Things...

Ok. It's after midnight on Wednesday night. I'm still up! Why?

1. Just finished editing and adding to my research paper. It is due at 3pm today (since it is now Thursday). Nothing like waiting until the LAST MINUTE to get this writing done. Well, I have always said that writing under pressure is the best way for me to write. I had all 4's and 5's on my writing as it was. You could really tell I had the flu when I was writing it with all the grammar errors.
2. I turned in my print versions of my grant proposal this evening. Yeah! I'm completely done with the class. It was EASY for me. I think it was equally as easy as my grammar analysis class. I'm such a GEEK (but cute). I just know I'm getting an A in this class.
3. I napped for about an hour this evening. With EVERYTHING I did today, I needed some rest time. When I got home from grant class, I immediately made dindin for us all, got Cassi to finish her homework, and had us be quiet. Rob worked tonight and needed a short nap before work.

Well, I FINALLY got approval of my internship. YEAH! The professor who will be my anchor professor told me (and you didn't hear it from me) that the department head is retiring this year and is taking his time approving anything. But, I sent my professor the information he needs to get that book ordered for me to buy through the bookstore. And, I have a meeting Monday with my supervisor of the internship. Can you believe that I'll get a grade for this internship? I just know I'll get an A. Hmmm? Is it too early to expect a 4.0 for spring semester. I could actually graduate with a 3.75 overall GPA.

OOOH!

But, yesterday, I got an interesting phone call. At the beginning of the month, there was a career fair at CSU. One of the employers there was Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS). They are hiring. But, I've known from experience, they are only looking to hire people in this area who in school for accounting. My mom and dad are both employed here. But, because of the fact they use technology heavily in their jobs, they have a whole IT function.

So, when I was there, I stopped, as a last minute idea to the table. Talking with the recruiters, I explained how my mom and dad work at DFAS and I've got technology experience. They took my resume and said they would forward it to the technology recruiters as they were both accounting recruiters.

Yesterday, I received a phone call and email. The IT department is based in Columbus, with support to the Cleveland office. They wanted my current GPA and unofficial transcript.

Oh, but if I could get hired there... My last semester of school would get broken up into 2 semester, taking 2 classes each semester and pushing my grad date to fall 2008. But, I would be working too. And, yes, I would have daycare for Cassi in the morning before her schooling starts and in the afternoon. I would love this option to happen as I REALLY need to work. But, I don't want to think about it right now. I'll start to obsess.

And, if I stay with my original plan, I will have access to research EVERYTHING grants. I may be able to find foundations willing to give me money to pay back my student loan bills (and Rob's), along with funding for my business stuff. That would be nice.

With all this said, I'm finally starting to get tired. The next few days will be CRAZY. Later today, after we get up, I will be at Cassi's school til 12:30. This week, there is a book fair. I volunteered to help the kids pick books and things they want. Cassi got 3 books (plus a couple other things nI bought her for Christmas). Friday morning, we're walking in the school's walking club before school starts, then heading to our church to help pack food gift baskets, then off to school for my grammar exam. After the exam, I've just got my final.

I'll be tired come Friday afternoon.

Pray for me!

Lots of love to all,
Cathy
8^ )

10 Things I Can't Live Without...

OK. From VegasPrincess (VP), my sister-by-proxy, who's home recovering from whatever she ate to make her sick, I'm following up with my list of

10 Things I Can't Live Without...

Anyhoo, my list of 10 (in no particular order):

1. My hubby Rob (oops, started to say Marie's Joe)
2. My CHILD Cassi (is she just one kid or a crowd?)
3. My family (including Marie and sister-by-proxy VP)
4. My computer (yep, I'm a geek, but cute!)
5. My cat (Dina, pronounced Deena)
6. My cell with text messaging (can't get enough, but only if you're IN)
7. Dr. Pepper (but only 1 can a day please)
8. My home
9. Notepads that are small enough to carry in my purse (to remind of me all the stuff I need to remember)
10. My car (because we live in the boonies - west burbs of Cleveland and need to drive to get ANYWHERE!)

OK. That's my 10. Typically, I don't get a chance to do tags when they come in email, but like to do them when I can. Not emailed but suggested by VP.

Lots of love,
Cathy
8^ )

Numbers...

My daughter is OBSESSED with numbers. When she asks "when are we going to the store?" and I say "later" that isn't good enough. You can't tell her words like, later, soon, a few, etc.; words that aren't exact numbers, she gets mad.

She wants EXACT times, EXACT amounts, EXACT EXACT EXACT when it comes to numbers.

So, yesterday, dad called, letting me know Cassi was ready to come home. He would bring her home at 2.

"Pa! Not at 2, at 1:55!" she shouted.

Dad says to me that NO, we're not leaving at 2. We're leaving at 1:55 pm.

Next thing we know, they get here at 3pm. Cassi decided she was watching a TV show. At 1:55 pm, Pa says to her it's time to go.

"No, when this show's over. I'm watching it," she says. When that show was over she wanted to watch the next show.

We thought they stopped on the way. But, it's just hilarious how she's so obsessed with numbers.

Thought I'd share!

Lots of love,
Cathy
8^ )

Wanting to Write...

Have you ever...

Done something?
Wanted to write about it on your blog?
Thought about it all the way home from where you were about what you wanted to say?
Got home?
And those thoughts left you?

That happened to me yesterday. I tried to boot up my laptop but had trouble with my internet connection. Rob played with it while I was at my last craft show and couldn't get hooked at home.

So, my WONDERFUL thoughts vanished. When I think of new ones, I'll write.

Lots of love,
Cathy
8^ )

The Paper (an Update)

As I thought, I just met with my professor about my paper. Besides having the flu while writing the paper, I felt there just wasn't enough "stuff" in the paper. My professor thought so too. But, she pointed me in the right direction for additional information.

While working with her this morning, I've got the notes on what needs to be added and where it should be added. I asked her if she wanted to see it before I turn in the final draft. Only if I want her to see it.

So, I'm going to try to work on it tomorrow. Even if I don't get her to see it, at least it will be done.

Otherwise, even though there's not enough "stuff" the five major components to the paper are 4's and 5's, dealing with focus, etc.

In my grammar class, I missed last Wednesday because I just needed that EXTRA day of rest after being sick. Definitely helped. But, while I was gone, the professor gave back our grammar exams from the Friday before. Even sick and the fact that I missed 2 days didn't drop my average. I figured if I was going to bomb a test from this class this would be it because I was sick and missed important class days.

I got a 95%. Only because 2 of the problems were stupid errors, plus I had a 1% point bonus from an exercise a few weeks back. Because this class deals with detailed analyization of grammar, we diagram out sentences as part of our process. There was this sentence that he told us if we got it right, we would get a bonus point for the exam.

Well, no one got it right but me, but because everyone tried, everyone got the point. Kinda made me feel crappy because I was the only person to get it right.

OK. That's about it for now. I'm feeling the need for a snack. And, I want to look at moving my car to my "good" parking lot before class. I've got class today and Wednesday. Off Tuesday.

Lots of love,
Cathy
8^ )

My Research Paper - Fears

OK. As I was just saying, tomorrow is my Composition Theory class. For tomorrow's class, I have to have completed my rough draft of my paper completed. The paper has to be 10 pages typed and double-spaced. I've got about four of those pages done. Plus, the inclusion of the cover, table of contents, works cited, and appendices.

Because I think and write segmented, I figured my best bet would be to write my paper segmented. And, as I thought, the paper is working out that way. I've been be-bopping around my paper, typing stuff where it belongs in the order.

Here's my fears. I've had this professor before. This is my professor from my Technical Writing class. Yep, if you're remembering, I had to do a segmented research paper there as well. So, my professor knows how well I can research and how well I can write. Because this paper deals with some topics that I'm not completely familar with, I feel that when she reads the paper, she might become disappointed. That disappointment will be because she knows how well I write and I don't think this paper will be as good. Yes, I understand each paper has its own differences, but I have a reputation to uphold.

But, also as I said, I've been sick since Thursday. Yesterday and today have been the worst of the days, the flu or at least a sinus infection. But, I feel like I'm getting better today.

As it stands, I've still got about 6 pages left to write for this paper.

Oh, wonder what I'm writing about? My question is: How do I teach writing to children with learning disabilities?

It's very close to my heart as my child has a learning disability. This LD gives her trouble in every aspect of her school life. As she grows older and goes into the higher grades, that trouble will continue. I want to be able to stay current with the teachers to be able to help her at home. I figured it was a good topic to write my research paper about.

And, my other classes? Grant class - 2 points less than acing the class, Grammar analysis - 94% on all tests.

Ok. Gonna go. I've got to start working on dinner as Rob will be going to work tonight at his part-time job.

Lots of love,
Cathy
8^ )

The Spring Schedule (And Books)

So, I've been able to register for everything but my internship. As it stands, I have to wait for final approval and a specific section to be created for me to register.

Here is what my schedule will look like in the spring:

Monday: Imaging Africa (non-western class for gen ed requirement) 4-6 pm
Tuesday: English Senior Survey (my only lit analysis since my first semester) 10am-noon
Magazine Writing 6-8 pm
Wednesday: Imaging Africa
Thursday: English Senior Survey and Magazine Writing

Now somewhere in between there, I have to come up with 10 hours a week for the internship. Plus, Cassi and Rob and the house and PTO,...............

As far as my books are considered, I've got the open-ended book scholarship. I've talked with my anchor professor regarding my internship. Basically, there is no book required for the internship. After explaining the scholarship to the professor and suggesting a book that would be good for me to have, he agreed we could get the book required through the bookstore. Once the spring semester starts, I'll be able to get the book with my scholarship.

Cool!

Ok. I'm sitting here with Cassi, helping her get her homework done (yep it's Monday night). I'm also trying to complete my research paper that's due tomorrow. ACK!

Wish me luck! I've been sick this weekend too. So, I slept for a while this evening while Cassi played on her computer and watched some TV.

Lots of love,
Cathy
8^ )

Blonde Hair

This is a funny story. I had a craft show on the 3rd of November. A vendor from another table came over and saw my chore charts. She thought they were so adorable. But, she has 2 little girls, one girl with blonde hair and one girl with brunette hair. The chore chart I had was for a brunette-haired girl. She asked me if she purchased that one could I also alter the hair for a blonde.

Sure, why not? I'll give it a try and print it out. I saw her on the 10th at another craft show we were both doing.

So, while I was at the first show, I had my laptop and worked on the hair. Now, how do I come up with blonde hair? Rob happened to be around at the time and started looking through my photos for someone with blonde hair.

And, who did I find?

My old supervisor from Ernst & Young, Barb. I have a photo of her with Cassi at 5 years old. I copied pixels of her hair and pasted them into the chore chart. With manipulation of those pixels, I was able to come up with a blonde-haired little girl's chore chart.

She was so happy at the result. She told me how she talked to her girls about getting the chore charts. She said how they were excited to be able to start using them.

I'm glad too!

Just another way I can use photos for graphic manipulation!

Lots of love,
Cathy
8^ )

Even George Carlin Grows Up, Sort of...

Ok. This one is a forward from my mom. Real hilarious, but has some vulgarity. If you don't want to read, I would stop now.....


New Rule: No more gift registries. You know, it used to be just for weddings. Now it's for babies and new homes and graduations from rehab.
Picking out the stuff you want and having other people buy it for you isn't gift giving, it's the white people version of looting.

New Rule: Stop giving me that pop-up ad for classmates.com! There's a reason you don't talk to people for 25 years. Because you don't particularly like them! Besides, I already know what the captain of the football team is doing these days --- mowing my lawn.

New Rule: Don't eat anything that's served to you out a window unless you're a seagull. People are acting all shocked that a human finger was found in a bowl of Wendy's chili. Hey, it cost less than a dollar. What did you expect it to contain? Lobster?

New Rule: Stop saying that teenage boys who have sex with their hot, blonde teachers are permanently damaged. I have a better description for these kids: "Lucky bastards."

New Rule: If you need to shave and you still collect baseball cards, you're a dope. If you're a kid, the cards are keep sakes of your idols.
If you're a grown man, they're pictures of men.

New Rule: Ladies, leave your damn eyebrows alone. Here's how much men care about your eyebrows: Do you have two of them? Good, we're done.

New Rule: There's no such thing as flavored water. There's a whole aisle of this crap at the supermarket, water, but, without that watery taste.
Sorry, but flavored water is called a soft drink. You want flavored water? Pour some scotch over ice and let it melt. THAT'S your flavored water.

New Rule: Stop screwing with old people. Target is introducing a redesigned pill bottle that's square, with a bigger label. And the top is now the bottom. And by the time grandpa figures out how to open it,
his ass will be in the morgue. Congratulations, Target, you just
solved the Social Security crisis.

New Rule: The more complicated the Starbucks order, the bigger the asshole. If you walk into a Starbucks and order a 'decaf grandee, half-soy, half-low fat, iced vanilla, double-shot, gingerbread cappuccino, extra dry, light ice, with one Sweet-n'-Low, and One NutraSweet,' oooooooohhh, you're a huge asshole.

New Rule: I'm not the cashier! By the time I look up from sliding my
card, entering My PIN number, pressing 'Enter,' verifying the amount, deciding, 'No, I don't want Cash back', and pressing 'Enter' again, the kid who is supposed to be ringing me up is standing there eating my Almond Joy.

New Rule: Just because your tattoo has Chinese characters in it doesn't make you Spiritual. It's right above the crack of your ass. And it translates to 'beef with broccoli.' The last time you did anything spiritual, you were praying to God you weren't pregnant. You're not spiritual. You're just high.

New Rule: Competitive eating isn't a sport. It's one of the seven deadly sins. ESPN Recently televised the U.S. Open of Competitive Eating, because watching those athletes at the poker table was just too damned exciting. What's next, competitive farting? Oh wait, they're already doing that. It's called 'The Howard Stern Show.'

New Rule: I don't need a bigger mega M&Ms. If I'm extra hungry for M&Ms, I'll go nuts and eat two.

New Rule: If you're going to insist on making movies based on crappy old television shows, then you have to give everyone in the Cineplex a remote so we can see what's playing on the other screens. Let's remember the reason something was a television show in the first place is that the idea wasn't good enough to be a movie.

New Rule: And this one is long overdue: No more bathroom attendants.
After I zip up, some guy is offering me a towel and a mint like I just had sex with George Michael. I can't even tell If he's supposed to be there, or just some freak with a fetish. I don't want to be on your webcam, Dude. I just want to wash my hands.

New Rule: When I ask how old your toddler is, I don't need to hear '27 months.' 'He's two' will do just fine. He's not a cheese. And I didn't really care in the first place.

New Rule: If you ever hope to be a credible adult and want a job that pays better than Minimum wage, then for God's sake don't pierce or tattoo every available piece of flesh. If so, then plan your future around saying, 'Do you want fries with that?'



This last rule is PERFECT! I am very old-fashioned and once worked in the corporate world. They DO NOT want to see that you're pierced or tattooed. If you have a tattoo, that's your business, but make sure it can be hidden!

That is all.

Lots of love,
Cathy
8^ )

The Halloween Picture

It's a little blurry because this comes from my cell phone. She REALLY had a good time. I had someone explain to me that she looked like the snow queen from The Chronicles of Narnia movie. That sounds good to me.

But, I promised. So, here she is!

Lots of love,
Cathy
8^ )

The Halloween Experience...

So, Marie got suckered into buying Cassi ANOTHER halloween costume. However, we were in luck. NO ONE else in the neighborhood was dressed like Cassi. She was dressed like a snow princess. PROMISE, I will post pictures. They're on my camera that isn't easy to access through the laptop, which is where I'm typing this. The other costume she would have worn was a witch costume. And, there were LOTS of witches.

The temperature was pretty nice. The change of the "time change" came at a good time. If we had turned the clocks back last weekend, it would have been dark when we went out. But, because the time change is this Saturday, we had almost an hour of light for walking. We didn't start using the flashlight until about 7pm. Trick or Treating ran from 6-7:30 pm. Because Rob had to work tonight, we didn't give any candy out. To tell you the truth, we haven't given out candy here at all. Because we've either gone as a group or Rob's worked, no one has been home.

This year has been the worst for people giving. I think it will only get worse. It doesn't help that the economy SUCKS. Ok. Not going there on this one right now.

But, we probably walked about 2 miles, 3 streets worth, each street about 3 blocks each.

A funny thing happened. One of the girls from my grammar class ran into us about half way through. Come to find out that she lives in the apartment complex right behind my housing development. COOL! Since we both didn't go to class today, we're getting together to study for the next test. She has a little one. Really cute. Her name is Lilly. Cassi and Lilly hugged. Cassi immediately asked if they could come over to play. Well, I've got a friend who lives near by now and a friend for Cassi to play with. We can even walk over to their house too.

Cassi is in bed now, watching some TV before bed. The candy and stuff was good. Daddy told her to make sure she got lots of candy for him. Since he's been working on quitting smoking, he has been eating, AND EATING, AND EATING! We've got candy bars from last Easter, but they're almost gone now.

Some of the weird stuff Cassi got? A juice box. A small container of PlayDough. Other than that, the usual. She did get the opportunity to stop at our neighbor's across the street 3 (yes, three) times. At the end, she says, "Nah, I don't need to go there. I went there twice already." You could see her think. She says, "Yeah. I'll go again." It was fine with them. They are very fond of Cassi. The couple's daughter/husband/grandson had to move in with them (husband lost job). But, the grandson is getting so big. It's fun to see the area toddlers getting bigger without actually having to have one in the house. About a month or so ago, I had a long conversation with Rob through the text messaging about this little boy. He's getting so big. He thought I was oohing and ahhing because I wanted another kid. NOPE! My pregnancy with Cassi was more than I could handle again. I'll live through everyone else.

But, I'm sitting here right now, watching and recording Ghost Hunters. Say what you will of SciFi Channel, but I LOVE this show. It's a live show at the Waverly Sanitorium. At this site, more than 63,000 people have died. The show will run until 3am. No, I'm not going to stay up until 3. But, it's recording. I'll be able to watch it at leisure.

On the other fronts, this next month will be HELL for me. Here's a quick run down:

1. Research paper in the composition theory class due on the 13th (finishing research to write first draft).
2. Book review due in same class (done). Yeah!
3. The final 2 writing pieces due for my grant class the next 2 wednesday's. Then, all of the individual pieces put together for a final proposal.
4. Two grammar exams over the same time period.
5. Three craft shows. I'm at the St. John Lutheran Church on West River Road in Elyria this Saturday from 9-4. I'm at Elryia Catholic High School on Saturday, Nov. 10 from 9-4. Finally, Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend, I'm at Cornerstone Methodist Church up West River Road. Hopefully I do well at these shows.

House, Cassi, schedule, etc.

Good news. This Friday is a Career Fair at CSU. There currently is 185 employers registered for the fair. As soon as I drop Cassi off at school, I'll be going to the fair. It would be nice to interview with a few companies for a job in May.

Plus, for now, I received an email today, offering me a job as a tutor. Sounded like a good opportunity. I applied for it. Would come in nice right now. We'll see how it goes.

OK. That's it for now. I wanted to update everyone. My online store is moving now. I'm getting as many items uploaded as I can. And, today, we had our first prospective customer to register.

I'll chat again after I have my craft show Saturday.

Lots of love to all,
Cathy
8^ )

The Craft Show Experience...

OK. So today went pretty well. I flew out to the place last night to drop off my stuff at the spot. Come to find out at 6:30 that the placed closed to drop off and setup at 6.

Ack!

But, luckily, one of the coordinators was still there. She let me drop stuff off, because I wasn't setting up til this morning.

And, it was a good thing I didn't setup.

Come to find out at 6:30 this morning....

I was in the WRONG spot. Okay. Gotta rush, get dressed, get din din started for tonight, get the last small things in the car and go.

Now, where's that letter I just found with my CORRECT space number? Go to the car, not there. Go back in the house, TWICE. Can't find it. Turn lights on. OK. Found it. Right where I was to begin with. At the kitchen sink.

Fly to show! Grab stuff and move to correct space.

BIATCH! Sucky spot...

As I thought. But, I was right near the bakery. The show was pretty busy all day, till about 3.

So, how did I do? Not too bad. Tuesday this week, I quickly put togther coloring books that could be bought by people with kids, or those people who know kids. They ended up, in conversation, that they were the perfect size for traveling. They are 5.5" by 8.5" sized books and bound.

I made 12 at the last minute to see how they would do.

THEY SOLD OUT!

So, I know what to make extra of for the next show.

The tea bag envelopes sold. I call them my "different" gifts. Luch box notes sold, book marks, and magnets also sold.

The lady next to me, come to find out, has started making sterling silver wire jewelry and uses gem stones and things of that sort. I happened to have a ruler in my purse from my grandpa's shop. He makes and repairs jewelry and also has silver wire and stuff, like she uses. I referred her to him for supplies.

She had a little girl there, age 5. She was SO good over the course of the day. I just know Cassi would have been bored out of her mind. I gave her one of my chore charts. I got some stickers. I put the stickers on my name tag.

A few people asked about designing tea bag envelopes and business cards. A few people I knew came by. One teacher from Cassi's school came by and said I should box up some of the stuff and leave it in the teacher's lounge for them to buy. I think I will.

I came out pretty well. I know I would have done better in another part of the school. The show is HUGE! About 200 vendors. But, a lot of the spaces were empty. I could have gone into another space easily and have more room.

I made back what I paid for the spot and some more. But, today was sweetest day. I did spend some money. Bought: baguette bread for din din, a pumpkin pie, a sandwich for lunch, chocolate covered strawberries, and a baby blanket (so mom doesn't have to make one for me for a gift).

Not a bad day. I know what few things I do have to make for my next show in 2 weeks, Christmas tea bag envelopes, business cards, and coloring books.

I did pick a sampling of all my goodies to send as a gift to a friend. I hope she'll like them when she gets them.

Ok. That's it for now. I've got a headache, am doing dishes and laundry tonight.

Lots of love,
Cathy
8^ )

The Good News is...

...

"Lisa and I (Tina) were able to hook up late yesterday afternoon and we are happy to offer the internship to you. It will comprise a position of 10 hours per week unpaid. The job description which I gave you in the interview (and which is attached here) is pretty much what you will be doing. Lisa and I hope to be able to offer you an opportunity to work on actual grant applications so that you have real experience developing one. In addition, I am going to involve you in the monthly production of Research News as well as other Pre-Awards projects, so that by the time you leave your internship, you should have a fairly full understanding of the grantwriter's world.

Please let us know, once you have everything nailed down, when you will be able to start and what hours work for you.

Welcome to Office of Sponsored Programs and Research. We are happy to have you with us."


What this means to me? I get my internship.

And the Bad News... The one class I need that would handle, general education requirement/ English upper level requirement/overall upper level requirement...

Isn't being taught next semester. Instead of being able to take just 10 credit hours, I will have to take 14 credit hours. The one class I have to take now becomes 2 (two). But, on the bright side, one class I took last spring, Advanced Composition, has another concentration of Magazine Writing that I'm confirming to be able to take in the spring.

I haven't even registered for my classes yet, and I'm already seeing the classes as being a BITCH!

So, my schedule?

M-W-F from 12:15 to 1:20 is a Non-Western gen ed class
T-Th from 10-12 is my English Senior Survey
T-Th from 6-8 is my Magazine Writing class

T-Th from 1-5 will be internship, then make up of 2-4 extra hours some time during the week. The bonus with the Magazine Writing class is that, once finished, I will have News Writing, Magazine Writing, Technical Writing, and Grant Writing school-related experience.

Whoo! Hoo!

Okay. Gotta go. Wanted to write REAL quick. I'm finishing up my craft items for my Craft Show this Saturday.

By the way, if you're reading this and in the Cleveland, OH area, I'll be showing my "stuff" at the Lorain County JVS. The show is located at the JVS at Rts. 58 and 20 in Oberlin, OH. The show runs from 9-4. If you're in the area/state, come visit!

Lots of love,
Cathy
8^ )

EXCITEMENT over phone message...

Okay. It's after midnight on Wednesday night, here in chilly Cleveland-area (in Elyria).

I'm wide-butt awake. Why you might wonder?

Well, first, I got a 90% on my last test in Grammar class. Not the grade I was expecting, but I didn't really study for it. I'll do better on next week's test. Tomorrow I get my second take-home test for Mary. I know by Tuesday everyone will want to evacuate the premises over my rants.

I had an interview this morning regarding an English internship for spring semester. I would be working with the woman who helps professors write grants for research money. I will also work with the university's grant writer. I will learn from them how to work with the constituents (my clients) and get grants written. I might even be able to help write specific portions of grants. After submitting the internship requirements to my advisor, he thinks it will be approved once I get my "we want you" call or email from the department.

But, my final reason for staying up? I got a call from someone looking for a professional to print envelopes for an affair they are having. I won't get into too many details now. But, it's a job for 1000 envelopes. (I can do!) The person doesn't remember me, but I interviewed with him for a job a few years ago. Hmmm? I wonder how this will play out. Initially, I don't think I'll tell him who I am. Since that interview, I moved to a new location. So, he may not have recognized me.

But, I've got my font samples ready. And, because he's in Cleveland, I can drop off samples right to his office.

So, I was going to bake apple bread this evening. We juiced apples on Sunday (homemade apple cider). Because of this call, I canned my wanting to bake. I'll bake in the morning instead. I've got an audiologist's appt (hearing aid doctor). But, I should have them ready in time because I want to take a bread to my doctor.

Ok. I'm going to close this now.

I've been reading my usual blogs. Everyone seems "blah" when it comes to blogging. Everyone has their down time. Remember, the seasons are changing right now. Your priorities might not be to "blog" right now. You might just not have the desire to write.

When the thoughts come, even if you're writing what you want to write in a notebook, that's great. You can then come back to your thoughts later on the blog - or not. Your blog is your own. Make of it what you will. Your friends will understand if you've been gone for a while. They will welcome you with open arms when you return.

Shew! I just got a lot off my chest.

With that, I'm be-bopping around the net until I get tired enough to go to bed. The next month will be HELL: (just my to-do's)

1. 4 craft shows in the next month (until turkey-day weekend)
2. 1 book review
3. 1 research paper (How do I teach writing to children with learning disabilities?)
4. 1 grant
5. proposal for spring internship
6. tests!
7. envelope job (if they want me)

Lots of love to all,
Cathy
8^ )

New Template

Okay. Just made a new template. Hope everyone likes it. I wanted something that says "fall" but will last until after Thanksgiving. Not that I didn't like my American Pride, but it was time for a change.

Lots of love,
Cathy
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New Link on Left Navigation

Ok. If I didn't have enough to do. Some of you know that I sell Watkins Products. For those of you who don't know what Watkins Corporation is, the company is THE first direct-selling business. Rob and I have been selling and using the products 4 years now. In the past, I sold Tupperware. Believe me, this has been the best business to be in. Because the products are consumable, the customer will be back for more.

Ok. With that said, I've added a link on the left navigation under my blogs. I will be adding information as much as possible to get the word out about Watkins Products. This is holiday time and baking galore is going on.

Everyone should at least try the products. Let me know if you want a catalog and I can mail one to you. Also, you can view the products online at the company's Web site: www.watkinsonline.com.

My only request is that if you look to order anything, they will ask you who sent you to their site. Our associate number is 342297. You'll be setup with a customer ID (like my associate ID). Your order will be credited to us as your associates.

Lots of love for now. I'm working on continuing to post my tea bag envelopes on my Cathy's Bargains Web site. Take a look now! I've got lots of products out there for sale and more being added daily. Yep, I'm working on the Web site, along with my school, Cassi's school, etc.

And the beat goes on!

Lots of love to all,
Cathy
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Congratulate Me!

So far, this semester, I am getting A's in all THREE (3) of my classes. I wasn't sure if I would be able to pull it off, but I have.

Now, this does come with a price. I think I've had a stomach flu this week.

This plus:

1. Helping Cassi make sure her homework is done EVERY night.
2. Running the PTO, which, by the way, is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization (yep, I'm runnin' a business)
3. Getting my Products together for my fall craft shows (yep, I'm runnin' a business)
4. Keeping our schedules sane
5. Keeping our house SANE
6. Having fun time with the kid and hubby
7. My fall tv watching schedule

Now, you might wonder when I sleep with all this stuff? A good example, when I get done on the computer, I will complete #5 and #7 at the same time. I'll go to the bedroom, fold the laundry and watch my DVR'd TV shows, while at the same time, starting a load of laundry to be washed. In the morning, while I'm getting Cassi ready for school, I'll unload the dishwasher and load it for another washing.

But, for those of you wondering, Cassi is doing MUCH better at school. We had a rough month at school. Marie, the GODDESS that she is, gives Cassi a dollar each day she's good at school. While Cassi could have had 19 dollars, she will only get 13. Six of those days she was bad and got warnings. One day, it really wasn't her fault. The boys in class cut in front of her in line when going to lunch. Instead of telling the teacher, she took matters into her own hands and whacked them on the ass with her lunchbox. Bad. The other days, she talked with her deskmate too much. That problem has since been alleviated. The other girl was moved to another desk. But, so far, she's 4-4 this week. I told her if she's good all month, mom and dad will give her a bonus. So, we'll see.

With that, I'll close for now. I've got TV and laundry to do.

Lots of love to all,
Cathy
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Can't Believe I'm Not Obsessing...

Ever since I announced the change in Rob's cell phone number, I have barely looked at the Verizon Wireless bill. Before, with him chatting with HER, I was continually looking at the bill. On the site, you would be able to tell when the last msg was. And, because her number was "out of network," I knew how many messages were for her and his daughter (both out of network).

But, now I don't have to do that at all.

Plus, I waited about two weeks for him to remove her phone number from his phone. When he didn't remove it, I did. If he looked, he probably realized I did it, but didn't ask.

He married me!

And, I SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO love him!

(Psst! And I am IN love with him still too! Even after 10 and a half years!)

Lots of love to all,
Cathy
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You Know You're old WHEN...

Your favorite music shows up on the local "oldies" channel.

Yes, lately, here in Cleveland, I've been surfing the radio stations. When I'm not listening to my iPod, I'm listening to the radio. Say what you will, but sometimes, the radio is just an easy way to get some good music.

In the mornings, the oldies channel is basically a talk-radio show. I like to listen to it. So, it's saved in my favorites.

Other than that, it's all oldies music. However, the past two weeks, it seems every time I switch to that channel, it's got my 80's music on. And not just early 80's. I've heard stuff as late as 87.

Okay, does this mean I'm old? Yes, I'll tell everyone my age. I'm 36! And DAMNED PROUD of it too!

And, yes, there's a lot spewing from me this evening and yesterday. I'm being ambitious and getting a few things done this evening.

Tomorrow, I'm going downtown to the CSU. I'm meeting someone from class to study for the grammar exam. This is easy for me, but she's having trouble. Then, I have research to do for Tuesday. In my Composition Theory class, I have to get a book for a book review and research for my paper.

So, this evening, I'm working on:

laundry (in progress)
dishes (in washer)
fold laundry (later)
process fundraiser orders (later)
sweep hardwood floors because I ran out of swiffer pads (later)
work on online store for my creative products (when I'm done here)

Okay, gonna go for now. I'm about to start working on my online store. FYI...If you go to my CathyHennes.com link, there's a link there for the online store. The online store is at www.cathysbargains.com. But, you'll find my Creatively Cathy products easier if you go through the CathyHennes.com link.

Lots of love,
Cathy
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Trucks and Cars (and Cars and Trucks)...

Why can't people driving cars realize that the TRUCK will win every time????!!!!!

This week, I saw on the highway, the same highway both times, where car (or cars) and a truck got into an accident.

The first time, Rob and I were coming back from the doctor's office Tuesday morning. We were in the fast lane and the highway was packed with cars. A truck was in the slow lane and could not get over. As a car was coming onto the highway, the driver ignored the YIELD sign and tried to beat out the truck.

It lost! And got smashed by the truck! Luckily, the driver didn't get hurt, just the car. But, the truck took almost a half mile to stop and pull over.

Today, as I was flying home from school to get Cassi, I saw in the middle of the highway (grassy area) two cars who appeared to be in an accident. One of those cars just happened to be a Jag. But, on the other side of the highway, in the right burm, was a semi. There was also three police cars, an ambulance, and a fire truck.

PEOPLE!

You WILL NEVER win against a truck! SLOW DOWN!

That is all! Off the soap box now.

My hubby drove a semi in a past life. They can't stop a truck or speed up a truck like a car can. This can scare the SHIT out of them. And, if you're not careful, you will be CRUSHED by that semi!

Lots of love and safety to all,
Cathy
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