Almost Halloween!!

Hey all,

Just a little quick note about the happs...

I cleaned at Angie's today and then now I am working at the gym until 7 tonight. I'm sleepy-sleepy today. Not sure why, but I am surviving the day!! We got K's pictures back in the mail so I got those all cut up and separated out. I also got all my Xmas cards in line and stamps purchased and labels made so all I have to do is sign them all, get pictures put in the cards and then ready to mail!!! I wanted to send the pic of kalyn and I that Andy took in the Xmas cards, but it is kinda dark and K said she would rather we took a different photo. So, we will have to work on that. lol

My friend Joe came back to my house yesterday and got the new thermocouple installed on the water heater. He said the color of the gas, etc looks much better now. The water heater is 12 years old and has always worked fine but he said it was starting to blacken something towards the back of the water heater and the flame didnt look healthy. He only charged me $25 to come check out my furnace, lay my water pipes nicely and replace that thermocouple. I gave him $50. It would have cost me a ton more to have someone else do it for me. He's great!!

Kalyn is getting straight A's, has one online class done and is doing really really well these days. I'm so happy with her...Now only if she would clean her room!!??

It has been one year already that Shane and I have split up. Hard to believe how time flies. Kalyn has progressed so much in the past year. She was a mess when the breakup happened and now she is just more happy than ever. I think she is thinking of graduating and how grownup she almost is and so that may be helping her. Graduation will be here before we know it!!

Reuben and I are doing really well. He is a sweetheart and takes good care of me. I have never in my life been treated so well and been so happy. He respects me, lets me be me and is very supportive of everything I do. I had no idea that someone like this could ever exist. I'm very happy and I think we plan to be together for a long time. He tells me everyday and I mean everyday, how lucky he is to have me. awww...I know....

Well, thats all I've got for now. Can't think of anything else to bore you all with...OH....Halloween...duh...the reason for my title!!! Friday the 29th is our Trick or Treat Main St where all the businesses participate and hand out candy to about 1000 kids. Well, we, at the bank, are dressing up as "The Flintstones". I got my Betty Rubble costume and tried it on and it looks good!! Catrina will be Pebbles and Lesley is Wilma. Carl was going to buy his Fred costume today, so hopefully he did. I will take pictures and post here and on Facebook.

Until next time....

Back to normal....

Hey all,

I had a wonderful trip, got home safe and Kalyn had the house all nice looking for our return!! I did a ton of laundry and catching up with cleaning, bills, Kalyn's graduation stuff and then packaging up some souvenir purchases I had made for a few people. Couldn't afford to get everyone something..unfortunately!! Finally, today, I am able to watch football, while I finish up last minute stuff around here. I think I'm pretty well organized now and got things whipped up. LOL

Kalyn and I went through her pictures and she chose the ones she wants people to have, etc, so we got the order placed at Walmart.com. They should come next week!! We also had to sit down and order her announcements, cap and gown for graduation. I had to write a deposit check and mail that off, but first had to make copies of it all to send to Shane so he can reimburse me for half. I'm so happy Kalyn and I got all that done. Whew!!

Well, that's about all. I have all my trip pictures on Facebook, so go take a look there. Back to work tomorrow!! Love to all. Until next time...

Nicole and Tony's wedding!

Hey all,

Well, here I am again with another great update!!

Tuesday we got up early to try to see the big ship, Oasis of the Seas, come into port, but we only saw 3 OTHER ships pull into port that morning. Oasis is soooo big, they docked at another port right up the street from us. Since we had no idea they were docking there, we went ahead and got a taxi to Magen's Bay and just decided to meet them there where the wedding was to take place. We wandered around and around the beach looking for Nicole's wedding site. We finally found it (the nice minister lady asked us if we were there for "Nicole's wedding!! lol) and plopped our stuff down in the shade. The humidity here is just unreal plus we had already gotten sunburned from being outside so much, we were a little sick of it at this point. lol

The first truck load of peeps arrived. It was Tony and his parents, brother, two of Reuben's daughters, Nicole's aunt, hubby, their two grown kids, their spouses and then the one daughter has 3 little girls. Plus a couple of random friends of theirs. Then, Nicole's truck arrived with her one sister, her mom, stepdad, stepdad's parents and I think that's it. Not too many of us. They had Tony turn around so he couldn't see the bride and at this point, we were all on the beach, under some trees to be shaded with. Reuben was called over and he walked Nicole down the "aisle" and also gave Nicole to Tony. I had forewarned him that he may get to do that and his response was "well, they haven't mentioned anything like that to me"... I'm glad he was caught offguard! lol He looked so nervous. All went well and afterwards they took a ton of pictures while everyone dipped their feet in the ocean. Then, we all climbed in the truck and headed to the court house so they could file the marriage license. Then, we continued on to the boat docking area and with our passports in hand, we were able to board the boat, tour it and then attend the reception!! We took a lot of pictures on the boat and during the reception, etc. Had a terrific time.

Around 5, we took one last guided tour with Tony, Nicole, Cosette, Simone and Tony's brother Joe. They took us to the climbing wall, the chapel, and to the deck where you can overlook the swimming areas and stuff. We took more pictures of the ship and Tony and Nicole and then it was time to leave!!! They only docked here for the day. There was not a dry eye when we left. Reuben and I stayed and watched the ship leave and then started walking to a restaurant we've been wanting to try called Oceana. Very high priced seafood, but it was delicious. We shared an appetizer and main course and it still cost $100 with the tip. lol Oh well, we didn't go out to eat the evening before because I wasn't feeling well, so I guess this made up for it. We got back to the room around 8:30 and kinda crashed after a shower. Reuben had a lot to drink so he was out right away for the night around 9. lol

Today, we slept in, strolled down the street and got some last minute souvenirs and then stopped at Bumpa's for a nice croissant breakfast sandwich, then had a little ice cream. We found a taxi to take us up to the Sky Line view place, but he said he would drive us around the island for cheaper!! He gave us a history lesson and also took us to a few new places we hadn't seen yet. We took more pics and then decided it was too hot to be outside so after the tour, we came back to the hotel. We plan to go explore later, when it cools down. Plus, we are so sunburned, we hate to get burned any more. It is a beautiful clear day today!!!! Tomorrow morning we head to the airport and fly most of the day. We should return to Abq by 5pm and then drive to LA. It will be nice to be back home!!

Until next time....

Coral World

Hey all,

So, Sunday evening, we ate at the Greenhouse Bar and Restaurant. We had walked down there and got a good table next to the open window. Our server, Dale, was awesome!! He liked how giggly and fun WE were also!! It was still happy hour, so we got 4 drinks and appetizers and then had dessert. Didn't really have "dinner", if you will. LOL We had a great time and Dale told us we had BETTER be back to see him!! Most of our servers have been just wonderful folks!!

Monday, we ate breakfast at Glady's restaurant. Much better than the hotel breakfast we had on Sunday. We ate at Glady's for lunch on Saturday, so we figured it would be delightful and it was!! We also shopped at some of the shops again and then got a taxi to Coral World (we called ahead and YES they were open!). We wandered around there and saw all kinds of birds, sharks, fish, iguanas (just roaming around freely) and then headed to the Observation area where you can go do the "Sea Trek", where you put this 75 lb helmet on and walk under the water and have sealife swimming by you and you get to touch small creatures in the sea. We were sooo happy we did that!! Took about an hour and then we were done. We purchased the jump drive disk so we could have the pics they took and also had videos too. We ate a quick lunch afterwards and then caught a taxi back to town. This taxi driver took us the back way of the island, so we got to see MORE of the island than before. These drivers are just awesome around here. Showing and telling you about the island!!

She dropped us off downtown at the little vendor tents and I bought a Prada purse and wallet for $60!! The guys price kept coming down the longer I stood there thinking about my purchase!! lol Couldn't resist $60!! lol We then walked down and stopped at the Big Kahuna Bar (again...happy hour), had a couple of drinks and then went back to the hotel. It was still early, but I was feeling sick from the drinks and just couldn't eat anything. I went to sleep around 8:30!! I woke up at 10:30 and Reuben was sound asleep as well!! LOL

Right now, we are awaiting Tony and Nicole's ship to get here. We can see them pulling into the dock from our hotel room. Pretty amazing to watch those huge ships come in. The wedding is today at Magen's Bay and it has been closed, so hopefully it is open today!! Until next time....

St. John!!

Hey all,

Well, we took the taxi to Coral World this morning, after an awful breakfast at the hotel restaurant, only to find out that it was closed today!! That's how things are here...you probably need to call ahead and make sure places are open before you go there. The little shopping places are only open from like 10-3 also. If you don't get up in the morning and get around, you won't get to shop!! Crazy how that stuff works around here. So, the taxi driver suggested we take the ferry boat over to St. John's. We got to the ferry station, just as the hourly boat left, of course, so we had to wait another hour before the next ferry left. I played a couple of slot machines and then we checked out the local maps, while we waited.

Finally, got on the ferry and rode up front and snapped some pics of St. John's ahead of us, as we approached it. Very cool to ride the ferry over to another island. We could see the British Isles in the distance also. They greeted us at St. John's with a rum shot. You could choose mango or regular or BOTH!! We took one of each and then visited a couple of shops. We stopped at the visitor's center and decided we would go ahead, find a taxi and take it to Trunk Bay Beach, since it is one of the most poplular beaches on St. John's. It is actually a part of Virgin Islands National Park, so you have to pay to use the facilities and such. Very beautiful beach and I took lots of pics and then more pics of the beach from higher spots of the island as we took the taxi back to the ferry station. We got to the ferry station in time to take the very next ferry back to St. Thomas! We got back to St. Thomas, got another taxi and talked to some very nice folks from the East coast. They were staying at the Marriott so we got to see another part of St. Thomas, which was very cool. We got back to our hotel and are relaxing, showering and getting ready for another fun evening in St. Thomas. Last night was very cool once the sun went down, so that was lovely to walk back to the hotel in.

Really loving the time here and wish I could post some of my lovely pics, but they will have to wait. Talk to you all soon. Until next time....

In St.Thomas!!!!

Hey all,

So, thought I would keep you up to date on the happs here in the US Virgin Islands!!! LOL It is so nice here!! Everyone we talk to is really friendly and offer to suggest places to eat, shop, etc. Very helpful.

The weather is hot and humid!! I bet the humidity level is at 80%!! ugh...not used to that at all!! Surviving it though by just wearing very little clothing!! lol

We got in last night and it had just stopped raining. They had gotten dumped on from tropical storm Otto. They say Otto is swirling around still and may come back. Hopefully we are gone by that time. They said they haven't had that much rain here in five years. We caught a taxi and got to our hotel, the Windward Passage. The room was ok, we have switched rooms since last night due to the fact that we had a leak by the entry doorway, non-working hair dryer and no working vent fan. This room is much nicer and with an ocean view now too!!!

We got settled last night and then decided to look around town for something to eat for Reuben. Well, it was like 9pm and we began our journey walking across town!!! We walked through dark streets with creepy guys either sleeping on benches or just popping out from nowhere. I was scared to death, but didn't show it!! I think with Reuben's size, they didn't dare mess with us!! lol I bet we walked a few miles and would go from restaurant to restaurant until we found one open and serving food, not just drinks. We finally found one out at Havensight, which is a big ship port area, almost across town!! We went to the Shipwreck Tavern and it was so cool!! Our waiter was awesome giving us tips on stuff around town, etc. We decided to take a taxi back to the hotel, since our walk there was so sketchy and scary!! Cost $8 to take the taxi back.

Today we slept in late and then got ready and started walking again, but went to the downtown district this time and shopped for souvenirs and ate at Glady's pub. Very quaint little place. All the shops/restaurants have huge doors for when they have hurricane's predicted, to protect the windows and such. Kinda cool. We also hiked up this hill to Blackbeard's castle and to "99 steps", which is actually 103 steps!! We went up and down them. Lots of walking and picture taking!! Then got back to the hotel, relaxed by the pool, switched to our new room, freshened up and headed out to get our free hotel drinks and then to find dinner!! We chatted with some folks here at the bar and they told us to try "Hook, Line and Sinker" in the Frenchman's area. It's only a couple of blocks from here so we walked there and had an awesome dinner/drinks and a fabulous waitress, Val. Val suggested we go to Betsy's bar afterwards to shoot pool, etc. We went there and played 3 games of pool. The locals are so nice and smiley and friendly, its unbelievable!! We had a great time and then walked back. Betsy's bar must have a Packers fan, cuz there was Packer stuff in a few places. I took a pic with me next to the stuff and will post sometime!! lol

We are back at the hotel early tonight to rest up for tomorrow and to shower and relax!!! Not used to the humidity and such. I'm very thankful for the walking we've been doing!! Then maybe, I won't have to use the fitness center here!

That's all I've got for now. Until next time....

St Thomas bound...

Hey all,

Haven't written much here lately...too darn busy!! ha-ha

Been on vacation this week and next week also from the bank. Had to work a couple of evenings at the gym, but now, tomorrow, I'm heading off to the island of St. Thomas!!! I have Kalyn all set as far as phone numbers to call if she has an issue and food in the cupboards and fridge! Hopefully she remembers to feed the cats....

I hope to have a ton of pics to post when I get back. It's supposed to rain while we are there, but the temps will be in the 80's!

Worked a lot on the house this week, getting it ready for winter. I had my friend Joe stop over. He checked the furnace, the water pipes and the water heater. The water heater needs a new thermo coupling so he's gonna purchase it and install it next week when I'm back home. He also suggested I take the water heater out and put a metal plate under it cuz right now it's just that board under it. He said when they get wet, the water heater falls right to the ground!! I hope that doesn't happen as long as I live here. I may ask how much a project like that would cost me. Got the roof patched, the Jeep fixed and purchased a used/rebuilt computer from a friend and also a new router for the computer. ugh....all these purchases make me crazy!! But, it all had to be done. When it rains, it pours. Hopefully that is the end of that for awhile.

Kalyn got her Senior pics done and they turned out wonderful. I will have to work on those when I'm back also. Kalyn wants to be a part of picking out who gets what pictures and the sizes, etc. I will need to order her announcements and gown here soon also. Then, the Yearbook!! She's doing so well this year!! She's also working really hard on her online stuff too. She has to get those done in order to graduate. I told her to get 3 of them done by Xmas and then she will only have 1 to do before the middle of May. So far, she has one almost done, another half done and then one to begin. I'm so proud of her!!

I got a promotion at the bank and after a week of deliberating, I took the position although I did not approve of the amount of money they offered me. It's a 10% pay increase, which I think is not very much at all for the duties I now have. I am a Banking Operations Supervisor!! I am in charge of the tellers now and will be doing some of Lesley's duties also. I get to have my own office, if I like also. Lesley is now a Vice President and is over-seeing all 5 bank offices. We have Catrina back as a teller and then we hired Carl back in May, so we are fully staffed with us 4 peeps there.

We are doing Flintstones as our theme at the bank for Halloween!! They haven't told me what is left to choose from yet!! lol Should be fun!!

Must go now and maybe do some packing!!! Until next time......