Until Further Notice...

CELEBRATE EVERYTHING!!! (Quite a change from my last entry.) Needless to say I am feeling better. I'm trying to lower my caffeine intake, there's only 2 more days left with my fantastic students, and my house is almost finished!

So, for those of you who don't know me, I'm a bargain shopper. No, I'm a bargain junkie. One day, on one of my numerous trips to Bealls Outlet I bought this cute little plaque that says, "Until Further Notice, Celebrate Everything." This is my new motto. When things really piss me off, I'm going to try and think about things to celebrate. So, here's my list of things to celebrate:

1. new boxes of Crayola crayons
2. hugs from little children that leave their handprints on the seat of your pants
3. blowing bubbles
4. mascara that really is sweat/tear proof
5. rebate coupons
6. doggie kisses

There are tons more things to celebrate but I since I started this post on the 17th of May I figured I'd better finish it and put it on display. I'll update you on my house and 30th birthday later.

List of Pet Peeves...

My awesome friend, Trisha, who also has a blog created a list of pet peeves/things people might not know about her. I'm borrowing her idea. Why, you might ask? Because, I am in a pissy mood. My students are out of control, my house is STILL not finished, and I've consumed way too much caffeine. Hopefully by doing this I will relieve some stress.

1. Why in the world is the women's plus size section located right beside the petite section? I already know that I'm fat and putting my size clothes right beside cute little petite clothes just rubs it in more!

2. Dealing with obnoxious teenagers. I've decided that I don't really like teenagers right now. At least today. They are mouthy, loud and terribly messy.

3. People who act like they carry the world on their shoulders. Some people are so dramatic. (like me, right now?) If you want to see people with burdens try looking at single parents wondering where they are going to get the money to pay their light bill, or a family with a child who has a life-threatening illness or severe special need.

4. Piles of old newspapers. My motto... after you read it, throw the damn thing out. I HATE clutter!

5. Rude people who work in retail. If you don't like people, don't be around them. Geez...

Thats about it right now. I know I'm not unique when it comes to pet peeves but it sure feels good to vent!

Somethings Gotta Give

Hi friends! I am happy to tell you that I should be moving into my "new" home next Tuesday! The guy I'm buying the place from will still need to put a skirt on the bottom and fix or should I say add a window to the spare room but it will be liveable by next week. I feel like there is so much to do but its all out of my control. I don't like that, but my anxiety hasn't gotten too out of hand so I'm ok.

I'm still praying for a job at either the pre-K or CES. Please continue to pray for me. I know that I'll be happy at either place. High school is NOT my cup of tea! I am definitely looking forward to working on my house and doing some landscaping. Don't laugh, its actually quite therapeutic. Who'd of thought, the girl who hates to sweat enjoys gardening???

LeeAnn Rhimes has a song out called, "Somethings Gotta Give." That song is all about me. I will be 30 years old in exactly one month. While I know that I'm blessed with all that I've done in my life, my fantastic family and friends and the places I've traveled, I still don't feel complete. I know my timing and God's is different so I need to be patient but come on... my time clock is ticking here. I want a husband and kids.

My mom wanted to see the Chip-N-Dales so for Mother's Day, my sister and I bought her tickets to see them in Gainesville. I know, most daughters buy their mothers passes to health spas or take them out for tea, not us. Since I live the closest and am single, I got the priviledge of taking Mom to the show. It was better than I thought it would be, despite being in Gator territory! I've never seen so many horny women in my life. It was kind of scary. The whole time all I could think was, "Gosh this is disgusting." All I want is one man, he doesn't even have to look like these men, just someone who is stabile, will love me with 10 extra pounds and make me feel like the diva that I know I am. Is that too much to ask for? I don't think so and so, I will NOT settle!

By the way, I'm back on Jenny Craig. I need something to get my fat behind in shape. Until next time... Somethings Gotta Give!

Please tell me its 5' O Clock Somewhere???

I'm tired. No, I'm exhausted. I don't even have the vocabulary to describe how I feel today. Can you hear the violins??? I know I'm not the only one who is tired. We all have our issues. Lord, my students were out of control today. Everytime I'd go to teach a lesson or present an assignment someone would piss and moan about it. I finally told about three them to shut up, or go home. Yes, I did! Ok, enough about school stuff. There's only 5 weeks left with these kiddos. Still no word regarding a job for next year, though.

Spring Break was terrific! I spent time at the beach, worked on my house, got a new tattoo, visited friends and family and just basically relaxed. I thought I'd pretend to be back in college and drink all week. I've decided I can't do that anymore! After drinking myself silly on Tuesday, I spent Wednesday hugging the porcelain god! Why do I think I'm still 21? I can NOT drink like I use to. My intestinal tract doesn't appreciate it, nor does the rest of my body. Those couple of hours of relaxation are just not worth the events of the next day!

I started back on Weight Watchers and joined a local gym. Its been ok this week. Today, I'm going to make myself go workout though. If not, I'll be in bed by 8pm! This getting up at 5:45am is killing me. I am NOT a morning person.

There's not much to write about so until next time... its 5'O Clock Here!

Life IS a bowl of cherries...

Hi friends! I've felt so out of sorts these past few weeks without access to a computer. My hard drive at school was considered evidence for an investigation (I was NOT involved in the investigation!)and so I just got it back this past Tuesday. I feel more in touch with the world now! My co-teacher has been terrific about letting me use her computer but I didn't feel comfortable writing blogs or searching for things on someone elses computer.

So, here I am back in Wakulla. I forgot how beautiful it is here in the spring. I wake up to the sound of birds chirping, as opposed to police and fire sirens! The early mornings are rough, as I have to be up by 5:45 am to be on time for work. We have to be at school by 7:25am but we get out at 3pm. I like having longer afternoons. Until my house is finished I am living with my friend Maggie in Tallahassee. She was gracious to let me and my dog stay with her.

My anxiety hasn't been too bad since I've moved back. I have been doing alot of deep breathing, taking walks and LOTS of praying. The kids I work with are tough. By tough I mean they are between the ages of 15-20 years old. Disabilities include language impairments, behavior disorders, learning disabilities and mild mental handicaps. They all are on special diploma which basically means if they want a real job after graduation they have to get a GED. Most of them come from rough family backgrounds. I have a couple who have done some time and a couple who I'm sure are well on their way. They can't pass the FCAT but are smart enough to know that they are in ESE. (Do you catch my drift?) Some of the boys enjoy making CD's. They are quite talented! Seriously... I have a couple who play football and basketball and one that's on the weightlifting team. There again, this is great but without a regular diploma, they can't get drafted by universities. (a couple have already been asked, only to find out they can't go to college with a special diploma!) The girls are all excited because prom is coming up soon. I'm kind of excited too. I think I may chaperone. Its fun being back here at the high school I graduated from. The other cool thing is that I remember alot of the kids from when they were an elementary school.

I was driving home from work the other day questioning my decision to move back. I was thinking about my HUGE cut in pay, leaving my centers on such short notice, etc. Then I was reminded that despite having no money (what's new???), I can pick my niece and nephew up after school. I can have dinner with my mom. My dog has a backyard to run around in. I feel like I belong. So, there's no questioning of my decision anymore.

I'm going home!

Well, this is it. My internet will be disconnected on Saturday, March 11th. Not sure if I'll be able to make it. I'm such a technology freak these days. I had planned to have dinner with my friend Rebecca last night. She called me and said, "I hope you don't mind, but I invited a few extra friends as well." I showed up to see about 12 people from work! It was heartwarming to see that many of my co-workers at dinner for me. Of course, it could have just been there excuse to drink! I really had a great time. They even gave a nice going away gift; a tartwarmer from Yankee Candle Company. I LOVE candles so it was a perfect gift. Rebecca paid for my dinner. We ate at Outback. It was yummy! The waiters and waitresses came out and sang to me and gave me the largest piece of cake you've ever seen. I shared with the people at the table and even had some left over for breakfast!

I'm exhausted. Not sure if its the stress of moving, hormones or all the crap I've been eating. Jenny Craig would NOT be happy with me! I hope that once I get moved I won't eat so much and can get back into exercising. I guess I should finish packing. I have to take down my curtains and put a few odds and ends in boxes and I'll be finished! What a terrific journey this year has been. Now I'm off to embark on new territory.

Peace...

Last night I wrote letters to my dad and my Grama T. Yes, I realize that they have both gone on to a Higher Place but I needed some closure. The letters were heartfelt. I had leftover guilt and anger towards my dad for dying so young. I felt guilty about not spending time with my Grama before she passed. In the letters I asked forgiveness, gave forgiveness and shared how much I loved both of them. I felt much better after writing them. Today I went to Publix and bought two helium balloons. My plan was to attach the letters to the balloons and let the balloons go. Yes, again I realize they wouldn't make it to Heaven. Symbolism, here people! Anyway, the letter was too heavy and weighed the balloons down. I shouldn't have left the balloons in the car so long. Damn heat! I took the balloons to my Grama's memorial since my daddy is buried in Wakulla. I let the balloons go. At first they just sort of stayed in place. I thought, "My goodness, I'm trying to let go of some guilt. Come on here!" Finally they began to float in the air. Then they got stuck under an eave of a roof! After a couple of minutes and much needed prayer the balloons finally flew up, up, up and away!

I had to post this entry because one, to share a way to provide closure and two, to point out the humor in things. Lord, you should have seen those balloons. I didn't think they'd ever fly away! As I was leaving the cemetary, I noticed these signs labeling the road. They all had 'peace' written on them! Pretty cool.

I'm getting a bit anxious about this move. I'm worried that all those old feelings of anxiety are going to come back. I'm nervous that I'm not going to have enough room in the moving truck for all my stuff. I'm scared to be starting a new job in the middle of the school year. I know that everything will be ok. I've been praying.

Thoughts to share...

Its funny how I came to West Palm Beach looking for Mr. Right. At this point, Mr. Right Now would be nice! Just kidding. I didn't find Mr. Right but I sure have gained some closure on some things. While some are funny, others make me teary.

A funny one deals with when I was about 3 years old, I went to Lion Country Safari here in Palm Beach County. While I was there, a goose bit me on my back. I remember it to this day. For the past 27 years, I've held a grudge on every species of birds. Up until a couple of months ago I was petrified of ducks and geese. I finally realized the other day that that was just one goose. Who knows, maybe I was in his territory? Anyway, as I was looking out at the lake behind my apartment I happened to see a momma duck with her little ducklings. My heart softened! They were so cute and the momma was so protective. Maybe I've actually overcome my fear?

On a more serious note, I've come to let go of some old guilty feelings I've stored up for over 17 years! I'm learning to enjoy life. Stop and smell the roses. I feel incredibly rich because of all the places I've been and the friends I've made along the way.

While I'm nervous about teaching high school I know it'll be ok. I've done it before, I can do it again. Its only 2 and a half months, right?

I guess that's all for now. Take Care, J

Adios Amigos!

Hi friends! Alot has happened since I last wrote. For starters, my head grew into my mushroom hairdo! I went to Tally to present at the Early Learning Conference. My friend Maggie and I presented together. We did a fabulous job. So good that people were upset because our first session filled up so fast that not everyone who wanted to attend could. The coordinators asked us to present again in the afternoon! We had only planned to present during one session. The CEO of Kid's Inc personally thanked us! This conference did wonders for my self-esteem. A special thanks to all my friends who were willing to help me with materials and quotes regarding inclusion.

Ok, so on my way to Tally this Friday I received a call from Wakulla County Schools asking me if I'd be willing to come back and teach at the high school. As you know, I've been planning on moving home, just not this soon. I don't like being this far away from my family and want to be where I am needed. Anyway, I am moving back to Tally Tuesday, March 14th. While I feel guilty about leaving my present job on such short notice, I feel that this is what I need to do. I've been praying about this for quite some time now and God has made a way for me to go home. Maggie is willing to let me stay with her until my house is finished. An old friend of the family has a job for me this summer. I was able to get out of my lease without getting into trouble and to top it off, my step-dad is coming down to help me move!

Some may think that I am scattered and flitter around from place to place. That's fine, let them think what they want. I believe that God has a plan for us all. Some of us just take a while figuring out what that plan is! For the first time in my life I finally feel complete and satisfied with my decisions. I came to West Palm Beach looking for Mr. Right...oh yeah and a new chance at life. I haven't found Mr. Right, but so many other great things have happened since I've been here and I've been able to tie up some unfinished business I've had for some time.

Professionally, I have grown in so many ways. I know more about early childhood education and hope to use what I've learned when I return to Wakulla. My self-esteem has soared tremendously. I know that I can make it, where ever I am. I am not obsessed with losing weight but instead I am working on trying to be healthy by exercising, eating right, and taking care of my body. Spiritually, I have come to depend on God more than I've ever done before. He really does provide!

I will not be on blogger for a while after March 10th, as this is when my internet service will be disconnected. Please know that I keep all of you in my prayers and cherish the relationships I have with you. My e-mail address will remain the same and I'll check it when I can. I'm going to keep my same cell number for a while. I will let you know when I change it.

Some say I'm crazy for wanting to go back into the classroom. Maybe I am. My therapist says I am fine and I tend to believe her! We shall see... In the meantime, thanks for all the prayers. I know they are what keeps me straight!

I'm in a funk!

Reason number 200 for moving back to Wakulla: My hair dresser. Ok call me shallow, but there's nothing worse than getting a bad haircut! Today I went and got a haircut. I showed the lady the picture and everything. I guess I should have emphasized "Long Layers!" Now I look like I have a mushroom growing on top of my head! I am presenting at a conference next Saturday and I look like a shroom! Thank goodness I have a week to figure out what to do with this mess. Maybe I can get a wig. I am so bummed right now.

Something to Make You Think... or laugh

Thanks to everybody for their input on the 'Am I Normal' blog. Nope, I'm not, but who is? I guess its been so long since I've had free time in the afternoon that I just wasn't sure what to do. Come to think of it, I've NEVER had free afternoons before now. I used to teach, tutor, work retail or have school business to take care of. I never realized just how many great people I have in my life until now. I love you guys!+

Anyway, I just thought I'd share some things that have been on my mind lately. So, yesterday I'm at the laundry mat and I happen to look over at the super laundry machines. You know, the ones that cost $3.00 a load. I'm not really sure why people would mix all their clothes like that, but oh well. Anyway, I happen to read the warning sticker on the machine and it says, "WARNING: do not put people in here." What I want to know is, who the hell tried it for them to say that?

Ok the second thing thats been on my mind is about those candy machines. You know the ones I'm talking about. The kind you put a quarter in and get candy. I'll admit it, I'm a sucker for those machines. The gross thing is, just how unsanitary those things are. Lord only knows what kind of germs are all over them. I've got to stop getting candy from those machines.

Ok, last thing, I promise. Please let me start out by saying I'm a pretty big girl myself, so I don't know how ladies larger than me do this but I'm at the mall today and I see this woman, packing about 300+ pounds, apple shaped, not pear, and wearing heels! First of all, even wearing my Clarks, after a while my feet hurt at the mall. I can't imagine what she must be feeling. Second, how the hell does she balance herself being apple shaped and wearing heels? Hmm, things to ponder.

Well, I've got to go eat my Jenny Craig dinner. Yum!

Am I Normal?

I'd really love some feedback from everybody on this one. I realize that yes, certifiably I am a bit crazy but I'm curious if I'm doing what the norm does or if I'm being an introvert. Here is my routine: I work, come home or run errands (gym, groceries, drug store, etc) then I come home, cook dinner, eat, walk Missy, watch t.v. while playing Tetris and then I go to bed. Somewhere in there I may check my e-mail, call my mother and/or friends. (My friend Maggie says that this is normal, but sometimes I think she is just being nice.)

My weekends really worry me. Friday night, I went out with a group of friends from work. We had a couple of drinks over dinner and by 7pm, we all went home. My friend Rebecca was willing to go to a movie with me but I was so darn tired. Now mind you, they all went home to their husbands, me, I went home to my dog. By 9:00pm I was in bed!

Saturday, it was disgusting outside, thunderstorm city, but I spent an hour at the gym to make up for Friday night's beer and buffet. Then I went home, watched tv, went to the laundry mat, cleaned my house and played Tetris. ( Is it ok for an almost 30 year old to play Tetris this much?) Sunday, I tutored, called a couple of friends to check in, went to the gym, Target, took Missy to the dog park and now I'm home.

I don't know if its because I spend so much time socializing at work, but I am exhausted on the weekends. Sometimes, just the thought of putting on real clothes and holding a conversation makes me tired. I'm not depressed. I know that in less than 4 months I'll be back in Wakulla. Yippee!

I'm sure its just the anxiety trying to get the best of me, but I'd love some input on this entry.

Hugs and Kisses, J

Gone With The Wind!

I thought this was funny so I'm going to share... For those of you who don't know, I have a terrible love for cake icing, especially from Publix. Well, today a little girl had a birthday party at school and wouldn't ya know it, she had a cake from Publix! Since I've been doing this Jenny Craig diet (3 weeks) I've been icing clean. Well, I couldn't take it today. So, I asked for a piece of the cake. I wrapped it up on a paper plate and put it on the hood of my car to load my crate and backpack. Wouldn't you know it, the wind blew my cake across the parking lot! I figured that was the Jenny Craig gods stopping me from indulging.

2.8... not on the rictor scale!

I'm not even sure if I spelled that correctly, but I thought it was funny so I used it as my title. I lost 2.8 pounds this week! I'm trying not to put so much emphasis on weight loss but when I weighed in and realized I'd lost, I felt invigorated.

You know, I'm a big weinie. Today I had to go get my permanent crown put on. Geez, that hurt like hell. My nerve endings were really sensitive. I don't know about having babies. I may have to adopt.

Well, I Did It...

I finally told my boss that I was leaving at the end of the school year. It went better than I thought. Now, I feel like a weight has been lifted off of my shoulders. Its taken me seven long months to realize that what I was looking for was with me all along. I guess I remember leaving West Palm Beach as a happy, go-lucky little girl. When my parents split up, my mom, sister and I headed North. I left my daddy, my grama, and best friend behind. As a kid, I would spend summers here and have all kinds of fun. I had no responsibilities. I also had memories of the Dairy Queen and Polar Cup on Military Trail, spending blazing afternoons at the Rapids Water Slide or walking across the street to the park by my grama's house. Consciously I knew moving here that my daddy and grama weren't here. My best friend from grade school lives out west. We haven't talked in years. It now costs about $25 to go the Rapids and you can just imagine my devestation when I discovered that the Polar Cup had been turned into a Mexican Craft Store and Dairy Queen had been vandalized! So, anyway, all those fond memories have been inside of me all my life, everywhere I've lived.

While this has been an expensive, lonely experience, its also been a learning one. I appreciate Wakulla County. I look forward to teaching again. (I've had a couple of possible job offerings, but nothing official, so could ya say a few prayers for me?) I've spent some quality time getting to know me, my dog, and letting go of some painful feelings I've had pent up inside of me. I've discovered that while I don't have my biological dad, there are alot of great male role models in my life. I've used the excuse about not having a dad to keep men away from me. That's another story for another day. Well, I'm hungry. The story of my life, right? Anyway, I'm going to go eat dinner and watch t.v. Tomorrow I weigh in at Jenny Craig. It's not going to be pretty, but I don't care. Tommorrow I'll tell you about the house I bought!

Its Cloudy Today

Its Saturday afternoon and my sinuses are killing me. My head feels like it weighs about 30 pounds. All I want to do is sleep. The problem is all I've done is sleep! I need to take Missy to the dog park, but I feel so tired and nauseated I'm scared to move. I went to the fair last night with my cousin, aunt and uncle. I had a terrific time. It was fun hanging out with them. I'm so lucky to have so many wonderful people in my life. I made a deal to ride the ferris wheel with my cousin. I made one loop around and had to beg the ferris wheel operator to let me off. You should have seen my cousin's face. (He's 13. Everything is embarrassing at that age.) After the ferris wheel my uncle rode on the rides with me. It was alot of fun. You know, I missed not having my dad while I was growing up, but I now realize there are so many other wonderful men in my life. Not that they ever replaced my daddy.

I'm feeling kind of bummed out today. I'm not sure exactly why. I hate these kind of days when I'm not sure why I feel like crap but I feel like it anyway. I had two dreams last night that have stuck with me today and that could be it. I hate when I have such intense dreams b/c I wake up feeling guilty. Don't worry, I don't dream about hurting people. I had my usual dreams about making people close to me angry, but not being able to figure out why. Sounds dumb, I know.

My Aunt Molly has to go in for heart surgery on Monday. She's one of my favorite aunts. We used to be really close. Things haven't been so good for her lately and now this. She's really young too. I know God has a purpose for everything. I just wish I knew what to do for her.

Well, its 4:30pm. I'm going to change out of my pj's and wipe the mentholatum off of my forehead and take my poor dog to the park! I'll just have to grin and bear it. I'm sure those doggy bags at the park have multi-purposes!

I'm No Saint but Come On...

OK, I know the Bible states, "Let he who has not sinned, cast the first stone." Well, maybe I goofed on the statement but you know what I mean. The point is, I'm no saint so I shouldn't be judging people but I've just got to vent about this. Since I was all out of clean underwear, I HAD to go to the laundry mat and wash clothes. I absolutely despise going to the laundry mat but I don't have washer/dryer connections in my quaint little apartment. Friends and relatives have been wonderful about offering their machines, but I don't like to impose. Anyway, I'm at the laundry mat tonight and I see this girl about six or seven months pregnant. She is outside puffing away on a cigarette! To top it off, she's drinking a Mountain Dew. That stuff is like liquid crack! I guess its years of teaching special ed and having friends who do everything perfect during their pregnancy but end up having children with special needs, but seeing that woman smoking pissed me off! I didn't say anything though, but later on while I'm folding my clothes I see her folding her clothes and she looks at me and says, "It really sucks to have to wear such f*%cking big underwear." This bold statement led into a conversation in which I find out she is a nurse! A nurse! Yes...Can you believe it? Lord, I just don't understand people.

Holdin Steady At...

Well, today is Tuesday and I went to my weigh-in session at Jenny Craig. I didn't lose or gain this week. I'm kind of bummed but then I think I did better than I could have done. I went to Tally this weekend and celebrated a friend's birthday by drinking 3 Coronas! Usually I have Bud Lite but they were out of it at the Bowling Alley. I haven't had beer in six months and I choose the weekend before weighing in to drink! Oh well, the main thing is I had the most wonderful weekend with my friends. I didn't come home all sad and yucky like I did two weeks ago. I'm going to go now and enjoy some reduced fat peanut butter and cool whip. The Jenny lady said it was ok to replace the olives I was supposed to have with pb since I don't believe in olives! Take Care!

6.2 down... a WHOLE LOT more to go!

I am happy to say, I lost 6.2 pounds this week on my Jenny Craig diet! I am sooooo proud of myself. I was tempted twice to go off the path. Once I was waiting for this lady at the mall in the food court no less and twice I stopped and bought dinner for a friend who had just had a baby. I prayed really hard and enjoyed the smells. Its funny how much I use food as a crutch. I eat when I'm bored, as a reward, to fulfill my loneliness. This week I learned to appreciate foods like canned pears and steamed carrots. Who'd of thought it... me and steamed carrots??? I also made a point to put alot of effort into my activities this week. I parked farther away when I went shopping, extended my walks with Missy (my dog) and tried to do stuff while I listened to t.v. I hope everybody has a great week. I get to go to Tally this weekend and visit with some friends and family.

Let me just tell you...

You know, I love my life and the wonderful opportunities I have but sometimes I think, can life be easy for once? So, today I get off work at 3:30pm (a nice little perk I'm going to miss once I return to the classroom) and have almost two hours before my Jenny Craig torture session, I mean appointment. My trip to Tallahassee screwed me over, you just can't eat Jenny Craig when everybody else is eating Sonny's Real Pit BBQ! Anyway, I have all this time before my meeting which is great because I have a couple of errands to run and Missy needed to be walked. I took Missy for her walk, which lasted 25 minutes versus our usual 15 b/c she refused to go potty! No problem, I have time. Then I went to Walgreens to pick up my medications. I swear I take more medicine than my 85 year old grandma! My allergies are out of control down here and then you know the damn anxiety and then I take synthroid for my thyroid which doesn't really work but nevertheless, I digress. So, I wait in the drive-thru debating on whether or not to skimp on one of meds this month but decided not to and paid the $136. If I don't take the allergy medicine I get all nauseated and want to puke. Nobody wants to be near me when I'm off my anxiety meds and well, the synthroid kinda controls my thyroid. You get the picture. ANYWAY, wouldn't you know it, the medications get stuck in the drive thru tube which causes me to hold up traffic. I just sat there laughing. You should have seen the little Indian pharmicist's face when I told him my medications were stuck. It took the manager at Walgreens 30 minutes to get the bag out for me. By this time its nearing 4:40pm but not to worry my Jenny Craig meeting is at 5:20pm. I had to go to the post office and get 2 cent stamps b/c I had all of these 37 cent stamps left over from Christmas. Of course, everybody else in Palm Beach County had to buy 2 cent stamps too. So, I decided to use the little stamp machine but I had to run back to my car and get change b/c I had used the last of my cash today to buy a Hershey Bar. Nevertheless, my bills and birthday card were mailed out. Thank God for that emergency change fund! I left the post office only to get stuck in traffic due to a car accident. I was re-routed and am proud to say I made it to my Jenny Craig appointment with enough time to pee and jump on the scale. Despite eating Sonny's and Chinese take-out over the break I still managed to lose 2 ounces! Ain't life sweet? So, I began this entry asking couldn't life be easy for once only to end by being truly thankful about many things... there are medications out there that help me, I have an absolutely terrific job with benefits and a salary that allows me to afford the medications, I have a car that gets me from one end of Palm Beach county to the other, I have change in my emergency change fund and finally, I have a terrific network of friends and family who read these crazy blogs I write!