M's blog

Why Parents Drink

2007-06-13T13:46:00.000-05:00

A boss wondered why one of his most valued employees had not arrived one day and had not phoned in sick. Having an urgent problem with one of the main computers, he dialed the employee's home phone number and was greeted with a child's whisper.
"Hello?"
"Is your daddy home?" he asked.
"Yes", whispered the small voice.
"May I talk with him?"
The child whispered, "No."
Surprised and wanting to talk with an adult, the boss asked, "Is your Mommy there?" "Yes"
"May I talk with her?" Again the small voice whispered, "No."
Hoping there was somebody with whom he could leave a message, the boss asked, "Is anybody else there?"
"Yes" whispered the child, "a policeman ".
Wondering what a cop would be doing at his employee’s home, the Boss asked, "May I speak with the policeman?"
"No, he’s busy ", whispered the child.
"Busy doing what?"
"Talking to Daddy and Mommy and the Fireman," came the whispered answer.
Growing more worried as he heard a loud noise in the background through the ear piece on the phone, the boss asked, "What is that noise?"
“A helicopter" answered the whispering voice.
"What is going on there?" demanded the boss, now truly apprehensive.
Again, whispering, the child answered, "The search team just landed a helicopter"
Alarmed, concerned and a little frustrated the boss asked, "What are they searching for?"
Still whispering, the young voice replied with a muffled giggle..."ME"

Its Been A Long, Long Time

2007-06-07T13:50:00.000-05:00

Wow! I'm not believing it either....what a post??? I must tell you I am happy, happy, happy!!!! FINALLY after a very, very long time I can truly say and mean it...I'M HAPPY...

I am giving all the credit to someone who means everything to me. And here he is....

I hope someone out there will give me a shout.

Where to Begin...

2006-08-31T14:00:00.000-05:00

So much is going on that I don't know where to start. I'm still jobless (going crazy!), screwing up my life.

Heather is getting married Sept 16 and so we are tying up loose ends....

I just got out of a psychiatric hospital one week today. I spent 8 nights, 9 days in there. I was like hell, a prison. I was admitted for depression/suicide/alcoholism. I am doing better - still not ok but am taking it one day at a time.

Bret and I are getting a divorce...

See I told you there's a lot going on.

Today, I'm Old

2006-06-20T10:13:00.000-05:00

Remember when you were little and how "old" everyone who was taller than you seemed. For some reason I got it in my head that 40 was old. I never wanted to get that old. Even as a teen and young adult I never wanted to get to the age 40.

Today, I'm old. Today I turn 40. I'm depressed and want so badly to turn back time. I don't want to move forward.

I always thought by the time I do get to this age, I'll know exactly what I want out of life. I never really knew what I wanted to be when I "grow up"...and I'm amazed to find myself sitting here still trying to figure out what it is that I want to be now that I'm grown.

My sister greeted me with a pleasant phone call - NOT!!
M - Hello?
Sis - wake up Marti you're 40.
M - shut UP!
Sis - laughter - you're 40 and over the hill - laughter
M - SHUT UP!
Sis - Just say you're celebrating your 20th anniversary of your 20th birthday
M - put Seth on the phone

My nephew Seth (6 yrs old) is in the background yelling happy birthday - He sang me the birthday song and it was precious! His brother Jonah (2 yrs old) was singing so I told her to put him on the phone and he sang me the birthday song. It was adorable. That made my morning wonderful....

Mom called a left a message - it was so precious - I cried. I will cherish her words forever. Thank you Mom for having me. Thank you for being my Mom. I love you too.

In Loving Memory of My Dear Freind Deb

2006-06-19T13:15:00.000-05:00

~ FRIENDS ~
As we walk our path of life,
We meet people everyday.
Most are simply met by chance.
But, some are sent our way.

These become special friends
Whose bond we can't explain;
The ones who understand us
And share our joy and pain.

Their love contains no boundaries.
So, even we are apart.
Their presence enhances us
With a warmth felt in the heart.

This love becomes a passageway,
When even the miles disappear.
And so, these friends, God sends our way,
Remain forever near.

Debra "Deb" Lynne Johnson Fike, died on Saturday, June 17 at Erlanger Hospital following a long battle with cancer.

Deb was a 1977 graduate of Red Bank High School and was employed by UT Orthopedic Surgery as a Resident Coordinator for over ten years. She was a faithful member of Chickamauga Church of Christ.

Memorial contributions may be made to Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, 14 Pennsylvania Plaza, Suite 1400, New York, NY 10122 or online at www.ocrf.org.

I'm Loosing My Best Friend

2006-06-16T09:57:00.000-05:00

My best freind Deb is the hospital right now dying....I've been visiting her and it's tearing my heart out. This beautiful person is fighting, fighting for every breath of life. She doesn't want to give up. She's not ready to leave behind three kids (ages 23-17). She's not ready to say goodbye to her loved ones and freinds. But this ugly disease is winning the battle. I love her so much and like the rest don't want her to go. How cruel how utterly cruel you are cancer! You strip a person of their beauty, dignity and will power. How cruel you are taking away loved ones, mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers and freinds. Cancer you always win in the end - I hate you.

I'm So Very Proud of My Girls....

2006-05-10T23:36:00.000-05:00

Heather decided she needed to get her hair cut. I couldn't believe it...she too had a foot of hair cut off and donated to Locks of Love...you know it's the little things that mean the most to a parent. After all we try to raise them the best we can.

Before

After

I'm Still Here....Just Waiting For Someone To Find Me

2006-05-01T23:06:00.000-05:00

It's been 2 months since I quit my job and it's driving me crazy!!! I'm tired of asking hubby for permission to buy flowers or this or that...I'm tired of hearing him say "we spent too much money this month". What do you mean we? I have to ask first remember?

I've applied with 2 temp agencies and still haven't found a damn thing. I'm so sick and tired hearing the same ole song and dance...You're over qualified or have too many years experience. I would love to tell them what they could do with my experience!!

2006-03-07T07:30:00.000-05:00

Last week Holly decided that it was time to get her hair cut. I made an appointment and bought her a book of hairstyles. She chose a style that I love but never imagined her wearing.

After all was said and done...Holly is thrilled with her new "do".

Yesterday the hairstylist got her workout in for the day just from cutting all of Holly's chocolate locks.

Holly is donating a foot of hair to "Locks of Love". I'm so proud of her...

Before

After

It's Just a Thought....

2006-03-02T21:26:00.000-05:00

I know it's been a while but after quitting my job, I have found lots of things to do other than sitting in front of a computer all day long.

Today I had an interview with a job placement agency. I was told that I am over qualified, had too many years experience and there are no positions open that she could offer. I gave her a minimum amount that I would accept for salary and that sunk my ship even deeper....Oh, but according to the agent, I have excellent interviewing skills...go figure and no jobs are available - hahahaha what a joke!

The job I was at had me feeling worthless, not needed....now, I feel like I've hit rock bottom....excuse me miss you have a great resume and qualifications however, we are unable to assist you at this time.

I relayed all this to hubby and ended with the dreaded what if question. His answer was...you might have to apply at Wal-Mart. Nothing is wrong with the people who takes care of us in the retail business....it's just that I haven't done something like that in over 20 years...I'm not saying that I'm better than that it's just that once you've established a career you kind of expect to stay in that field. Even if you do have to make a stand and say enough...I'm not going to be a door mat any more!

On a positive note....I have excellent interviewing skills

It's Been Two Weeks Since I Walked Out

2006-02-27T07:29:00.000-05:00

Well I've been busier than ever since I quit 2 weeks ago. Lu, Dana, Misty and the rugrats came down Saturday for a tux fitting only to learn that they RR didn't need to be there until one month before the wedding. UGH - sorry guys for the that big inconvenience.

Lu gave Misty a tour of the house and naturally it was a wreck. Now, if the two of you would like to come back now would be the time to do it. I have been cleaning like a mad woman. It's amazing how much crap you accumulate. I'm surprised we have enough room to walk around in this place.

Last week I headed out to a job placement agency for medical offices. They will be calling me this week for an interview. I would love to stay home and continue to down size but hubby says - HELL NO - Marti you have an expensive hobby...spending money!!! Oh well, guess it's back to the drawing board.

I hope everyone had a great weekend.

I DID IT....!!!!

2006-02-16T08:35:00.000-05:00

I quit my job...yes you heard right. I walked out Monday. I was pissed, fed up with the whole thing and had a bruised ego....whew- what a relief! Hubby is still in shock but me, I have never felt better!

Two of My Favorite Things!!!

2006-02-10T08:00:00.000-05:00

You Belong in Paris

Stylish and a little sassy, you were meant for Paris.
The art, the fashion, the wine, the men!
Whether you're enjoying the cafe life or a beautiful park...
You'll love living in the most chic place on earth.

What City Do You Belong In?

You Should Date An Italian!

You love for old fashioned romance, with an old fashioned guy
An Italian guy is the perfect candidate to be your prince charming
If your head doesn't spin enough, just down another espresso with him
Invest in a motorcycle helmet - and some carb blocker for all that pasta!

Which Foreign Guy Should You Date?

For My Dear Friend Deb

2006-02-09T08:00:00.000-05:00

If I could catch a rainbow
I would do it just for you,
And share with you its beauty
On the days you're feeling blue

If I could build a mountain
You could call your very own,
A place to find serenity,
A place to be alone

If I could take your troubles
I would toss them in the sea,
But all these things I'm finding
Are impossible for me

I cannot build a mountain,
Or catch a rainbow fair,
But let me be what I know best,
A friend who's always there

Sydney Thacker

My dear friend is dying from ovarian cancer. She has been in the hospital for 2 weeks and is getting worse each day. I love you Deb and will greatly miss you.

Just For Fun

2006-02-07T08:55:00.000-05:00

I stole this from Cyl who stole it from Jules now we're all theives!

All the one's I have done have an X before them. Feel free to do this yourself - or not ;)

[X] I've run away from home

[] I listen to political music

[] I collect[ed] comic books.

[X] I shut others out when I'm sad

[] I open up to others easily

[X] I am keeping a secret from the world

[] I watch the news

[] I own over 5 rap CDs

[] I own something from Hot Topic

[X] I love Disney movies

[X] I am a sucker for hair/eyes

[] I don't kill bugs (I hate lots of bugs - so yes I kill them every chance I get)

[X] I curse regularly (Especially when I'm drunk, happy, mad, glad or sad)

[] I have "x"s in my screen name

[] I've slipped out a "lol" in a real conversation

[] I love Spam (um...no freakin' way - the meat product taste like shit and email spam drives me insane)

[X] I bake well (when I cook which is hardly ever)

[] I would wear pajamas to school (Are you kidding me! The school would all become violently sick! All the kids would have to seek therapy because of the freak show!)

[X] I have a job (I am so miserable at this job...looking for a new one)

[] I love Martha Stewart (maybe not LOVE but hell, I would LOVE to have her money. Don't be fooled the chick has plenty left in the bank)

[X] I am in love/like with someone

[] I am guilty of tYpInG lIkE tHiS

[X] I am self conscious (At times ..... become more confident when drinking)

[X] I like to laugh

[] I smoke a pack a day (I don't smoke a pack- afterall, I'm a drunken social smoker)

[] I loved Go Ask Alice

[] I have cough drops when I'm not sick

[] I can't swallow pills

[X] I have many scars

[] I've been out of this country (One day!)

[X] I can't sleep if there is a spider in the room (Hell No! I hate those suckers!)

[X] I am really ticklish

[X] I love chocolate!!! (OMG who doesn't?)

[] I bite my nails

[X] I am comfortable with being me (Ok I have to agree with Cyl - who else can be this comfortable being me?)

[] I play computer games/video games when I'm bored (I'd rather sleep)

[X] Gotten lost in the city (I must admit to this one Lu - "I'm Fine! I'm Fine!)

[X] Saw a shooting star

[X] I had Surgery (both knees - I'm not bionic but I do have teflon screws in both shins holding my knee caps in place)

[X] Gone out in public in your pajamas (Again - Freak Show! But have done it taking the kids to school)

[X] I have kissed a stranger

[X] Hugged a stranger

[X] Been in a fist fight with the same sex (Use to fight all the time especially anybody who challenged me)

[] Laughed and had milk/soda come out of your nose

[] Pushed all the buttons on an elevator (This is one thing that really pisses me off! I get into the elevator and someone has pushed all the buttons - No thank you, I don't want the scenic tour of every freakin' floor)

[] Made out in an elevator (No but have fantasized about it)

[] Swore at your parents (At least not to their face)

[X] Kicked a guy where it hurts

[] Been skydiving

[] Been bungee jumping

[X] Broken a bone (cracked my head open once diving in the swimming pool)

[X] Played spin the bottle

[X] Gotten stitches (I want a zipper tattooed on all the scars just on my knees)

[] Drank a whole gallon of milk in one hour

[X] Bitten someone (Isn't bitting foreplay? ;)

[] Been to Niagara Falls

[X] Gotten the chicken pox

[X] Crashed into a car (no but I crashed a car)

[] Been to Japan

[X] Ridden in a taxi

[] Shoplifted

[] Been fired

[X] Had feelings for someone who didn't have them back (makes life a bitch)

[X] Stole something from your job (I thought most people do-ink pens, toliet paper, copying paper, co-workers husband)

[] Gone on a blind date

[] Had a crush on a teacher

[] Celebrated Mardi Gras in New Orleans (I have been to New Orleans 2 wks before Mardi Gras and it was just as wild! When is New Orleans ever not wild?)

[] Been to Europe

[] Slept with a co-worker

[X] Been married (Still am 21 years)

[] Gotten divorced

[X] Saw someone/something dying (My boss is currently dying from cancer - she is in the hospital as I speak)

[X] Driven over 400 miles in one day

[] Been to Canada

[X] Been on a plane

[] Seen the Rocky Horror Picture Show

[X] Thrown up in a bar (tequila)

[] Eaten Sushi (Oh HELL NO!)

[] Been snowboarding

[] Been skiing

[] Been ice skating

[] Met someone in person from the internet

[] Been to a motocross show

[] Going to or have gone to college

[X] Done hard drugs (JD, vodka, tequila, beer, speed, mary jane..do any of these count?)

[X] Taken painkillers (Oh Yea babeeeee)

[X] Cheated on someone else

Mom, Please Listen To What Your Body Is Trying To Say.....

2006-02-06T07:58:00.000-05:00

Thursday, I get this phone call from sis Lu. "Mom is at the ER. She called me crying with her leg hurting". I began thinking to myself, what's happening to Mom? Why can't she have a peaceful life? Why does she have to put up with all the bull*@#! that she does? Why???

Sis calls again (later)- The docs think Mom is having a stroke. She doesn't have any feelings in her right leg and right arm. Now, here comes the panic mode - then the anger - now the sobbing. The doctors really don't know what's going with her but she is refusing to stay in the hospital. Her main doctor finally told her if she didn't stay overnight, she could die. She stayed but wasn't happy about it.

I go up Friday (she was already home) not knowing what to expect. There laid my momma in her recliner - trying to rest. Dad was sitting in his chair and I sat down on the couch. Mom, I said, what are you going to do now? Well she smiled and gave me this look that only a daughter understands. I knew what she was going to do.....go back to work just to get a little peace and quiet.

We talked for a few minutes then dad starts with his regular I'm hungry routine and never ending drama. I told him I would go get him something to eat. Mom insisted upon going with me. Mom! You just got out of the hospital and you're in pain. She didn't care, she needed to get out for a few minutes. I drove we talked, got dad something to eat then went back to their house.

After that all hell breaks loose! I'll fill in the details another time. I understand why mom feels like she has to work. I understand why she feels the need to get out of the house for "few minutes". But, I think she realizes that her body is screaming for her to STOP - it's time to take a break! I can't continue going on this way. We talked about this for a while Saturday and I hope that she listened....

Mom, I love you and don't want ANYTHING to happen to you. I couldn't imagine life wihout you. Please take care of yourself....remember I'll find a way to put you on my insurance, all you to say is I'm on my way to my room.

Nothing, Nadda, Zero, Same Ole' Thing.....

2006-01-30T10:31:00.000-05:00

That should sum up my weekend. Just another routine kind of weekend....something's got to give or I need a new life!!!

Spaghetti, Spaghetti, and Spaghetti

2006-01-27T11:46:00.000-05:00

A wealthy man had been having an affair with an Italian woman for several years.

One night, during one of their rendezvous, she confided in him that she was pregnant. Not wanting to ruin his reputation or his marriage, he paid her a large sum of money, if she would go to Italy to secretly have the child. If she stayed in Italy to raise the child, he would also provide child support until the child turned 18.

She agreed, but asked how he would know when the baby was born. To keep it discrete, he told her to simply mail him a post card and write "Spaghetti" on the back. He would then arrange for child support payments to begin.

One day, about 9 months later, he came home to his confused wife. "Honey," she said. "You received a very strange post card today."

"Oh, just give it to me and I'll explain it," he said. The wife obeyed and watched as her husband read the card, turned white and fainted.

On the card was written: "Spaghetti, Spaghetti, and Spaghetti. Two with meatballs, one without.

I Knew It!! One Day They Will Come and Take Me Away.....

2006-01-23T09:39:00.001-05:00

you are the cute but psycho happy bunny. You
adorable, but a little out there. It's alright,
you might not have it all, but there are worse

which happy bunny are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

Three Things I'm Not Ready For.....

2006-01-23T07:27:00.000-05:00

This year I have to face three realities in my life....I know I'm not ready for one of them and the other two well, let's just say hang on baby this is going to be one hell of a ride.

1) I'll be 40 years old
2) Heather, my oldest is getting married (Sept 16)
3) I'll be a "Nana" the second Heather & Steven is pronounced man and wife

OMG - the bar on this roller coaster ride is locked in place. I can't squeeze out of the seat but am holding on for dear life...."Ladies and gentlemen welcome to the year 2006. Please remove glasses, hats and any loose articles. Please remain seated at all times....."

Sandra, Heather's soon to be stepdaughter is as every 4 year old is....a charmer. I was keeping Sandra at the house one evening and she wanted to watch Cinderella. I put the movie in and thought it would be fun for her to play the character Cinderella. I found an apron and feather duster, tied a scarf around her head and began calling her Sanderella. She was thrilled. She started calling me Stepmother (and still does).

Now that Heather and Steven are engaged, I asked Sandra if she was going to call me Stepmother or Nana. She told me Stepmother and she was calling hubby Stepfather. Um, I think I may have confused her...don't worry Heather it'll be ok....I think.

Thanks to Little Brother...I've Been Tagged

2006-01-20T00:57:00.000-05:00

Five Weird Things About Me

1) I'm from the South and I hate grits

2) I love to work out in the yard but hate the feel of dirt on my hands or under my nails

3) My sister Vicki

4) My sister Lu

5) My brother Oz

A Happy Birthday to You, A Happy Birthday to You...

2006-01-19T13:38:00.000-05:00

Everyday of the year, may you feel Jesus near....

Happy, happy birthday we're so proud of you....
When I say Happy, you say Birthday - Happy - Birthday

Oh, BTW - Happy Birthday Sis

I'm Going to Be How Old?

2006-01-13T11:33:00.000-05:00

Oh my GOD! I was lying in bed last night and it hit me like a ton of bricks - 40 bricks to be exact.

Marti, this year you'll be 40! Sick feeling in my stomach....ugh!

I had to remind myself to breath and thought how is this possible? I shouldn't be "40" yet!

To the Most Beautiful Person in the World....

2006-01-10T10:05:00.000-05:00

Mom,

You filled my days with rainbow lights,

fairytales and sweet dream nights.

A kiss to wipe away my tears,

Gingerbread to ease my fears.

You gave the gift of life to me,

And then in love, you set me free.

I thank you for your tender care,

for deep warm hugs and being there.

I hope that when you think of me,

A part of you, you'll always see.

Happy Birthday...
Robin

Did I Hang the Stockings by the Chimney With Care?

2005-12-21T09:53:00.000-05:00

....last Thursday our beloved Father called me up to announce "We are having Christmas at your house." Now I was thrilled then it hit me OH MY GOD - when? When are we going to have Christmas at my house! Hubby and I have been remodeling our living/dinning room. My house is a complete and total TRAIN WRECK! In at state of panic I managed to piss him off. Let's just say we don't have the same concept of "cleaning and getting the house ready" for company. I made it well known that he was out of his freakin' mind and left him with the clean up!

The NCAA Championship game was Friday - over 20,000 people bought tickets but I feel most assured more people showed up for tailgating and all the extra curricular activities that go on at a football game. Me being the mom that I am and who is very much involved in my kids life, is over the parking for all events held at the college stadium here in Chattanooga - was at the stadium 10:00AM and by 3:00PM ALL LOTS WERE SOLD OUT! The game didn't start until 8:00PM.

In the meantime, I'm stressing over the Family Christmas get together. Come to find out no one can make it until Sunday - with the exception of good ole dad! He's ready to show up at any given moment. I'm in a whirlwind by now and for the life of me can't remember what day it is or what's going on...Lu called to let me know that Dad was pissed and decided to cancel Christmas! Way to go Marti - you managed to screw Christmas.

Hubby and I got the train wreck cleaned up and what relief. BTW my house looks SO GOOD. Vickie decided to go to Mom's Sunday evening and have Christmas with them, which was wonderful! I get this call. Marti. Yes Mom, when are you coming up for Christmas? Now I'm thinking in the back of my head...I thought Family Christmas has been cancelled. Mom, I'm not sure. I hope to get up there sometime this weekend.

Holly is in the marching band at the high school. This year our band has been invited to go to the Cotton Bowl - Dallas, Texas and perform in the halftime show, parade as well as compete in different categories. We are leaving two days after Christmas and won't be back until Jan. 3. Am I ready for this trip? HELL NO!

Do I have all my Christmas shopping done? HELL NO! Marti - what are you waiting for? Christmas is still a month away right? No you idiot! Its Sunday...so I've been trying to get the shopping done - hasn't happened yet.

Last night we had a Christmas party for all the band students. While at the party, we board members worked on the Dallas trip. Why, why do we do this to ourselves? Oh, that's right, because we love our kids and family.

Wishing everyone a Very Merry Christmas and Peaceful New Year.