Karen West Thinks Out Loud

My Vblog

2011-10-07T18:49:00.001-04:00

With my friends Cody & Austin

Looking forward to the New Year

2010-12-30T03:45:00.004-05:00

I kept 2 of my resolutions for 2010. I've actually never kept any before, so for these two little resolutions, its like winning a little lottery scratch off ticket to me. But for the most part, 2010 was not a great year. I lost my beautiful aunt to cancer...and a few other losses due to divorce, misunderstandings and poor decision-making. I can't and really shouldn't blame this all on a "year", but with the circumstances coming one right after another with hardly any room to breathe, its easy to say GOOD RIDDANCE 2010.

New Year's Day is just another day on the calendar...but to most of us, it means New Beginnings. And since I kept 2 resolutions for the FIRST time EVER in my life, the thought of that motivated me to make some good ones for 2011 and keep them ALL. Not only will this be good for me, its now a challenge! (...and I've always loved a good challenge!) So, the closer to New Year's Day I get, the more excited I get. My brain is saying, "On your mark, get set, GO" and I picture myself running a marathon! Now, marathons are NOT part of my resolutions...but it sure looks good in my head! :)

For the coming year, my resolutions are obtainable, and with diligence and the guts to follow through...can be kept. So here are mine for 2011:

* I used to scuba dive years ago. For 2011, I resolve to get re-certified and take a trip or two to see the Shipwrecks of the Atlantic again.

* I resolve to finish two books for 2011. One, being "Big Dummies, Volume 2."

* I've picked up my guitar again after years of it gathering dust. I've always been afraid to play in front of anyone but my brother and my daughter. This year, I resolve to lose that fear. I don't want to play in front of an audience! LOL. I just don't want to be afraid of critique when anyone asks me to play. And I want to be able to sit around on weekends with my brother and friends and bring new stuff to the table. I don't want to be afraid to sing and play in front of them. I want to bring back what I used to enjoy before I worried about what other people thought!

* I resolve to be a better friend. To listen more, to talk less. To see past the obvious and love the person within.

* I resolve to love more, smile more and meditate more.

* I resolve to finish every project I start.

* No running marathons! Forget it! But I DO want to do the Susan G. Komen 3 Day Walk! I would resolve to do that, but I have to make sure my schedule allows for it. Its something I've wanted to do for years. I hope this year, I can make that happen. This is not really a resolution...but a bonus if it does happen.

I'm sure I'll make a few more before tomorrow. Right now, these are awesome...and I'm already looking forward to the best year ever. I...am...happy.

Happy New Year,

Love,
Karen

I'm awake!

2010-11-05T20:46:00.003-04:00

Quit pokin' the bear, dangit! Eyiyiyiyiyi. I didn't post anything for the entire month of October, and that month had a whoppin' 31 days in it! I had a gentle reminder via email about 2 weeks ago. Truth of the matter is, I wrote several blog posts but thought them too corny to publish. So I got a crap-ton of them in my draft file. Most of them written in the middle of the night when I couldn't sleep. The rest of them when I was just plain ticked off.

Really, did ya wanna see me lament about weepy stuff? Didn't think so. You're welcome.

So no, I'm not gonna talk about the Denver Broncos. I'd appreciate it if none of y'all did either. The 59-14 game against the Raiders was as much of a shellackin' as I could handle, until the Niners came and whooped our butts later. GeeeeAAAAAHHHHD! I'm not gonna jump on the winning team bandwagons tho'. I'm gonna stick with the Broncos as I have since 1983...even if their name IS below Copyright 2010 on the NFL homepage.

I'm not going to talk about the rude lady at the DMV, even though I really think she needs to take a vacation and soak in a danged bubble bath for a week...or a month. Whatever it's gonna take to get that stick...well, I ain't gonna finish that thought.

And I'm NOT GOING TO TALK ABOUT HOW MANY LICKS IT TAKES TO GET TO THE CENTER OF A TOOTSIE ROLL TOOTSIE POP...cuz I don't eat candy anymore. ARRRRRRGH! I need to find a subject that doesn't set me off.

Maybe...like...what I'm going to do with the extra hour we get this weekend when we set our clocks back. Let me see....

* Watch 2 Full House episodes on Hulu.

* Count the tiles on all the bathroom floors.

* Find out how much money I can save by switching all of my insurance companies.

* Text Roulette.

* Search the dryer vent for missing socks.

* Google Stephen Spielberg.

* Buy a pony.

I'll do none of the above and just sleep it off, I'm sure. Sure beats thinking about those Broncos. Maybe the Broncos can use Rude Lady as offensive linewoman.
It might make all of us happy.

Until next time,
Niters.

A special "Thank you"

2010-09-27T12:53:00.005-04:00

Last night, I received a text from a friend just out of the blue. Not a text forward. The real deal from someone who is sensitive to the broken spirited. He told me I was loved...and he loved me...and felt that I needed to know it at that particular moment. He was absolutely right.

It's been a rough 6 months.

I admit that I am not unbreakable.

But I'm still a fighter.

Slack a$$ with a busted laptop and time to kill...

2010-09-26T20:52:00.003-04:00

"It was a dark and stormy night..." That's what my Facebook friend Bill suggested as my opening line for my latest blog post. Coincidently, it IS a dark and stormy night, and I'm bored stupid. So, I'm just gonna purge my brain of whatever is going on up there...no matter how idiotic it is...so buckle your seatbelt.

I'm using the main PC in the dining room to write this. My little notebook I lovingly named "Junior" was injured. By my foot. One night as I was lying in my bed, I was playing a simple game of Word Whomp. I got so tired, I shut Junior down and set him on the floor...something I had never done because I was worried it would get broken. The next morning when the alarm went off, I jumped up and stepped on "something" and heard it crrrraaaaaaaaaack! I didn't bother to look at what it was until after my morning tea and shower. Yeah...Junior's screen is all busted, but the rest of it works just fine. So, I got this magic cord thing from my engineer friend John and hooked poor Junior up to a 32 inch flat screen TV. Good news is, nothing's lost. The bad news is, now it's too big to fit in my purse.

Okay, so let the brain purging begin, so I can make room for more stupid stuff.

I learned a bunch of new stuff over the last 6 months...like...stuff I thought I knew about stuff I really don't know as much as I thought about stuff. I'm still learning new stuff and some of the new stuff I am learning is really ticking me off. Therefore, I need to practice, "bite tongue, smile pretty" so I can adapt to new stuff. Did that make sense? Probably not. But it did to me.

My dream man is Richard Collier. (Character in the movie "Somewhere In Time"...if you haven't seen it, rent it...unless you really hate chick flicks. Rent it anyway.) Alas, Richard is dead. In both the movie and real life. I really think Richard would have loved me. Like Elise, I would let him walk around with toilet paper stuck to his face all day, just so he knows there is no shame being "him" around me. And I'd tell him if his suit sucked. But as I said, Richard is dead. Oh, and he's not real either. That could be a problem.

(Hang in there...I'm still brain purging.)

If I had a son, I would have named him Vladimir and he would have known how to spell it by the time he was three months old.

I think Smart Cars are just a Jedi mind trick. I've only seen them in one color. Blue. Do they look sexier in red? Ouch! GAHD! My brain hurt on THAT thought!

Squirrel does NOT taste like chicken. Rattlesnake does NOT taste like chicken. Gator does NOT taste like chicken. Chicken flavored ramen does NOT taste like chicken. Remember that snack cracker Chikin in a Biskit? What the hell is THAT? They put a chicken on the box to psych me out? The only thing chicken about that is the guy who typed the fine print of the REAL ingredients. Chicken tastes like chicken. End of story.

Iiiiiiiiiiii'm Henery the Eighth I am...

Stupid ideas make great infomercials. Really. How many of you bought the "Bump It"?
Somebody got rich on little pieces of plastic. Maybe it's my turn now. What can I do with a crapload of dryer lint?

Jello creeps me out.

If I had another son, I would have named him Jonesy...after that stupid cat on "Alien."

I heard Snooki read a book. That's nice. Who's Snooki?

Oh GAHD, I think my cerebrum is empty now. (insert joke here).

Going to bed to reload.

Until next time,
KW

In Memory of Joan Elizabeth Specht

2010-07-31T21:38:00.000-04:00

Years of hanging on to dreams already gone
Years of wishing you were here...
After all this time you'd think I wouldn't cry
It's just...I still love you
after all these years.

Beloved Aunt: Joan Elizabeth Specht, January 18th, 1951 - July 27th, 2010

For my father....

2010-06-11T10:33:00.003-04:00

When I was a little girl, I met a soldier who changed my life forever. This man fell in love with a woman 14 years older than himself. He had never been married, never had any children of his own. This woman had grown children and several grandchildren, but it didn't matter. She is who he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. She, on the other hand, was not interested in settling down with anyone. But he remained persistent...for three years. He loved her children and her grandchildren as if they were his own. And for her, he would have done anything.
Three years later, he received transfer orders to Arizona. Before he left, he presented the woman with a diamond ring and asked her to be his wife. She gave no answer. A few days later, he made what had to be the longest drive of his life to Fort Huachuca.
She loved him, there was no doubt. Her reasons for dragging her feet were many, but at the urging of her daughter and grandchildren, she phoned him and accepted his proposal.
Two years later, her daughter died...leaving 4 children behind. Several family members made plans for the children, but none of those plans involved keeping them together. The argument escalated, and the soldier could take no more. "There's no splitting these children up! I want them ALL."
And that's where they stayed...and grew up happily.
My grandfather Henry C. Huey, though not biologically, IS my father. The man who loved us, raised us, and continues to make sacrifices for the children he worships. I still giggle at the nicknames he gave us when we were younger. "Neater", "Gravel", "Panther", and "Journey"...the names he still uses to this day. We all got our love of football, baseball, basketball and football by watching them with him while eating the plate sized steaks he grilled for each one of us. Sunday mornings were pancake days. He was up at the crack of dawn making sure we had a hot breakfast...giving our grandmother the break she deserved. We traveled the country. Whenever he had a business related trip, he loaded the car and took us all. Plus the two large family dogs!
Whenever we need help, he is the first one there, always. Ginni's last day on earth, he helped me get her to the hospital and he stayed beside the both of us...crying right along with me. My heart broke because we were losing Ginni...but my heart was crushed watching this man, who was always our rock, break down. The two of us made the hardest decision of our lives that day...to let her go. I don't know what I would have done had he not been there with me. I don't know what I would have done if he were not in our lives. I just CANNOT imagine life without him. When Ginni was moved to a room, he went to be with our grandmother...to comfort her while I stayed with Ginni.
To my father, Henry: The only way I can repay you for all you are, and have done for me is to be the compassionate and loving girl you raised...so when people see me, they see you.

I love you so much.

I know I'm random...LOL

2010-05-27T10:25:00.004-04:00

Every time I hear Josh Turner's song, "Why Don't We Just Dance," it takes me to a scene in one of my new favorite movies, "My Life In Ruins"...and I just gotta laugh...and DANCE...just because.

If you haven't seen "My Life In Ruins" yet, it's a definite must see for your viewing pleasure. Unless, of course, you are a guy who just don't dig Chick Flicks. However, if you wanna make your lady happy, rent it and watch it with her....and suck it up, buttercup! :P

Anyway, the particular scene in this movie is when Tour Guide Georgia (Nia Vardalos) is forced to take several flights of stairs because the elevator in her crappy hotel broke down. Georgia originally came to Greece to teach at a University...but unfortunately, the job fell through...so she took a job as a tour guide in a seedy company. In this scene, Georgia so fed up with her job and Greece that she goes on a mini rant as she's climbing all of the stairs.

In the movie Zorba the Greek, the scene where Alan Bates and Anthony Quinn have just lost all their life savings.
What do they do? They dance.

That's the way this whole country works. Or doesn't.

If the shower doesn't work...

(SCREAMS)

I'm sorry.

...they dance.

Or you want a little privacy,

(SCREAM)

they dance.

I'm very sorry. I'm very sorry.
Not that sorry.

Or, God forbid, the toilet breaks...

Oh, flapjacks.

...you get the Greek philosophy.

(IN GREEK ACCENT) "Relax, pee outside.

"Maybe it is your destiny
to write a poem about the sky."

And then they dance.

You know, Greece was
a happening place 2,500 years ago.

It was the birthplace of art
and democracy and philosophy.

And then they discovered the nap.

(PANTING)

This country's disregard for rules
and order is just sloppy.

What is with this hair? Is it a full moon?

You know, you've all just got to get
your act together and stop dancing.

My Life In Ruins Trailer

Now I think I wanna watch it again!

Til next time,
Karen

Minute 6 - 2010

2010-04-08T10:44:00.011-04:00

Five years flew by in a fraction of an instant...and still, I'm wondering why it happened. The difference between then and now is, I'm finally REALLY taking her advice. Not just touching upon "Minute 6", or saying out loud what my blessings are, but actually doing it and believing it.

One thing that was missing from my previous practices with Minute 6 was the strength not to obsess with the "what could have beens." If I had done more, prayed more, stood up more, would it have made a difference? I obsessed over how I SHOULD feel about many situations in my life...and not how I really felt and how to deal with it properly. I'm convinced that this kind thinking is what eventually made me physically ill. I had so many symptoms, saw many specialists, treated with so many prescription medications...I wasn't me anymore. Minute 6 was no longer working for me. Karen was dead and gone.

My thyroid eventually whacked out. I felt and looked like hell. I really didn't believe I was going to pull out of it. I've seen people who have been battling it for years and still not well. I've read every Mary Shomon book available, only to become more depressed with the news that few doctors will take me seriously and REALLY want to help me. And the ones who do will cost more than I can afford.

My last Minute 6 before the change was more of a 5 minute cry to God. Then Minute 6 was the decision to change. I believe things began to move in my direction after that 5 minute prayer. A co-worker of mine forwarded an email titled "Life Handbook 2010." I don't like email forwards and generally delete them. I can't tell you why I opened this one, but I'm glad I did. This list helped me find myself again. For those who have been asking me how I lost weight, read Health number 3.

LIFE HANDBOOK 2010

Health:
1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants..
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy
5. Make time to pray.
6. Play more games
7. Read more books than you did in 2009.
8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day
9. Sleep for 7 hours.
10. Take a 10-30 minutes walk daily. And while you walk, smile.
Personality:
11. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
13. Don't over do. Keep your limits.
14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
16. Dream more while you are awake
17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need..
18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with His/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
23. Smile and laugh more.
24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree...
Society:
25. Call your family often.
26. Each day give something good to others.
27. Forgive everyone for everything.
28. Spend time w/ people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.
29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
30. What other people think of you is none of your business.
31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
Life:
32. Do the right thing!
33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
34. GOD heals everything.
35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change..
36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
37. The best is yet to come..
38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.
39. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.

I printed up this email and started living by it. I figured, it couldn't hurt. Before long, I was eating whole foods and dropped junk. Later, I found a naturopathic doctor and took a chance that she could help me fill in the gaps with my new lifestyle change. I began taking better supplements and stopped Gluten. Some people may call it quackery, but after going to so many specialists who couldn't begin to do anything but raise the dosage of synthroid, plus put me on other meds, it was a last ditch effort. Long story short, I lost 30 lbs, my exercise tolerance is back! I love to walk...my mind is clear, and I feel the best I have felt in years. The only med I am on now is half of the smallest dose of Synthroid. My family doctor said whatever I was doing, to keep doing...because it's working. I don't think it was just one thing that started the healing process, but I DO believe that changing the way I think was the key to it all.

So now, Minute 6 is quite different for me. When I feel the emptiness of losing Ginni and Claus...or find myself reliving past failures, I allow myself exactly 5 minutes to grieve...but I don't beat myself up anymore. I know I did everything I could do. I don't allow myself the opportunity to obsess over things I cannot change. I use the grief time to cry tears of love...constructive tears, because they deserve to know how much I love them...wherever they are. I say what's in my heart, and it's no longer self defeating. When I do, I can feel the love come back to me, if that makes any sense...and it makes it much easier to finally make it to Minute 6, where I need to get over myself. LOL.

This morning, I had a wonderful Minute 6 moment. I felt as though she were right here with me. And today, I am good. :)

Ginni, on this 5th anniversary, I hope I am doing you proud as you have done me.

I love you,
Sis

formspring.me

2010-02-10T12:18:00.001-05:00

If you could become any fictional character, who would you be?

Allie Hamilton Calhoun

Ask me anything

formspring.me

2010-02-10T12:06:00.001-05:00

If you could rid the world of one thing, what would it be?

Cancer.

Ask me anything

formspring.me

2010-02-10T11:55:00.001-05:00

What is your cure for SNOWKILL???

Some beach.

Ask me anything

formspring.me

2010-02-10T10:14:00.001-05:00

Ask me anything http://formspring.me/karenwest

I need to cry for a bit...feel free to ignore my rant...

2010-01-31T08:09:00.003-05:00

I need a thyroid doctor who listens to me. I don't feel well, and it has gone on long enough. I've read about so many people who have found doctors who are willing to work with the patient to get the right combination of medications, lifestyle and supplement adjustments to get them well faster. I'm dealing with the same old thing that hasn't worked for decades. Prescribed a synthetic T4 for the fourth time now, and I'm just over this. Not one of the many doctors I have paid want to try anything different.

I've had several episodes of atrial fibrillation. My heart is fine. Numerous expensive and uncomfortable tests confirm that. One doc says it's thyroid disease fueled. Another says it's anxiety...and a third says it's allergy related. Because of this problem, no one will consider me for T3 replacement. Be patient...give it time, they say. It's been way over a year and I say I've been the lab rat for all of the so-called "tried and true" therapies and clearly they are NOT working. This is not fair.

I've had sensitivities to Levothyroxine three times now. I'm on a low dose of the brand name Synthroid to see if that will make a difference. I'm still sick. I want to exercise, but it makes me sick to do so. This makes me sad. I want be active! I have the will, but I cannot get physically ill because of my intolerance to exercise. (Another symptom of hypothyroidism.)

I eat only whole foods now. I drink only water and the occasional chamomile tea. I don't drink, quit smoking...I take whole food multi-vitamins. I've been doing this for awhile...and as I said earlier, I'm still sick.

I'm tired of reading websites about patients who have found an open minded doctor to help them heal. Frankly, in this large area that I live in, there isn't one within a hundred miles of me who will take my insurance. Those docs are way out of my price range. I'm jealous. If Mary Shomon is such the patient activist, come to MY area! Unless they're wealthy, our thyroid patients are suffering. And specialists are a dying breed.

I've read every book cover to cover and have tossed them out of frustration. I can stand up, be proactive, put my foot down, cry my eyes out to ALL of my docs and nothing. I feel like I'm branded as a complainer. I was good in the beginning, trust me. I came in with my symptoms and looked for help. I was given help...I've been given the same OLD help. After a year of my suffering and a year of the old-school thyroid treatment, you'd think someone would want to explore another avenue?

I want all of my money back.

I'm done crying now. Maybe venting here will help me find some newfound courage to continue to kick thyroid disease ass. I don't know.

Until next time,

Karen

JUST when you think you know your friends...

2009-12-14T18:56:00.005-05:00

they spring THIS crap on ya:

There go the Christmas parties at Furline's house.

Until next time,
Karen

Oh good grief!

2009-12-07T13:53:00.006-05:00

I have always been one of those people who screams about poor spelling. Since like, FOREVER! I was the best danged speller in high school! Misspelled words make me crazy! Unless I'm trying to write out a word 'redneck style', I make sure all my stuff is spelled good. (I didn't say nothin' 'bout no grammar, k?) Anyways, you should see how I cringe when I read one of the boss' emails. No lie! He types so fast and rarely spell checks...but what can I say? The man is the boss, right?

Anyway, I just looked at one of my recent social networking status updates. I can't believe myself: "Back on the air at Eagle after a uneventful week long vacation. I din't do SQUAT on my vakay! Boring! Good to be back!" Hrrrrrumph! "after a uneventful"...well, that should read an uneventful weeklong blah, blah, blah, and of course didn't is spelled wrong too. Don't say nothin' about vakay. I meant that one.

Anyway, I'm going to stop complaining about y'all's spelling....until I get over myself, k? K.

Leemee lone! :p

My "Top 5 Turkeys" of 2009

2009-11-20T10:38:00.010-05:00

And by popular demand:

MY list of the "Top 5 Turkeys" of 2009.

#5 Will Ferrell: Land of the Lost. Need I say more?

#4 Jon & Kate (does NOT include the 8): Jon, for not being able to keep the "gun in the holster" and Kate for crying about it on all 181 channels I pay good money for!

#3 Octomom: Betting your older kids are embarrassed for you to come to PTA meetings.

#2 Richard Heene, Balloon Boy's dad: Seriously, dude. HOW LONG did you think you were going to get away with that hoax? I'm just glad your little boy turned you in before you wasted MORE tax payer dollars...AND rewarded with book deals and stuff that you CLEARLY don't deserve!

#1 Kanye: Not only did you ruin the night for Taylor, you also ruined it for Beyonce, people in the audience who looked forward to hearing from the winners, and scores of your very own fans who were embarrassed FOR you. Was it really worth the cost?

So, who are YOUR Top 5 Turkeys of 2009?

When to thaw the bird...

2009-11-18T14:12:00.002-05:00

I posted a blurb about this on Facebook the other day. Truth is, everybody thaws they bird they own way. The simplest thing to do is just buy a fresh turkey and git r dun. HOWEVER, you rarely find those at 38 cents a pound, hence the thawing the rock solid thing and praying that you don't cut yourself on an iceberg while trying to scoop out the gizzards. I HATE that! I swear, every year I manage to get Gizzard Gash!

Nestle's site says to thaw the bird for 24 hours for each 5 lbs. of bird. Another site says 24 hours for every 4 lbs. I've got a 320 pound bird. (18 lbs after thawed). Since I cook mine the night before, I'm gonna go out on a limb and say that 24 hours for every 4 or 5 pounds is a load of crap. I'm gonna clean my fridge tonight and put that thing in there and give it a WEEK to thaw.

Hopefully, I won't have any injuries to report this Thanksgiving. And if I do, may they be minimal.

Can I come to YOUR house next year? I have a better chance of surviving by bringing the green bean casserole.

Until next time,
Karen

cough-cough HACK! Gag!

2009-11-09T12:39:00.002-05:00

I haven't been on blogger so long that there are cobwebs all over the place! Dust a flyin' EVERYWHERE! Anybody got a Swiffer?

Okay, seriously. Where have I been, you ask? (you asked, right?) Well, besides working hard for the Race for the Cure, I've actually been working to clear my own house of the cobwebs and stuff. It's amazing what collects when the weather's warm and you ain't never home. So far, I'm close to done cleaning all of the closets and cabinets and such. I just got ruthless and started throwing out stuff and donating stuff I don't use anymore. I figured, if I got to think longer than 5 minutes about whether I'm going to use it or not, then I just throw it out or donate it. That train of thought came back to bite me in the butt on Saturday. Apparently, I was too quick to give away the gravy boat, so I had to serve the gravy in an empty "I Can't Believe It's Not Butter" container. Now, I'm giving myself 10 minutes to ponder a possession before I toss it.

I'm also working on "Big Dummies - Volume 2." In Volume 1, only a few stories made the cut. This time, I'm not leaving any of my collection out. I don't want to take time trying to decide what should go in, dagnabbit. I have enough trouble trying to figure out which shoes goes with which purse. I think that's enough trauma to the nerves. So yeah, D2 will definitely be BIGGER. By the way, my friend Tammy wants more pictures in D2. (she's got that whole "hate to read" argument going again.) If you got any you'd like to donate to the book, send 'em to karen@eagle97.com. They must be your own photos, not those you ripped off from the internet, k? K.
Don't think D2 going to be ready in time for the holidays, but it will definitely be ready for the Spring. And just like Dummies 1 and Amazing Trace, all proceeds benefit the Tidewater Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Until next time,
Luv ya!
Karen

Cry fest

2009-09-29T00:11:00.004-04:00

Going through a crying spell, but know why. It's something I can't help right now, but the tears are cleansing and I'm embracing it.
Ginni's birthday is on the 10th of October...and I'm missing her. Plus, the Race for the Cure is on the 17th. This is something I do as a birthday present for her. I'm a little sad this time around because team membership is down and so are donations. I guess it's the recession. Still, it's sad to see such low numbers this year. I'm praying for a miracle between now and the deadline. If there isn't one, I know it's not because of a lack of trying. I'm giving it everything I've got. It's stories like this one that make all the hard work and tears worthwhile:

Diabetes Medication May Get New Life as Cancer Treatment

Maybe in our lifetime, someone else's sister will be cured. I hope...and pray.

Happy birthday Ginni.

2009-09-10T05:11:00.001-04:00

No, it's not Friday yet Steve. Quit asking! :p

2009-09-09T22:25:00.001-04:00

If Billy Mays is dead, why is he still selling me crap? Furthermore, why am I still buying the crap? Where the hell is my Jupiter Jack???

Emails from Crazy People

2009-09-09T14:06:00.003-04:00

Emails From Crazy People

A useful link when you are bored to tears and everything on TV is either a reality show, a repeat, or downright boring.

Check it out! There are some real winners in there! Like this one:

* Customer (Sam H)* 05/12/2009 03:21 PM
This is going to sound strange, but what does your Catfish Charlie Blood Catfish Dip Bait taste like? It's item IK-111006 in your internet. I think my girlfriend may have tricked me into eating some of it on a cracker. It tastes what I imagine rotten fish would taste like. She cried, saying it was a cheese spread she’d been working on all day, but that may have been faking. It turned my stomach like nothing before and I spewed, so I don’t think I’m poisoned or anything. I think it was the catfish bait because she wouldn’t eat any (says she’s lactose intolerant or some horse ****) and she wouldn’t let me take any to her mom in the retirement home because she’s on a strict diet. So do you think it was catfish bait or just some really bad cheese spread?
* Auto-Response* 05/12/2009 03:21 PM
*Date Created: * 05/12/2009 03:21 PM
*Last Updated: * 05/12/2009 03:24 PM
*Question Type: * Product – Technical/Recommendation

* Subject*
This is going to sound strange, but what does your Catfish Charlie Blood Catf…’
* Discussion Thread*
* Response (Shane H.)* 05/12/2009 03:24 PM

Hello Sam,

Thank you for visiting our Product Information Department,

Unfortunately I couldn’t locate anyone who has tasted the catfish bait, so we don’t know what it tastes like. Sorry about that. I would have to go with really bad cheese spread. If you have further questions feel free to e-mail us again, or log on to our “live chat” page. You can click on “Customer Service” at the top of any of our webpages, we would be happy to assist you.
Sincerely,
Shane

Heh. And I thought I got crazy stuff in MY inbox!

Enjoy! And don't eat no Catfish bait.

Til next time,
Karen

For my crazy daughters....

2009-09-04T00:28:00.002-04:00

Don't say I never gave you anything. :D

All my love,
Mom

Online Community Players

2009-09-03T12:29:00.006-04:00

I am a member of two or three online communities. Not sure whether it's two or three now since I visit them rarely anymore. Only when there's nothing on TV, or I beat the latest Facebook game. These days, I like to go just to catch up and chat a little bit, til I get bored. But like a soap opera, you miss a month, you usually end up where you left off. Another thing that hasn't changed: The roles we assume when we participate in these online communities. A friend of mine posted a link when he got fed up with members constant PMS. (posting mean shhhhh-tuff). It's great for a chuckle when you find yourself wondering why ya signed up for the danged thing anyway. It's also a funny way to find out what role you assumed when you chose to get your stupid-self involved in a petty community argument.

Ladies and Gentlemen enjoy: The Flame Warriors by Mike Reed

The funniest thing I find about this site is, as fed up as the author was when he wrote out the roles, he still created a community!

Eh, we love it and we know it. LOL.

Til next time.
Karen

Tidewater Komen Race For The Cure

2009-06-04T15:08:00.002-04:00

For the fourth year in a row, I have accepted the challenge to raise funds to support the Tidewater Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure in its efforts to end breast cancer forever,which a woman has a 1 in 8 chance of developing in her lifetime. I will also take part in the Komen Tidewater Race for the Cure as part
of this program.

Please help support me in this important project by contributing
generously to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Your tax-deductible
contribution will fund services in the Tidewater and Southeast
Virginia area that include education, screening, treatment and patient
support.. It is faster and easier than ever to support this great
cause - you can make your donation online by simply clicking on the
link here: http://www.info-komen.org/goto/raceforginni

Whatever you can give will help...it all adds up!
I greatly appreciate your support and will keep you posted on my
progress.

Sincerely,

Karen West

Trace's Journey site news

2009-06-03T11:26:00.004-04:00

For several years now, I have been keeping my sister's website www.tracesjourney.com updated for her. She asked me to take it over about 2 years before she passed. She would always keep me up to date with the content that she wanted added to the site.

Recently, I felt moved to take the site to a new direction. I really believe it was her inspiring me.

After meeting so many survivors and new patients with different concerns, I decided it was time to address questions and post helpful links on Ginni's site for ALL cancer survivors. I am hoping to receive input from health care professionals and those in the health insurance field. I am collecting information from reliable sources for those in need. There are some who are uninsured and underinsured who are frightened and need to know where to turn. There are others with family history and symptoms who are unable to get an appointment quickly because of the influx of patients in doctor's offices due to influenza, and they're stressing. There are others who have been diagnosed and are being treated, but are going through depressive periods and "chemo-brain". These are just a few areas of concern.

If anyone knows of links to helpful websites, please feel free to share them with me here, or email karen@tracesjourney.com. If you are in the healthcare field, I would love any information you can share about cancer, research, questions for the physician, etc. From survivors, I would really love to hear from you. What were your concerns when you were first diagnosed? How did you handle the situation? Your experience could help someone else in their time of need. At www.tracesjourney.com, there is an area for survivors to begin their own blog and you may feel free to use it. Anything you can share about your experience and how you are recovering can be very beneficial.

Trace's Journey is also on Twitter. Follow us at www.twitter.com/TracesJourney

My brother Ken and I are in the process of reworking the site. Whatever suggestions you can offer for content that would help those battling cancer and their caregivers is most gratefully appreciated.

Thank you so MUCH!

Here's to doing our part to raise awareness, and help end cancer forever...

Karen

www.thatsucks.net

2009-04-14T20:18:00.003-04:00

Tomorrow, April 15th, is National "That Sucks" Day. It always falls on Tax Day. Tonight, I'm claiming this "That Sucks" Eve. Having a sucky evening. Got a headache and I'm not sure if it's all that pollen or just stress. Even though I don't know what the heck I'd be stressing about. I don't feel any stress.
Oh yeah. I take that back. Just bought a black car and besides the pollen, a Condor flew over and did his bidness all over the hood! And it rained. So it's now runny pollen and Condor poo. Sigh. Maybe that's why I got this sucky headache. Tried taking Tylenol, but that sucked. Didn't work at all. Still throbbin'. Wondering if a pot of coffee and a bag of Oreos would help? Nah, that would suck. I'd be up all night and I can't do that.

Anyway, I got a headache and it sucks...

But my hair looks cute.

So there's an upside to this story.

Going to bed now.

Hope you have an unsucky Tax Day.

Just thinking out loud, (and that hurts!)

Karen

"Minute 6"

2009-04-07T11:30:00.007-04:00

Tomorrow marks the 4 year anniversary of Ginni's passing. Somehow, it only feels as though it was a couple of months ago. Around this time of year, I have a minor little meltdown. It still hurts. I know some wish I would get over myself, but that's not going to happen they way they expect it to. I have to do it my own way. Ginni was a major part of my life. There were days when Ginni was my backbone when I freaked out over insignificant dramas. And there were days when I held her up when she took her "5 minute cry." And I now use her "minute 6" tool to get through those meltdowns. Let me explain.

Ginni told me that I was allowed to mourn for 5 minutes...and on minute six, I needed to get over myself. It didn't matter how many 5 minute intervals I took...just as long as I took the sixth minute to look at the blessings that I do have.

Today started out particularly rough for me. Four years ago today, I rushed Ginni to Portsmouth Naval Hospital in a last ditch effort to save her life. When we're in situations where we have no control, we do unexplainable things in order to get the ball back in our court. People will stare and think we've totally lost our minds. Example, you're on an airplane and you're frightened. You don't go to sleep because you believe the pilot may need your help if there's a crisis. Yeah, that mentality. Funny, huh?

I took her to the hospital that day and told every medical professional there that we had to go back to National Institutes of Health for our stem cell trial because she was too weak for the surgery and will have to continue when she feels better. (NIH actually sent us home so she could be with her family on her last days.) I told them all that Ginni just needed to be hydrated or something. They humored me and they took her back to examine her. It wasn't long before I was paid a visit by several doctors to give me the devastating truth. One I knew already, but one I wasn't ready to accept. I had to let her go. At 1:50 am the following morning, she opened her eyes to heaven and then closed them for the last time.

Today, I'm thinking about the 5 minute rule, and on the sixth minute I count the blessings. I remember a week before Ginni died, we were visited by family and friends. Ginni was asked what she had done over the years that she hadn't seen these people. She said, "I got to travel to beautiful places in the world like Germany. I had three beautiful children. I went to college after I was diagnosed with breast cancer and got me a little degree...and worked in family law. I have done so much in my little life and I am grateful."

I think about that day and reflect on all the wonderful things that I have done in my "little" life too. If I were to leave this earth tomorrow, I would know that I too had done so many things in my own "little" life. I learned to scuba dive and dove shipwrecks in the graveyard of the Atlantic. I learned to ride a motorcycle and rode my bike to so many beautiful places. I've met so many people and celebrities...and some are still very good friends. I learned to dance for the local Dancing With Our Stars event and had so much fun, continued to take lessons. I gave my sister my stem cells. I got to be part of a clinical trial at National Institutes of Health. I got to be part of the healing process! I helped raise money for various cancer charities and have met so many wonderful survivors who benefit from the research...and their positive outlook on life had helped me become a stronger and better person. I have written two books to benefit the cause. I have FOUR gorgeous daughters and awesome grandchildren. A loving dog and cat who worship me whenever they see me.

So yes, If today were my last day on earth, I can honestly say that I've had a full little life. And for that, I am so grateful and blessed.

This post was my "minute 6." Thank you Ginni for leaving me with that tool to help me through the tough times. I love you.

Karen

Aww shucks. It was nothin' but dumb luck.

2009-03-06T09:29:00.007-05:00

I thought I had Mercury in Retrograde as an excuse for this weird week, but I just checked and that doesn't happen again til May.

Still, it was a weird week for stuff. First of all, SNOW in Hampton Roads on the second day of March. Well, that messed us all up. And I'm just like most everybody out there and I don't wanna drive in that mess. So, I had somebody else drive me. Somebody who has experience with snow storms in the Northern parts of these here United States. Yeah, I'm a chicken. But I got to the job okay. Can't say much for a lot of other folks. There were piles of torn up cars on interstate 64...there was even one that was upside down! Anyway, it took nearly 3 hours to get in that morning and nearly 2 hours to get home. Next day, it took me 2 hours to get to work and 2 to get home. No more snow on the ground. The same for Wednesday and Thursday. I did NOT understand that one bit! Usually, at the time I commute, there may be a backup about once or twice a week. NOT every day! So, it was just plumb weird. I did notice that there were big chunks of ice on the road inside the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel for several days in a row. I know they keep that tunnel pretty clean, so I'm assuming that this may be ice debris from our cars and trucks. Ice chunks flying from vehicles is probably what caused most of the wrecks inside the tunnel this week. We all should really do our part to make sure that we don't have that stuff on our cars before we take off on our commute. Every little bit helps, ya know?

Tammy had a weird time too. A couple of days ago, she had to go to Portsmouth Naval Hospital to get a Neupogen shot. For those who don't know, Tammy is a cancer survivor. She came down with this rotten flu that's been going around, and she had to do what was necessary to take care of herself. Her immune system is compromised enough, she didn't need to try to fight this cold if her body wasn't going to help her out. Well, TWO vehicles gave her trouble. The battery died in her car so she took her mother's, which ended up flashing the "check engine" light for one reason or another...and started acting all funky and stuff. Good news is, she got to her destination. And today, she's feeling a little better. Back to her crazy old self. I know. I talked to her this morning and she's ready to kick my butt if I don't pick her up and take her to get a Starbucks soon. I'm trying to get over the flu myself, so I won't be able to defend myself. I guess I'll pick her up tomorrow for coffee. Sheesh. Anyway, I'm happy she's feeling better.

Anyway, long story short, the planets aren't lined up all funny, so all the crazy stuff was just chance. And a gentle reminder to take a deep breath...and practice patience. None of this stuff was life altering. Not worth the extra worry that ends up being taxing on the body. It's also a reminder to be more conscientious about our vehicles!

Choose your battles wisely, and save your energy for the REAL war. (Thank you Ginni)

By the way, I really don't believe in that "Mercury In Retrograde" thingy. It might be true, I don't know. But yeah, it's fun to think about when things look weirder than usual.

Potty Talk...

2009-03-04T13:16:00.005-05:00

For years, there has been a general debate in my world about the strangest topics dealing with the family bathroom. We can't seem to all agree on it, so we agree to disagree.

Let's start with topic one - Toilet Paper: Over? Or under? My husband and I agree that the toilet paper should feed OVER. GOOD! Because I'd have to divorce him. I'd hate to have to explain that in divorce court. My grandparents? Well, I don't know how we grew up with them. They prefer theirs to feed UNDER. My sis Ginni used to go in all of their bathrooms and flip the TP around. Whenever Gramma came out of the potty, she was fit to be tied. I don't think my Granddaddy really minded. Just so long as there was toilet paper and he didn't have to replace the roll. My best friend Tammy? 99 percent of the time, she doesn't even put the TP on the roll. I guess she just wants to avoid conflict. Odd. I've never known her to be a big chicken. So anyway, which way do you prefer? Over? Or under? Don't say that UNDER is the proper way to hang the toilet paper, because I can guarantee you that there will be a big discussion going on here. Unless you don't mind debates, then let 'er rip...uh, the debate, that is.

Topic two: Reading in the powder room. I have TWO friends who feel strongly about this. (I can't believe it!) Neither one of them believe in reading in the potty. Not at ALL. No matter HOW long you plan to stay in there. One of my friends says that it ain't natural. I say, "whut?" Not even the back of a shampoo bottle? Nope. He claims that you should do your bidness and get the heck out....and for nearly 30 minutes, he stood on his soapbox about why one should not read in the potty. I don't remember a danged thing he said. But if I had to guess why he was so hotheaded about the subject, I'd say that he was raised in a houseful of sisters and only one bathroom. My other friend who doesn't believe in reading in the potty just said, "I don't read in the bathroom", and that's it. She didn't bore us with the details. Lord, I love her. But I don't agree with her. I mean, after all...

...even Storm Troopers read in the loo.

And that's good enough for me.

Just thinking out loud. Until next time...

Karen

A new day...

2009-03-03T13:04:00.002-05:00

It's been a few days since I blogged my feelings about my experience at one particular emergency room. I know it's not a popular opinion. It was borderline controversial. I rarely get involved with controversial subjects. I don't even like to talk politics with friends, family or anybody! But sometimes you just have to stand up for what's right. I know this post has ticked off a couple of people, but that's not going to deter me from speaking up about it. And I hope that because I did, I made a positive difference.

Let me clear up a few things. I do not have a problem with medical professionals at all. If you know me, then you know that I admire them. I work close with several, and I respect them. My problem is this: I've had TWO bad experiences at ONE particular ER. Front desk only. I had only been there twice and both times the experience was deplorable. What set me off was the two women who worked the front desk when I arrived two weeks ago. I never made it to triage...heck, Ginni didn't even make it to triage, so I have no opinion or experience with any other part of that department. I walked out once the two tried to push me off on each other. This happened right in front of me! Like I wasn't even there! I knew I was in trouble, especially when neither would make eye contact with me. I walked out the best I could. I probably looked drunk, and they probably assumed that I was. And they both let me go, just like that. I didn't see whether either one of them even looked up. But my guess is, probably not. If my husband would have known which hospital I was going to after our experience with Ginni, he would have never let me go there. I had assumed that this was something that rarely happened, so the previous experience didn't even cross my mind. Besides, I was in so much pain, I had to get to the closest one. Maybe this was God's way of saying that something is still not right with that place and it was time to speak out. This went beyond disturbing when one of our posters here had a problem at the same hospital. I know, because she emailed her experience to me with the name of the hospital. She too was told to go there by her doctor. She never made it to triage either. She went to another hospital and was hospitalized for three days.

I am very grateful to the woman who took over the front desk there by the time my husband arrived to ask for the names of the women. She knew what happened and was genuinely concerned. She offered to help, but my husband had already taken me elsewhere. She gave my husband the names and the hotline number. I am grateful to the woman from the hotline who called my husband back. I just found out that I met her at the Relay for Life last year. Great lady.

The lady at the front desk at the ER that eventually took care of me was nothing but respectful and helpful. Not just to me, but to everyone. Matter of fact, I took my daughter to that same ER a couple of months ago. She had broken her leg in two places. We had to wait a little bit, but the lady working the front desk was even-tempered, helpful and got the job done. There was only one of her and nearly a full house. She was there when I arrived two weeks ago. When she saw the woman with messy hair, no make-up, sweats and a long ratty coat come in complaining of chest pains, she didn't see somebody coming in for a "free ride", she immediately went and got a nurse to put me on an EKG. It was done, over. She was already on to the next patient. She did not judge me when I walked in the door and for that, I'm grateful.

Therefore, I cannot agree with this statement from the first anonymous poster,

The unfortunate part is that the ER has grown a tolerance to suffering since nearly EVERY PERSON who presents reports symptoms as if they were on death's door, as if to drum up sympaty or a sense of urgency from the hospital staff.

Those first words, "grown a tolerance to suffering" floored me. This kind of thinking can completely wipe away the hope of anyone who enters ER requiring care. But I feel safe to say that this is NOT the attitude of everybody who works in ER, so the person who wrote this CANNOT speak for ALL.

My husband did NOT detect that attitude at all with the woman who took over the front desk at the hospital in question. And I surely didn't see that with the woman who worked at the second hospital. She treated everyone with respect.

In conclusion, my advice to the first two posters and the two women at the front desk of Hospital A is this: Do NOT have a preconceived notion of what the next patient is like, otherwise, that patient's family may have grounds for a lawsuit.

Please read this. I don't want this happening to anyone else.

2009-02-26T10:11:00.008-05:00

I am very VERY raw in my heart and my head, and I need to get this out in the open. Maybe my story will help someone else in the future, and will encourage hospital workers to turn in their co-workers if they suspect them of being negligent with their patients. (The hospitals names, with the exception of National Institutes of Health, are not mentioned to protect those who work there and care about their patients.)

Let me start with a month before my sister Ginni passed. March of 2005. Before our last trip to National Institutes of Health to continue our stem cell trial, Ginni was suffering from so much bone pain, she needed some relief. I was told to take her up to the closest hospital ER and have them contact NIH. Anyway, I was still at work at the time..so my family took her to (hospital A) and I met them there. When I got there, Ginni was in the waiting room...wearing a mask...around a full room of people with the sniffles. The hospital front desk had already been informed and had her paperwork detailing her illness. (Those who followed our story know that her immune system was zapped to make room for my immune system that she was about to receive.) When I got to (hospital A) and saw Ginni in pain in that waiting room (and had been there for an hour), I took action. I went to the receptionist, and explained that Ginni had cancer, had no immune system, and had to get away from sick people a.s.a.p. The receptionist didn't listen. I took Ginni's scarf off her head and told them to look at her. Still nothing. Then I said to move her NOW. At that time, they immediately took Ginni to a room and away from all of the sick people. There, I sat with her...and we waited another two hours. Ginni was in excruciating pain but needed to go to the bathroom and asked me to help her there. I did. Ginni was there less than 5 minutes. When we got back to the bed, somebody was in her bed!!!! We asked the woman why she was there and she said the nurse had just brought her in there. At that time, Ginni said to take her home. We would make the drive up to NIH the next day. Ginni said that all (hospital A) saw when she arrived was dollar signs.

Fast forward to two weeks ago. For a few months, I had been suffering from heart palpitations. Original diagnosis in November at (hospital B ER) was atrial fibrillation brought on by low potassium. I was put on a beta blocker by ER and given 2 potassium supplements and referred to a cardiologist. Cardiologist said my potassium was still too low and gave me a prescription for 30 days. And to continue taking the other prescriptions I had. My family doctor told me to stay on the beta blocker, so I did. The palpitations steadily starting getting worse....two weeks ago, I suffered chest pain and could barely get out of bed. I didn't want to disturb anybody...so I stupidly drove myself to ER. (hospital A ER. The same one where Ginni had the horrible experience.) I went to the front desk and there were two women there. Neither one would look up to acknowledge me. I said I need help and I was having chest pains. Still, neither would acknowledge me. I know they heard me. I then said that I was going to sit down because I was in pain. A couple of minutes later, a woman came up and grabbed a pad and started filling it out. A pad that was not on the front desk when I arrived. She took the pad back up to the two women and they gave her a beeper like you'd get if you were waiting for a table at Outback Steakhouse. I went back up to the desk and told them I had been waiting and I needed help. I was having chest pains. One of them finally looked up and said, "You need to let somebody know you're here." I told her I did. And then the two women started fighting over who WASN'T going to help me. Both were way to busy. My chest hurt so bad. I walked out the door and back to my car. I couldn't drive anymore. I called my husband and told him what happened. He came to ER and picked me up and took me to another ER. When I got to (hospital B) ER, my pulse was down to 50 and dropping. My blood pressure was 90/60. After the tests were run, it was the beta blocker that was doing it and the ER doctor said to get off of it immediately and he called my cardiologist.

I am now off the beta blocker and no palpitations at all. The cardiologist ran more test and told me that I am predisposed to low potassium and it's dangerous to get as low as I did. I'm on a potassium rich diet and a higher dose of potassium TFN. I feel so much better.

Anyway, I contacted (hospital A) via email twice and they have not responded to either email. My husband got the names of both women at (hospital A) while I was in (hospital B) ER. There was another woman at the desk of (hospital A) who was aware of what happened with me, and gave him the names and the hot line number. She also told him that those women should not have let me walk out of there...chest pains are always to be taken straight back.

Well, he called the hot line and hasn't heard anything yet either.

I don't want ANYTHING out of this except that NO ONE ever be treated like this again. I am NOT a lawsuit kind of girl. I AM one who protects those with illness, and I'll be damned if I ever see another cancer patient go through what Ginni did. Or a heart patient die because of negligence.

I DO encourage you to share this with your friends and family and those who are health care providers and encourage them to speak up against those who are neglecting patients. It is not my intention to trash the health care industry. It is my desire to do my part to help make it better. It is also my desire to clear my heart of what happened so I can move on. I'm still very raw because of this.

I hope you can all understand.

Thank you for reading.

Karen

**Update** (Hospital A) has contacted me via email to say that my original email has been forwarded and I should hear something soon.

***Update #2***: I want to thank the ER Administrator at (hospital A) for contacting me and telling me that strides have been made to improve employee/patient communication in ER. She also told me what should have happened, but did not on that day and did apologize for it. Apology accepted. And what I really wanted has been done. To fix the problem. After the conversation I had with her, I believe she will make sure that happens. I hope to rest better knowing that the next emergency case is going to be taken care of properly. Perhaps I should have taken that matter to the ER administrator when Ginni's care was so poor. But Ginni's health was failing, and she was all I could think about. I didn't have the energy. Anyway, if I can help it, it won't happen to anyone else.

By the way...if you're ever having chest pains, DON'T drive yourself to the hospital. Get someone else, or call an ambulance. Okay? Just don't do it. I did, and that was stupid.

Update #3: I think I need to clarify in light of the two recent comments: My family doctor told me to go to ER and knew I was on the way.

Random thoughts....

2009-02-25T13:12:00.004-05:00

This mess is just a plethora of stuff rolling through my head right now. Thought I'd stick 'em here so I'd quit thinking about them and think of other stuff that's more important...like Cheez Whiz. By the way, don't ever put Cheez Whiz in the microwave. That mess is nasty.

1.) Even though the Sarah McLaughlin commercial about animal cruelty really touches my heart and has me crying like a depressed goat, I want to know WHY that commercial is run every other hour on the Spike Channel. The MAN channel???? C'mon! To all those goobers who placed that ad in the worst possible places, I've got news for you! Whenever that commercial runs on Spike, my husband gets up and grabs another beer. I'm sure he's not the only man to take a break...I mean that commercial is as long as an infomercial anyway. That's bathroom time with a magazine in tow. You're wasting your advertising dollars.
And shame on you for running it in the middle of "1000 Ways to Die." That's wrong on so many levels.

2.) Okay....NO!!!!!!! NO!!!!! No, to the HAIL NO!!!!! The guy in Quincy, Mass. who's selling the Casey Anthony doll on Ebay: WHAT IN THE BLANK IS WRONG WITH YOU?

Fox News Story

On the upside, you didn't get any bids...BUT, didn't you even feel the least bit sleazy for doing that? YOU....BIG....DUMMY!

3. I like crayons.

4. To all those folks making fun of White House Press Secretary Robert Gibb's pink neckties: The man is tough enough to wear pink! Go Robert Gibbs! Now, if he said that he was wearing it to raise breast cancer awareness, then I'd be an even bigger fan!

You da man, Robert! Don't let anybody tell you any different!

5. Charlie's Seafood in Virginia Beach makes the best She-Crab soup on the planet. And I'm gonna get me some for dinner!

Okay, that's it. My brain is empty now. No comments from my friends, or I'll tell everybody how many brain cells you guys operate on. It ain't pretty, I swear.

Still thinking out loud,
Karen

Just call me "Shark Bait."

2009-02-24T12:46:00.008-05:00

Where did this month go??? Oh yeah, it's a short one...I plumb forgot.

Anyway, it's time for me to update this. I've had 84,000 things go on this month and I don't feel like getting into any of that. Boooooooooring. Whiney........and downright pathetic. So let me just take this time to delve into other people's bidness.

Octo-Mom. I'm sick of hearing about her. Even bad publicity IS publicity and I think she's enjoying any she can get. So I ain't giving her any NO MORE after this. I'm done. She's crazy. Okay, now I'm done.

The Oscars. Boy were THEY crap. I don't even know if the movies were good or not because I hadn't seen any of them. Not even Batman. I don't like Batman. Why wasn't "Nights In Rodanthe" nominated? Oh, that's right. To borrow a phrase from my brother-in-law Emile, "Horses on a beach." I guess that means it was too "chick-ish." I was probably the only one who loved it. Or the only one who admits it.

The Economy. Dang. I wish the media would try to give us a little inkling of hope. I would love to wake up one morning and not hear the word "economy" in every other sentence. I actually read where beer sales and shark attacks are down because of the economy, LIKE THAT'S A BAD THING. Now I ask...what the hell??? Those stories should have had a more positive tone! People are not drinking themselves to death because of the economy. And about that shark attack story. That thing should not have been written. Shark attacks are down because nobody can afford to take a vacation? OMG...I almost wrote a letter to the editor. PLEASE, try to keep "the economy" out of this one, will ya??? Why couldn't it have been explained that more people are aware of shark attacks after the influx of attacks over the last few years, and they are being more careful? No...of COURSE not! A story like that won't sell papers. HEY, I couldn't afford to take a vacation last year either...but I live at the BEACH! What about those of us who live at the beaches, huh? What about me??? Want I should jump in the water and ring a dinner bell or something? "Karen West stimulates the economy by throwing herself to the sharks." Please.

No, I'm not drinking. I can't afford it. Bad economy, ya know.
I'm just thinking out loud.

Til next time,
Karen

People in the news that I would just love to slap.

2009-02-03T22:02:00.003-05:00

Some may not agree with me for what I'm about to rant about, but I have to get it off my chest before I scream.

About the woman in California who just gave birth to Octuplets. Sure, she made news. Thank God all the children were born alive...and I am going to pray every day that these children are taken care of. Why? Because this mother scares the be-heebies out of me. She's making demands? She's charging Oprah 2.2 millions dollars for an interview that Oprah hasn't even asked for yet? She's shopping for book deals, etc.? Yeah, she stands to make a mint for having all of those babies. She is unemployed, single, has other children, and her parents living with her. She had artificial insemination. Where in the Sam Hell did she get the money for that??? Her parents have had to bail her out of financial trouble before. She doesn't sound like she's all together. Those poor babies. :(

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/health/2009/02/03/kaye.octuplet.mom.cnn

Next up on my list of people I would like to slap. Some of the survivors from the United Airlines flight that made the landing in the Hudson River? It's not enough to be grateful to be alive. Some even said that United was too busy patting themselves on the back to do anything for them monetarily.
Let me get this straight. They survived. United started them out with 5000 to replace the baggage they lost, they are working with the insurance companies to pay above and beyond after the investigation is over, and a handful of the passengers are already holding their hands out and complaining??? OH MY GOD!!! COULD YOU GIVE IT SOME TIME??? Find out what's happening with the insurance first! You're looking WAY too greedy! Kiss the family that you almost left behind! Thank God that you were given another chance! Bite your tongue with your complaints and be glad that United is not having to pay for funerals. I agree the passengers deserve fair compensation for what happened, even though the problem was caused by a flock of geese, but these complaints of theirs just make them sound like they are not grateful to be alive. I'm really sick about this. But...we should have known it was going to happen.

http://www.theinsider.com/news/1612675_Hudson_River_crash_survivors_upset_by_US_Airways_treatment

Technical & Customer Support Rant

2009-01-27T12:53:00.006-05:00

Today, I think I am fed up with asking for technical or customer support for anything. Either the technicians I deal with think EVERYBODY is a moron, or they just don't want to deal with us. Either way, they'd better starting caring...or get another job.

Case in point, twice now I've had issues with a website I used to publish my latest book. I had used them before...for research and uploading. When I had these issues, I did EVERY possible thing I could do on my end. Clear cache, history, reboot, try another computer on another server, etc. When all of that failed, I emailed customer support to tell them the problem, give them the error messages and tell them what I have done on my end to try to remedy the problem, I got an email explaining that I should clear cache, history, reboot...etc, etc, etc, the same thing that I had already done. It was not a form letter, it was the "solution" to my problem. I sent them another email and told them to read the letter again. Two weeks later, I got an email that said that they were having some website issues at that time. Funny, because the first question I asked them on the original email was, "Are there problems with your site today?"

Today, Snopes.com got on my last nerve. I am neither a customer nor did I need technical support, but I was still treated like an imbecile. I received an email forward that I hadn't seen before. I always go to Snopes.com first to see if it's just another email hoax or what. Found nothing. Used their search and tried every keyword possible. I also Google-searched for more info on the email. Granny LiePie said it was false but didn't say why...it was just their opinion. I had never heard of Granny LiePie, so I kept searching. The rest of the pages were just copies of the email I received. Nothing about whether it was true or false. I submitted it to Snopes.com. I told them that I had tried searching their site and nothing. I received an email an hour later telling me that they covered this on their site...and I should try using their search to find it! Didn't even give me the link to where they covered it! Arrrrrrrrrgh. Are you KIDDING ME?

I ain't even gonna try to call any of these techs. Why should I? So I can go through hours of voice prompts? Or get the same answers when I finally DO get a human?

If these people don't wake up, they're going to be the subject of my next book: "Big Dummies: Volume 2". I ain't playing.

WE ARE NOT STUPID! QUIT TREATING US AS THOUGH WE ARE!

Nuf said.

I need a nap.

Til next time,

Karen

GAH!!!

2009-01-26T13:38:00.003-05:00

Know why bears hibernate? Cuz the weather is crap.

Cold and cloudy weather makes me sleeeeeeeeeeeeepy too! I could drink up the Kiln Creek Starbucks store's supply of espresso and this crappy weather would still make me wanna put on my flannels and grab my blankey. I could sleep for 14 hours straight and still have Samsonite baggage under my eyes.

Suckage. :( I want SPRING! Wah.

Coming February!

2009-01-17T14:14:00.006-05:00

Buy it online here!

All proceeds sponsor the "Race For Ginni" team at the 2009 Tidewater Affiliate Race For The Cure in October at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront!

Karen, the wannabe author!

2009-01-10T09:23:00.005-05:00

Big Dummies - Volume 1 is now finished and awaiting a February release. It's a collection of my favorite and most memorable big dummy stories that were too good not to share. It's a quick read, cute little bathroom reader and ALL of the proceeds will sponsor the "Race For Ginni" team at the 2009 Race For The Cure at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront.

Big Dummies - Volume 1 will be available at Eagle roadshows for a mere 10 bucks. For 10 bucks, you can laugh at someone else's expense and save lives at the same time. They will also be available online, (but it'll be more expensive to buy 'em that way. You know, the company who makes 'em and sells 'em online wants their share!) So I encourage you to buy them at roadshows. That way I can sign 'em for ya and meet ya face to face.

Big Dummies - Volume 2: A Dummy a Day for a Year is now in the works! I've been working on it since before the holidays. There are a few fun ideas that my friends have suggested for the book, and they are on the drawing board already! I'm really looking forward to making them work. I will keep you up to date.

I'm also working on a collection of Angel stories. I have been receiving lots of email with personal stories since the "Angels" segment aired on WVEC-TV last November. I have been journaling them in my own words, along with a few of my own, for personal inspiration. Not sure what I'm going to do with them yet, but if there is interest in the project, I may release it as a special for the holidays to benefit childhood cancer research. I'm mulling that idea around.

Anyway, besides hanging out with you guys, I have planned a very good 2009 for myself and I'm looking forward to every minute!

Look for Big Dummies - Volume 1 at a roadshow near you!

Karen

Great website...

2008-12-30T11:11:00.003-05:00

Tired of hearing about frivolous lawsuits? It angers me to hear about these things and the millions of dollars that are being awarded for some of the craziest things! I hope this site is going to be able to help people who are victims of those suits.

www.facesoflawsuitabuse.org

Happy New Year?

2008-12-30T10:29:00.000-05:00

New Year's Eve in Brasstown, NC looks like it would be a blast! I've never been to a possum drop before. I mean, I HAVE seen a possum drop before...late at night...while I was sitting on the porch. He fell out of my big old oak tree and scared the hell out of me. My dog took off after it...thinking he was protecting me and all. Anyway, that possum wasn't all dressed up in Christmas lights. He snuck that one in on me and it was no fun.

BUT...if I was prepared for a possum to drop a midnight on New Year's Eve, I might enjoy that. And that's what they do down there in Brasstown.

See? http://www.clayscorner.com/new-years-eve.shtml

Here's a shocker, they don't serve no beer! Not even for the little critter that's gotta do the stunt for our entertainment.

And people dress up in funny outfits on purpose!!!! With absolutely NO BEER!

And no fear either! They'll face Peta totally sober. Ain't that cool?

Wish I could go, but oh well. There's next year.

Happy New Year!!!!

Don't poke the penquin!

2008-12-29T19:11:00.000-05:00

Just another cheezy Sunday...

2008-12-28T16:18:00.003-05:00

I've got my butt firmly planted on the futon in the "Man Room." Hubby is watching football with the boys. I figured since he had a 65 inch Hi Def TV in the man room...and he aint here...then he wouldn't mind if I watched Lifetime Movies on something other than a 32".

Well, no matter how big the TV screen, Lifetime movies still suck. Predictable pieces of fluff that usually star Melissa Gilbert, Jacqueline Smith, Tracey Gold or Josie Bissett. But it's my guilty pleasure. And I'm going to act like I can't guess the plot of any of this crap.

Only thing is missing is the chocolate. Kids ate it all. Dang.

Chia Pets everywhere!

2008-12-22T12:30:00.003-05:00

I thought I would post my story on this here blog about my traumatic experience with a Chia Pet (it's a pretty funny story, actually)...but decided to include it as a last minute entry in my new book "Big Dummies: Volume 1." Sorry. I'm trying to make some money to help find a cure for breast cancer and if there is a chance that a Chia Pet is the key, then I'm gonna use it. :D

Big Dummies: Volume 1 will be available in February. Keep watching this spot for more details!

Be careful what you wish for!

2008-12-18T10:57:00.002-05:00

All I wanted was some peace and quiet. Just enough peace and quiet so I can actually get some things done that I've been putting off for so long. So here I am. Allie at work, Gabby at school, husband at work, Tucker in the backyard. Just me and Sharkbait the cat. And I have a PILE of big-azzed presents that need to be wrapped! YIKES! I need HELP! The only help I have is Sharkbait...and I tell you what! If she doesn't quit getting into all the ribbons and paper and boxes, I'm going to wrap her little butt up and give her to the boss for Christmas!

I'm getting NOTHING done.

Merry Christmas.

Crap. I'm going to have a Merry Christmas...dagnabbit!

2008-12-17T19:37:00.003-05:00

I've been hibernating in my Pink Ribbon room for the past few days. Thinking, contemplating, writing. It's been a pretty crappy couple of days.

This past Monday, I had 4 doctor's appointments. Just needed to get them all overwith in one shot. Didn't think much of them until all of the calls that pretty much told me that I am falling apart little by little. An arm here, a leg here, yada, yada, yada.

I had two cardiologists appointments to find out why I have atrial fibrillation. Well, my heart looks fine...that's the good news. Still have to take medication for potassium deficiency...and now I've been diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Okay, so I'm on Synthroid for the rest of my life. I can deal with it. I have to deal with that. I should have known. It runs in my family.

Well, the breast clinic called too. The compressed area in the right breast that was biopsied a couple of years ago doesn't look so great right now. I need more films done this Friday and more tests to find out what's going on. Good grief. Can I catch a break here???

The good news is, I KNOW I'm going to come out on top. I trust My God. I'm just going to do what I have to do and not worry. As my sister Ginni used to say, "Stay in today."

So, I'm going to have myself a Merry Christmas...and after this is all over, I'm going to have myself a great big beer...on somebody else's tab! Cheers!

Holy carp, I'm never gonna get any sleep.

2008-12-09T00:07:00.003-05:00

Not that it's a bad thing, ya know. My husband gave me one of my Christmas presents early. A nice 32 inch flat screen TV for my pink room. He and our radio engineer friend John installed it on the wall on Sunday, and I've been in here vegging ever since. I even added a little electric "wood stove" with alleged realistic flame in my room to make it more cozy. And it IS. A virtual mini-vacation in here! So here I am, at midnight, hanging in the pink room...which is now being dubbed as the "woman cave" by my co-worker Mark McKay. I may never see my family again!

All I need is a garden tub. There's still time to talk to Santa.

uhhhhhhhhhhhhh muh gawd.....

2008-11-21T10:35:00.002-05:00

Gentlemen, please don't get mad at me for what I'm about to say. I love all you guys and I'm sure in your own way, you understand. Shopping for Christmas presents for you guys sucks! Good grief.

I asked my hubby what he wants for Christmas and he gave me that same old crispy answer he gives me every year. "I really don't want anything dear." Please. What the heck kind of answer is that for a woman with a mall to conquer and a credit card to max??? Is he really trying to kill me? It's the ONLY time of year I can get away with spending money without getting yelled at til at least February. Please guys. Don't deny us this fun. We're going to find out what you want for Christmas anyway. Don't waste our time. Tell us. If you tell us now, we may be able to find it at a HUGE discount on Black Friday! And we'll leave you alone and go up in the attic and dig out that sleeping bag we're gonna use to sleep out in front of that store for 36 hours. You save money, we're not in your hair on Black Friday, it's a win-win situation. And we can all have a Merry Christmas.

Your Friend,
Karen

I practice what I preach...

2008-11-18T12:00:00.003-05:00

Well...most of the time anyway. LOL. When it comes to this, I really do.

I do...from the bottom of my heart...want cancer to go bye-bye and leave us all alone. I am an advocate to help fight breast cancer and childhood cancer. There are others who lend their voices to help fight other cancers. The reason we choose to devote our efforts towards one cancer or another is not because we don't want other cancers to be cured first, it's because we have experience in that particular area. It's what we know. Our lives were affected and we know more of those big words and more about side effects of certain chemos than we wanted to know. So we don't throw away that experience. We use it for good. We need all of us in all areas to keep speaking. We're helping others in need. The newly diagnosed, the caregiver, the new volunteer, the medical community, etc. ALL of us need to speak out and raise the awareness that cancer can strike anyone, anywhere, anytime. It's time for us to fight back.

So here are my words to you today. I am having my yearly mammogram at 3:15 today. If you are due or overdue for one, call and make your appt. today! Okay? Okay.

Until next time,
Karen

Some may think I'm crazy...but that's okay.

2008-11-12T14:13:00.000-05:00

I'm comfortable in my own skin.

Tomorrow night...

2008-11-10T10:15:00.007-05:00

(photo courtesy of Monica Cusick)

I believe in angels. And you will see how much I truly believe in them tomorrow night at 11 on WVEC-TV 13 news. I want to thank LaSalle Blanks of 13 News for taking an interest in my story and the time and compassion he put into it to tell it for me.

For those who are out of the area and want to see the story, it will be available this week at www.eagle97.com as our video of the day.

Again,thank you LaSalle.

It's Coming....

2008-11-03T12:14:00.002-05:00

Do you believe in Angels? I definitely DO!

November 11th at 11 pm. WVEC-TV 13.

Thank you SOOO MUCH!!!

2008-10-22T11:44:00.004-04:00

(photo courtesy of Todd Meigs)

I want to thank everyone who volunteered, donated and walked with Max Media/The Race 4 Ginni at the Komen Affiliate's Race For The Cure last Saturday!

Together, we raised $500 OVER OUR GOAL!!! And secured the largest corporate team for the THIRD YEAR IN A ROW! But MORE importantly, we are doing big things to help put an end to breast cancer FOREVER! What a wonderful birthday gift for my sister. And what a wonderful celebration of life gift for ALL of our survivor friends and families!

I can't thank you all enough for all the hard work this year. I'm sending you a virtual BIG BEAR HUG! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!

Angels...

2008-10-20T12:30:00.005-04:00

Do you believe in angels?

I do.

11/11/08 at 11.

More....

2008-10-16T10:17:00.001-04:00

I believe in Angels....

November 11th.

~*~

2008-10-13T12:52:00.000-04:00

Do you believe in Angels?

I do.

Watch this space.

Happy Birthday, Sweet Ginni

2008-10-10T09:47:00.003-04:00

I love you and I miss you so much.

Love,
Sis

Squirrels. Flippin' squirrels.

2008-10-09T12:06:00.014-04:00

Squirrels are cute, fluffy, loveable from a distance...but oh the aggravation and damage those little boogers can cause.

I have this big ole oak tree in my front yard. I mean, HUGE...I mean, has more than likely been there for a hundred years or so. Okay, it's been there a long time. Big dang tree.

And it's seriously full of acorns. I don't know why I'm just now getting around to complaining about it because this mess happens every year:

Squirrels. Hundreds of them. Stocking their supply for the winter. Constantly pelting my head when I sit on the front porch.

And some of those furry-butted critters have the nerve to come up to me and stare. Like they're daring me to say something. Brats.

Whenever I take baby Emma out of the house, I have to put the cover over the car seat so she doesn't get it either.

Yesterday, I sat on my front porch with an umbrella. Listening to the acorns hit the polyester like water torture. No rain, unless you count that it was raining acorns. It was the only way I could enjoy the outdoors.

All of the sudden, from the backyard, I heard my dog Tucker crying the blues. I thought maybe he wanted to sit in the front yard with me. Nope. Seems that the squirrels have begun throwing acorns from the top of the house into the backyard so they can continue to bury their spoils there. And hitting poor Tucker in the head in the process.

I humbly apologize to all the squirrel lovers out there...but right now this is squirrel-hatin' season for me. I'll go back to thinking they're cute and fluffy in the spring, I promise.

I need a motrin for this bangin' headache. And hard hats for me and my dog.

Til next time.

Karen

Why I walk....

2008-09-30T09:58:00.002-04:00

This is my 3rd year as team captain for the "Race For Ginni." Some have seen this video before, but for those who haven't, this one is for you. I made it in 2006 to introduce my team members to my sister Ginni. I'd love for you to meet her too.
And if you can spare some time on October 18th, I'd love for you to walk with me at the Tidewater Affiliate's Race For The Cure. You can sign up today at www.eagle97.com. The last day to join team Max Media/The Race For Ginni is on Ginni's birthday...October 10th. If you are not able to make it, you can still be a part of the team in spirit. All members are welcome. Thank you so much from me....and my angel Ginni.

Update: Thank you!!!!!!!

2008-09-24T19:05:00.004-04:00

You are all proof that there is power in numbers. Prayers were answered. Grandma came through her procedure with flying colors. She's going to make a full recovery. Thank you so much for the prayers. And thanks so much to Mary Immaculate Hospital for the awesome care!!!! I cannot say enough about what a wonderful facility it is.

Another grandchild came into the world yesterday 9/23 at 4:38 pm. His name is Daniel Ian. He is 7 lbs 7 oz and 20 inches long and boy is he a cutie! New cousin Emma came by to visit Daniel. I think she likes him!

Daniel (left), Emma (right)

Whew. It's been a long few days, but I see the light at the end of the tunnel now. The only thing I need now is a little more sleep and the antibiotics to get rid of what's left of his flu and I'll be just fine.

Thank you again for all the well-wishes and the prayers. I don't know how I could have done it without you. But I do know that whenever it becomes overwhelming again, I can depend on you to be there...as you always have.

Love,
Karen

So happy, sad, tired...and need prayers.

2008-09-23T09:42:00.005-04:00

I haven't shared what's been happening in my life lately, but maybe it's time...since I found myself in tears in the boss' office this morning. Right now, my mind is so tired and is craving a day or two of silence, peace of mind, and sleep.

First, the happy part. My new baby grandchild was born at 7:55 am this past Sunday 9/21. Eight and a half pounds, 20 and a quarter inches long and full of dark hair. Her name is Emma Jean and she is just adorable. First child for my daughter Allie. I was in the delivery room. I was the first voice that Emma heard. Now Emma opens her little eyes whenever she hears me. Maybe she listened to my show in utero, I don't know...but it brings me to tears to know that she already knows who her Nana is. Allie and I were up for nearly 3 days straight. So...we're all very tired.

Happy part two. Another one of my daughters Laura was due to have her baby in a week. Well, due to complications of thyroid disease, she is in labor and delivery right now. Her son should be born sometime this afternoon. I'm still awaiting word and praying that she won't have any problems. :(

Now the sad part. My grandmother...the woman who raised me after my mother died...my sweet grandma who I let ride in the front seat of the Malibu...is in the hospital right now. She has been there since Friday. Congestive heart failure and pneumonia. My heart has been so broken. I have been alternating my time between two hospitals since Friday. Happy for the grandbabies, crying for my grandmother. The good news is, doctors were able to get the fluid off of her lungs. The bad news, we saw her heart doctor last night at 8 pm and he wants to perform a heart procedure this afternoon at 3 pm. It is a very necessary surgery. I'm worried. The good thing is, my grandmother is a very strong woman. She has been through so much and has been able to stand on her two feet. I'm just praying that the procedure goes well. I'm ready to bring her home.

Ginni's birthday is around the corner. I'm thinking about her so much right now.

And, I'm still fighting the flu and have been for about 3 weeks. I'm on my second round of antibiotics. Whatever prayers you can share...whatever words you can offer...I will gladly accept them. I'm on the air today and the tears are coming and going. The boss has said that I can go home if I need to...but right now, being with you...this may be good therapy. It was good therapy to get this all out in the open.

Thank you for letting me share.

Karen

In Memory of Ginni, In Honor of Survivors

2008-09-02T11:57:00.001-04:00

To all of my dear friends:

You may know that one in eight women will be stricken with breast cancer in her lifetime. What you may not know is that you can help these women and thousands of others in the fight against breast cancer.

On October 18, 2008, Max Media For A Cure/The Race For Ginni team (in memory of my beloved sister and in honor of survivors) will be celebrating our 3rd big year at the Komen Tidewater Race for the Cure at Neptune's Park on 31st Street at the Virginia Beach oceanfront with a great team of dedicated people. Join the fight by registering as part of our team or by supporting our efforts with a pledge contribution. You can walk, run...or walk in spirit! All members are welcome. The money raised through the Race will fund vital education, screening and treatment programs for underserved women in our own community and support the national search for a cure.

Please join us! There will be special perks for Max Media team members, but more importantly....together we can put an end to breast cancer forever.

For Ginni's story, visit Trace's Journey

To join Max Media For A Cure/The Race For Ginni, visit The Race For Ginni

Playing catch up! UGH!

2008-08-20T11:30:00.002-04:00

Gee, I haven't been HERE in awhile. Life just got in the way, I guess. Busy time and I'm sure most who have a lot on their plates can understand.

Anyhow, shooting for this fall for the official release of my book "Big Dummies, Volume 1" to benefit our local Komen Office. It is loosely based on my show feature "Big Dummy Award" that you can catch at 11:20 am weekdays on 97-3 The Eagle. I originally intended for it to be released this past spring, but had to put it on the back burner. We will begin shooting pictures for the book and cover next month and will hopefully have it all together by October. I am planning to have it available just in time for holiday shopping! :D

Okay, enough of my lamenting about being all behind and stuff. I asked my 22 year old daughter Laura to give me an interesting subject to talk about on my blog so I can take my mind off of my honey-do list. She says to talk about "pie." Pie??? What kind of pie? Apple? Cherry? Pie Chart? Pie in the face? Whut? She said talk about pumpkin pie. I said okay, I'll try. So here goes.

Ode to Pumpkin Pie

Oh...pumpkin pie,
You are so yummy!
But you remind me of Thanksgiving
And the deadline for Big Dummies.

Crap. Maybe next time, Laura.

To Gabby

2008-06-16T12:07:00.002-04:00

I know how sad you were yesterday, baby. You didn't say anything...and you didn't have to. Your friends were celebrating Father's Day with their fathers and you were remembering yours. Believe me, I understand what you are feeling. I lost my mother when I was 13 years old. The same age you were when your father passed away. I know it's hard. Especially when so much is going on in your young life...your sweet sixteen birthday coming up in just a few days and how you wish so much that your father could be there. I've been there too, baby.

Just know that though he left this earth, that he never ever left you. He loved you more than his own life...and he continues to love you in heaven.

I Love You,
Mom

Heat Waaaaaaaaaaaaave!

2008-06-11T14:46:00.004-04:00

Yesterday, we had 100+ degrees in Hampton Roads, Virginia. Today we have 85. They say: If you don't like the weather in Virginia, MOVE TO BOISE, IDAHO ya big dummy!

Yeah, that'll learn ya to complain about the weather.

Until next time,

Karen (see ya at the beach!)

Oh Mah Garsh

2008-06-10T14:30:00.005-04:00

I'm going to non-bloggin' hell. I haven't written anything in over a MONTH! Well, if it helps ease my mind, I haven't done my laundry in over a month either. I'm just wearing all the clean stuff I got and when it runs out, I'll load it in the trunk of the 2008 Malibu I'm driving courtesy of Chevrolet (plenty of trunk space! Seriously! Need your laundry done too? It'll fit! LOL) and I'm gonna drive down to the laundramat and do it all in one afternoon. Okay, now that THAT plan is made, I'm gonna recap the very busy and adventurous month I've had.

* Been to the dentist three times. Had to squeeze fillings and cleanings in after my radio show so I wouldn't need to take any days off.

* Was in bed from Memorial day Monday thru Wednesday with FOOD POISONING!!! I was so sick, I was talking to dead people and pets. (Yeah, I was that sick). I never fully recovered till the following week. We're not quite sure what took me out but some CHEESE is suspect.

* Laundry piles were staring me in the face and I was ready to go for it until I got a phone call from my daughter. She needed to go to the doctor. She was ill. She had suspected food poisoning just a few days earlier. (What? What are you lookin' at? I DIDN'T cook! I NEVER cook! We ate OUT, thankyaverahmuch! :P )

I need to stop recapping. I'm depressing myself!!!! Hope this month is a better one! Stay away from bad cheese! And tomatoes! And go to the dentist every six months so you won't have to do it in three easy sedated appointments!

Until next time...and I promise it won't be a MONTH,

Karen

Gonna go do my laundry now. The only clean shirts I got left are 2005 Beach Patrol T-shirts.

Let's try to tidy up our email inboxes...

2008-05-06T17:15:00.003-04:00

Everyday I delete several emails from people I like. And some from people I love. Why? It ain't cuz I don't like 'em anymore. It's cuz they done forwarded me some of them email hoaxes and chain letters that's been floating around the internet since before Al Gore invented it.

Word to the wise. If ya read an email that gets yer britches in a twist, chances are...it ain't real.

As a rule of thumb, I ALWAYS use snopes, urban legends and/or hoax-slayer to check the validity of an email forward that is touted as truth. MOST of the time I'll find that the contents of the email is nothing more than crap and I will email the person who sent the forward with a link to the real story. It's my way of trying to tidy up our email inboxes. If we ALL would do the same thing, we might be able to make a small but significant difference.

Here are a few examples for ya. Click on the links to get the real stories:

Radio Stations Declined To Play Diamond Rio's "In God We Trust" Because Of It's Subject Matter.

Missing Child Evan Trembley

Cancer Info From Johns Hopkins Hoax Email

If you have a friend that keeps sending you that dusty old crap you've seen a million times, you have my permission to send him a link to this blog, cuz I have a message for him:

Ya BIG DUMMY!

Hope this helps you out. Heck, I hope it helps ME out!

I need to go back to deletin' now.

Love ya!

They're here! They're HERE!

2008-04-22T13:31:00.002-04:00

The bird eggs in my husband's motorcycle helmet have HATCHED!!!!! FIVE baby birds! AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW! I want to take a pic of them, but momma bird looks like she could whoop my butt 9 ways to Sunday. And my husband ain't getting near it. Momma bird laid down the law to him too. So we're still trying to find somebody brave enough to get the picture without disturbing the nest.

My best friend Tammy. Yeah. That's the ticket. If I promise to make her a big pan of rice pudding, she'll defy death. So, I'll give her a call this afternoon.

Momma bird may end up putting Tammy in traction, but we'll have a pic the next time I post.

Oh mah gawd! Tidy Cats!

2008-04-16T18:16:00.004-04:00

The new Tidy Cat's commercial is hilarious! The one with the woman who talks baby talk to her three little felines and they are trying to figure out what the heck she is saying? That one? Have ya seen it? No? Here ya go:

Ya know? I had to wonder. What is my cat Sharkbait thinking whenever one of us starts acting the fool? So...just for fun, my daughter Gabby and I tried this little experiment:

Okay, so it was embellished a bit. I'm sure if this was for real, we'd need a 10 second delay for Sharkbait. She'd probably make Ron White blush.

That was my fun for today. Until next time.

(No cats were harmed physically in the making of this video. However, she may need therapy now.)

How you know your bike has been in the garage too long!

2008-04-13T12:07:00.005-04:00

Well, spring has sprung. Unfortunately, my husband and I have had way too many rainy days to take the Harleys out for a spin. Plus, whenever there has been a good day thrown in the mix, one of us is at the job.

Anyhoo, here it is a beautiful Sunday. We're both off, and my best friend and her husband are ready to ride too.

My husband has pulled both of the bikes out of the garage to give them a nice little cleaning.

It's going to be a good day, right?

Well, just one small little hitch....

My husband grabbed his helmet and got a little surprise....

That's right ladies and gentlemen...a bird had set up housekeeping! And she's expecting too!

That's his FAVORITE HELMET!!!!!

What to do, WHAT TO DO! Well I told him he couldn't disturb the little family so he'll just have to wear another helmet.

Sad face.

"Well, you can't just kick her out, honey!"

He gave me that look like he was smellin' bad cheese. "It wouldn't be so funny if it were YOUR helmet."

"Nope." I said. That's why I keep MINE in the house!

Doofus.

I'll let you know when the babies are born.

TAGGED! You learn something new everyday.

2008-04-05T22:39:00.010-04:00

Today I checked my favorite messageboard "Gumbo Ya-Ya" to see if I had any shout outs. I don't usually get a whole lot of them, but today I got one from one of my favoritest posters "Cabana Boy."

He said, "I have tagged your blog for a meme. This is new stuff for me, so feel free to ignore it if you wish... but thought you ought to know so it isn't a surprise."

Well, the first thing I thought when I saw the word "tagged" was, "Tagged? What's that mean? Did I do something wrong? Did I write something obscene or something???" So I read through my thoughts again and saw that I had indeed written something obscene. "Wheatgrass juice!" That's right. The stuff that the Backstreet Boys claim is good for you. Then I thought, "Oh...mah...gawd! I'm going to blogger hell for that."

Seriously, I didn't know what being "tagged for a meme" meant and I wasn't going to come right out and ask Cabana because I didn't want him to think I was a dork. So I looked it up. It's actually something GOOD. Whew. I dodged a bullet.

So, in short, being tagged for a meme means: somebody likes your blog. COOL!

So it's my turn to tag those I blogs I love!

And here's how we say thank you for the honor:

1. Link back to the person who tagged you.
2. Post these rules on your blog.
3. Share six unimportant things about yourself.
4. Tag six random people at the end of your entry.

Well, I've done the first two already...so here's the unimportant stuffs about me:

1. I'm a packrat when it comes to memories. I save little things that remind me of good times. Like a receipt, a letter, a card, etc. And I put them in pretty little boxes. If I have a particularly sad day, I pull a box out of the closet and look through all of the memories.

2. Every time I color my hair, it comes out some shade of red. Doesn't matter what color I use. Doesn't matter if I strip it and start from scratch...it's always some shade of red. It's my destiny to be a redhead.

3. I'm addicted to Tru-TV. (formerly Court TV). Love Forensic Files, The Investigators, and the Case Files of Dale Hinman.

4. I can't even go to the bathroom without all of the pets following me! Seriously. They're spoiled rotten. They think I'm going to go somewhere without them.

5. If I knew he could win, I'd vote for Earl Hickey for President.

6. The big question going through my mind right now is this: "What the heck happened to Victoria Principal's face???"

Now, it's time to tag my faves!

DixiePeach She brings up some notalgia that triggers some happy thoughts!
Midlife Ramblings, Sanity Optional I can identify!
Adventures of the Coconuter He has been places I've only dreamed of going.
Because I Said So! The funniest mommy blog I ever read in my life!
Olga, The Traveling Bra Very uplifting.
Thoughts From The Corner Office My boss. He hasn't written much, but he's got good stuff! I look forward to his new posts. I know, I know...y'all think I'm kissin' butt. Normally, that would be true...but since he's my boss and has known me for years, the old kissin' butt thing don't work with him. Anyway, I have to give him even more kudos because his blog doesn't have any typos. You should read his memos, though. Those are murder!

So, there are my 6 for good readin'!

Thank you for the honor Cabanaboy I enjoy your Michael stories! Keep 'em comin'!

Stuffs

2008-04-02T13:13:00.004-04:00

First of all, I want to go on record and say that I am glad that stupid April Fool's Day is OVER. I got punked twice. Was caught off guard both times...and was very busy both times so I was not prepared. Anyhoo, next year, I'm going into seclusion for a day!

I feel better now.

Now...Trace Adkins on Celebrity Apprentice. Even though Piers won (because he raised more money), Trace was the most entertaining on the finale in my opinion. And maaaaaaaaaaaan, was he calm with those Backstreet Boys. If I were in his shoes, I would have handled them a LOT differently. "Wheatgrass juice? To clean you out? HERE, drink this prune juice and LIKE it, k? Nobody gets special treatment around here!" You can tell I'm somebody's mom. LOL.

And black nail polish? I would have just gone through my make-up basket and offered them a pretty pink. "Here...wear this and LIKE it. Nobody gets special treatment, 'round here...ya hear?"

And then I'd take away their computers and Ipods and TV privileges. Okay, they are not my kids...but like what Trace says, "They still callin' themselves BOYS?" Yeah, they'd be grounded.

Here's the best highlight from the finale. I just had to include it here. TRACE, YOU ROCK!

Root for Trace TONIGHT!!!!!

2008-03-27T13:18:00.003-04:00

Check out the two hour finale of "Celebrity Apprentice" tonight on NBC starting at 8 pm. It's down to the final two! Our cowboy Trace Atkins and Simon Cowell wannabe Piers Morgan!

The winner will receive a $250,000 check for his favorite charity.

Trace's charity is FAAN (Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network).

The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) was established in 1991. FAAN's membership now stands at close to 30,000 worldwide and includes families, dietitians, nurses, physicians, school staff, and representatives from government agencies and the food and pharmaceutical industries. FAAN serves as the communication link between the allergic patient and others. The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) is the largest charity in the U.S. dedicated to helping and advocating for the 12 million Americans with food allergy. Trace's 6-year old daughter had a severe, life-threatening reaction to peanut butter when she was just 9 months old, an experience Trace called "terrifying." FAAN has played an instrumental role in the lives of families like Trace's and thousands more across the US.

GO TRACE!!!!!

Pics from my vacation to Ocracoke Island, NC!

2008-03-27T10:45:00.027-04:00

Granted, they're kinda crummy cuz I forgot my REAL camera and used my camera phone. But my camera-phone pics aren't near as stinky as John Shomby's. Here's yer proof right here! At least you can make out what I was attempting to capture! Anyhoo, here ya go!

From our visit to the Blackbeard Museum. The wax big dummy is almost handsome like Johnny Depp's Capt. Jack Sparrow. Unfortunately, that can't be said for the real Blackbeard. All accounts say that he was a yukky stinky smelly kind of guy and folks often begged him to bathe if he was gonna hang out on the island. But he wouldn't. Would take away from his pirate mystique, ya know. He probably stunk so bad that folks willingly handed over their booty just to get the boy to move upwind. And we hear that his breath could kill seagrass forever. Too bad there weren't Tic-Tacs in those days. ARRRRRRRRRRRG!!! Yeah, okay...moving on.

Here are some beautiful pics of the marina just before a big thunderstorm was supposed to roll through. BIG emphasis on the word "supposed", okay? The wind kicked up, the sky looked threatening and we ran like mad women back to the room before we could get our hair wet. And all we got were two drops. All that exercise for nothing??? What a tease.

If you look closely, you can see the lighthouse at sunset. This was the view from our deck. Actually, it was MUCH closer and prettier than the pic shows. But once again, ahhh the woes of a camera-phone. Still, my pic doesn't suck like John Shomby's.

My daughter Laura asked why I kept taking pictures of this cat. I told her I've been coming to Ocracoke for over 10 years and I have enough pics of that danged lighthouse. So, meet Zack the Ocracat. Legend says that the first Ocracat came over on Blackbeard's pirate ship and all of the cats who run free on the island are decendents of that cat.
Anyhow, Zack "works" at the hotel where we stayed. He is "Guest Greeter" as you can see here. He may be pirate cat decendent, but his breath ain't kickin' like Blackbeard's.

This is my daughter Laura trying on a sweet hat at "The Pirate's Chest." I think she looks fabulous in it and I don't know why she wouldn't let me buy it for her. Oh well, just for THAT, I'm going to tell you a funny story about her.
This happened on the day we were coming back from Ocracoke. Anyway, we were in line waiting for the next ferry. Laura decided to take a potty break before the ferry arrived. As she got out of the car, she quickly realized that she had forgotten to WEAR HER BELT because when she stood up, her pants dropped to her knees and there she stood, wearing a pair of red boxer shorts with hearts all over them. The lady behind us laughed so hard, I thought she was gonna fall out of her van. Of course I had to call my best friend to share this little gem!!! Too bad I didn't have the camera-phone ready to roll when this happened because you KNOW I would have posted it.

Laura now thinks that maybe she should have let mom buy her that goofy hat.

Need Creative Ideas!

2008-03-17T10:51:00.017-04:00

I need Easter basket help. You see, the Easter Bunny does NOT visit anybody over the age of 15, so I am stuck with the grueling job of doing HIS job for my daughters. (Wish I liked rabbit stew.) Last year, I was a very boring Easter Bunny. (And I've spent months after easter picking up that plastic green grass off the floor and furniture.) So I need help. This Saturday, I'm going out to buy things for my daughters easter baskets and I need creative ideas. Your help COULD win you a $100 gift card from K-Mart. (read rules at end of this blog.)

Keep in mind that I have OLDER children. 21, 19 and 16. And they swear they still believe in the Easter Bunny. (And Santa and the tooth fairy...blah, blah, blah. They'll say anything to keep getting presents. They're just like their momma!)

Can you help me come up with some creative ideas?

Here is a little bit about each girl:

Laura (21): Doesn't wear make-up (she's just a pretty girl. I don't think any of my girls need make-up...but two of them wear it.) Occasionally, she will wear a clear lip gloss. She doesn't wear jewelry either. She loves Harry Potter, she loves to read, PERIOD. She's a Monty Python and Johnny Depp fan. She adores striped knee socks and sandals (worn together) and t-shirts with funny sayings on them. She also draws. Mostly anime and she is extremely talented.

Allie (19): Loves to wear make-up. The more, the better. Wears her hair up most of the time. Listens to all types of music, mostly rock, but likes Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts, Taylor Swift. She likes big earrings...and a lot of bling. Loves funny looking bedroom slippers and pajamas...and scary movies. She's a "Sun Chip" addict.

Gabby (16): Wears make-up sometimes. She has to be in a mood. Loves hoodie sweatshirts, jeans and funky shoes...but has been known to wear dress up in pink occasionally (for her Aunt Ginni.) Is addicted to her I-Pod. She also loves fun jewelry. Mostly chunky big jewelry. Is an avid reader of teen fantasy books. Along the same lines as Harry Potter.

All THREE of them love those little marshmallow PEEPS. (Not to EAT...those things are just GROSS! And they have a shelf-life of FOREVER.) They dress them up and take pictures for their myspace pages.

All three are chocoholics like mom. Laura and Allie like the Cadbury eggs. (That commercial sold them years ago.) Gabby loves "Robin Eggs." We've still got 10 year old jellybeans. They will eat "Jelly Bellies" but jellybeans are reserved for decorating "Peeps." (They say regular jellybeans are yukky too.)

Okay, so there you go. Some clues about my daughters. I need some great creative ideas to put in the Easter baskets. I want the girls to either say "I've got the coolest mom in the world" or I want them to laugh themselves silly! (We love to laugh). I will take all 5 emails out with me on Saturday, March 22nd and do my shopping!

Send your creative ideas to karen@eagle97.com with a phone number where you can be reached. I will choose one in the 12 o'clock hour today through Friday. The one I choose will win a $100 gift card from K-Mart! Send your entries now to karen@eagle97.com. (contest open to Hampton Roads and surrounding areas only. Must be 18 or over. See contest rules at www.eagle97.com)

Thanks in advance for your help!

Note: I will be on vacation from 3/19 thru 3/25. I will still have access to my email and will still choose one during this contest week. Amanda Meadows will be sitting in for me during my vacation and I will be calling her with the winner of the day!

Edited 3/27/08

Congratulations to all of our winners this week!!!! Keep listening for more cool contests like this one on 97-3 The Eagle!!!!

BIG DUMMIES! GRRRRR....

2008-03-14T10:41:00.004-04:00

I'm gonna let it all hang out here. I'm annoyed and pretty darn hot about this.

The past two days, I have taken a little detour from my long roadtrip to the studio to treat myself to a Starbucks Venti Skinny Vanilla Latte. I took Harpersville Road going past Peninsula Catholic High School as the route to my nearest drive-thru Starbucks. What has happened to me in the past two days should NEVER HAPPEN...EVER! At the time of my commute, the speed limits near schools are dropped to 25 mph. (if the big dummies I am about to refer to are reading this, THAT means SLOW THE HECK DOWN! PRECIOUS CARGO ARRIVING AT SCHOOL! C'mon Flashing lights, the whole nine yards....get a clue!) Speed limit on Harpersville's two lane road is 35 anyway. I was going about 38, maybe 40 in the 35. And for TWO MORNINGS IN A ROW, SOME idiot was in a big hurry to get NOWHERE. Rode my bumper down that two lane road. When the speed limit dropped in the school zone, I dropped to 25. STILL had that somebody riding my bumper...I mean SO CLOSE, I could get a back massage!!!! I was seriously afraid that if I had to stop, my car would get totaled by the moron behind me. Yesterday it was a small Honda, today it was an older blue truck. What part of SCHOOL ZONE did they not get??? To top it off, that is only one of THREE school zones on that small stretch of road.

Once they saw a chance, both of these idiots managed to cross a double yellow line and squealed tires to get around me. STILL in the school zone! Did I mention yellow lights flashing...signs everywhere???? I've got a daughter in school myself. I don't care if the person riding my bumper does NOT have children...the law applies to EVERYONE! I can only pray that they were caught before the next school zone.

I am SO MAD I could spit nails!!!! And if this makes you angry too, feel free to post a comment on this blog entry. I'm not a cop so I can't do anything about it on the road...but I can sure make an example out of them here.

Okay...Guess who else is a "Hannah Montana" fan...

2008-03-13T11:22:00.001-04:00

Of course my daughter Gabby is. But this is ridiculous.

The family dog. I'm mortified.

Thank you so much!

2008-03-13T10:24:00.003-04:00

Thank you for all of your prayers for my daughter. Her thyroid medication has been adjusted and she seems to be doing okay. Her doctor plans to release her from the hospital today, but will be doing frequent follow-ups to make sure the medication is working as it should.

During the three days that Laura was in the hospital, my family, friends and I have come together to help care for her nearly 3 year old daughter (my sweet grandbaby) Jade. She has been so much fun, but I do have to admit, I almost forgot what it was like to care for a little one! They are so BUSY BUSY! Which kept ME busy-busy! Jade's a very happy little one and loves to giggle. With the worry we've been through in the last few days, Jade's little giggles were a big blessing.

Jade is visiting with my crazy friend Tammy today...and Tammy has three cats! Well, Jade LOVES cats! Right now, she is having so much fun with cat toys that it's easy to figure out what to get her for her 3rd birthday next month! Rubber mice and cat tunnels! Nana gets off cheap this year! LOL!

Prayers needed...

2008-03-12T11:09:00.002-04:00

My daughter Laura is in the hospital right now and we're unsure when she is coming home. She is 21 years old...was diagnosed with thyroid disease when she was 14. She has been on medication since her diagnosis, however, she has had serious problems lately. Please send your prayers for my daughter's recovery. It's a very rough road for us right now.

Thank you so much.

Martina In Concert on WHRO!

2008-03-11T12:04:00.003-04:00

Tomorrow night at 8 pm as part of WHRO's fundraiser, they will be broadcasting Great Performances “Martina McBride: Live in Concert.” Between 8 and 10, I will be co-hosting the fundraiser and during the concert, WHRO will be offering some great Martina incentives including concert tickets to her show October 5 at the Verizon Wireless Virginia Beach Amphitheater. (Tickets for her VB concert will not be on sale until later in the year.)

Pledge your allegiance. Support Public Television! Join me tomorrow night (Wednesday March 12th) for Great Performances, Martina McBride: Live In Concert on WHRO channel 15...at 8 pm.

From WHRO and 97-3 The Eagle!!!!

Yep, sometimes "embracing change" is for the birds!

2008-03-11T11:09:00.007-04:00

Well, it seems that I'm not the only one with a grievance with "new chair." As of today, "new chair" officially sucks.

In the years I've known Jennifer Lewis, she has never ever complained about anything. Not even Jimmy Ray. That, my friends, is NERVES OF STEEL. I envy her sometime.

But today, Jen spoke her peace about "new chair." It ain't happening, no way...no how.
And you know how serious she is about it? She would rather sit in THIS chair! And she is. That's right. Sweet, precious Jennifer would rather sit in a beat up, taped up, falling apart at the seams, piece of crapola before she would ever consider sitting in "new chair" again.

Pretty sad, huh?

But alas, "new chair" is still in the studio and according to engineering, it must stay there. (Maaaaaaaaan, what did Jen do to reap such crummy Karma???)

Anyway, we have decided that we would give "new chair" to Jimmy Ray as a gift when he returns from his vacation. He doesn't read my blog...so don't nobody say nuthin', k? Just let him think we're thinking about him. Thank y'all!

"Embrace change."

2008-03-10T10:51:00.007-04:00

"Embrace change." That's a phrase I have heard time and time again. To me, "embrace change" means "Something's gonna happen and you probably ain't gonna like it, so suck it up and get over yourself." I haven't met too many people who don't cringe at the thought of "change." Some do well, others don't. For the most part, I do well with change. Not without kicking and screaming, but I do eventually adapt.

BUT...today, I'm going to kick and scream about a "change" I'm not willing to make!

Well, we had a very comfortable chair in the Eagle studio. A little old...it's been here for about 7 years, but nonetheless, very comfortable and still looked good.

Well, this morning, "old faithful" was NOT in the studio and replaced by a brand new chair.

I hate new chair. It's hard. It hurts my butt. I don't wanna embrace new chair. I wanna toss it. But I sit in it hoping I may come to love new chair. After an hour, I realized why Jombi stood up for his show this morning. It didn't get any better. My backside fell asleep and I had a heck of a time waking it up. I looked pretty ridiculous to passerbys.

So, I did what I had to do without causing a major catastrophe. I complained to our engineering department. Assistant Engineer John said old chair had a broken wheel and he just fixed it. Minutes later, he brought it back in the studio and now I'm sitting comfortably again.

New chair is still in the studio, though. Apparently it's JEN'S new chair. Sure hope she can "embrace change."

Rules For Grieving: Thank you Ya-Ya sisters.

2008-02-27T10:43:00.014-05:00

My heart has been particularly heavy the last few days. I've been thinking and praying for the parents of the two Menchville High School Students who lost their lives in a tragic car accident last weekend...and the parents of the two who are continuing to fight for their lives. As a parent myself, I'm crushed when my children are sick or have injured themselves. I could not help but feel a deep pain in my heart upon hearing of this story.

As one who has not lost children, but has lost SEVERAL family members in 2005, I am not a stranger to the grieving process. Even three years later, I still grieve. And through my own pain, I have also witnessed the pain that my former mother-in-law
(and best friend in the whole world) and my grandmother endure with the loss of their children. My grandmother has lost THREE of her four children (including my mother) and even though all three of my grandmother's children have died 28 years or more ago, it doesn't mean she should be through talking it out or having "moments." It's her right. I enjoy offering my ear to both of these precious women because through their memories, I am able to find peace myself.

I have found with some people in my life, it is hard for them to believe that we are not "over it" yet. I have learned quite a few valuable lessons during my own grieving process and from others who are learning to live again as well. The biggest lesson I learned is that we will NEVER get "over it." We will get through the best we can, but inevidably, our lives are changed forever.

There was a quote from the piece "The Mourner's Bill of Rights" posted on Gumbo Ya-Ya just a few days ago on a thread called "Rules of Grieving." Gumbo Girls Discuss Grieving. Those of us who posted on that thread agreed wholeheartedly that there are NO rules.

I managed to find the whole piece by Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D. and have posted it below. I'm surprised that I never knew anything about this piece until an excerpt was posted by my friends. Anyway, I hope it will help others find even a morsel of hope as it is helping me.

The Mourner's Bill of Rights

As a bereaved person, you have certain rights that others must not take away from you. In fact, it is the very upholding of these rights that makes healing possible.

1. You have the right to experience your own unique grief. No one else will grieve in exactly the same way you do. Don't allow others to tell you what you should or should not be feeling.

2. You have the right to talk about your grief. Talking about your grief will help you heal. Seek out others who will allow you to talk as much as you want, as often as you want, about your grief.

3. You have the right to feel a multitude of emotions. Confusion, disorientation, fear, guilt and relief are just a few of the emotions you might feel as part of your grief journey. Know that there is no such thing as a "wrong" emotion. Accept all your feelings and find listeners who will do the same.

4. You have the right to be tolerant of your physical and emotional limits. Your feelings of loss and sadness will probably leave you feeling fatigued. Respect what your body and mind are telling you. Get daily rest. Eat balanced meals. And don't allow others to push you into things you don't feel ready to do.

5. You have the right to experience grief "attacks." Sometimes, out of nowhere, a powerful surge of grief may overcome you. This can be frightening, but is normal and natural. Find someone who understands and will let you talk it out.

6. You have the right to make use of ritual. The funeral ritual provides you with the support of caring people. More important, it supportively sees you off on your painful but necessary grief journey. Later rituals such as lighting a candle for the person who died, can also be healing touchstones. If others tell you that rituals such as these are silly or unnecessary, don't listen.

7. You have the right to embrace your spirituality. If faith is a part of your life, express it in ways that seem appropriate to you. Allow yourself to be around people who understand and support your religious beliefs. If you feel angry at God, find someone to talk with who won't be critical of your feelings of hurt and abandonment.

8. You have the right to search for meaning. You may find yourself asking "Why did he or she die? Why this way? Why now?" Some of your questions may have answers, but some may not. And watch out for the cliched responses some people may give you. Comments like, "It was God's will" or "Think what you have to be thankful for" are not helpful, and you do not have to accept them.

9. You have the right to treasure your memories. Memories are one of the best legacies that exist after the death of someone loved. You will always remember. Instead of ignoring your memories, find creative ways to embrace them. Write them down.

10. You have the right to move toward your grief and heal. Reconciling your grief will not happen quickly. Remember grief is a process not an event. Be patient and tolerant with yourself and avoid people who are impatient and intolerant with you. Neither you nor those around you must forget that the death of someone loved changes your life forever.

Things I'm looking forward to.

2008-02-20T21:12:00.002-05:00

I have found that the best way to make it through a particularly rough day is to look at my list of things I am looking forward to in the next few days, weeks or month. (You need to actually make a list of things that are feasible. Within your reach. And once you've made that list, set dates, make plans and follow through.) I look at this list often since it seems that my household "honey-do" list is getting LOOOOOOOOOONGER. When I look at my "cool" list, my "honey-do" list doesn't seem to suck so badly! I consider it my rewards for good behavior. LOL.

So, here is my "cool" list:

1. March Vacation in the Outer Banks with all the girlfriends!

2. April Pink Tie Gala for Susan G. Komen For The Cure. (I got a COOL NEW DRESS for the event!)

3. Mother's Day Dinner with my Grandmother.

4. Todd Stadium Relay For Life!

5. Opening night of the movie "Nights In Rodanthe" with Diane Lane, Richard Gere and Chris Meloni!!! (June 6th)

6. July family vacation in the Outer Banks!

7. BUSCH GARDENS!!!!!!! WOOT!!!!!

8. Riding my motorcycle to the Blue Ridge Mountains this season!

9. Walking at the Race For The Cure at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront!

10. Releasing my new book to benefit Susan G. Komen For The Cure.

My "honey-do" list is available by request only if y'all are willing to take on all those chores.

A woman's response to her husband's SI swimsuit issue....

2008-02-19T12:30:00.004-05:00

GAH-GAH!

Homina-homina-homina!

Ahhh-OOOOOO-gah!

Bow-chicka-wow-wow!

Aye-yie-yie-yie-yie-yie!

Whew.

Need chocolate now.

Hopes & Dreams, Plans & Goals

2008-02-15T10:50:00.000-05:00

Meet my friend Tammy:

She is cute. She is sweet. She is funny. And sometimes she doesn't have the sense God gave a gnat, but I love her anyway.

Last week, she and I were discussing things we would like to do within the next two years. Something we've always wanted to do. I told her that my goals are to go to Mackinac Island where my favorite movie (Somewhere In Time) was filmed...and to take my youngest daughter to Germany so she can finally meet the family she has always heard about.

I asked Tammy what she'd like to accomplish within the next two years. She said she wanted to learn a foreign language. I thought that was very admirable! I'm thinking travel and she's thinking deeper than that.

So I says, "Which language would you like to learn?"

She says, "I'd like to learn to speak Australian."

(crickets)

She says, "They have a really cool accent!"

(crickets)

I had to think about whether I should tell her or not. I really didn't want to break her heart considering she thought long and hard about her two year goal. But I gave in.

"They speak English, you idiot."

Did I mention I love her anyway?

Painting your home tips from Karen

2008-02-14T10:16:00.000-05:00

None of these tips were ever covered by Heloise or Bob Villa and I honestly think it is information we all need when we're beautifying our homes on a budget. Print out these tips and keep them handy before your next painting project. You're welcome.

1. It's never a good idea to let the pets watch you while you're painting. Sure, they enjoy your company...but they also want to help. Case in point, Sharkbait the cat felt there was a bit too much paint on one section of the bathroom moulding and decided she would lighten it up a bit by constanting rubbing up against that section until the excess was no longer on the moulding...but on her fur. And Tucker the dog showed me that he has a built in paint brush. His long Golden Retriever tail. I'm grateful for the help, but when painting a small room, it should be a one person project in order to keep brush stroke consistency.

2. Never paint your window sill when it's raining buckets outside. It doesn't matter that's it's indoor painting you are doing. It takes forever to dry and the condensation from the window may cause your sill to drip and streak...causing you to add more paint to cover up the streaks until you are up to 8 coats of a losing battle. Foul language generally follows this practice and that's not good for the pets.

3. Have a little patience. Never hang the brand new white curtains on the window that has just been painted with 8 coats of green paint even though it has been 30 minutes and the paint is supposed to dry in 20.

4. Never let your husband get away with calling you "Earl Scheib." Next time, give him the paintbrush and quietly go to your room and watch Lifetime movies.

Monday Blues....

2008-02-11T14:05:00.000-05:00

I'm WEARING blue. I ain't got the blues. I'm perfectly happy that I have another Monday on this earth. Therefore, I never complain about Mondays.

I DO complain about other stuff though. Like my husband killing a good ghost story with "logic" and my dog passing gas all night while I'm trying to sleep...but I'm grateful that I have another breath to complain with. I was blessed with another day to enjoy family and friends. And I am grateful to God that he has blessed me with the patience to get over petty stuff quickly.

Life ain't always beautiful...but it's a beautiful ride.

Todays blog posting is dedicated to the memory of Ginni Michek and Claus McKenney. Thank you for teaching me what's really important.

Killjoys!

2008-02-08T13:16:00.000-05:00

Dang. My friend Tammy and I thought we had a cool ghost story to tell our grandchildren in the future...until our engineer husbands spoiled the party! Grrrr.

Last night over dinner, Tammy and I discussed the mysterious falling pictures with our husbands. My husband, God love him, explained that he had hung a calendar above the picture the day before and apparently it fell, hit the picture and that's why it hit the floor. Then he explains that he hung that calendar with SCOTCH TAPE! Whutthe? SCOTCH TAPE? A heavy calendar on a plaster textured wall? I'm thinking "Oh Gawd tell me he didn't. I feel a 'big dummy' coming on." I just assumed he understood the law of gravity! I mean, even Tammy and I get THAT one! And we can't find our cars in a parking lot with only one car!

Then Tammy's husband chimed in. Her pic was hung with an eyelet screw and was coming out of the wall anyway. That's why HERS hit the floor. Who hung that pic in the first place? Her husband.

So there's no more cool ghost story. No one to blame stuff on. And even worse, Tammy and I have to hide the all the scotch tape and eyelet screws. Otherwise, we're gonna have crap falling off the walls all the time.

Creepy!!!!!!

2008-02-07T11:13:00.000-05:00

My kids have been telling me for years that our house is haunted. Yeah, I've heard weird stuff going on but I just chalk it up as squirrels re-enacting "Fiddler On The Roof." I told them if the house is REALLY haunted, it wouldn't kill Mr. Ghost if he could do the dishes and a load of laundry every now and then. Otherwise, he would just be a freeloader. Everybody has to do their share, knowwhutimsayin?

Well, this morning as I was getting dressed for work, I heard a crash. I went downstairs and blamed Sharkbait the cat for getting into trouble, but she looked up all blurry eyed from her favorite chair. Apparently, she had been sleeping. I searched through the house. Finally, I saw the problem. In the "man" room, a picture that my husband had hung YEARS ago had fallen off the wall. It was on the floor leaning against the wall like somebody placed it there. The nail still in the wall. This pic hasn't been moved in 6 years, man. It just fell off the wall for no reason. Okay, I let it go and left for work.

My friend Tammy called me and told me that the same thing happened to her last night. A pic that had been hanging on her wall for over 4 years! And it's not damaged either!

If I were a superstitious soul, I'd be duct taping my butt to a well grounded chair with a year's supply of Cheetos and Dr. Pepper by my side.

But, I'm not superstitious. And I ain't hanging that danged picture back up. If Mr. Ghost doesn't like it, he can just replace it himself. I'll have to send him over to Tammy's house too since he seems to be freeloading in both places now. Maybe we should make up a chore list?

Brillo pads and dish detergent under the sink, Mr. Ghost. Get to work!

Edited to add: My daughter Laura reminded me that the Ghost has a name. It's Bob. I'm not sure if the kids named him or if that's his name, but yeah.

I was also reminded by a loyal listener via email that I need to apologize to Sharkbait the Cat. I did. With a half a canister of cat treats. I think we're good now.

DOG CAM!!!!!

2008-02-02T01:29:00.001-05:00

She's just being "Gabby"

2008-01-30T20:32:00.001-05:00

My daughter Gabby says the darndest things sometimes. She's like her mom. She thinks out loud and most of the time it's stuff that's waaaaaaaaaaay out there, ya know?

We were driving back from her Grandmother's house and out of the blue she asks, "Hey Mom. Can we be Methodists?"

I say, "We're Baptist. Why do you wanna be Methodists? Your friends Methodist? You visit the Methodist Church with your friends or somethin' and ya like it better?"

She says, "We Baptists only have Spaghetti dinners. That Methodist Church that we just passed back there is having a pancake dinner. I want pancakes. Can we be Methodist?"

I say, "What if I just ask our pastor if we can have a pancake dinner next time. Then will ya not jump ship?"

She says, "Okay, can ya do that? I just love pancakes."

I say, "Uuuuuuuuuh, okay."

She says, "Werd."

I guess I'd better call the pastor tomorrow so we can still be Baptists.

Added note:

I just want to thank God that my child is healthy and silly. I am so grateful. Please think about us and help us help the children at St. Jude during our 17th Annual Eagle/St. Jude Country Cares Radiothon and become a Partner in Hope. 1-888-270-HOPE. We want to win the war against childhood cancer!

Thank you.

Whine, whine, whine...

2008-01-28T16:52:00.000-05:00

Today, I was a sissy-crybaby-lala girl. Yes, I would like some cheese with that.

* Had a sinus headache all day and too much of a big dummy to take something for it until the sun blinded me on the ride home.

* The cell phone bill came in. I need to shut up or speak in shorter sentences.

* My DVR didn't record last Thursday's "My Name Is Earl" episode.

* And the big screen TV in the great room downstairs is dead. Gone. Never coming back. Had somebody look at it yesterday and I was told that it would be cheaper to buy a new one.

BUT...I want to thank God for allowing me this day to whine. A whiney day is better than the alternative. No day at all.

Yes I do mean that. I truly am grateful.

Now, did anybody see Earl last week? I need a recap here!!!!!

Meet "Roadie"

2008-01-27T20:03:00.001-05:00

The newest member of the family! He has been home for almost 24 hours and has adapted very nicely.

I met "Roadie" yesterday at our 1st ever Eagle Winterblast at the Hampton Coliseum. Country music star Chris Cagle brought him to our radio booth and told us the story of Roadie and how he came to take to the roads with Chris and his band. While Chris told Roadie's story, I was bonding with the little guy. He's such a lovey little sweetie! I remember mouthing the words to Chris, "Oh my God, I love him so much!" I wondered who in the world could NOT love him.

Obviously someone did not. Chris said that his girlfriendJennifer was driving down the road and saw someone throw this sweet puppy from a car and kept driving. Jennifer nearly hit him because it all happened so fast. She pulled over and rescued him. He was shaken and bloody.

God was looking out for our little Roadie because he was nursed back to health and loved by Chris and Jennifer...and the members of Chris' band.

How I got him happened so fast. I wanted him so much, and I was sure that Chris was not going to part with him. I could tell that those two had a bond...but when he asked me if I was serious, I told him I was VERY serious. He said he would call his girlfriend and see what she thought.

About 30 minutes later, It was a done deal. Roadie was going home with me! SWEEEEEET!

I can't tell you how much I couldn't wait to pick him up. But it did break my heart to see Chris say goodbye to little Roadie. It looked as though he may have had a second thought for a moment, but Chris gave me the rundown on what he had done for little Roadie already. And had him dressed up in a sweet little sweater when he was ready to go home with me. I promised I would post pics on my blog so Chris can watch the little guy grow up and I will keep that promise. And you can be sure that I'll be taking him to Chris Cagle concerts.

What does my husband think about Roadie? He adores him too.

Dang, I hate camera phone pics, but it was all I had at the moment.

Anyway, my husband held him close and zipped him up in his jacket to bond with him. My daughter begged him not to turn Roadie into a Paris Hilton dog. That won't happen. Soon as Roadie is a little bigger, I'm sure he'll have the Harley Davidson jackets and sweatshirts like his older brother Tucker. We're already shopping for the Harley collar.

Bummer.

2008-01-24T23:07:00.000-05:00

Well..."Sparky The Snowman" is dead now. Gabby's not allowed to have any more pets.

Let's give the poor man a break...

2008-01-23T17:00:00.000-05:00

Most of America have viewed the video of Former President Bill Clinton dozing during a Martin Luther King event. But in case you haven't viewed it (or want to view it again for giggles), I have conveniently placed it here for ya:

And with this, I want to talk about speeches in general. I enjoy listening to a good motivating speech as much as the next guy. It inspires me, moves me and gives me the initiative to continue paying forward good deeds. But let's discuss something that is NEVER brought up about speeches. Physical discomfort.

Think about it. Most of the time, events of this nature (like the one in the video) are held in large venues. And MOST of the time, we're sitting in a small hard seat and squished between two other guests (except for Billy there...he had a primo seat). Most of the time, there are hundreds of people listening to this speech....all breathing at the same time and using up all the carbon dioxide in the building! Most of the time, we are wearing darned uncomfortable clothes and shoes cuz it's a dressy situation and we gotta look cute, right? And MOST OF THE TIME, it's darned HOT in there! AND I repeat, everybody breathing at the same time. I'm ready to curl up just talking about it!

I don't know about you, but...no matter how great the speech, if it has gone on any longer than 14 minutes and 30 seconds, my body breaks down into a mass of Alpo and I'm ready for a 3 day nap. Seriously.

Anyhoo, I watched the Billy video several times. I turned the volume way up...hoping I could catch him snoring. Anyway, this is how I see it. Besides having that tie around his neck cutting off the oxygen to his brain and those hot tv lights in his face, he was probably kicking himself for staying up to watch Conan the night before. Therefore, his poor ole body gave out. And there ya go. A logical explanation of why Billy needed to recharge. So I say we need to give the poor man a little break here.

And to my boss John...if you are reading this, I hope you understand my explanation and will forgive me for my behavior at our staff meetings.

For the record, I do not snore! I just have sinus issues.

YAAAAWN! Boredom!!!!

2008-01-22T19:15:00.000-05:00

A lot of stupid stuff just floating around my noggin'. So let me just get this mess out now so I can move on to thinking about other dumb stuff I got no business thinking about.

Email forwards. Gawd I hate those things. Mainly cuz I've seen 'em all. And I've received them all 84,000 times over. The ones I really hate are the ones that say I need to send it out to 10 people or my dog's tail is gonna fall off or something. So I usually send 'em back to the same person 10 times and call 'em a different name each time. I don't know if that counts, but my dog's tail hasn't fallen off and I still got the same dumb luck, so I'm guessin' it works.

I did have a particularly boring day recently. Nothing big happened 'cept I was stuck in three traffic jams going to work and two traffic jams coming home. Like I said, I had a particularly boring day. Anyhoo, I opened one of those email forwards from my friend Richard...with the intention of sending it back to him 10 fold along with a big ole can of you-know-whut. But you know whut? I'm not going to drive down to Texas and whoop his butt cuz this is pretty darned entertaining! So, I'm posting it here for you to enjoy too. K? K.

If this one landed in your email inbox before and you're tired of watchin' it...my apologies, John, Paul, George, Ringo, Jerry, Elaine, Kramer, Jed, Ellie May, Jethro...

Now that I'm on the subject of being boooooooooored, lemme tell you what my daughter did to add to my boooooooooooooredom on the interstate. She got this song STUCK IN MY HEAD! So now I'm returning the favor and sticking it in YOUR head. Why should I have all the fun? You're welcome.

Hampton Roads Snowstorm 2008!!!!

2008-01-21T19:41:00.000-05:00

So much for that 2 to 4 inches of snow we were supposed to get over the weekend. Gabby scooped up what was left in the front yard and tried to build a snowdude. Well, she made half of a snowdude and he's kinda covered with acorns and dead leaves, but we love him anyway. We're gonna name him "Sparky."

Snowflakes are dangerous! No lie!

2008-01-20T16:17:00.000-05:00

Okay kids. All those snow flakes are really really pretty...I agree. But like squirrels, just because they're pretty don't mean you should come in contact with them. Seriously.

Saturday night after I left my roadshow, my daughter and I made a trip to the grocery store. The snow was coming down so beautifully. Weather forecasters called for 2 to 4 inches of accumulation and we were going to prepare for it.

I pulled into the grocery store parking lot, grabbed my purse...and Gabby and I got out of the car and headed to the door. "Wow, the snow is sure pretty, huh Gabby?" Just as I said that, one of them little snowflake buggers hit me right in my left eye!!!!!

Yeah, they may look like this:

But it felt like THIS:

And now, my eye looks like THIS!

Anyhoo, the moral of this story is, no matter how pretty it is, it's out to whoop yer butt.

Karen West Thinks Out Loud

My Vblog

Looking forward to the New Year

I'm awake!

A special "Thank you"

Slack a$$ with a busted laptop and time to kill...

In Memory of Joan Elizabeth Specht

For my father....

I know I'm random...LOL

Minute 6 - 2010

formspring.me

formspring.me

formspring.me

formspring.me

I need to cry for a bit...feel free to ignore my rant...

JUST when you think you know your friends...

Oh good grief!

My "Top 5 Turkeys" of 2009

When to thaw the bird...

*cough-cough* HACK! Gag!

Cry fest

Emails from Crazy People

For my crazy daughters....

Online Community Players

Tidewater Komen Race For The Cure

Trace's Journey site news

www.thatsucks.net

"Minute 6"

Aww shucks. It was nothin' but dumb luck.

Potty Talk...

A new day...

Please read this. I don't want this happening to anyone else.

Random thoughts....

Just call me "Shark Bait."

People in the news that I would just love to slap.

Technical & Customer Support Rant

GAH!!!

Coming February!

Karen, the wannabe author!

Great website...

Happy New Year?

Don't poke the penquin!

Just another cheezy Sunday...

Chia Pets everywhere!

Be careful what you wish for!

Crap. I'm going to have a Merry Christmas...dagnabbit!

Holy carp, I'm never gonna get any sleep.

uhhhhhhhhhhhhh muh gawd.....

I practice what I preach...

Some may think I'm crazy...but that's okay.

Tomorrow night...

It's Coming....

Thank you SOOO MUCH!!!

Angels...

More....

~*~

Happy Birthday, Sweet Ginni

Squirrels. Flippin' squirrels.

Why I walk....

Update: Thank you!!!!!!!

So happy, sad, tired...and need prayers.

In Memory of Ginni, In Honor of Survivors

Playing catch up! UGH!

To Gabby

Heat Waaaaaaaaaaaaave!

Oh Mah Garsh

Let's try to tidy up our email inboxes...

They're here! They're HERE!

Oh mah gawd! Tidy Cats!

How you know your bike has been in the garage too long!

TAGGED! You learn something new everyday.

Stuffs

Root for Trace TONIGHT!!!!!

Pics from my vacation to Ocracoke Island, NC!

Need Creative Ideas!

BIG DUMMIES! GRRRRR....

Okay...Guess who else is a "Hannah Montana" fan...

Thank you so much!

Prayers needed...

Martina In Concert on WHRO!

cough-cough HACK! Gag!