Okay, if I win the lotto tomorrow, I have to have one of these.  Okay?

http://www.borders.com/online/store/MediaView_cruz-reader

For the price, it does it all.  Books, videos, music, magazines, need I say more.

Don called last night and it was a nice surprise.  He sounds good but has no energy.  We should know next week after a CAT scan if he can get released from the hospital.  I think he's ready to go back now.  I just hope we get good results from the scan.

Lights are hung all around the house, balcony living room shelves, crystal cake stand and a bowl  of lights on the table.

And the two trees!

Have been researching Etsy.com for selling my photo cards.


AND IT MIGHT JUST WORK!!!!


Stay tuned.


http://www.etsy.com/


itashi photos coming soon

Harry Potter Deathly Hallows Part I

wasn't all that!

Too many dramatic pauses but I'm looking forward to finishing the book and seeing how Part 2 will be done.  Visually it was incredible but then ALL the previews were in 3D so I guess that's the wave of movie-going now.

If I had a 50" flat screen at home, I seriously doubt I would ever go to the movies again.  We went to the 1155am showing and it only cost $6  !!!!!

Large soda and popcorn (with one refill) cost $13.00 !

Next time, eat large breakfast before going to movie and NOT have popcorn!

Harry and Ginny kiss!

Finally.

Sunday and it's dreary, cold tootsies kind of weather.

Jamie's got the indoor bbq going and there will be ribs around seven.  That will give me time to make mac n' cheese and french style green beans.

Other than that, I'm in my usual attire.

but with socks!

Trees are up!   One in the living room and one in the bedroom.  Haven't hung any lights yet.  Jamie wants them everywhere and on the patio.  So tomorrow we MOVE plants.

I've been listening to the Beatles on YouTube.  I love them all and could listen to them over and over again.

Found these really cool Hem Gems to shorten your jeans when you switch shoes.  Incredible idea!

http://www.dailygrommet.com/products/507-hem-gems-hem-jeans-with-a-temporary-hem

And then there's these new hanging plant pots.

http://www.dailygrommet.com/products/boskke-sky-planter

and an electric wok or a japanese burner and work would make sukiyaki a little easier.

http://www.amazon.com/Tayama-6-5-Liter-Electric-Wok/dp/B001O49UNY/ref=reg_hu-rd_add_1_dp_T2

Is this becoming my stocking suffer wish list?  Jamie?  LOL

Letter written to Don and included another picture of Ava.  She's so freakin' cute.  I can't wait to meet her.

Jamie brought home our Christmas trees!!

Now to work on that triangle origami garland.

How is it that I am enjoying keeping our house together?  That's soooooooooo not like me!  Again, I think I like the pace my head wants to be right now.

Must make a check list!

Yes, I think it's time for one of those lists that you carry around with you.  Either on paper or on your mental pad.

 Yup.  it's time.

Need to write a letter to Don is on the top of the list.

Daliah is like a whirlwind!  She spins around you and engulfs you in this pleasant rambling of heartfelt story-telling  and meaningful exchanges of revelations her life leads her through.

Whew!  That was a mouthful.  Just like Daliah!  She's amazing.  And she loved her visit with us so that made it all especially delightful.

I need to own a bed and breakfast.  At this time in my life, I think I would be well suited for that.

And on top of that,  she got two jobs starting on Monday.  Good times!

Hostess Guiliana Rancic from E! has a website http://fabfitfun.com/welcome.php   that sends out emails with so much information, reviews of new products, and isn't so over the top that you can't afford anything their talking about like the Rachel Zoe http://www.rachelzoe.com/

Anyway,  today's FabFitFun email showed this nifty hair piece from QVC.  Ken Pave and Jessica Simpson Hair line now has clip in bangs!  I know, that's what I said.  Wait, till you watch the video.

http://www.qvc.com/qic/qvcapp.aspx/view.2/app.detail/params.aol_refer.false.tpl.detail.msn_refer.false.item.A92049.ref.GBA?cm_ven=GOOGLEBASE&cm_cat=Beauty&cm_pla=Hair%20Care&cm_ite=A92049

I think I linked that right but it's an incredible little invention with dramatic results. and CHEAP~!!!!


And here's another tidbit I found on FabFitFun:


Snacks

Almonds: This super tasty, nutritionally dense snack is packed with energy and has more dietary fiber and calcium than any other nut. 

Kashi’s TLC Bars: Unlike other corn-syrup packed bars, Kashi’s are natural and low in sugar. Check out the Cherry Dark Chocolate flavor (I’ve checked it out several times).

Rawk-n-Roll Cuisine: Although their raw/vegan/organic/gluten-free snack line looks kinda gnarly, it’s actually super delish. I always keep a bag around for a healthy satisfying snack that’s less than 60 calories.

Brown Rice Cakes: Light and crunchy, these are great when you’re craving something like a chip. They’re also great topped with a little bit of peanut butter.

VitaTops: Forget the traditional sugar bombs, these decadent but healthy, portable muffin tops can satisfy a sweet tooth without wandering into the cheesecake-filled dark side.


Mood for the Day:

SMILES !!

Today is Don's birthday!  Happy Birthday, DON!!!!

Also, Daliah is here visiting and sleeping over.  I am sooooooooooo excited.  Now if I could just get Amy here.

I have been texting with Kasey all morning and she's on painkillers and doing okay.  

Gooooooooooooo Morning San Diego!

Got a wakeup call at 330am from Carrie letting me know that Kasey had gone into surgery and was alittle nervous.  I stayed awake until I received the text from Kas that said she was out and dopey!  The DNC procedure is fortunately done while you're under and not very comfortable afterwards.  It feels like someone took their hand and scraped the inside of your entire lower torso.  Wonderful, huh?

I have found another webside that I am in love with.  It has EVERYTHING you can imagine and some things that are pretty innovative, creative and fuckin' useful.

MILESTONE:  I just cussed on my blog!  

http://www.dailygrommet.com/products/de-nada-design-handmade-peruvian-knits/?utm_source=CC&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=19700101

It's called Daily Grommet and in particular is for angora spiral scarves and cowls from Peruvia.  You must see!!!

itashi photos

itashiphotos@gmail.com

go to itashi photos to view photos and email to order!

psssst !!

Spread the word.

lmao

Night Night!

Sweet Dreams!

Must be a busy day tomorrow.  We have a lot to catch up on.

Lowe's and pick out dining room color a little lighter grey than kitchen back splash.

I know there's something else but I can't remember right now.

Laundry's done.

Corn bread stuffing cooking AGAIN.

I will remember in my twilight!

Must must clean out emails IMMEDIATELY.

Here's some things I found:

http://www.totallybamboo.com/index.cfm?CFID=1172254&CFTOKEN=49670768  

Beautiful bamboo trays, plates, cutting boards, and more! Oh My!

Started out being a real lazy day and then I decided we should do laundry and change the sheets.  So then I vacuumed and steam mop our bedroom.

Burst of ambition to clean is OVER!

And guess what I found?????

Fourteen Chocolate Diamonds and 14K White Gold Ring with Black Rhodium Accents

Wait, I'm breathing too fast.............

I think I like all this puttsing around the house that I've been doing for the past year and a half.  

The domestic life has been a very nice change.

I like the pace my head is in.

What a lazy freakin' day!  Jamie had a slight hangover so we slept in pretty late.  Him on the couch and me snuggled on my new puffy mattress cover.  Just like a cloud.

Found an awesome skincare company that's completely natural.  Amazing story.  Let's see if I can link to it. 

tataharper.com

Yeah, I did it!

Jamie's Birthday Today!  He was so happy to see all the wishes on Facebook.  Wishes from all those people that never sent him a card on his birthday but he remembered all of them all these years.  High five to Facebook!

We went to Buca's and we were in heaven.  Kitchen table and saw Mike, a manager there.  We've known him for several years and he's always so polite whenever we see him.


We split a small mozzarella garlic bread and a small green apple gorgonzola salad and then on to the main entree.  A large Chicken Marsala with mushrooms to share and even had enough to bring some home. 

Then came dessert!   OMG!  The waiters brought a candelabra and started sing to Jamie.  He was so cute and embarrassed.  A large slice of thick brownie topped with ice cream AND whipped cream.  Then the Chef sent over three large pumpkin cannolis.  Beautiful.

Now he's bundled up on the patio enjoying a cigar and a large glass of something I bought him last Christmas.  Whatever it is it's 130 proof.  Isn't that like gasoline?  Or just taste like gasoline?

Happy Tummy and the boys enjoyed all the food.

There were a couple of "smiley" things that happened today.  


Jamie received a box of peanut butter cookies from Mom for his birthday and she called after her turkey dinner at Miki's.  While we were talking her house phone rang.  Mom's cell was put on the counter while she answered her phone.  I knew immediately that it was her sister who she just left (Miki's mom).

Well long story short.

She forgot about me on the cell phone.  For at least 5-7 minutes, I heard her talking japanese to her sister.  A mile a minute.  LOL

Eventually she returned and said hello and then hung up!
What?
I called her back and she laughed and started telling me what  my Aunt Emy had called about.  I had her on speaker and after a couple minutes she started talking fluent japanese to me!


 What? 


I started laughing and then started trying to interrupt her.  "No, I didn't, " is all she could say.  I was laughing so hard I cried.

Don called and sounded really good.  When he's feeling good, he is so fun to talk to .  It was so nice to hear.

I am so happy but cautious happy.

Speaking of something nice to hear, Kasey's ringtone on my phone is of a baby laughing.  She called on the way home from work and I smile real big when I hear her ringtone.

I am thankful for so many small moments during my life.

Things to remember to do sometime soon when I have time and all that.

1)  Explain to Cousin Miki my theories on why our mothers are weird.

2)  Write down all the recipes that Mom has given me.  Do I want to handwrite them, type them ??

Let the cooking begin!!!!!

Last Night - Coleslaw 

This Morning:

Fresh green beans with bacon

Gizzards cooked and cooling

Deviled Eggs ready for filling

Cornbread baked and cooling

Tomorrow morning:

Assemble and bake cornbread stuffing

Fill deviled eggs

Make Guacamole

Boil potatoes to be mashed

Assemble sweet potato casserole

Cook ham

Make ham glaze

hmmmmmm did i remember everything?

  

11pm Tuesday

Jamie has a stuffy nose and a runny right eye

He's sicky.

It's yucky outside.  And I think it's going to rain.  But Jamie still took me out for a Dairy Queen Cookies and Cream Blizzard today.  Man after my own heart.  Traffic already sucks in Mission Valley.   Rude drivers, stupid drivers and drivers on their damn cell phone.  I am not embarrassed to say that I do two things that my Mother would smack me for:

1)  Holler at people on their cell phone.  Get their attention and tell them what assholes they are.

2)  Holler at people that drive fast in parking lots.  I've been known to stand in their way to tell them.

I know.  It's stupid but it makes me feel better so that's all I care about.

I am making way too much food for Turkey day.  It's just Jamie, Gary and me but I can't help myself. I must have all these foods on that day.  I obviously have too much time on my hands.

It's just the dishes that I hate afterwards but then that's why I have Jamie.  

Don's calling me tonight at 7pm per his Social Worker.  I can't wait to hear his voice.  And I know he's just as excited as I am right this moment.

Will write more after my call.

I am waiting patiently for his phone call.  Now I'm looking for the time every 5 minutes and it's going so slow so slow so slow.

Talked to my Amykins today (smiling real big right now).  No matter what the topic, I enjoy hearing her voice and I miss her so mucn.  By the way, I'm not just saying it cuz she reads this either.  I'd tell her to her face.  And I will.  The next time I see her.

Promise you that!

He Called!!!!!


And the doctors say his tumors are shrinking and they have him on antibiotics and he has to take them until December 12th and he might just be getting better.


I can't believe it
He told a nurse that he was just upset that they were so quick to say he was dying but she said that all signs pointed to that when he was admitted.  I'm relieved but afraid that he's not out of the woods yet.  But I will sleep much better.


He's calling me on Turkey Day and I'm happy.  

Dinner tonight:

Nothing better than pork curry and rice on a cold November night.

And a new picture of my grandniece, Ava!

Love the boots!!!

Finally the rain has stopped after two days.  I know.  I know. It doesn't rain very much here so when it does, it's crazy.  The East coast is going to be quite an adjustment for me, huh?

Received a letter from Don today.  Five tumors and two doctors think four tumors are shrinking.  Overall he said he's not sure the doctors know what they are talking about.  Sheeeeeesh

Blog showing some of my pictures

http://itashiphotos.blogspot.com/

Monkey sex.
No, that isn't how I threw my back out yesterday.  But it's happened before.

On the bright side:


Meatloaf,
mashed potatoes
and
gravy
is
damn
good
eats.

I am going to be sharing my "blogournaling" soon.  hmmmmmmm, she says!

Why am I so hesitate about sharing these vignettes of ramblings?  hmmmmmm, she says again!

It's all good.

I made Meatloffington today!  Yummo!  I should make homemade macaroni and cheese.  No wait, NO MORE cooking.  Too many leftovers already.  Breathing deeply.

  

Got a letter from Don today dated Nov 11th.  He said he had a 4 phase CT scan on the 12th.  He talked to a Doctor Campbell.  Don requested an appt with Dr. Lewis to discuss the results.  He said he wants to be active in his treatment if it was possible.  He wrote, "One part of me wants to find out the results now and another part of me doesn't want to know.  It's kind of wierd but I don't feel like I'm dying."

And then he said, "I just watched part of the Oprah show with Marie Osmond.  She is really one hell of a woman.  She has gone through alot of pain in her life.  She reminds me of you.  You know you have gone through a hell of alot and I feel like I've lived through some of it with you.  You are an incredible woman."

Tissue, I need tissue.

We have always started our letters to each other with:  Hi Ugly!  Always.

Today, it said Hi Ugly, Not really.  Hi Beautiful!!

More tissue please.

I have always known he loved me.  Never doubted it.  Never will.

Side note:

I am so excited about my new household weapon!!  We bought a Shark Vac then Steam piece of machinery yesterday.  This morning I whipped it out and threw my back out at the same time.  Sheeeeeesh  WTF!  I'm fine and I still like my Sharky.  But Really?

Survivor, Criminal Minds, here I come