much of that episode. Yet I still was able to have some of my routine and watch one of my favorite TV shows--as I dozed in and out. My life changed six years ago that day -yet some stayed the same.

Just like tonight. Time for some "American Idol".

And I am blessed.

Terra Cotta Pots...Where Were We?

So much has happened, in these last few days. Met with a different university advisor who announced they really couldn't tell me what credits would transfer until I applied and enrolled into their school. I didn't like that. Of course, the advisor was about 23 and telling ME what I should think of my future. My job changes. Same department. Same seat. Different tasks. This happened Tuesday. Champs crowned on both Dancing With the Stars and American Idol. Just fine with those choices. Last night the Dallas Mavericks became Western Conference Champs and headed to the NBA Finals. Nice to have something to cheer about after the Super Bowl fiasco and the current NFL lock out. City is going nuts and I Like IT******So after all this, I took a crafty chum's suggestion to do a little show n' tell on my first completed terra cotta pot:

Treated the 4-inch pot's inside with Thompson's Water Sealant. Primed the outside (should have done the inside too). Folk Arts acrylic blue paint with Folk Arts Gems painted on after the blue dried. The Gems are gorgeous blue 'diamonds'. Compliments the paint in splendid fashion. Got more Mod Podge on me than I smothered the pot with (if that' s even possible! ) Learned lots doing this pot. Kind of hesitant to show y'all because it is not as good as it could be---will be.*****The paw prints were made with one of those hand punches. One toe is missing. I Mod Podge'd it off--by accident. Didn't realize it until the pot was pretty well dried. Decided the gone toe would signify me being born with microtia. I was born missing an ear. In my case, I have just a lobe where my left ear should be. And finally, the snoozin' kitten photo is suppose to be on the fuzzy side. Used colored pencil filter. The big ol' tabby cat out the pot is actually said snoozin' kitten once upon a few years ago.*****The first time. Got it out of the way. Thanks for being patient! *****

5 Years Ago Today

The last words I heard were "Put her out."

My chest was cracked open.

Machines pumped life thru ny body as I slept

My heart had to be stopped and

"Readjusted" so the surgeon could go behind and inside it

To replace my mitral valve, which I never knew existed until 2 weeks prior...

Work was done and heart jumpstarted

In recovery, I woke up sooner than expected-

Imagine that

They had to hunt down the surgeon to

OK the tube removed from my throat

In ICU, I was shot up with painkillers

Doozed in/out, mainly out

As "American Idol" was played on TV

Open-heart surgery 5 years ago today-

Will never stop talking about it

Death was the alternative

He had other plans.

4 days later the doctor said I could go home.

On this day, in 2011, I marvel at the

Birds in my yard and new blooms

Simple things. Great things.

5 years ago, I wondered how

Different my life would be

....and I am still in discovery-

I am blessed.

March Roars!

I LOVE this month! Always have, always will..

In these last couple weeks, since we met up, I finished another class, and began another. This is my second ethics class. I've discovered I am deep ecologist, a minimalist, and utilitarian.

Yea.

And also let me tell you about the water pouring from the tube to my fridge's ice maker. Yep, came home and had a lake in my kitchen. A loaf of bread, protected in plastic, floated just ahead of Noah's ark, with my cats on it. Somehow this little round thingy cover on the back of the fridge got off and water just poured. Real long story short, I had to figure out to shut off that water. The knob was not under my sink, or behind my washer. I ran to my neighbor's who's house was like mine. The lever was by the hot water heater. By then, I could do my version of Singin' in the Rain without much trouble. Water made it to some carpet in my living area, not all--but enough.

I hate that carpet anyway.

That story is SO February anyway. Tonight, American Idol is back LIVE.

I am heating up the pasta

And ready to get my song on!

So Steve Tyler

The rest of Aerosmith singing with an orchestra back up. Who in the world woulda ever thunk? Not me. Back in the day, I so raised my can of Schlitz beer to this song many a time. Thought Steve Tyler was kinda hot in a my Thomasina weird "I'm not sure why because he wasn't really Donny Osmond and I liked Donny a whole lot"kinda way.

That was back then. Now it's 2011 and Steve is a judge on "American Idol"--just one of the two 'reality' shows I do watch. Honestly, I thought he was a poor choice for judge. I mean come on, drugs, sex, rock n roll were his anthems. I just didn't get it.

Now I kinda do. Gotta admit, I know American Idol's 10th Season is just underway as I write this, however I am pleasantly surprised with him. I started to get that way when I caught Steve's interviews about "Idol" on TV. More soft spoken and seems to genuinely like the kids. He's firm, yet loving---so far, and I love when he has on his reading glasses. Then I know Steven and I are simpatico. Anyway, just have a feeling when they get to Hollywood Week and then when the show goes live--Steve will expect more.

Steve is a member of a band that's sold 150 albums. Alot of wanna be's can only "Dream On".

Tea Towel Tuesday

Yes.

Tea Towels. Tis the subject I will speak of today.

Do I hear a hush over the audience--from California to Greece?

Tea Towels?

From the girl who carries coupons for a brand of paper towel?

Why yes...yes....ME!

OK, cut to the chase, cause tonight is Dancing With the Stars FINALS and

American Idol FINALS and I have Blue Bell Cookies n Cream Ice Cream

Just callin' my name, plus a cat to plop and purr in my lap---!

Tea Towels--I want to conjure towels printed with my own photos-

Yes, I do.

A gulp was heard from the friends who know I pretty much

Flunked Junior High Home Ec... I digress...

What I've figured out is-must be a transfer, possibility heat transfer--

I've visited blogs, yet these Tea Towel Terrifics already know what they do--

I don't.

Must I make dozens of transfers for the dozens of towels I'd like to make?

Is there a one transfer that fits all? Is there a place that will do bulk?

I like pretty towels--when they're too pretty to even use--

The Quicker Picker Upper paper towel can't say THAT!

So, who out there can answer my questions and put me on the

Path of Tea Towel Tantalizin'?

Thanks in advance. If you were here- I'd share my ice cream with you....well...maybe... :)

MId-Week

Miss me?

Work is picking up, and we're still not sure what to completely do. Then school. Plus, this cat hogs the PC because he does HIS blog! The cat needs to get a JOB.

When I last left you, I mentioned my online classmate did a bit of plagiarizing. I did tell the teacher--such like a snitch I felt. And coincidentally, our Team project for this week--already written in the syllabus was about plagiarism! Kid you not. We have to discuss it and then take some test. Classmate is also on my team. Her comment was one, I knew she'd be taken to the Principal's office. She went on how could it be plagiarising--in the scenario (which was her scenario)--I gave my short, sweet and to the point answer. She may have been ticked, but oh well.

Also got my 1st week grades (this is a 5 week course). I have a low "A" all due to that 1000 word paper I wrote last week. At least I got it in ON time, but the teacher said it was choppy. Even tho I did include all she required in it. It was. I did do better--so, now I have a 1500 word paper due this Saturday. Gotta summarize 3 articles about something that has Dorothy and her little dog Toto going walking down some yellow brick road. all while should they have caught a cab when the house did its deed to the Wicked Witch --well, no, not really---

In the meantime, I gotta go be a couch potato and ready for American Idol. For those that watch the show, I'm pretty tired of Casey, even if he is from Texas. I like Crystal, Lee and Big Mike--in that order.

Stay tuned.

Quick

It's almost 10pm and I've yet to watch tonight's American Idol!

Why?

It was 72 degrees when I got home from work tonight and I did a couple e-mail/school things, then took a walk. Needed it felt good--well, except for my feet. The heels on these suckers are so worn down. I honestly don't remember when I even bought em. I wanna say 2006..maybe.....

Let me be honest, if anybody out there wonders what to gift me with for my birthday in 29 days (that's April 8, for the rest of the world) a new pair of good tennyshoes will do just fine! Funky color and/or design. I'd relish them big time..Hey, I'm an only child. I ain't too proud to beg.

I digress.

So I get home from the calm of my walk. I know I gotta finish the paper that was due on Monday. The highest grade I could get is an 80. I almost didn't do it--but, the writer in me came out. Sure, it wasn't fiction I was scripting, but it feel GOOD. I kinda of have this school down to a routine, so my work on the novella draft, I wanted done by my birthday (eeks!) comes back into play.

Paper is sent. Flip Flops on feet. I will hit the couch and do as much of American Idol as I can. The guys were singing tonight. I can fast forward after a couple notes of the song, to the judges opinion. You just know when something is good or not....

Off to the couch-quick!

Triple Tired

Yep. I'm triple tired. Why? For one, last night I didn't finish a school paper. Why? I helped celebrate the 50th birthday of Pastor Rickie Rush, of Inspiring Body of Church, at well, the Inspiring Body of Christ Church! I tell ya, never once did I think I'd hear the 80's classic, "Celebrate" by Kool and The Gang or the Sugar Hill Gang's "Rapper's Delight" in church-and everybody was on their feet! Naw- that was gonna never happen--until last night, with a few hundred other folks in tow! And Bear was there-shared a few words with him. Yea, my mind wandered after we spoke, but reality hit. I had to leave the sanctuary to get my cupcake-everybody got one as we left the church, and scoot on home. So, I'm tired because I didn't get home until per near 11Pm.

And my paper was almost done, but I couldn't stay up to finish it. So I e-mailed the instructor and told her it would be late. It's the only time, I plan to be late with an assignment. Restless, as I tried to fall asleep. A cat snoozing on your tummy doesn't help THAT much.

Tired when I got up this morning. Long, but fun day in training class--even tho one of my co-workers doesn't like me. Oh well, not sure what I did to her--considering I don't even know her name.

Then I'm tired because none, except for Crystal, of the girls really "wow" me on American Idol. Eventho they purt near all wore me out enough, I was too tired to get some Blue Bell Ice Cream for woes.

Yep. Tired.

Think A Bit

I tell ya, I am FRIED tonight! Today was Day 4 of our 3 week training. All whipped we were at day's end. Why? Tis our first time in the foray of the systems we will soon be using.

OH MY! Yes, it gave itself root for ice cream tonight. It was fun, and we all were helping each other--but it also showed us we got a ways to go. Our trainers are both quite good--although one needs to loosen up a bit. Wears his thoughts all over his face. I thought it was just me that thought that.

Nope. He's a nice guy, but the other trainer is more at ease and fun and makes the boring-est stuff fun.

Anyhoo--to be past all that, got my paper done and turned in for my college course, got trash by the curb, doing American Idol and will dig into my Blue Bell Strawberry and Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream.

Life is good.

One of the girl's last night sang "Think" on American Idol. Her last note was the best. She did her best, yet the Queen Aretha does "Think" a bit more better...

Idol Time

I'm addicted to American Idol. Yet, feeling a little bored because nobody really HIT me. I do like Big Mike, but I like a bit deeper, strong voice. Jermaine Sellers--just would like him to do better. Casey --oh MAN--yea, I liked him until tonight. Looked on stage he did, but that song! Naw, not feeling that--however there was...

Lee Dewyze. I really didn't see or hear what the judges saw in him--until tonight. Lew came up a few steps, while Casey slide on down. Lee. LOVE his voice. And ain't to bad look at either--especially the dreamboat eyes. Lee's the the dark horse in my Idol tally. I don't really like tattoos on guys, but maybe just maybe...

After all that, made it thru another day of training class. Think I'll really like this. Tired. Gonna down a couple spoonfuls of Blue Bell Ice Cream. Pet a cat, head to bed and dream still about my novella and pie business...

All is good.

February 24, 2006 was Friday

And I had the day, in 2006, off. Took a couple days because I hadn't been feeling well. The boss suggested since I had left over vacation days from the prior year--heck why not take em? I liked my boss so I did. Good thing.

I really didn't feel so hot. Occasional headaches. Joints and muscles ached. Cold nights sweet had me drenched by morning. What I read I figured menopause symptoms or diabetes. I knew all this would pass--eventually. My energy level was zilch and lie there in bed even tho I had plans for the day with Movie Man.

On the phone Movie Man urged me, quite firm, to get out of bed and meet him for lunch like we'd planned and go to the movies to see "Something New." During our Olive Garden lunch, I didn't eat as much, and during the movie I had the chills. I loved being with Movie Man, yet I just wanted my couch--not feeling it. I do remember he tried to make me laugh. And I hope Movie Man forgives me, because I can't remember if we did anything after the movie.

I just wanted to rest. To have whatever that kept me down, would just walk on out of my bod and I get on to feeling better.

Stay tuned.

On this day, in 2010, my chum Maria, who was/is my racquetball partner asked if I was interested in still playing? We both perked up! We've not played r-ball in forever and I'm glad we're working on it! And I went to my work's computer room, after my shift, to print my school assignments and such. It hit me that I'm a student. Got home fed the birds, pet the cats, realized I gotta wash the gray out of my hair --again--, continue to research how to ship frozen pies to future customers in my soon to start pie business, plus set the time to write/work on my novella that I want the draft done by my birthday. OK, then to watch me some American Idol, after I check the guide to watch "Something New" again--because now I know I liked it.

Yes, I am blessed.

No Such

I realize my Northern and Midwestern chums have had enough snow and winter all together. Hence, they gotta think I'm crazy to desire a repeat performance on my trees like in this picture. The weather gurus said we might get 1-2 inches in Dallas today My camera was ready to capture Kodak moments of my snow blanketed backyard.

No such luck.

10 snowflakes. That's about all Ol' Man Winter decided to share. And I'm kinda bummed.

Good thing Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream helps ease my 'Want Snow on the Trees' moment...

Oh, and on the American Idol front (you know I'm addicted)-the girls sang tonight. Must say none of em are did much for me. One girl slaughtered a Stevie Nicks song, and I am NO fan of Stevie Nicks--yet the song deserved better than the girl gave. I'll let it got as first week jitters. And, as for Kara....hmm...I truly miss Paula...

Winter Still

Granted my Dallas weather has not been as harsh as for my Midwest and Northeastern chums, yet I'm ready for winter to exit, With the warm days, Dallas has had, parts of my lawn started to turn green. Hence, I caught myself checking at starts of blueberry and blackberry trees for my back yard, plus different bulbs withstand the Texas heat and the shade of my front yard--I shock my head to clear it and remembered it was still February. I realized I had a green thumb about 2000. Shocked even me I actually LIKED plants and the green thumb to boot. Chums who have known me awhile will say, "Hmm, I thought the only plant you ever liked was plastic." Times change.

OK, the weather folks say Ol Man Winter isn't thru with Dallas yet. We are to receive rain, sleet--and maybe some snow late tonight. However, it's suppose to do this ALL DAY tomorrow and rush hour is to be horrible. Sure, the temp will be a smidgen below freezing--but folks in Texas only know how to drive in wintry conditions when they ain't from round these parts---like me.

So in the meantime, as I wait to see what Mother Nature has in store--if she's ticked at Ol Man Winter enough, so he dumps his cold mess on Dallas, I gotta heat up pasta and get ready for the rest of Hollywood Week on American Idol.

Oh yes, I AM addicted to American Idol and I like Ellen, so far, as a judge.

Thank goodness Blue Bell Cookies n Cream Ice Cream will ease my wintertime woes...*

Stuff IV

Bikini Girl on American Idol. My last word on Idol....until 2010. Not gonna post Katrina Darrell aka Bikini Girl's picture on my blog. Nope. Will admit Ryan had the best line of the night when he said he was gonna ask Katrina what was new with her.

After further review, I think Katrina had some nose work done along with two other upfront things. The girl couldn't sing. And even when Kara came out and showed Bikini Girl up while in her own, bikini--I'm still out to lunch about Kara being a judge.

Kara does bring more street cred than Paula. Plus, Kara forced Paula to be alittle more attentive and step up her game. But all in all--Kara was a bit too pitchy for me, and I dunno, dawg.

Well, we got months to ponder. And come January 2010, when it's pitch black outside at 5pm, we'll be snuggled under a blankee, tuned to Fox ready to do this is American Idol thing just one more time.

I know I will.

Thomasina....OUT!

Stuff III

KRIS ALLEN is the new American Idol!

Oh my! Two nights in a row I get shocked! Last night on Dancing With the Stars, Shawn Johnson won and tonight: Kris Allen. WOW.

For me Adam Lambert was the better singer, the better showman. The thought of Adam being doused with lots of ego, was an air of confidence in my book. Adam knew his strengths. Didn't so much think that of Kris. What made me think, Kris might...and I repeat, might make it all the way, was his duet with Keith Urban.

Maybe I didn't realize country could sound like that. I guess I still think country is your daddy's Hank Williams....senior. Nonetheless, I enjoyed this song....alot! I'm adult enough to admit my defeat and saw congrats to Kris and all the KrisNation!

So now with DTWS and Idol, plus all my TV network shows, and the Dallas Mavericks are done for season, it's time to get on with the summer! Happy Day!

Hmm. Now when do the Dallas Cowboys begin their training camp? I'm ready for them to begin their quest to regain the NFL's title of American Idols.

Stay tuned.

Stuff

On American Idol: Adam Lambert got my vote. Kris was good. No disrespect, yet that other final spot shoulda been Danny Gokey. My say: Adam wins tomorrow.

Waiting now for the winner of Dancing With the Stars: I hope Gilles. At the senior center I now am a member of, has ballroom lessons. I'm gonna give that a twirl.

And today, a woman I use to be pen pals with, starting in 1974, found me on Facebook! We lost touch about 2003, when I quit my other job. We'd e-mailed pretty regularly, after we found each other again. Never met. Were Osmonds fans, when she sent me that first letter. She lived in Hawaii and me in Iowa. We wrote for a long time and lost and found and lost and found and lost--yet found again. I hope for awhile this time. In 1974, stamps, I think, were 8 cents.

On top of all that

One more day closer to Friday.

Gotta love THAT!

I do.

And so you say...

President Barack Obama had a press conference tonight to answer questions about his first 100 days in office. Only 100 days? He's not made every body happy, yet to me, President Obama (I still like the sound of that)has done more in these few days, than another president in history? He's not Moses. He is a man that puts a new shade on everything. That's a good thing.

The Dallas Mavericks bounce on to the second round of the NBA play-offs. Kind of excited about that. I'm still bitter they was up 3-1 in the finals, a couple years back, and let Shaq and the rest of the Miami Heat take home the trophy. Nice to see Dirk and Co. win. Kinda wish Avery was still coach tho. Gives us something more to watch as we wait for the Cowboys' training camp in July. The longer the Mavs stay in, the short the summer wait.

Matt is gone on American Idol. I'm OK with that.

Rain. Lots of it. I gotta go curl with a cat and get a good night's sleep. Stuff to dream about.

Triple Threat

Dose of American Idol with songs of Rat Pack Past

To Dancing With The Stars for the results

And surprise The Cowboy is still in!

Then onto cheer the Dallas Mavs vs the San Antonio Spurs!

Can Dirk and Co this series away tonight?

Ain't quite the Dallas Cowboys Season opener, yet close..REAL close

To TV Heaven as I'm gonna get for awhile.

'cuse me, while I go pop some corn!

Just So

Been asked why I don't just write a blog with just one theme and leave it alone.

Like why do I have to jump to:

John Madden who announced his retirement from the NFL broadcast booth? WOW. When has John Madden NOT been in the spotlight? I met him just shortly after I moved to Dallas, in 1988. I worked as a charter travel consultant for Greyhound then and John's bus (he refused to fly) was a custom made Greyhound bus. He'd come to chat with us employees for a few minutes. What a HUGE man! When John Madden shook my hand, I told how I always cheered for the Kansas City Chiefs --what still seemed like a giant rival then of his Oakland Raiders--John flashed a smile. "You rooted for THOSE guys?" We laughed. It may have been time for John Madden to hang up the mike--he is 73, yet I'll miss him. He's earned this 1st down and goal to go.

Or then I why would jump over to American Idol? Hmm. The judges used their one save of the season last night for Matt Giraud. He won't win, yet seems like a nice kid. Next week the Idols do disco--which I LOVED. No joke. My boyfriend and I made sure our outfits matched on Saturday Nights. He thought he was the black John Saturday Night Fever Travolta. I thought I was hot in my Candies or my 4 inch black heels. To me, disco, was the best dance music EVER.

Then why I might jump to I wish folks would leave President Barack Obama alone? He inherited the issues we have today. He's not quite Moses. Being so scrutinized -because he is the first Black Man to hold the highest office in the land. I STILL get chills. Sometimes, tho, I do wish his two terms were all ready done, and the second Black person was about to take office. By then not so much scrutiny--because they are the second...but if it's a woman....WELL! But President Obama did get his girls a dog.

Or I why I don't just just talk about my diet, my heart surgery, fiction writing, my hair or the sinkful of dishes? Sure, I could stick to just one theme and let that be it.

Why?

Why not?

I figure my life is my theme. Share thoughts from all of life's volumes. Variety. One thing can bloom into a bouquet.

Just so how I like it.