Sunday, June 26, 2011

More from Mary Jo

I am afraid there might be some misunderstandings or hurt feelings about the rotation for hosting the family picnic in the future, so this is my attempt to explain/apologize.

A couple of years ago, Niki asked me when it would be her turn to jump into the rotation for hosting. I told her after David and Reen's turn we would be starting over again and that would be the logical time. The week before the picnic, Reen asked if I would contact someone from the Stamps and someone from the Bulls to be sure everyone had gotten the word about the picnic. I ended up calling Suki, and in our conversation asked if she thought Niki was still interested for the next year. She told me she knew both Niki and Kelly had been talking about taking a turn. So....when I saw the girls at the picnic, I asked them. They decided since Niki was first married, she would do it. I thought I said it would be strictly voluntary, but we would give anyone from that generation a chance to host if they wanted. About then, Ben and Carly walked in. I greeted them, chatted a bit, and told him Niki was hosting the picnic next year, and that if he wanted a turn he could get in line, too. (I'm sure it came as a surprise to him...and I didn't mean to pressure him into anything. We are just happy when that generation comes and joins us.) I did not say anything to Rene when she came. I guess I wanted to make the young families feel we didn't have a lock on hosting this and that any of them who are interested are welcome to take a turn...or several could go together. I am not saying I never want to host again, and will plan to take my turn after any of the younger generation who WANTS TO has their turn. If anyone was concerned or offended by my approach, I am sorry.

Monday, June 20, 2011

Hello from Mary Jo

Good to see so many of you from all generations at the family reunion yesterday...and thank you to Niki and Matt for agreeing to be the first of the NEXT generation to host the reunion next year. Dave and Reen picked a great location and ordered good weather for us this year, didn't they? Thanks for the good time.

Possibly no one but Janice wants the sweet and sour beet recipe, but I am glad to pass it along: 1 qt. sliced beets (drained)...or 2 (16 oz) cans....1 small onion (thinly sliced and separated into rings)....1/3 cup cider vinegar...1/4 cup salad oil...1/2 cup sugar...1/4 tsp. salt. Combine beets and onion. In a small jar with a tight fitting lid, combine the remaining ingredients. Shake until sugar is dissolved. Pour over vegetables. Refrigerate overnight (and up to MANY days). By the way, I would like the recipe for the brisket from either/both of you who brought it. Thanks.

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

and i'm pooped...

well, after a day and one-half of moving (yes again), i have yet to find my energy. i swear, it's beyond exhausting! it's like i'm dying! lol. but i found a section 8 housing facility that takes pets. so i moved yesterday the big stuff with dad and now i have tons of boxes to unpack and groceries to unpack. LOTS of stuff still at my apt that needs to be moved. i still have to clean it too! ugh. the pain of moving. i am sore today (mainly in the legs). but other than that, i'm NOT looking forward to packing the rest up and cleaning the apt. ugh...why do i make such a mess? lol!

stormy is one spooked cat. i had maintenance come over today and fix a few things already after doing a walk through. but i was worried that she escaped because i couldn't find her ANYWHERE! i was about to cry and freak out because she doesn't like moving and change scares her! but i FINALLY found her hiding under the double recliner/loveseat. i told her she gave mommy a heart attack and what did she do? she walked away in response to my statement! dang cat ;).

i decided to get charter internet for 6 months at 34.99 to see if i can afford it. i was going to use the internet provided here in the community room, but i found out that it's wired and it's a pc and that my laptop won't work on it. sooooo, that bites. i have an online class this fall that i have to do and i need an internet connection! trolling is not sufficient for that. but i'm also renting the modem for around $7/month. but i'll know by the end of 6 months if i can continue to afford it or not!

oh and i'm going back to school again this fall. this time it's for paralegal studies. i'm going to pursue a diploma in that field. i could probably get away with a certificate because of my two degrees, but a diploma is only 6 credits more than a certificate. and to take the whole aas degree would require me taking courses i'd HATE to take--principals of accounting or small business accounting (YUCK!) and business law. no thanks. i'll stick with the diploma! but i am hoping to be able to work full time soon. but i doubt that.

i have a part-time job at a law firm in grand island. hrc fired me for some bullsh*t and i'm currently fighting it, but i REFUSE to go back there if i get reinstated. i just am clearing my name. some of you know the story and others don't, but let's just say that i got the raw end of the deal. but in reality, it was a blessing in disguise that i got out of there. i'm doing SO much better now and my mental AND physical health has improved and i'm definitely not stressed now! so yay for me! but i think i FINALLY found a career that i can work in that will suit my needs--vr actually supports it too!

well, not much else to say. i forgot my silverware at my other apt, so i have nothing to eat with. so i think that i will have a protein shake for supper again. too tired to drive across town to get them. lol. i'll have to remember to pack them tomorrow. will i? doubt it. but hopefully i will!

i'm going to watch stormy play with a twistie on my bed some more. so i'll sign off now and start getting ready for bed--super early! lol. but hopefully i'll be able to sleep tonight, as i have to go back to work tomorrow! 8 am will be too early. oh wait, now i have to leave here by 7:15 am or i'll be late. ugh...that means i have to get up at....:O....6:00 am! nooooooooooo!!!!!!! the ONLY disadvantage of moving to the SOUTH part of town. ugh.

well, good night all :)

suz