Saturday -April 15th, 2006

I am back. It's been awhile again. Things have been busy with work. Getting some extra hours and the money is great. The department was downsized so there may be hope of keeping the job after all. I hope so. The benny's are very good. And I am so used to working only 9 months out of the year I am not sure I could go back to 12 months or a regular 8-4 or 9-5 job. I am so spoiled. I really like my job for a lot of reasons.

We have a beautiful day here today. After the bad storms of the week this is a nice change. We had temps in the 80's for 3 days straight. Very unusual for April in Iowa. And it stirred up some bad stuff and we had Tornados all around us on Thursday evening. The closest little town 15 mins. from me had 6 touch down there. Several buildings were destroyed. A lot of minor injuries. And only 1 death. Which was pretty unbelievable when you see the destruction that was left behind. Today lots of sunshine and its currently the 60's with a wonderful breeze coming in the windows. But a chance of rain later today. Welcome to Iowa.

Things are definite for Florida. Tickets are bought. We just need to reserve a place to stay. I will have that done in the next week. I am so excited. I am craving the beach so much. One of my co-workers in heading there next week. I told her I am so jealous. Gosh a whole week of the beach. It's going to be great.

Other good news.... I just got a call from a local realtor. There are two people interested in my dad's house. I am showing one of them Monday. This may be it. It has sat empty for over a year with paying bills on it all that time. It's time to let it go. I have thought about moving into it myself. If I didn't have my home I would be serious about it. But It's just not practical for me to do it. So I have to let it go. No matter how hard it's going to be. It's time to move forward and get on with Life. It would put me in a great position to get debt free. That is a big thing. And then if I wanted to make that actual move to Florida or anywhere else it would be a whole lot easier. Or even if I wanted to open that book store here I could. So it would be a very positive move. My fingers are crossed.

I am still reading but not as much. Currently reading "Savannah Breeze" by Mary Kay Andrews. I have several books checked out from the library. And several on hold. Also still buying them used. I need that book store.

My little boy had a birthday this week. GOD do I feel old. He turned 27. That's right I am an old lady. I can still the morning he was born. It took forever for him to come into this world. He has been my good luck charm. Being born on Friday the 13th. At 6:07am weighing 6lbs 7oz. My lucky numbers have been 7, 6, and 13. We are taking him out for dinner tomorrow as a late celebration. He will probably pick LoneStar Steak House.

I better stop here and post this and get some house work done. I am so enjoying the nice breeze blowing through here. So are the cats. Back again soon.

Ciao for now,
Diva in Iowa

Sunday ..The latest News

Here we are it's April already. Wow time flies and I am not even having fun. March was a stressful month for a lot of reasons. I am hoping April will be easier on me. I am getting extra time a work. I am sure that won't last. Every little bit helps. So for now I will go with the flow. We got our bonus checks on Friday. That was real nice. First time in the 11.5 years I have worked there that there has ever been a bonus given. I have put mine away to spend on myself later. I deserve it.

Speaking of deserving something. Vacation. Yes, Yes, Yes, we are going to Florida. I got my best friend committed to it. July 8th-15th back to the beach. I am so excited. It will be great. I have been dreaming of it since we left. I crave the Ocean. This time my sister and niece will be going with us. Hopefully it won't dampen our time. We can leave them in the room at night and go out and do whatever we want. I am taking my geritol already getting my old body ready for a GRAND Time. Tattoos are in the future. We are going to do it this time. I am not going to chicken out. Something small. We will do it asap on the first or second day. 4 short months and we will be soaking up the Sun, sand and the sea. I am so excited. We are definitely not taking as many bags this time. I will pack much lighter. We can always do laundry if we need to. Hauling those bags around last time SUCKED.

So now I have something to look forward to. I need to concentrate on keeping my eating on track so I don't have any problems when we are away. I could stand to lose another 30 lbs at least. It's a big target but the main goal will to be keeping things on track so I don't have any flare ups while we are away. Because that will ruin my time. I am still going to Curves so that has helped me tone up some. I am going to work hard the next few months.

I think Spring has finally sprung here in Iowa. We have started having thunderstorms. Twice this week it was heavy wind and rain. Lots of Lightening last night. The temps have been slowly rising. Yesterday it was in the 60's no sunshine but it was still sweet. Nice walking weather. I love it.

I have been reading but not as much as I did in January. Since I last posted I have finished "Lovers and Players by Jackie Collins and "Night Fever" by Diana Palmer. both were excellent. I am reading a few more right now. "Alone" by Lisa Gardner and "Terri" by Michael Shiavo. The book about Terri Shiavo really surprises me. I knew she had an eating disorder but I never dreamed her parents were the way they were. I know this is written by her husband but it can't all be a lie. It's shocking. I also have another book checked out about Scott Peterson. "A Deadly Game" by Catherine Crier. It's pretty shocking too. He is a true nut case.

I am going to stop here. I think I need to get out and get some fresh air. So I am going to go for a walk before it starts raining again.

Ciao for now,
Diva in Iowa