I had seen this a few years ago, I was just sorting through old files and came across it again. It’s only 2 or 3 minutes long and soooo worth watching! Enjoy!

A beautiful and powerful presentation. Enjoy the breathtaking
photographic images and inspiring message that has touched so many!

(told you so!!)

As mentioned, complained about, harped on and whined about, I have spent a good part of the last month sick! When I did eat, 90% of my diet consisted of Chicken Noodle Soup, a Saltine Cracker here and there and Vitamin Water. Sometimes it stayed down, other times it had me praying to the “Porcelain Goddess.” One would think the plus side of that would be shedding a few pounds. I finally got the nerve up to climb on the scale…I gained 5 pounds, 1/2 of what I had just worked so hard to lose. Needless to say I’m not happy, I’m frustrated and I’m mad. I’m mad because I feel like a cow hence, I have Mad Cow Disease. Moo.

Reality Bytes- Part 3

I easily become addicted to this show each and every year. I’m not so big on the whole audition thing…although I never miss a minute. I already have my favorites, as usual they won’t even make it through the first week “Hell Week” in Hollywood. Then I will pick a few more favorites, one may make it to the top 10, the others will be on Dr. Drews Celebrity Rehab in 2010 and I will be the only one that even remembers them. I will have it be known, I did call Ruben Studdard the winner after seeing his audition….Ruben who?
I’m really liking the new judge Kara DioGuardi, she is….well, normal. She looks like a brunette version of Holly Madison from “The Girls Next Door” Ya think? Maybe not so much in these pictures, but pay attention. You’ll find yourself going, “yep, Heidi was right!” Randy is cool, a little too cool unless your name is DAWG. I will have to Google it, but I bet he is somehow responsible for the songs, “Who Let The Dawgs Out,” “The Dawg And The Butterfly,” “Black Dawg,” “Atomic Dawg,” “You Aint Nothing But A Hound Dawg,” etc… And Paula, well I do like her when she’s there, both physically and mentally. Physically, she’s a trooper and very dependable. Mentally, not so much. Ding-dong! I like Simon, from a distance. He is brutally honest, but does have a soft side to him. I am hoping perhaps Kara will step up to the plate and take that man shopping for some manly man shirts. (but don’t tell him I said that!!!)
I get tickets each season right around the time #4 gets the boot. I have actually only gone once, Season 3…barely. X amount of tickets are given out for each show. It states on the ticket that if you are unable to attend to call the number provided. My guess would be so they actually know what kind of turn out they will  have and be prepared. Taping starts at blah, blah. Get there by blah, blah. Be in line by blah, blah. I was so excited to go. A) I love the show. B) It would make for a nice afternoon out. We were right on time to leave the house, with minutes to spare. For sure we would be there by blah, blah. Of course that would be too easy. Just before we left I had a full blown panic attack and it was a doozy. We finally got out the door, but not by blah, blah. We were indeed running late. Not a problem I thought, I’ll just call the number on the ticket and tell them what happened, they will understand and save us a seat. Alright, humor me…it sounded logical at the time. I called back a bit later a gave the nice guy an update as to how close we were getting. As if he freaking cared!!!!! (O.K. this is where the story gets good)
We arrive with a mere 300 or so people preceding us in line. It’s not looking good.
While standing in the hot, noisy, long, line we meet a few other suckers. (all in front of us at least) I was really surprised how far some of these people drove without a guarantee of even getting in, although, our hour drive seemed like forever. After about a 30 minute wait, there was an announcement. “Do to an unexpected guest performing tonight, and the number of V.I.P tickets that were needed….we will not be able to accommodate (all you nobodys) as many people as we had anticipated. We apologize. This cannot affect me, after all I had called, twice. I had a panic attack, I talked to somebody, I told them how close we were. Surely there are seats being save for us!!! The next recollection I have they are making another announcement. “Thank you for coming. We are filled to our capacity. We apologize.” Dear God, I did not have a panic attack for nothing. I looked at my boyfriend (who by the way was less than thrilled to be there to begin with) straight in the eye and said, “I am not leaving, I am going in there.” Many people had started leaving, many stayed, more left. Another announcement, “We will be letting 10 to 20 more people in shortly as seat fillers.” They continue, “You are not guarnteed to get a seat, you will be on stand by…just in case.” So…if someone goes potty during break, you sit in their chair until they are done. Lovely. At this point there are 167 people still ahead of us. Seeing how restless my boyfriend is getting, I reassure him I’m still not leaving. “Come on Heid…think about it, chances are….”  “I am not leaving, I am going in there.”
As we stand at the end of the line, I begin my mission. I see two gentlemen towards the front of the line but off to the side. They have V.I.P. passes dangling from around their neck. They weren’t big guys, I’m thinking we can take them down, grab their passes and make a run for it. My boyfriend declined to help me. I do the next best thing. I step out of line parallel with them, across 167 people make eye contact with them, then make my move. I hold up two fingers, my secret signal letting them know there are two of us. OMG! They nod their heads and motion for us to come up to them. Standing tall and proud I grab my b/f’s hand, who at this time had no clue what was going on, and march past 167 people, 167 unhappy people. We follow these men to a door that leads us to the back entrance of the studio. Once inside, the four of us go through security and are escorted to our seats. At this point there had been no verbal communication at all with these guys. Because of their V.I.P. passes and the route we were led in I assumed they were American Idol staff, then they sat next to us. Still in shock over what had just transpired in a matter of minutes, I managed to utter the words thank you! They just smiled and said we hope you enjoy the show!! When I was finally able to speak again I told them until they sat down with us I thought they were with American Idol. The guy I was sitting next to said they worked on the lot but were on The Young And The Restless and just got done shooting. They were given four passes but two of the people couldn’t make it. “You just stood out” Ummm…yeah because I was stalking you! “You signaled there were two of you, and it just worked out.” Ummm…yeah cause I wasn’t leaving! I don’t watch The Young And The Restless so I had no clue who they were but they were my new best friends!!! We had a great time with them, they particularly liked the special appearance by Clay Aiken. *wink* We couldn’t thank them enough as we all walked out together and said goodbye. I’m pretty sure I skipped all the way back to the car, and sang too. Once settled and on our way home, I looked my boyfriend straight in the eye and said, “I told you I was going in there.” His reply, “I never really doubted it….I know you too well.”
Seriously, is that not a great story? You know it is!

I have been sorting through pictures these past few days. Remember in the olden days, when you snapped a picture and as soon as the roll of film was done you ran to the local drugstore, dropped it off and eagerly waited 10 days for it to be developed? You always ordered double prints so grandma and aunt Betsy could have some, only to find 4 pictures that were actually viewable. At first you were very diligent about keeping your treasures organized and in albums, but eventually all hell broke loose. You are now left with boxes of loose photos not having a clue who or what they are of. I decided it was time to at least organize my kids pictures and catch up on their albums but the more I go through…the worse I feel.

You both are so cute, so loving and have so much personality!

I don’t know why I would allow you to wear a necktie to kindergarten each day, then skate around the neighborhood. I must say you were quite the trend setter back then!

What was I thinking when I matched you head to toe….in not so masculine clothes,
I promise I corrected every last person that said, “she’s gorgeous”

You are my pride and joy. The three of us were always together!

But maybe it wasn’t a good idea to put you in spandex shorts
and get on with our day in our matching Batman t-shirts…

I was so proud that by your second birthday you were potty
trained and now wearing “big boy” chonies!!

Bless your heart, you tried so hard to walk in them….
I swear at the time I thought it was cute!

Madonna called…she said she wants her boots and butterfly belt buckle back.
We’ll blame your dad for this one!! Love you! (who can we blame for that carpet??)

Surprise!! We were on vacation and guess who got all gussied-up for dinner
all by himself? You were the cutest thing ever!  Everybody thought…. nobody saw you….

You and your “bestie” were always so trendy….

Trying to teach you independence and responsibility, Mom sends you out for
a day of errands, unfortunately you had to do it without your super cool shades…..

….I was sporting them and my super cool 80′s suit at the beach

Yes boys, mom has her moments too!!

The pictures obviously are endearing to me, however if I were to show them to anyone….
I have many more to conquer, which I’m sure will lead to more laughs, a few tears and probably a few more posts!!! I love you boys

If you have not read the tails of Oliver, you can do so here and here.

So, the previous owners are indeed gone and have not returned for him. As of Thursday, January 22nd,  I officially deemed him part of our family. He is spending more time each day in the house and has made himself right at home. He was an outdoor cat, but as soon as he is totally comfortable here and my other cat “Filthy” quits flicking her tail at him I will be keeping him inside. He is so far, very well behaved, knows no and loves to be loved.
On another note…I am finally feeling ‘human’ again, I might even live! It’s hell getting old!

2 years
24 months
104 weeks
730 days
17,520 hours
1,051,200 minutes
63,113,852 seconds
Any way you look at it, today marks the 2nd anniversary of my son being in REMISSION FROM CANCER!
Words cannot express the feeling of him finally reaching this important milestone. I love you baby!! Your courage, determination and positive attitude have been an inspiration to all!!! You are our HERO… Congratulations!

If you missed Part one, scroll down to the previous post!
PART TWO
Aside from neglecting my website and leaving you all with sleepless nights, I have also failed to follow through with my weekly Random Acts of Kindness, “R.A.K.” However, the last one was a doozy and I’m sure the recipients were caught completely off guard! I went to a drive-thru and not only paid for my food but for the vehicle behind me as well. (told you it was good!) NOTE TO SELF- Before committing, take a quick peak back to see if it’s a couple people in a car or an S.U.V full of kids. Either way it was a good feeling and I drove away singing Tommy Lee’s “Good Times” at the top of my lungs! I do have some making up to do, not to mention a few good ideas! When was the last time you performed a R.A.K.?
Let’s catch up on Oliver, the cat my neighbors asked me to take when they moved. I am not sure what is going on or where lil Olivers fate lies. I hobbled (the being sick and all thing) over to their apartment shortly after the holidays, although there were a few things still in their backyard and a couple night lights on in the house it appeared empty. I checked back each day, no changes, no Oliver. Perhaps they had decided to keep him. A few days ago while taking the trash out, I got the feeling I was being followed. I was, run Oliver, run!! He ran right to me and I gave him the biggest kitty hug. I walked him back to his ‘home’ and nothing had changed and still hasn’t. His ‘home’ is two building from mine but I have brought him over enough that he knows his way back and forth. I am keeping food and water available at both places until I figure out what’s going on. My thought personally….they originally took him, changed their mind and dropped him back off here. Poor baby!
Our good friends B & J stopped by a few nights ago (sorry guys if you’re sick now too!) It was good to see them….a little embarrassing though. B was in a motorcycle accident a month or so ago and broke about every bone from his knees down in both legs. He is now wheelchair bound with more nuts, bolts, and rods in his legs than I have in my car. His spirits are good, I just think it would have been nice had we made the time and effort to go see him. It was really good to see J too, it’s been a few years. Bottom line, we suck as friends!!!
If all works out, we may be moving within the next month. Our lease is ending so we probably should decide soon. We found a house with an extra bedroom and get this…a big front and back yard. I love gardening, grubs, weeds and all! Oliver will be going with if nothing changes by then! Stay tuned.
Well all, time for me to wind down, take my meds., ice my eyes and vicks up my legs…..I’m going to be a step ahead of Jimmy leg tonight. Good times!!!

PART ONE
Good thing I have 340 some odd days left to work on my New Years Resolutions…not off to a real good start here folks. I do hope that is not an omen.
It’s been forever since I have even visited my website….(no wonder my stats have remained at zero!!!) I am quite sure you are all sitting on pins and needles wondering what the heck I’ve been up to! How exciting this must be for you!
The Holidays were nice, my son made it in from Phoenix for both Christmas and the New Year. Although he drove home for a few days in between to work, he left my grand-doggers, Daisee and Lilee with me for the entire 2 weeks. Who knew 2 little shih tzu’s could be so much work fun!!!
As I said in my previous post, I ended up sick right after Christmas…and still do not feel good. My throat and ears feel better but the flu-like-feeling and eczema remain. I went to the Doctor’s which was a huge waste of time. “It’s allergies.” My Doctor of over 4o years passed away in October and I hate his replacement(s). Allergies is their diagnosis for everything. I am grateful to be past my child bearing years, as I would probably receive cortisone meds. vs. prenatal vitamins for 9 months. Now that I think about it…I have had that lingering flu-like-feeling! (I’m kidding mom!!!) The eczema has now spread to my temples, forehead and upper cheeks. My poor little nightstand is over flowing with maybe this will help remedies. The usual old people pills, Benadryl for itching (and allergies!), my bottle of Sarna lotion, ice-packs for itching and swelling. I have my bars of soap for my jimmy legs (my new word for restless leg) Oh…oh…oh, that reminds me, I must share this. I have sworn by this method for jimmy legs for months…and I still do but if I wasn’t miserable enough, my soap failed me the last few nights. Personally I think I just need new, fresh soap as mine has probably lost it’s ummmph. But check this out…I also have Vicks in my nightstand stash. Why? It helps with the jimmy leg too! I swear, if all else fails rub ‘er down with Vicks. Last but not least stands 1 shot glass and a bottle of Goldschlager, in case all else fails. No, I’m not kidding and yes, it’s hell getting old!!
Speaking of Goldschlager. I did manage a night out last weekend! I went to my nephews birthday party and because I am late for everything, I arrived just about time for the adult festivities. I managed to jump in the jumpy house for a little while. It was exhausting but fun. I’m glad to know I still have bladder control. They say to be very careful in those things once you get old. Although I looked like hell (hence my allergies) it was a lot of fun. My sister and I can both be quite the diva’s when given center stage, so I apologize to all the kids and fellow adults for not letting anyone else have a turn at karaoke. And to my sister I apologize for being the one that had to pick all the songs!
I am very proud to announce that a very good friend of mine, Phil Perry was invited to perform at The Africa and International Friends Inaugural Ball
He is an incredible artist please take a moment to check him out….you will be a fan for life!!
I added some low lights to my hair last week…to kind of break up my regrowth. I usually do highlights but thought I would try something different for the winter. I learned it is very, very important to have a firm grip of the color bottle before squeezing. If it happens to slip out of you hangs while you are in the squeeze process, your walls, mirror, etc…might end up matching your hair color…in splat like effects. Just a courteous F.Y.I.
My “allergy” meds are kicking in now…I will have to continue my update tomorrow. Time to cover my face with ice packs, vicks down my jimmy legs and if needed fill up my shot glass! Til tomorrow….

(EDIT: Believe it or not I have more excitement for you!!!)