and so on ...

And so Jacquie's world turns...

Let's see, where did we leave off? I actually have no idea...so, I'll just start....

We are still in our home, but leaving. After five months of fighting the fight, we are giving up...as we can see the writing on the wall. Or, I should say we could. And, of course, we were correct, the house is being sold. We are frantically searching for a place to live as we've very little time before our time actually runs out.

The difficult part is finding a place in the school district so that the kids are impacted in the least amount of ways. I cannot possibly take Taylor from the marching band and Meghen from drama...they are both so into those things.

I am searching for a job as I lost mine when school ended in June and they closed the school I was working at. Unfortunately I am the only one that hasn't found a job yet and been placed elsewhere. I always knew I'd get a full-time job after Meghen began Jr. High, but who would have thought that the economy would be such where finding a job would be so difficult. I guess only time will tell.

That's about it...my life in a nutshell. Nothing much else going on. lol

Oh, and Marcel's software? Well, he's actually leasing it out and he's doing fairly well! Given the economy, we cannot complain.

TaTa for now.

Tons of thank yous.....

There are so few times when I can just let my hair down and let go...well, at least in my life I find that to be true...but I've really been able to do that this summer, thanks to some great friends and some terrific ideas.

My friends Tiffany, Lynda, Julie, Liz and I rented a pontoon on our city lake a few weeks back and had a great time tooling around the lake, waving to people, drinking, eating, laughing, etc. Tiffany told us all a story that had me literally crying and my stomach muscles hurting from laughing so hard. Just to find out that she was full of crap and none of the story was at all true! Afterwards we found ourselves back on the lake beach where we continued to laugh, eat, drink and basically cause havoc. There were a group of church ladies at the next table and we're pretty sure that before the end of the evening that they were praying for our lost souls. Thank you ladies for a great evening. And, whatever you hear, I did NOT crash the boat, I merely bumped the dock rather hard!

Another friend and I and our two daughters spent the day at Sea World together recently. I don't get to spend too much time with said friend and it was great to be able to spend an entire day with her and just enjoy each others company. We plan on doing it again soon. Same friend and same daughters were also able to spend a day at the lake mentioned above. Thanks Lorie!

Lorie let me borrow her husband and daughter for a day of fun at the Orange County fair. Although Rick and I didn't go on any rides, we enjoyed watching the girls have loads of fun and we laughed all day! Thanks Rick! And really, Rick, I don't usually look at the guns, but well, wow, they were so noticable on that cop!

Spent another day at Sea World with Tami, Kelly and our daughters. Can you tell I love Sea World? We had great fun that day as well! Stopped at McDonald's, saw some great shows and shared good company. Thanks girls.

Spent more days than I can count with my very good friend Michele, aka Misha! We've laughed together, cried together and had so much fun exercising that it's not even funny. We've eaten great food and drank tasty alcohol and we've bagged on the world and men and just life in general. Misha, I love you dearly and I thank you for getting me through this very difficult time in my life!

Was able to drive down to Encinitas a few weeks back and spend a day and evening with my very good friend Carla! We spend so little time together and we had the best time shopping for clothes, shoes, etc. I bought lots of new clothes for a good office job and just had a chance to laugh and spend quality time just us girls! We went to the Beach House for dinner and man was it tasty! So good. I had salmon, she had tacos and we both drank great drinks! Carla, don't EVER make me walk like that again in shoes with elastic attached!

I've spent a few days at Tortilla Flats this summer for Taco Tuesday and other happy hours. The first time I went with Misha, Janet, and Patty. OMG, was so so good to see Patty again! Patty is the wonderful lady that helped me raise my children when they needed the most help! She loves them as much as I do and it was so good to spend time laughing, drinking and dancing our asses off! What were in those blue drinks again girls????

Speaking of dancing my ass off, last night I went to a party at Julie's house and OMG, can you say rockin'? I danced, I sang, I laughed, I drank, I ate and I had the best time. Who knew that Robbie, Grace and Michelle were so much funny? I had no idea but let me tell you, I'd party with these girls any day! And Julie's friend Debbie was da bomb! Thanks Matt and Kelly for the ride and for the non-stop laughs on the way home...I swear I thought I was going to pee my pants with that whole camera/phone fiasco! Matt, how's that toothache?

And then there's Janet...We were unable to spend any time together last year, but have spent a few days at the beach already and had some good fun. I always enjoy chatting with Janet and just talking about life in general.

And, last but certainly not least, I've really been able to spend some time getting to know a lady that I've actually known for about seven years, but never really knew. Lynda has been my walking partner for the summer. She meets me at the lake at 7:00 in the morning and we walk the three miles just chatting about everything! She's a beautiful woman, a great lady and she's become a great and trusted friend. Thanks Lynda! And darn it, I didn't RAM the dock, it was just a little tap really!

It's been a tough time in my life lately, but it's so nice to be able to let go, laugh and enjoy myself. I needed these times and I thank everyone involved. If I've forgotten someone, by all means, let me know and I'll be sure to honor you with your very own blog entry. lol

Good Bye Michael...

What a day. It's been a long time since I felt compelled to write, but today changed all that. Today we, as a world, faced the passing of not one, but two major faces of entertainment, Farrah Fawcett and, even more shockingly, Michael Jackson.

I've chatted with a lot of people and what everyone feels is shock. Although we expected the passing of Farrah Fawcett, I don't think anybody expected Michael Jackson to go so young.

What sickens me is the fact that a mere four years ago, he was considered a pervert by the media and now, suddenly, he's a pop icon and not only a fantastic singer, but an amazing dancer. How quickly things change. How fickle people are. I was never one to believe the rumors, nor the innuendo. I have always felt that there were those that road the wave of sickness to try to get money from him. I think he was a big child himself and I think he had a lot of psychological problems caused by his life and the way he led it, but a pervert? No.

I remember watching, in anticipation, with everyone else as Thriller was previewed and what an exciting time it was...Wow, a 15 minute music video. Nothing had ever been done like that before. The number one selling album ever ... one of the best that the 80s had to offer. All the money he raised for world hunger through We are the World.

As I said, I am deeply saddened and my heart goes out to not only his family, but his children who are only 6, 11 and 12. Never having known a mother and now, a father dead at the mere age of 50 years.

Michael, you will forever hold a special place in my memories and I hope that you are in a happier place than this world which labeled you instead of calling you by name!

Jax out!

Pics to share ...

As like every year at this time, I've barely time to breathe let alone think about blogging, however, here I sit, on Mother's Day, Facebook all caught up, Laker game over and a silent house and I figure, what the heck...so here I am.

Here are some random pics for you all since it's been some time since I have posted any pics. This is Meghen at her latest concert. She went from the violin to the clarinet.



The Teacher Appreciation Dinner went well. It was neither ultra boring or ultra exciting, but was quite simple and nice. The Teacher of the Year at my school actually housed me at her table, which was quite an honor. Here is a pic of the two of us.

Yes, the secretary of our school and I ended up wearing the same dress. Instead of being embarrassed we played it off as if we'd planned the whole thing. Don't we look cute???

This would be our Volunteers of the year with the principal of the school. This was at our annual Abilities Awareness Day, where kids get to find out what it's like to live with a disability day in and day out. It's been such a success that Mark, the lady pictured, has been asked to help other schools in the district put on this awesome event at more schools!

This would be me, Jill, Kelly and Tami at this year's Girl Scout appreciation luncheon where my co-leader, Kelly was honored for being an extra exceptional everything when it comes to Girl Scouting. She does all of our service stuff for the Service Unit as well as a lot of the day camp stuff and she basically runs our troop. I'd be remiss if I said that I did even a quarter of the stuff that she's done this past year for our troop. She and Tami will be running the troop after I take my leave in June. Yes, my daughter has decided not to do the troop thing anymore but I have successfully convinced her to become a Juliette and, at least, stay in Girl Scouting.

Last but not least, this is Misha and I at a Taco Tuesday at Tortilla Flats. We had the best time and have decided that, no matter what, we are NOT going to let months pass anymore without being able to get together for dinner, or scrapping, or something fun! Misha, you are the best!

Busy, busy, busy...

You know, if my life were ever NOT busy, I don't think I'd know what to do with myself. Every time I think, ooh, I can blog tomorrow, tomorrow comes and before I know it, tomorrow ends. I had it all planned out. Friday. I was going to go work the Ability Awareness day and then, after I got home, I was going to blog. Well, I got home, helped Meghen get ready for a weekend camping trip, did this, did that and before I knew it, it was late. No blogging.

Let's see, what have I been doing lately? Working is what. I think I've worked more in the past month than I have in years! Always something going on. The paycheck will be great since I get paid hourly. If I'm not working, I'm doing something else for the school usually.

Or

This time of year, I'm watching the Lakers. Hopefully watching the Lakers win, since it's the semi-finals and all! They really should be beating the Utah Jazz, but the Jazz seems to be doing better than expected.

I've got a new addiction...I might have mentioned it. It's entitled Facebook. And now, on Facebook, I've got a new addiction, and it's entitled Yoville. It's a little avatar of yourself, who gets an apt and has to work to furnish it. Also needs to eat and dress and live and hopefully get to the point of buying a house and furnishing it. It's so simple, but so darn addictive!

Today was a luncheon for Girl Scouts that recognizes their top Peeps for the year. My co-leader, Kelly, was nominated for a spotlight award. She does ever so much for the service unit and she really deserved the recognition. The lunch was at the Disneyland Hotel and was nice. Got some great pics of her!

So, what's coming up on my calendar? I have a dinner to attend for our Teacher of the Year at the school I work at. The teacher asked me to be a guest at her table. I thought that was very nice of her and I readily accepted. Then I have a Volunteer of the Year dinner to attend with the Principal of the school and the lady that puts on our Ability Awareness day. Noone is more deserving than she is.

I have the Teacher Appreciation luncheon, 6th grade festivities, my sixth grader's graduation ceremony I'm planning, work, pta meetings, closing up our PTA and school and the list goes on and on. Thank goodness I can see the end of that tunnel!

Hopefully I can post some new pics soon. I know it's been a while and I feel like it's time to share some fun!

Well, that's a quick update, but will have to do for now.

Rain? I think not ...

Rain? You've got to be kidding? Not so sure Mr. Dallas Raines knows of what he speaks, but I suppose we shall see.

What am I talking about? Well, on last night's newscast rain was in the forecast for today. Yet I look outside and it's absolutely gorgeous! As it was yesterday and the day before and the day before that! It's been in the low 80s for days, which in California terms, is a perfect day!

We are into day two of spring break and we are just chillin'. No plans, just fly by the seat of our pants! Well, I think I'm actually going to take Meghen to get peddies, but that's it. It's a girl thang! I'm thinking that Taylor is probably still sleeping as it's a mere noon!

Easter is coming on Sunday and I'll be trying my hand at cooking! Yeah yeah, all of you naysayers stop your laughing! If and when I put my mind to it, I can cook. My brothers are coming over so I guess I'd better do a good job or else I'll never hear the end of it! Oh and I get to spend some time with the new girlfriend. One, of course, that I won't get too close to because she'll just end up leaving anyway. It always happens, Pat finds a girl, I get close to her, close like a sister, and then he dumps her! Thing is, I just adore my brother so I can't stay mad at him!

Yes, I get all three brothers on Sunday. My sister will either be at home in Victorville or at my dad's house; not sure which. This is the first Easter in a long time where I actually have to cook. I'm thinking ham although said brother, Pat is not thrilled with ham. Maybe I'll make him a chicken! lol I mean, I don't plan on cooking a turkey just for him! I hate turkey. Any other ideas would be welcome.

This is the first year that the Easter Bunny won't come visiting. Yes, the time has come folks. No more bunny. No more Santa. It's a good thing as Meghen is entering Jr. High, but well, it's sad. I mean, the bunny will still technically make a showing, but she knows. She knows it all. Her take on the situation, in her words ... "I chose to believe that the spirit of Santa and the Easter Bunny live in you mama." Don't I have a bright little thing?

Well, I'm going to get dressed and go out in this beautiful sunshine.

Chat soon y'all.

This and That ...

An update, an update, my kingdom for an update ...


The elementary school, unfortunately WILL be closing come June. The parents made a valient effort, unfortunately the school board had their minds made up and it was a lost cause. I can tell you that I've learned a lot about politics and I realize now, more than ever, that there is corruption everywhere. Makes me sick!

On St. Patty's Day I had the chance of going out with my very good friend, Misha. We went to CPK, had salads, lots of alcohol, laughed and had the greatest time! We talked a lot, about lots of things, and I just cannot wait until we can do it again. I love you my dear, dear friend!

The most exciting news I have is that I did have a chance to meet my Canadian friends and they were awesome! We had such fun shopping, eating, chatting and getting to know each other. They've invited us to Vegas next weekend and although Marcel cannot go, I'm considering going! Here is a photo of the four of us in my front foyer
...

My son turned 15 on Friday. I'm having a difficult time putting my mind around the fact that I am even old enough to have a 15 year-old. It seems like just yesterday that I was in high school myself. *sigh*

Meghen is, once again, gearing up for this year's dance recital. Six classes later I can only imagine how much costumes will be this year! She's so happy though! And really good! Another concept I'm having a hard time grasping; in a few short months, she'll be in jr. high school. My baby! *again I sigh*

This is about it. Nothing exciting, nothing boring, just life. Wish I could humor you as I have before, but I'm just not feeling it. Maybe another time!

Jax gone.

An act of boredom?? Or obsession??

As with most things in life, we find an interest, become obsessed and then, well, we let it go. For a long time I blogged...was obsessed by blogging, I even had more than one post a day at times ... but, as you can see, I've recently not blogged so much. No interest. Do I still like to write? Absolutely. Who knows, maybe after years of having something to say, I'm running out of words. I'd share my life, but that, my friends, is rather boring at the moment.

What's my new obsession? You got it ... Facebook. I had an account, then closed it for a while for personal reasons, but now I'm back and I've reunited myself with a few high school friends and my husband has now joined me in this obsession. He's the Nemo on my friend list. If you haven't yet been over to Facebook, I highly recommend it. Seems many of us who used to blog have begun this new obsession!

What's not to like about the site? You can reconnect with old friends, send little happy faces, tell the world your life in one easy status message and chat with friends from all over the world. I've met a lot of new people from the UK, Canada, Mexico ... it's great fun. And the best fun of all ... in a few short weeks, Marcel and I are actually going to meet up with a friend I met through Facebook from Canada. I'd like to say we're so excited, but realistically speaking, it's me that's excited and Marcel is just going along for the ride! lol

Kids are good. No new pics. I've been so bad with taking photos lately or scrapbooking. I think I've forgotten the meaning of that word. I want to scrap, I do, but I can't seem to quite get myself there. Hey, I'm making strides though, I actually printed out photos from Meghen's 5th grade year and want to try to complete those before having to face 6th grade ending in June.

Speaking of ending, sad news here. I'm fairly certain that the school district has decided to actually close down the kids' elementary school in June. Cause? Declining enrollment and the California state budget! It's a sad state of affairs when we have to tell our kids that they cannot go to their neighborhood school because there just isn't enough money. Thankfully Meghen is in middle school next year, therefore the close won't affect her. Unfortunately I've many friends whose kids this will affect and my heart breaks for them!

Life for me will be changing drastically come June for sure, but possibly before that. We shall see. Hopefully I can type more of that later when I have more news. Otherwise, well, unless you sign up at Facebook, you may never know.

Wow! Look at that! I guess I did have something to say! That's me ... barely EVER at a lack of words!

Ta-Ta!

Boring Life ...

Wow, how time flies. I can't believe we are mid-way into January already.

I have been remiss in updating you all again. Not on purpose; just seems as if time is flying faster than I can keep up with it.

I continue to work every morning and then all day Tuesday and Thursday. I work on Sunday at the dance studio. I am still PTA President, therefore I have a Board meeting and a general meeting monthly. I'm still a Girl Scout leader so I have one meeting a month on Monday nights and one on a Friday night. On top of that I have PTA council meetings to attend and various other things throughout the month. That's also not to mention the 6 dance classes per week that Meghen takes and has to be driven back and forth to. That's just things that have to do with Meghen. Taylor luckily is done with marching band for the year so I've got a reprieve with him.

I'm still taking my jazz class and enjoying it. Not enjoying the tap class therefore am considering dropping that. I just can't seem to get the moves down. Soon enough we'll be working on this year's dance recital and I'll be in the midst of that this year as an employee of the dance studio.

Kids are great. Marcel is great. And so far I cannot complain about what 2009 is bringing.

Oh, and the biggest fight we've had is whether or not the school district is going to close down the neighborhood elementary school. We've won that battle for the coming year but it's still looming over our heads. Darn Sacramento and taking all that money away from education. Why don't they take money away from the prison system; hey, there's an idea. Oh no, can't have the prisoners suffer any. Whatever!

ok, I'm off my soap box. I'll shut up. For now anyway. You know me, I'm not quiet for long.

I'll leave you now.

Good-bye 2008, Hello 2009 ...

Well, here we are...

My time off of work is over. And along with it, the old year ... 2008 ... is also over. Can I tell you all how very glad I am that it is? 2008 was a terrible year in more ways than one. Not only was it another year of financial ruin, but also a year with a lot of personal issues that I've had to face.

One thing I've learned is that I have to be careful about what I say to people. Things in my life have been unreal and I've shared what's gone on with one too many people and now, because of that, I am suffering a pain that is almost untolerable.

I'm not sure how to remedy that. I have always been very open and honest and it's what a lot of people say they like about me, yet, it hasn't always been the right thing for me lately. So, what do I do? Do I continue to be honest and open and forgot those that don't understand? Or, do I keep my life private from now on and just know that what I'm doing is right for everyone involved.

I guess only time will tell. So, if I seem evasive, you'll all understand that it's because I am doing what I have to for myself and everyone else close to me. Maybe it doesn't make sense to you all, but this is the best I can do right now.

Let's just say that I'm glad 2008 is over and that I hope that 2009 is a much better year than the last two have been!

I leave you now.

The final tally ...

You know what's really scary?

The fact that I read 75 books in 2008. That's 19 more than I read the year before.

People ask me how I have time to read with two kids. Well, let me tell you.

First off, I have two very independent children who pretty much keep to themselves and don't need a lot of mom time anymore.

Secondly, I read whenever I can. If I have a few minutes while waiting for Meghen to get out of dance, I read. If I have a little extra time waiting to pick Taylor up from school, I read. At the dentist, I read. I always read before bedtime. Now, I know, with a lot of you, when reading prior to bed, you get tired and fall asleep faster. Not me. If I read before bed, and the book is extremely good, I'll read for like hours. How do you think I finished the Twilight Series in less than 4 weeks? Pretty scary huh?

And speaking of the Twilight Series. A must read for anyone who hasn't yet read it. I fought the battle. I wasn't about to read them just because everyone else was. But, I finally relented, read Twilight and was stuck from the first sentence on. Most excellent read; two enthusiastic thumbs up! Don't think of them as vampire stories. I'm not one for that type of book either. Truly, it's more of a love story really.

I already began this year with one of my true crime books. The newest one by Ann Rule entitled Mortal Danger. Finished the sucker in two days! Good read. Really.

Now I know there is no way I'll read 75 books again this year. That's a lot, even for me...but...that being said, I've no intention of stopping my reading. Reading can take me to a world very far away from my own and, believe you me, after the year I just had, escaping reality was a welcome!

Maybe I should get a job at a book store or the library. No, that would never work. I'd be like
"NO I can't help you, can't you see I'm in the middle of a good book?"

I leave you now.

Note to my friends...

Wow, have I slacked or what?

I know that most of you have given up on me and I can't say as I blame you. But, you see, it's been a terrible few months for me and writing just wasn't in the cards...

But ...

Things are much better now and the writing goes on. Not now, you see, but the writing will soon go on again. I'm starting fresh in 2009 with much more to say I'm sure!

Hope you all have been well and I look forward to getting back into the swing of things.