I Love To Tell The Story

Julee's Journal

2007-05-27T20:45:00.000-04:00

Click on Julee's Journal for updates. Re: Family and family related stuff.

Write Of Passage Re: Strictly writing, reviews, and stories I'm working on.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."

Jeremiah 29:11

The Old Testament

Sisters Hope

2007-02-19T18:19:00.000-05:00

Let me introduce to you, two young women who care.

Jennifer and Melissa are in the very early stages of doing and giving what they can to causes that have pierced their hearts.
Jen is working at collecting money to free Ghana children sold into slavery along the coast of Africa.
Melissa is saving to live and work in a Malawian Orphanage.
Learn the back story behind this nonprofit adventure.
Click on the sidebar; Sisters Hope.
And then, do something.

Give It Away, Throw It Away, Put It On Ebay

2007-02-06T16:45:00.000-05:00

Watch for updates on my Junk For Sale sidebar.
Categories Coming Soon.
House For Sale or Trade
Pre Sale Of "John Deere Memoirs"
Mac Help For Sale
Mac Web Pages for Sale
Wedding Stuff For Sale
JG Photography

You can still find my journal right where you've always found it--->Click here ----> That's What I Thought

Come Over Right Away

2006-08-09T17:28:00.000-04:00

I've moved! Click here----->THAT'S WHAT I THOUGHT

Things Are Gonna Change Around Here

2006-06-17T18:55:00.001-04:00

Seems some of you all's comment button has gotten a bit jammed.
Seeing as I'm the instigator and matriarch of this eblogger craze...there are a lot of you that could stand to update a little more often.
Heck, I would settle for a garden/evergreen tree/wooden chair/20 MORE things about Big Daddy/ update.
And as soon as I hear more about NicToria, you can bet I'll break my Melissa gag order and tell you all about Otha!
Do it! And for the next 300 or so entries, I'll be posting at my new site powered by the oh so wonderful iWeb! Stay with me.
This is it for now-------->
NEW & IMPROVED: That's What I Thought Put it in your favorites, and change your links...or not.

Back To My Roots

2006-05-30T18:03:00.000-04:00

It seems some people are confused by by blogging riturals. Don't worry, I'll always let you know where I'm posting these days. I'm home again now for a spell so click here and I'll try to stay in one place for a while. No promises.

Zoom Zoom Zoom

2006-05-28T10:32:00.000-04:00

Taking a much needed apartment break at this lovely resort.

I COULD live here, and I just might.

Oh yeah, and I got my haircut.
Go Danica!
God, please bless the troops!!!

Typical

2006-05-24T23:23:00.000-04:00

Jennifer seemed to have everything under control inside the ONT airport when I felt the need to bite her head off about pre-boarding passes and online check in. I would have to remember to apologize later but had to smile when the ticket counter clerk tried to smooth my awkward, embarrassing and uncalled for comments. Her line, "Oh they're just typical, I have daughters, too."
I just about lit into her and it may have gone something like this.
"Listen lady, just cuz I'm on the verge of a menopausal meltdown right now, I do not have a license to talk to my daughter like I just did. If you could have seen how much she has done to keep me from flipping out on the daughter operating on 1 hour of sleep, you would probably want me arrested."
It was a long day. There is no such thing as a family discount at UPS. We checked seven bags and carried on two computers, a suitcase of shoes, and one guitar. The flights were filled with delays, storms, and the kind of turbulence that makes you talk and laugh an octave higher.
When Jennifer sneaks out of bed to go chat with Melissa, I'm alone in her Chicago apartment for one last time. I cannot hold back the tears.
Call my kids sensitive, sarcastic, cynical, pranksters, opinionated, stubborn, and relentless. Call them neat freaks, sloppy, procrastinators, OCD, and lackadaisical but whatever you do, do not call them typical.
I am blessed.
And grateful.

Soul Patrol

2006-05-23T21:47:00.000-04:00

I'm going to blog as I go tonight.
And everyone gets to speak for themselves.
Black Horse In The Cherry Tree
Recap Randy, “I would say something new tonight, but I don’t have a very large repitoire of words."
Paula, "Maybe this sleezy top will distract people from thinking I prattle."
Simon, " I'm a mega millionare and I wear T-shirts"
Kathryn…"uh oh."
Me, "Paula, put them away."

Living For The City
Randy, “I know I’m repetive but repetive is good, isn’t it?"
Paula, "I’m pretty and I babble and chatter if you pull my string."
Simon, "It’s Taylor 1 Kathryn 0"
Taylor, "I love to sing and I don’t care whether you like my jacket or not."
Me, "Love the jacket."

Somewhere Over The Rainbow
Randy, "I know I've said this before, but..."
Paula, "I can clap like a seal and speak two different languages: Gobbledygook and Jabberwocky."
Simon, "Round 2, you’re back in the Game."
Kathyrn, "If happy little blue birds fly beyond the rainbow why oh why can’t I stand up to sign????"
Me, "Is that your best shot?"

Levon
Randy, "I think my stapled stomach has affected my ears, I think my stapled stomach has affected my ears, do you need me to repeat that?"
Paula, "One either, sings on pitch or one doesn’t, and I drivel."
Simon, "Tied ballgame."
Taylor, “I like to sing and I don’t care whether you care or not.
Me, "Enough said."

My Destiny
Kathryn, "I really really like this song so I hope you’re not bored."
Randy, "I’ve used all my words tonight so I’ll steal some of Paula’s and I hope they sign my contract after I completely trash their song."
Paula, "I want the camera to stay on me longer so listen while I jabber gibberish during my turn."
Me, "Who writes this shit?"

Do I Make You Proud?
Randy, "America, we got a dawg, check it out in the hot pound tonight."
Simon, "I can admit when I’m wrong and you’ve just won American Idol."
Taylor, "Woooooooooooooooooooo. Woooooooo"
Me, “Soul Patrol.”

We're Baaaaaaack!

2006-05-23T19:45:00.000-04:00

Ok so Jen has aced her studies at North Park University and been accepted into Cornerstone's Vocal Music Program, Melissa can sing the he** out of almost any song, but tonight it's all about Taylor Hicks. I'll finish my travel journal here shortly but for now.....don't talk to me, I'm watchin my idol.

Nothin' But The Tailights

2006-05-23T11:31:00.000-04:00

The working bee day was totally sunny. Our sightseeing day, not so much. It’s overcast but it’s California, for crying out loud. There were sights to see and new friends to meet. (Well, not so much new friends but some total strangers that shared our passion for the Pistons at Yankee Doodle’s Sports Bar on the 3rd St. Promenade). We did it all. Santa Monica, Sunset Blvd. Rodeo Drive, Mann’s Chinese Theatre, Hollywood Stars on the Walk of Fame, Kodak Theatre, and the famed Hollywood Sign, And we did it all from the car. We even have pictures.
Just mother and daughter off to see a little bit of the OC. Enjoying life. I only tripped once on the way up to Look Out Point. Big shout out to the two guys that helped us back up without damaging our rental or their Porsche. Their finally pat on our (car) trunk and a hearty “Good Luck” gave us a good laugh all the way back down Mulholland Drive.

I told you it was cloudy.
We finally circle back as Melissa wakes for the day. We hope to rendezvous with her and what friends remain back at the hotel tonight. She arrives red-eyed and somber having said more good-byes. I remember when we brought her out here; she would not stay at her apartment until we left the campgrounds. Today we can hardly pull her away from the place without physical force. Most of the YA’s have headed for home or to their summer plans, so it did not surprise us when Betsy and Joey arrived to watch the Road Trip DVD + pizza – Otha. :(
Melissa has fallen in love with this whole cast of characters. And why not? I’ve spent minimal time with just a few of them and I’m over the edge with their care and concern, their kind and selfless consideration of others, and just the fact that they are one big safety net for each other.
Joey summed my feelings up exactly after watching our family video. “I love you guys! I laughed and I cried, and I didn’t even go on the trip.”
Right back at ya, Young Americans!

Day ?

2006-05-23T09:56:00.000-04:00

Not sure what day it is, sheesh!
This is the only picture of her room I felt like posting. Reason being, any other apartment photos, and Melissa would have to relinquish freygirl status.

At least Jen got the picture taking gene.
I think my next book will be a handbook for YA’s. They’re all alike, you can just go from one apartment to the next and the décor is identical. Street and stage clothes EVERYWHERE, unrecognizable items, bodies, etc. I’m not gonna bore you with any other grimy details, but just know that when I said Jen’s bathroom was extremely dirty…I lied. So yesterday Jen and I went postal on her apartment. And I blame myself mostly. Me and that damn motor home. Once again, I reiterate, we have too much stuff. But there is a bright side. I found $220 in uncashed checks. $120 and $80 from Chick-Fil-A. And a $20 late graduation gift. So my question to Melissa was, “Do you know what $220 will buy you?”
Two cleaning ladies and one UPS shipment.

Today's News

2006-05-21T01:55:00.000-04:00

By sneaking a helmet and chute into his backpack a brave heart jumped off the Eiffel tower today and videoed his own perfect landing on the Champs de Mars.
Tony’s take on it while talking to Jen from the top of the zip line, “That’s illegal.”

By 4:30am on day five I had stowed my littlest suitcase in one of the oversize-live-in-Paris-for-five-months one and was traveling through trafficless streets to deliver myself to the airport for phase II of the mission.

As complicated and harried as my November travel day to get to the New Kids Show on time, this day would be the total antithesis.

Disclaimers:
Been asking Melissa for weeks to:
1. Buy our tickets to the Really Big Show.
2. Find out what time the show started.
3. Start packing
4. Stop at Chick-Fil-A to pick up reissued check she lost

So I snatched Jen from her catatonic state in the vortex of what seemed like a respectable place to live when we dropped Melissa off on August 27, 2005. Not so anymore.

We assessed the situation. Our suitcase plan would not suffice, so we stopped at the UPS store for a consultation on packing a guitar, bought a couple of boxes, and headed straight to our hotel pool. Ahhhhhhhh.

The plan would be to catch some rays, head towards the theatre around 3 (you have to allow your self a couple hours to get anywhere on a Friday afternoon in LA.) We would find a nice sit down restaurant for a leisurely dinner, arrive at box office around 6. If we had extra time we could watch the Road Trip DVD while we waited for the show to start at 7pm. (The time stated on the YA web site)

Obviously, Melissa has failed miserably at 1, 2, & 3.
The traffic was minimal, so we arrived in theatre area around 4.
We purchased our 3rd to the last row balcony tickets.
Checked show time. 8pm.
Took us until 5pm to find a Perkins-style sub standard non-fast food restaurant. Apparently, the pioneers that settled in the west did not believe in TGIF’s. When this unknown little fact makes it’s way back east there will be another gold rush.
By 5:30 we had shoved our ½ eaten meal that looked nothing like the pictures in the menu aside and headed back to theatre to assume the position.
Sitting in the car to wait for Showtime.
Thankfully we could entertain ourselves with the computer, calls to our significant others, and hopefully get a nap.
Calls went unanswered. SOMEONE forgot to charge the laptop. And because, by this time, we were both a little on the bad mood/giddy side, assuming the position for getting a power nap did not come easy.
We left several messages that may or may not have gone something like this:
Melissa, thanks to you we are sitting outside the theatre trying to digest what “Millie’s” said was their finest home cooking, stale TCBY cones, and using the Wendy’s as a pit stop…if you get any kind of a dinner break before the show and don’t come out here and sit with us we’re gonna pack it up and go see The DaVinci Code.
Tony, please call me so I know you’re not under a canoe at the bottom of Muskegon River.
Mark, would love to chat about the weather and how much it’s gonna cost to UPS Melissa’s DVD library, but I have so few cell phone minutes left could you just text message the Pistons score as necessary.

Even though we could have traveled to Paris while we killed time, assume the position, came to mean to Jen and I today: “This is day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad.”

At the end of the day. (5:30am MI time)
Pistons win.
YA’s came through and made it worth the wait, especially the second act and Otha singing, “Precious Lord, Take My Hand.” Dear Lord.
Ben’s DVD will bring tears to my eyes for years to come.
Tony and Jen were meant for each other.
Melissa will tour the Midwest this fall with her new best friend.

Route 66

2006-05-21T01:27:00.000-04:00

Ben and Annie came into Chicago on Day 4 and brought his baby, the professional DVD documentary on our trip out west. It’s a labor of love and if this unbelievable family time could ever be recaptured this came pretty close. Thank you.
Here are 66 things I liked about it and 1 thing I didn’t.

1. It’s just a ride
2. Shot of Mark’s hands on the steering wheel
3. The ants working busily on their home
4. The striking comparison between the GC and Vegas
5. It looked like we liked Vegas
6. The play list
7. The time when I just calmly said, “That’s enough”
8. The road becoming a character
9. How the Route 66 Museum seemed to come alive
10. Oh, one day when you’re looking back
11. The windshield wipers
12. The raindrops
13. The attention to detail
14. The map shots
15. Panning from right to left on the map going west
16. Panning from left to right on the map when returning east
17. The titles
18. Sometimes you’re up sometimes you’re down
19. Don’t you break down
20. Listen to me
21. I wish I could open my eyes to see in all directions
22. The shot of the bikers on the road in front of us
23. Welcome to lovely, lovely New Mexico
24. The fact that the Meteor Crater looked so big
25. Thanks for leaving out my GFC comment
26. Commentary about the original Indians
27. Who’s not in Kansas, anymore?
28. Dance by the night
29. Sing to the stars
30. Driving through the night
31. Sunrise
32. Sunset
33. The Flicker Of The Campfire
34. The song California by Rufus Wainwright
35. Any minute now, my ship is coming in
36. Keep checking the horizon
37. And I’ll check my machine
38. I’m waiting for my real life to begin
39. The camera shutter sound effect
40. Everyone’s humor
41. J-Jizzle and M-Money
42. Aka Arizona vs. Nevada fight over the state line
43. On a clear day the Hoover Dam is big
44. The scene with your Dad laughing repeatedly
45. Wish there was a way to get back home
46. The calm GC scenes
47. Fast motion road scenes, we wouldnt want to re-live that in real time.
48. Please remember me
49. The song choice and appropriate silent scenes at the GC
50. Editing the back shots
51. The rap song, Money Comes and Goes in Vegas
52. The outtakes
53. The cover
54. The windmill farms forever captured on tape
55. If I could open my arms
56. They would make your name sing
57. Seeing Melissa’s excitement at the beginning
58. Watching it wane, as we grew closer to separation
59. The fact that you concentrated on the trip not the destination
60. The characters
61. It tells a story
62. It was a ton of hard work and I appreciate your time
63. That you were so excited to show it to us
64. We’ll always have the memories
65. Even though we didn’t always look our best you captured our spirit
66. Don’t forget, enjoy the ride

The one thing I didn't like.
1. Annie and Tony weren’t with us. Next time.

Sea Biscuit and Day 5

2006-05-21T00:45:00.000-04:00

I hope I didn’t harm Sea the other day when I cleaned the bowl. He seems spastic today. All the while I cleaned Jen’s kitchen, bedroom, and living room he kept circling the bowl, at times, even bashing his head against the side.
He seems hyper.
I wonder it it’s a he.
I wonder if he’s bored.
He doesn’t get out much.
Same scenery.
Every time I come into the room in between cleaning and packing, he comes to the side of the bowl I’m closest too.
I wished I hadn’t packed all the fake greenery lining Jen’s Coke-a-Cola bottles, I could have stuck some in the bowl for a little variety.
I’m sure he has a purpose. There must be an episode of Mr. Nye, the science guy, which examines why a gold fish was created. Maybe he eats his weight in mosquitoes every day. Wait, no that’s a hummingbird. But still…
Who does he trust?
More circling. Always circling.
He has his rules. He can’t just jump out of the bowl for a day trip or reunion with his mother. He seems oblivious while Ben, Annie and I settle in for the evening and turn on the Road Trip DVD.
Still swimming even after we’ve said goodnight.

I have a long travel day ahead of me tomorrow. As always, when I travel I step back and contemplate why I’m here…am I completing my purpose in life, or am I the one going around in circles? It’s odd that Sea Biscuit is so trapped and I am so free. When the DVD zoomed in on some Arizona ants scurrying about, it hit me.
We all have a job to do. Arizona ants, Sea Biscuit, and me.

While the city sleeps I begin my long travel day. I reprimand myself for booking the early flight. Sea Biscuit is finally still. I will put my trust in pilots, and airplane mechanics. I trust them to do their job. Just like the goldfish trusts in me to feed him, clean his cloudy bowl, and not deprive him of water for too long.

Maybe if nothing more, he was created for me. If God flung the planets in space and designed the whole scheme of things, can he not surely muster a goldfish to come across my path and teach me a lesson? To make me think. To remind me and tug at my ever-busy circling heart and squeeze out an abundant and heartfelt thank you.

And we’re off.
Crowded little monopoly houses soon give way to scattered farmhouses. I spy a farmer in almost every field. Then clouds. I pat myself on the back for taking the early flight.

Feelin' Groovy

2006-05-18T08:37:00.000-04:00

First of all, because we waited ½ hr in between buying our outbound tickets, the Friday flights went up $100. So Jen got a Wednesday one. Fine, she would carry another big empty suitcase out to get Melissa. In the mean time I would finish packing, cleaning, buying boxes, calling utilities, and putting the finishing touches on closing this chapter in her life. Fine. She would uphold her end of the bargain and get to surprise the heck out of Melissa, sit by the CA pool, catch a couple of YA rehearsals, and get to hang out with Amy, Betsy, Mary Otha, & Melissa.. Fine.
I just had one simple request. Here, take my camera…take a picture or two and then e-mail them to me. My last words to her were, “Call me, have a safe trip, I’ll be praying for you, and there better be a picture in my in-box when I wake up.”
Oh yeah. I forgot her most convenient luxury of getting dropped at the airport door for her flight. But that’s fine, too. Just make sure to send me some pics.
Was that too much to ask? Obviously, do you see a picture on this post?
After a 3+ hour trip to Midway and back, driving in wind, hail, lightening, thunder, and torrential rain, worrying about her flight in these conditions, finding a parking spot at the apartment, cleaning the fishbowl (how long CAN they go in air?) and fixing my measly dinner, I finally got to Amazing Race ¼ into the show.
But it’s all fine. I’m not really one to hold grudges or be vindictive so I’ll give you fair warning. Jen and Melissa stop reading right now if you don’t want to know that the hippies, BJ and Tyler won the AMAZING RACE.

Aunt Ruth, Idol

2006-05-17T11:01:00.000-04:00

Day 3 of the mission includes more of the same as day 2 only with a goal to be done by 6ish to watch Idol. I cleaned the bathroom. Did you hear me? I cleaned the bathroom. Do not take that lightly cuz it needed cleaning really bad. Helped Jennifer sort her packing procedure. Boxes are ALL marked and will not be opened until appropriate time. Some will be contributed back to the household from which they came, clothes for California, clothes for Springhill, clothes for a choir tour of Sweden & Austria, clothes for a year in West Michigan. Collectibles and some kitchenware will stay idle until her wedding bells ring.

Aunt Ruth has been trying to get together with Jennifer to celebrate her engagement at none other than the Four Seasons Lounge downtown for hors d’oeuvres and drinks. That thought alone counts. But with schedules being the way they are, suburbs, traffic, finals, and her arduous task of hiring and filling her position at GCD it almost seemed like an impossibility.

So knowing of her addiction to Idol we invited her to come and watch the final three and have pizza with us at the apartment. She rearranged, left work a bit early and then proceeded to sit in traffic for two hours. So it was hard to be upset with the fact that she doesn’t care for Taylor. I guess if she had her own blog she could praise up Kathryn or let you in on the fact that her favorite was Princess Paris, and rightly so. Thankfully she shares our disdain for the judges.

My take on Idol
Clive Davis picked ridiculous songs. Ha ha, Idols sang them well. Clive wanted Elliott to sing a rock song and so he picked “Open Arms” by Journey. Very not rock. Wander if Randy will mention that he played with Journey.
Wished he had picked a Wicked song for Kat because she belongs on Broadway. But no, he picks, “I Believe I Can Fly.” McWreck.
Then Taylor gets, “Dancing In The Dark.” C’mon. That’s sabotage. Wasn’t it bad enough that they picked this 3-note song for you? Don’t Taylor, please don’t. NOOOOO, correct me if I’m wrong but it looked like you invited Paula up on stage to dance. Bad form Taylor.

But then just when I think the judges are a total waste of my time they pick the best three songs of the competition. They had to. Wonder what they’ll have to say, when they can’t say, “bad song choice.” Oh wait, I don’t care.

Elliott needed to bring his A game tonight and he could only muster a B. And, even though Kathryn nailed “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” the highlight of all my reality TV watching days… Taylor’s version of “You Are So Beautiful To Me” and then he just nails all other coffins shut with Otis Redding’s’ “Try A Little Tenderness.”

Jennifer did her own little uninhibited let’s-just-crown-him-right-now-king-taylor dance….for the duration of the song, and

Melissa called and said she wants to have his babies, Taylor’s that is.

The winner tonight…
Hands down…
Aunt Ruth.!!!

Idol was very entertaining, but I’ll miss my spot as fly on the wall at POP’s dress rehearsal tonight. I can think of a few other walls that I would savor a 20 minute morph into flydom. Stay tuned. Day 4 will have plenty to say and hopefully it will include the hippies winning the Amazing Race.

Ya Gotta Have Friends

2006-05-16T11:52:00.000-04:00

Scroll down for prime blackmail photos.

I am safe to say that this group of friends is quite…eclectic. I’ve known Marti since Ben and Joe were in preschool together. Here’s my version of the story. We would be standing around staring at each other while waiting for the little boys in their bib overalls to be done with their morning session of preschool. Sometimes the younger siblings would get fidgety so we would loosen their cute little pink snowsuits and let them crawl around in the foyer of St. Marks. Beth and Jennifer introduced themselves and held no reservations about becoming fast friends. It took Marti and I a bit longer. Sad to say we even tagged each other with the typical shores/catholic/side-of-the-tracks labels long before we introduced ourselves. Thankfully she made the first move towards inviting herself in after suggesting a carpool and we’ve been fast friends ever since.

I have been blessed beyond words to be able to call Marti a friend. The memories are plentiful and a flood of amusing, caring, shopping, cottage, camp, crusader and sailor memories come rushing back if I just push my mind’s play button once in a while. And I do.

To all of you whom connect to me through her:
Your smiles, your strength in tragedy, your compliments about my family, your ability to let down your bufont hairdos and throw out inhibitions, your care and concern for the less fortunate, and your laughter inspires me. I do label people…and you all get my girlfriend nametag.

As you can tell by the pictures, I’m approaching insanity and some of you that share ties with us are not far behind. I refuse to go down without a fight, but one can always use a little help from their friends. So if you’re reading this; chances are you have touched my life and I thank you. Now more than ever, I’m looking for a state of mind that siphons out the negative and concentrates on the positive. Therefore, lately I’ve been thinking less and less about gas prices and more and more about how to nurture and cultivate lasting relationships.
I absolutely enjoyed talking and sharing with each and every one of you at Beth's shower. Evenings like that always bring a hint of nostalgia and wistfulness about life's journey and the people that have come across my path. There is, also a tinge of regret that I didn't slow down at times and nurture and grow more in my relationships with girlfriends. But I say, it's never to late!
Looking forward to dancing the night away at the wedding...and if you even think of planning something for the summer without inviting me...I will crash your party.

Best Wishes Beth! Along with the love of your life, may you always have the concern, care, laughter, love, and bond that only a couple of really crazy-ass girlfriends can give you.

What Can Brown Do For You?

2006-05-15T20:22:00.000-04:00

Less than a year and there'll be no more shits...I mean shirts.
I simply refuse to believe that today is the middle of May. I’ve seen some things out there in blog land that I would like to implement into mine. Gets ya thinking. There’s Sunday Scribblings, Thursday Poetry, 52 Projects, Jake has intrigued me with the book; Behind the Screens: Hollywood Insiders On Faith, Film, And Culture. Definitely interested in seeing a couple of movies; Akeelah and the Bee, and Cars.

This is how Mark and his brother spent their Thursday winter evenings. They win the city doubles and Paul wins the city single table tennis championships every year. Too bad he can't claim the same with the Wahabi. I preferred Survivor. But Cirie inspired me to get off the couch. I will as soon as Race and Idol are over.

Took Tony on a whirlwind trip to the city. We had to start saying our good-byes to Ed’s and the city after 8 and ½ years. I’m not sure Jen will find the tips as plentiful back home. And she might have to bite her tongue and restrain herself when she feels like throwing straws at the diners.

I’m only on day 2 of my mission but look how much I got done today.
Most useless item found while cleaning out apartment: A bottle cap that claimed, “You’re a winner. Row 10 seat 2. Enjoy!"
Most mysterious/disgusting item these merry maids ran across: A baggie that held 2 huge wisdom teeth??

Message left on Melissa’s voice mail, “Holler at your boy!”
Comments that sent Melissa and Jen to floor. “Word to yo Mama!” Who knew?

And my mission you ask? Get-m-home!

For a couple of weeks, anyway.

Guess who’s coming to dinner?

IF IT'S NOT ONE THING

2006-05-14T09:36:00.000-04:00

The phone is ringing. I can't get my bearings. I'm not in my own bed. The sun is streaming through the windows. Boxes are stacked all around me. Mark's beside me, so that is somewhat comforting. The dog is at my feet in her bed. Still somewhat disoriented, I figure out that I'm at Jen's and soon she'll be moving home.
Sometimes I still wish I could move home.
I love my life, but there will always be a part of me that misses home.
The home you created for me.
The time you selflessly invested.
The books you unknowingly read.
The advice you never pressured me to take.
The tears you unwillingly shed.
The love you unconditionally gave.
The heart you shared to this day and beyond.
Whenever a telephone ringing wakes me, it always panics me for a second. But this morning I was warmly reassured. I hope and pray that my own kids will always feel the way I did when my mind finally connected and I knew...
IT"S YOUR MOTHER.

Here Come The Brides

2006-05-12T15:46:00.000-04:00

Her little girl was late arriving home from school so the mother began to scold her, but stopped and asked, "why are you so late?" "I had to help another girl. She was in trouble," replied the daughter. "What did you do to help her?" "Oh, I sat down & helped her cry." ~ Author Unknown

I think friends and friendships shift and change as time passes. I'm a strong believer in friendship karma. I don't think you can push too hard or hold on too tight. You have to let the momentum flow at it's own pace. Trouble is, you have to learn these friendship lessons, sometimes at the cost of a friendship. Most you meet along the way will be just that. It takes a strong connection to stay connected. My mom couldn't tell me and I couldn't tell my own that there would come a day when we didn't talk to high school friends on even a yearly basis.

Sometimes you have to let it go to see if it will breathe on its own.

I've had some friends for forever. I have relatively new friends. I have friends that live right down the street and I have friends that live on the other side of the world. I would be remiss to consider myself good at being a friend. I could probably do better. I should listen more and talk less. Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda! I kinda like my set-up now. I've got my weekly happy hour fix, unfortunately it sometimes goes monthly. I've still got some girlfriend breakfast time. I've got my yearly outings. I've even rekindled some old old friends that have fanned my computer addiction flame. This summer I'm counting on a reunion with our Australian friends that we haven't seen for almost 20 years!

So you know the cliches..."To have a friend you must be a friend," yadda, yadda, yadda. I like this simple definition from The Little Prince, "A friend is someone who reaches for your hand and touches your heart."

Watch for pictures, I'm partying tonight with old friends at Beth's bridal shower, hence the title.

I'm Repenting

2006-02-05T13:43:00.000-05:00

Even though an affair can be exciting and adventurous...ultimately it must come to an end. I can't predict the future, but for now I'm going home to my first love. Since I've been gone, as sometimes happens with the left behind love, they start to shape up and so now I have a comment button at home, too. See...the grass isn't always greener. The affects of an affair can be felt long into the future and so I will leave this page here to remind me of what once was...or what could have been...or so grandma still has all your links! But when you click on the title "I'm Repenting" and arrive back at my first love, "Julee's Journal"...put it in your favorites and then put me out of my misery.

Shining Star

2006-01-29T15:10:00.000-05:00

We Said Yes

2006-01-28T22:43:00.000-05:00

Based On A True Story

2006-01-26T21:17:00.000-05:00

Thank God

2006-01-22T11:59:00.000-05:00

We can still choose life.

In My Dreams

2006-01-18T21:33:00.000-05:00

Kum Ba Yah

2006-01-14T16:41:00.000-05:00

Not So Much

2006-01-13T07:45:00.000-05:00

Who Cares?

2006-01-08T11:47:00.000-05:00

What Would Jesus Do

2006-01-08T08:30:00.000-05:00

I'm On A Roll

2006-01-05T18:47:00.000-05:00

In Whatever Time We Have

2006-01-04T19:53:00.000-05:00

Let's Review

2006-01-03T18:55:00.000-05:00

Numerical Order

2006-01-02T11:30:00.000-05:00

Great Expectations

2006-01-01T17:24:00.000-05:00

I can now see and appreciate the romance of waiting. The space between where I have been and where I am going. I am learning to grow to love this time, even though the discontent is picking up steam and asking to escape. I wish I knew where or when it became a part of me. Today is a good day to be reflective.

"In the depths of winter I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer." ~ Albert Camus

1000 Words

2005-12-27T12:37:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas

2005-12-25T13:21:00.000-05:00

"Unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government will be upon his shoulders...and his name shall be called Wonderful, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."
Isaiah prophesying the birth of Jesus in the Old Testament

"For unto us is born this day in the city of David, a Saviour which is Christ the Lord."
The fulfillment as recorded in the Gospel of Luke New Testament

'Til The Season Comes Round Again

2005-12-22T13:16:00.000-05:00

Politically Correct

2005-12-16T11:12:00.000-05:00

Time Of Wonder (Whether my kids read this)

2005-12-15T12:21:00.000-05:00

Click on the title to put to rest forever that I can lay claim once and for all to the Fruit Cake Lady rights. And then click the back button to comment which will only prove to validate me even further. Thanks for playing. I'll be here all week.

l'll Leave The Light On

2005-12-11T19:08:00.000-05:00

Icing On My Cake

2005-12-07T15:43:00.000-05:00

I promise this "arriving home" post won't be near as long as "New Kids 05" was. And even though I've never been on a flight that needed to be de-iced it was smooth sailing all the way to Minneapolis. Although, I've gained a whole new respect for the phrase, frosted window panes. What was I thinking when I had the choice between Houston and Minnesota for a layover. Baby it's cold outside. So in a nutshell, here's a list of things I forgot to mention from CA and a quick recap of my emotionally charged week-end with Jennifer.

Sharing some of the YA adventure with Mary's mom.
Betsy's car getting towed and Otha paying the bill.
Melissa telling me I had to use the port-a-johns in the alley. OK sweetie.
Jim Carrey's "Fun With Dick And Jane" looks like a good time.
Verizon kiosk salesman trying to lure us into his booth by asking us what NHL team us lovely ladies cheered for.
Our answer...in unison...Redwings, who else is there?
Almost buying a $90 bottle of hand cream from the Dead Sea in Israel.
Outside temperatures are always a matter of perspective.
Catching up with our old friend Jake, the chauffeur.
Brunch with Jen in Lincoln Square.
The oldest bookstore on the northside.
Motorcycles trimmed in antlers and Santa Claus fur.
Rejoice! Hark the Glad Sound!
Jennifer's Christmas concert with not a song in sight that was composed after the 1700's.
Conducted by Rollo Dilworth, who will also conduct her summer tour through Sweden and Austria.
Jen playing White Christmas for me on the keyboard.
Tears of happiness turned instantly into uncontrollable laughter.
Relax and finally get to talk together and with Tony while lounging on her sectional.
Sleep in both days.
Fix Jennifer repeats of Melissa's meals.
Snowstorms again in Michigan.
We laugh and cry all the way home Monday night.
Tony will "stop by" on Tuesday.
Catch up with Mark and enjoy his gift of The Polar Express (and popcorn)
Apologizing to Henry St traffic for the tree being off all week.
Finding the scary computer voices. Don't ask Melissa!
Making memories of us.
From Atlantic to Pacific you can't beat home sweet home.

All My Children

2005-12-02T17:01:00.000-05:00

Melissa has to work again today, and so I get one more day at the apartment. I decide that I will finish up her food (not eating it, fixing it) and clean the apartment, AGAIN, instead of changing my ticket. But first, I grab my sweatshirt and her laptop and head to the pool. I should have brought a blanket...to cover with, not lay on. I try to write but all I do is cry. I bite the inside of my cheek when trying to talk Jennifer out of her funk. Mine grows from bad to worse but I suck it up enough to go into Walmart, only to have the tears return when I pick up my pictures and discover that the flash isn't working on my OLD camera. The newer one is in the shop at home along with a $150 repair bill because the flash didn't work. Not sure why I'm constantly on the verge of tears, but sitting outside the Walmart I go into the ugly cry. Whatever! Maybe it was my punishment for going there in the first place. If this doesn't turn around soon I'm going to have to schedule surgery. The day wears on. After work Melissa heads straight to the warehouse for Christmas show assignments. It isn't long before I'm packed, the meals are finished, the apartment shining with the help of a lonely strand of Christmas lights. She comes back in time to eat a healthy meal, and then finally, we get to hang out with Betsy, Joey, Mary, Jamal, and Otha. We silently walk back to her apartment to get ready for our early wake up call. Surprisingly we catch Ben online and iChat with him for a bit. 10 fingers and 10 toes.
My children, in ways I don't even recognize teach me so many lessons. This week I learned that I'm in love with myself. My personal bubble is huge and according to Donald Miller, I play me on the radio all the time. K.J.A.W. All Julee, all the time. I want to learn to have meaningful conversations, concentrate on the things eternal, and walk in tune with others, and my maker. See ya on the flip side. Yea?

A Day At The Beach

2005-12-01T15:44:00.000-05:00

Thankfully we were able to check out of the Hotel California and found the lovely Newport Beach, Pier, and Pacific Ocean. Finally some photo ops. Melissa even agrees to let me ask a stranger to take one of us together. We don't notice that it is cloudy and cool as we start our walk down the forsaken-by-locals beach. Another touristy looking group huddles under their beach blankets but some brave hardcore CA dudes are surfing. They have surf board racks on their bicycles. And then as if for us alone, the sun breaks through and we are instantly warmed. After soaking in as much as we can we head south on Highway One and enjoy the real sights of Southern California. Everything from quaint to ostentatious as we travel through Balboa Island and Corona del Mar. Laguna Beach, San Clemente: these are the ocean side cities that can claim dolphins as their mascots. And they do. Bronze dolphin statues at regal no trespassing gate houses. Dolphin topiaries in the medians sporting Santa hats and bearing gifts. We stop for a late lunch at Ruby's diner in Laguna Beach. At one table there are a couple of moms with kids in designer clothes. I'm sure their addresses had a Wisteria in them somewhere. Another table housed a mid-life-spiked-blonde-tipped-hair-husband, a disinterested wife and a child that will probably grow up to be just like them. We take the long and winding road home, therefore we get to see mountains and beach on our field trip.
To my pleasant surprise, at tonight's rehearsal, I get to watch all of Act II from the Christmas show and then witness Melissa being cast in Suessical. The highlight being a gospel medley of praise and worship including both versions of Joy To The World, One Solitary Life, Silent Night and the Hallelujah Chorus. Kick Ass.
I feel as if I'm wearing out my welcome...with the psycho roommates, anyway. I've seen enough to know Melissa is happy, content, working hard, and doing exactly what she loves. Sure wish she'd eat and sleep right.

Down Time

2005-11-30T14:50:00.000-05:00

I'm in California with some time on my hands. Hmmmmm. I'm pulling a Kate and rereading blogs, e-mails, and finally Ben's script for winter retreats. Thanks for all the encouraging comments/e-mails on Artificial vs. Real. Not sure I was clear enough in my recent prayer requests when I asked God ...to just feel more....to be able to enjoy life no matter what my circumstances are...live out loud...be more passionate...I meant I wanted to feel better, happier, more content. Not this sick-menopausal-crying-at-the-drop-of-a-hat-feeling. What is wrong with me? I guess I'm just going through a little down time. Hopefully, I'll be right back.

Cook, Cleaner, Maid, Costume Co-ordinator, Personal Shopper. No rest for the weary. We spent all afternoon looking for a pair of jeans yesterday. Today I check out of my cocoon/hotel room and start on Melissa's meals and laundry. I spend most of the day making-do in her college kitchen. But I get to go to rehearsal again tonight so it's all good. Tonight's highlights: A hip hop version of what sounded nothing like Little Drummer Boy and Otha's version of Frosty, Man! Melissa's idea of going to the beach after rehearsal was brilliant. We traveled the 37 miles on the 91, typically referred to as The Parking Lot, in 25 minutes and ended up here. Little Inn By The Bay. It definitely looks better in the pictures but what ya gonna do? Her phone rings all the way there and then she does some more chatting on WiFi once we get settled. I assume she's laughing to herself as opposed to me asking, "what's so funny?" The sound of her constant computer key clicking lulls me to sleep.
The noises of the night in a strange place on the Pacific Ocean keep me awake on and off throughout the night. Each time I wake, people, places, and concerns pop into my head and I feel compelled to concentrate on them, but have to turn them into prayer before drifting off again.

Just how far away from home Melissa actually is.
Her awesome attitude, tolerance, and the radical way she has embraced The YA's.
Her health habits.
How she will deal with next semester and the absences of her new directors/friends.
Jennifer's attitude as she has grown weary of the city and her circumstances.
Her separation anxieties from Melissa and, of course, Tony.
Tony's health and schedule of work, travel, rest, repeat.
Traveling Mercies for all of us.
Ben's responsibilities and inspiration to turn campers lives around.
His happy medium of work, play, and endurance.
Annie's waiting game.
Her balancing act of all she will have to do in the next few months.
Mark at home plugging away at his 2nd to last, ridiculous, UPS, Christmas rush.
And me worrying about all of the above.

Gracie, hopefully you carried on the Singing Christmas Tree Tradition for Henry Street this year. Can we borrow your DVD?

Taxi Driver

2005-11-28T18:42:00.000-05:00

After dropping Melissa at work I have more sitting around my hotel writing, reading, and relaxing. I pick Melissa up from work at 3 and we head to do some HoHo Cake/Chicken Broccoli grocery shopping. We then head to warehouse for a YA rehearsal/pep talk/reprimand, not actually sure what to call it. Let me explain. Bill & Robin are the main directors, but they have been on tour this fall with just brief appearances into New Kids Rehearsals. They will direct the Christmas Show before they head out on tour again. In this 45 minute talk before blocking the song from Suessical, Bill has encouraged new kids, demonstrated energy, reprimanded the shooting stars, and redefined theater antics into 3 small words..."tell a story". He has also emphasized family awareness and basically held everyones attention (including mine) until he got exactly what he wanted out of that rehearsal....and they hadn't sung a note or danced a step. This is an amazing organization that runs on a little of nothing. Their physical space is so limited they use the back alley as a practice room. Their other rooms and offices combined are about the size of the Mona Shores music wing. But the staff surely makes up for it with their attitudes, concerns for individuals and knowledge of the arts. Sitting in the back soaking it all in I came to the realization that Melissa has done a silent but thorough job of cutting the apron strings. Young Americans will be one of her defining moments in life. This rehearsal was one of mine.

Wires Crossed

2005-11-27T16:48:00.000-05:00

Leisurely Sunday morning. Chatted with Mark for a while on computer...just like at home. Continental hotel breakfast was surprisingly tasty. Head out to watch Christmas Show rehersals. After waiting around all day to see if she got out early I decide to finish the wait at her apartment. I guess she assumed I had gone back to hotel when she made plans to eat with friends for a 2 hour dinner break. Oh well, guess I'll get in my jammies and watch some Sunday night TV and see if her schedule clears.

I'm Here For The Party

2005-11-26T12:31:00.000-05:00

And by party I mean rehearsals. We do get to sleep in and lounge about hotel because the New Kids have a 1pm vs. the typical 10am call. They've been told not to expect any special treatment and that their new kid status ended after the show. So now it's down to no nonsense business. I really kinda wanted to go to this rehearsal cuz I felt that it would be the one with other new kids parents in attendance. And Melissa never knows what is going on and so I shouldn't have listened to her saying it's just going to be a sit, sing, and learn music. She was wrong. Everyone went on and on about the show. New kids performed from it. Old kids did selections from their tours. The staff had invited the chamber of commerce from Big Bear (prime location for building a YA campus)...and then proceeded to impress them with details, aspirations, and renderings of a future home for the group. By the time she called me to let me know of her big goof, I had her apartment cleaned and was checked into my hotel. I always need to go with my gut.
Good news and bad news. Seems roommate Haley from Utah, that's right she IS a mormon, and so obsessed with the musical Wicked that Melissa no longer likes it, is going home to study opera at BYU. Replacement roommate Tess, who is a practicing character from the Musical Wicked and I'm not talking about Glinda, is moving in. Can you say PRAY?
So rehearsal ended at 5 and about 8 kids and 3 parents went out to eat. When the conversation turned to crystals, feng shui, and energy spinning out of control, I began to fidget. As soon as one of the mom's offered up her humble opinion about witches not being able to cast a spell on someone who is not afraid them, I kicked Melissa under the table and we stood to go in unison. We both thought that is how you're suppose to act around mean dogs, not roommates. Evidently, my karma is wacked out and my shockers are spinning backwards because I haven't taken one picture yet.
Melissa heads to Rent with her normal friends and I head to my hotel, to pray.

New Kids 05

2005-11-25T16:41:00.000-05:00

The busiest shopping day of the year...ok, but don't ya wanna know what I did today?
4:15am
Wake up at Jen's, only to freak out because when I ask what time is it on the day I fly across the country to try and see this once-in-a-lifetime show I usually need to know the local time....but Mark decided I should first know what time is was on the microwave in Michigan.
5:15am
Mark drops me at Midway and so needless to say we encountered no traffic, no extra security lines at Midway (no, that would come later) and I am safely within the 2-hour airport arrival guidelines.
5:45am
Feeling like T-giving has finally worn off and so I gather my stuff and head down the corridor for some Egg McMuffin nourishment. Yeah, so do you remember those pointed-toe boots with the 2+inch heels that Oprah said I had to have to make my legs look longer? Kinda slippery on shiny, newly waxed, slightly inclined, airport hallway. Yup, that's right, the Metro station in Paris, the edge of the grand canyon and now Midway Airport right in front of all the restaurants, bookstores, and gate A with it's thousands waiting to board.
6:58am
Smuggly seatbelted into my seat for the first leg of my trip. No one is next to me..the sunrise over the city of Chicago is going to be the perfect background for the title page in my New Kids Show Scrapbook.
7:15am
"Ladies and Gentlemen, this is your captain. We will be delayed a few minutes while maintenance checks out a mechanical fuel malfunction. Yes please do. I have a 90 minute layover in Milwaukee so what is a few extra minutes delay going to hurt. Go ahead please maintain.
7:45am
"Ladies and Gentlemen, this is your captain again. If you have connecting flights you need to catch you may want to deplane and talk to the ticketing agent, we are still waiting for a mechanic to give us the "all clear" sign."
8:15am
I am next in line to talk to talk to the ticketing agent.
9:00am
Just missed my connecting flight in Milwaukee
9:01am
I am finally talking to ticketing agent who tells me I have been CONFIRMED on Southwest now at 11:00am. But I am no fool and I have watched Amazing Race so I head straight to SW ticketing agent, in my pointed toe boots and discuss with them, the lack of seats on the flight I am confirmed on.
10:00am
Mark arrives home in Michigan
10:15am
I am finally confirmed by Southwest on the 11:00am flight (if you're keeping score...this was the original time I was suppose to arrive in California)
10:30am
Now I must book it to baggage claim, reclaim my suitcase, and since I've already been through security check, I must go through the extra security check. This is where I get to take my pointed toe boots off for awhile.
10:45am
I can hear my flight boarding call as I scurry down the corridor cursing Oprah all the way. Thank goodness I'm not at O'hare.
11:00am
Finally take off for Vegas. I finish "Blue Like Jazz" and so thankfully I had grabbed a stray copy of McCalls Magazine and can catch up on the 8 year old McCaughey Septuplets. Then I try and sleep. "Ladies and Gentlemen, this is your captain speaking"....thankfully the 5 times he interrupted my sleep on the way to Vegas was just to point out the landmarks, not declare a fuel line malfunction. My view from the top score = Mississippi River, Snow capped Rocky mountains, Grand Canyon, North AND South rims, Hoover Dam, Las Vegas Strip. My sleep score = 0.
1:30pm
For the umpteenth time I calculate how many hours between touchdown and curtain call. I review/memorize my mapquest. I'm going to have to book it to rent a car, travel 45 miles on the LA Freeways, take a shower, find the theatre. Hopefully no one will YIELD me. There are things I'm willing to compromise. Buying flowers for Melissa...been there done that! I'm holding out for the shower, though!
2:00pm
1 hour layover in Las Vegas. I spend it people watching. Music is playing on a loop. "O come let us adore Him, Christ the King...let earth receive her King...What child is this?...All is calm, all is bright..." I feel kinda sad.
3:00pm
Finally arrive California
3:30pm
Shuttle to Rent-a-car
4:00pm
Flying down the 5 going 80 and being passed
4:30pm
Not only is the metro my bitch, but now so are the LA Freeways
5:30pm
SHOWERED and dressed for the show. Mapquest says the theatre is 2.9 miles away, but they can't always be right and I can't always tell left from right so it takes me until
6:00pm
At the theatre in time to watch all the "Old Kids" walk the "red carpet" and meet up with Aunt Ruth and Jan Gerali for a round of merlot, chardonnay, and pinot.
7:00pm
Showtime!
7:10pm
Still scanning the cast to find Melissa.
7:11pm
Finally! Young Americans New Kids 05 Show is Pop Go The Sailors on crack cocaine. I was on the edge of my seat and the first 10 rows of current and alumni kids were never in theirs. Just like it would be so hard to describe a beautiful sunset by listing colors...I can't begin to relate this show by listing songs etc. The only thing I didn't like about it was that I hadn't been to every rehearsal and didn't know exactly what she was wearing and where she sang and danced in each number. We'll have to have a Muskegon showing at Christmas.
10:00pm
Encore! New Kids for Melissa is history. I will never forget it and I'm positive she won't either. I finally get my hug.
10:30pm
While waiting for her to tear down...Ruth, Jan and I go grab some soup and catch up on the last 30 years. Thank you for taking your girls night out break with me. The dozen red roses spoke volumes and there never is enough time.
11:30pm
Back to theatre to pick up Melissa, she reverses mapquest directions and we drive straight to hotel
12:30am
We review the entire show song by song and I try to start memorizing the long list of friends.
1:00am
Her review of the last 3 months and my stories from home are starting to have some lulls.
1:15am
If you're still keeping score that's 4:15am MI time!
We reluctantly say good night.

✟ God is good and his blessings are new every morning! Sing to Him a new song, play instruments and shout for joy. He will put a new song in your heart, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and hear and put their trust in Him. Psalms

Over The River

2005-11-24T15:04:00.000-05:00

and through the suburbs...for a relatively...well...relative inspired Thanksgiving Day. We have kind of a standing family joke about combinations of people. The regulars...Joy, Don, Me, Mark, Ang, Joel, Jen, Nic and Chelsea may have at one time or another been gathered, but pretty sure Aidan and Tony threw their hats in the mix this year to create the "never before had this combo" setting. The farmhouse could not have been more inviting. The appetizers could not have been more Angela. The turkey could not have been more tasty. The baby could not have been more entertaining. Joel's prayer of thanksgiving could not have been more heartfelt. Watching everyone laugh at Chevy Chase's Christmas Vacation could not have been funnier. The pumpkin pie could not have been more fudgy chocolate pudding. The football could not have been more Lions. The ambiance could not have been more "The Waltons". The clean-up crew could not have been cuter. And the conversation could not have been more constant. So it was with a very grate-full heart that we cuddled back into the sleigh and laughed all the way back to the city about the most bizarre things (which I can't even bring myself to mention until I step off the plane again next Saturday night.)
Once again, back at Jens we try to visit on the sectional, and once again our common sense wins out we head to bed.
New traditions will start, we won't always get to be together, but the ties that bind will always squeeze our hearts a little tighter on Thanksgiving Day. Thanks for the memories.
Note to Ben, Annie, and Melissa...next year...straight home!

♥"If I have enjoyed the hospitality of the Host of this universe, Who daily spreads a table in my sight, surely I cannot do less than acknowledge my reliance." G.A. Johnston Ross

Here She Goes Again

2005-11-24T14:45:00.000-05:00

Muskegon, Chicago, McHenry, Midway, Minneapolis, California.....but I'm getting way ahead of myself. Yesterday stressed me out. The weather forecast was not good, but I had to keep plugging away to get packed, bills paid, food ready, haircut, dog delivered and so on and so forth. I'm not sure if God answers prayers about weather. Who knows? There may be a struggling ski resort owner praying for an early snow while I'm fervently asking for it to be held off. I'm going to choose to believe that I received a personal blessing yesterday with a 3 and 1/2 hour window of dry roads and 40 degree temps to drive to Jens. And I guess I wasn't the only one stressed because I heard about Mark's day for 3 of those hours. Jen and Tony had the apartment cleaned, the Christmas tree up, clean sheets, and pizza when we arrived. We ate in her cozy coke kitchen and tried to visit for awhile on the sectional, but to no avail. This morning I'm content with coffee (with real half and half) and the Macy's Day Thanksgiving Parade. Soon it will be time for the next stop...Angela's Parisian inspired farm house for food, but more importantly, fellowship.

Artificial vs. Real

2005-11-20T10:01:00.000-05:00

God Speed Dustin

2005-11-17T10:47:00.000-05:00

Jesus, Please Take The CMA Wheel

2005-11-16T00:27:00.000-05:00

Tuesdays With Julee

2005-11-15T19:04:00.000-05:00

Feeling Stonger Every Day

2005-11-10T10:13:00.000-05:00

Remember When

2005-11-09T13:01:00.000-05:00

Quick lesson in Blog 101 Julee Style
Click on the title to read and then click the back button to comment.
It's not rocket science.

I Don't Know

2005-11-07T10:51:00.000-05:00

Blog challenge

2005-11-05T10:52:00.000-05:00

What seems to be the problem here folks? I feel we're all slacking somewhat in the post department. Hmmmm, makes me wonder if we all DO have some sort of life we lead, in the meantime. I've heard through the blog grapevine of a 7-day-wear-a-skirt-challenge, well my challenge to you and me is at least a once-a-week post. That goes for you, too, Aidan. Who knows we may get some new converts...I feel a certain someone...the someone who took her G-4 to Florida might jump on the bandwagon. How about the other sister? I don't know if a certain someone...a someone that's my daughter will ever get blog religion. But ya just never know, do ya? Look at big daddy.

Wires crossed

2005-11-02T16:48:00.000-05:00

Let's Talk About Me

2005-11-01T23:37:00.000-05:00

50 is the new 40

2005-11-01T06:53:00.000-05:00

When I think about cheating

2005-10-29T11:11:00.000-04:00

True confessions. I've put some serious thought into cheating on my old journal and stepping over to the other side. I'm trying to be strong. It's just that I am sooooo jealous of y'all's cute little comment button. Sure, sure I do have the feedback one, but all it does is send me an e-mail. And trust me I've gotten some early morning comments and late evening ones that have made me spew coffee through my nose or sent me to a sleepless night contemplating life. So before I cross the "grass is always greener on the other blog" line let's try this. It will kinda be like my "affair" with blogspot.
So what did you all think of Drop and give me twenty?
Ewwww.....I'm so scared and excited all at the same time.
Pretty sure I was once again napping when the strong mental health bandwagon drove by.

Until further notice

2005-10-19T22:41:00.000-04:00

I've always been tempted to get one of these bloggy things that you could comment on, but then again, maybe I should leave good enough alone.