jerilyn's visit

Last year, we had Jerilyn visit us for a few days during the summer. She is a great deal of fun, with a lot of energy and a fresh view on life. We were thrilled to have her back this year for almost a full week. During her visit, we indulged in bubble tea, saw a couple of movies (Meet the Robinsons and Hairspray), took in some mini-golf and DDR, shopped for bargains and dyed t-shirts. Although I had to work more this year than last I am hoping she had a good time and will visit, again, next year.

New Puppy

My parents had to put their dog, Suki, to "sleep" last year. At the time they didn't want the responsiblity of a new puppy... potty training, chewing, too much energy, and so one. They are finally up to the task and we (my siblings and I) went together to get them a new puppy. SuziJane is a 8 week old toy dachsund and ny parents are enamored. Unfortunately, I don't think their other dog is as excited about it. Toby was once the apple of their eyes but has lately taken a back sit to SuziJane, whom my mother carries everywhere. It's a bit much and I feel for both dogs. Toby must be confused and hurt and poor SuziJane will never know the joys of being a dog and, instead, will be totted around like a squeeky toy.

pedicures & haircuts

There is always so much to do that I could constanty be working but... today, Z and I took a couple of hours for beauty. We got new haircuts and pedicures. I, also, got a manicure and haircolor. Here is Cynthia with her new do -

very nice visit

For the first time in years, we had the pleasure of a visit from Greg's sisters, Linda and Jeanette, and Linda's twins, Maximus and Alexander. Unfortunately, it was an all too short visit but we loved seeing them. We made the most of our visit by going for a long walk, talking, having a relaxing dinner, building a fire and making smores...

bad news calls

Andi, my niece, has had more bad luck in her short life (20 years) than most people ever have and it seems more bad things happened to her every year. Before she was even born she lost her father, my brother, and today... her 17 year old sister died suddenly. Apparently, Casey had an epileptic seizure while she slept and she smothered. Tomorrow, I plan to head out for a visit with Andi and her mother. The thought of going to the funeral is just too much for me. I have had more than my share of funerals for young people and with 18 and 22 year old daughters I can't and don't want to envision a funeral for a 17 year old girl. Tragic, simply tragic.

waffles & tribulations

My oldest daughter has been working at a diner in Park City, Utah for a few months and has enjoyed it... except for one exception. One of the guys she works with has been verbally abusing her and grabbing her butt. Scariest of all abuse was the threat, "I am going to fu#$-ing kill you, bitch!" She was justifibily upset to the point of tears and vomiting last week and called me for advice. Her boss has agreed to fire the young man responsible for the abuse but there are still problems.
1. The possibility of retribution or stalking
2. The culprits father is very well known to the owner, eats at the restaurant all the time, built his house and didn't like my daughter to begin with.
3. The son has mislead his father regarding the relationship with my daughter, thus he think she mistreated his son.
She likes the job and the people (other than the abuser, obviously) and has started making some improvements in her financial health but isn't comfortable about working there anymore with such hatred in the atmosphere. I am not sure what to tell her except that her self-respect, safety and health are more important than a job. I don't know how this will wash out but am very anxious for her. It was so much easier when she was young and I was able to protect her from strangers.

... survey says, "

TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF - The Survey

Name: Sally Converse Doucette
Birthday: 12.30... none of your business
Birthplace: Fremont, MI, USA
Current Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Eye Color: Green
Hair Color: Dark Brown (with white)
Height: 5'2"
Right Handed or Left Handed: Right
Your Heritage: Native American, French, English
Your Weakness: Computer games
Your Fears: Falling into deep, dark water, having something bad happen to my daughters, not leaving behind something useful/positive
Your Perfect Pizza: fresh mushrooms, broccoli, banana peppers, shrimp, feta cheese and a light sauce
Thoughts First Waking Up: "No way... not already."
Your Most Missed Memory: I missed making memories with my family the summers I was away from my family for work.
Lipton Ice Tea or Nestea: Either, just give it to me cold without lemon or sugar
Chocolate or Vanilla: vanilla
Cappuccino or Coffee: latte
Do you Smoke: no
Do you Swear: rarely
Do you Sing: everyday
Do you Shower Daily: no... bathe
Have you Been in Love: have been and am
Do you want to go to College: Maybe to finish a MFA
Do you want to get Married: I am
Do you belive in yourself: Yes
Do you get Motion Sickness: Oh, yes
Do you think you are Attractive: Most of the time
Are you a Health Freak: On the edge
Do you get along with your Parents: at a distance
Do you like Thunderstorms: Love them
Do you play an Instrument: Guitar and Ukulele
In the past month have you Drank Alcohol: Cosmos
In the past month have you Smoked: no
In the past month have you been on Drugs: Vicodin and penicillin (root canal)
In the past month have you gone on a Date: no
In the past month have you gone to a Mall: no
In the past month have you eaten a box of Oreos: no
In the past month have you eaten Sushi: Several times
In the past month have you been on Stage: yes, several times
In the past month have you been Dumped: no
In the past month have you gone Skinny Dipping: yes, in the Great Salt Lake
In the past month have you Stolen Anything: no
Ever been Drunk: yes
Ever been called a Tease: yes
Ever been Beaten up: yes
How do you want to Die: When I am much older and doing something I love.
What do you want to be when you Grow Up: Happy
What country would you most like to Visit: China
Number of things in my Past I Regret: 1