Never forget...NEVER FORGOTTEN

Has it really been 10 years? Were it not for remembering my son was only 5 at the time, I would swear it was just a very short time ago.

There were events everywhere to commemorate the anniversary of this event. Our local scout troop retired a very special flag, flown by a man on 9/11/01...and not taken down until Osama was found.

After 10 years, emotions are still very much involved. After 10 years, the sense of comraderie and unity is stronger than ever. I am so very proud of who we are.

I heard this song 3 times today...and of course cried 3 times.

Black Friday Craziness

There are so many things about the craziness of "Black Friday" tradition that Grandy just doesn't understand.


EXHIBIT A:


How many Buzz Lightyear Dolls do you need?



EXHIBIT B:

What could the person in the BACK of this line possibly be hoping for??



EXHIBIT C:


This many people in any one place makes me anxious just to watch. I could never be there for SHOPPING!!

This year I heard people set up tents on WEDNESDAY and camped out. Seems to me they're missing out on the holiday spirit, but maybe there's something to this. They can tailgate with the other crazy people, and get to avoid the family fighting awkwardness.

At any rate, you won't find Grandy participating in any of this craziness. She brings enough craziness to the party by herself.

Small Town News

Grandy doesn't get a chance to read her little local paper very often. It comes in the mail every couple weeks and let's face it, Grandy isn't exactly up to speed on checking her mail and what collects in it.

As I was catching up on a couple issues today, I was reminded of the fact that although the paper only has 20 pages to it, there are at least 4 pages combined of ads, 4 pages of news (including focus spots on the local high school sports programs), it's always a great place to find a calendar of events, and then there are TONS of editorials.

Between letters to the editor, "columnist corners", and whatever else strikes these folks, it is pretty comical. You've got to love an angle from an old Legion Commander, and his thoughts on how the young folks should be doing things. Then there's the "other thoughts from the hill", where we have an old hippie promoting the legalizing of pot. Oh yeah, I live in a cool place.

What really struck me was this little outburst. It's not in the "Letters to the Editor" section, not in the Editorials, nor is it mixed in among all these "columnist" rantings. It was simply titled, Special Traffic Notice!, and it read:

Well, While traveling 60 mph on Foresthill Road the other day, a lady insanely ran out of passing lane trying to zoom around me. She had to go into the oncoming traffic lane to make it and then gave me the one finger wave for being in her way. Is this the Foresthill behavior we all want to display to the world? It is my observation that it is ALWAYS a well dressed woman attempting murder to save 3 minutes on the drive to the freeway. Husbands...could you please bring this subject up in your house before we all have to attend some woman's funeral?

Ok, again folks...THE SPEED LIMIT ON FORESTHILL ROAD IS 55 MPH!!
...
IS THAT CLEAR ENOUGH FOR YOU?

While the person that passed him is not THIS well dressed female, I find it amusing that he not only recognizes he was going 60 MPH in the section where the passing lane exists, thus not allowing her the opportunity to pass. He would also probably be the same individual that drives 40 mph where the speed limit is 55, and then guns it when we do have the opportunity to pass, so we cannot.

The irony that he thinks he is making a plea for our "safety" by asking our husbands to have a little chat with us is hysterical.

Just goes to show ya folks, we small town people can have our idiots in the media as well.

Committee Debacle #1

Grandy sits on several committees for large organizations, in her day job. She also participates on a personal level with many volunteer organizations too.

Between the corporate committees and the volunteer committees, which do you think Grandy struggles with the most? Yep...You guessed it...VOLUNTEER.

When you live in a small community, you tend to see the same parent involvement from one organization to the other. PTA, Scouts, 4H, you name it, it's all the same recycled parents. We try to do our part to make the most for our kids, and that is truly what it is for...the kids.

With some professional committees (still not necessarily "work" oriented) where you have people in the same industry that come together on a volunteer basis, to coordinate an event for other professionals. Common theme...throw the best conference ever, get people in the door, and let it shine. Getting all of these "professionals" on the same page, so see that they all have the same objective, is the biggest struggle.

Grandy is going to share a committee experience that was a pain in the ass challenging recently. Perhaps it might give you some perspective about the frustration some of us "outsiders with a sense of humor" are up against.

Committee #1: ALL MOMS, with a token spouse thrown in there but who never says a word. This has been my third meeting, and everybody has great things to contribute. Grandy looks around the room and realizes she has a new found respect for each of the board members, and the roles they've taken on, because there is just not enough hours in the day for Grandy to take on another leadership position. They all have a job to do, and they appear to do it well. My task, by being there, is to see where I can help take some of the pressure off them, and let them know there are those of us out there that want to SUPPORT them. Imagine my surprise when the following dialogue took place:

Committee: blah blah blah...snack bar...blah blah...can't make a decision until so and so is here...blah blah blah...harumph harumph...blah blah.
Me: Can we not table this discussion, you (committee chair) find out the information you need, email the update to the committee and get their general concensus for a vote? It seems to me that you need some sort of decision before our next meeting.
Chair: Well we tried email in the past, but there were too many decisions being made that not everybody knew about.
Me: I understand how that could be a problem, but it seems to me that perhaps you could just utilize it for just this one issue?
Chair: I see your point...but you wouldn't get to vote.
Me: I didn't ask to vote, I was just trying to keep the meeting going.
Chair: You don't get to vote.
Me: ::BLINK...SMILE...CLINCHING TEETH...BLINK::
Chair: You're not a board member, so you don't get to vote. We will have openings on the board next year. And you...(sizing me up and down) seem like you have some good thoughts. Yeah, you seem like a real "go getter". You could be on the board next year and get to vote then. But...THANKS FOR COMING!!

Grandy smiled, looked at girlfriend sitting next to her who was smiling with a WTF look on her face, and watched the room commence back in to the same dialogue that started the conversation. Blah blah blah...snack bar...blah blah.

After about 3 minutes, Grandy turned back to girlfriend knowing our boys were now done with football practice and waiting in the car, and said "Want me to get us out of here?"

She smiles big, and nods.

Me: We're outta here. I need to get my son home, and he's sitting in the car waiting for us. Good luck with your snack bar, your email, and your vote. See ya!! ::SMILING::

As we walk out the door, Grandy turns to see the expressions on some other friends faces. One reaction looked like, "PLEASE TAKE ME WITH YOU", one was laughing, and the "CHAIR" was shocked.

What I hadn't realized at the time was that my friend, who had driven there with me and was sitting next to me, was denied a copy of the minutes from the last meeting and the agenda by the same "Chair" because she too was not a "board member". She also received the "THANKS FOR COMING" comment.

Really people...we were the only ones there willing to help among all the parents of the Freshman class. Why do you want to alienate them?

For the rest of the week, Grandy received 2 emails, 3 phone calls, and 2 stops in town at the market from individuals in that meeting (none of which were the "CHAIR") sayin, SO SORRY about the meeting, and PLEASE COME BACK.

To which Grandy smiled and responded with, "I'll be back...next year".

Stay tuned for next week's issue of the COMMITTEE DEBACLE.

Brilliant People in the World

Grandy has blessed this part of the world with many stories of blithering idiots. In fact, Grandy has even shared some "not-so-proud" moments she has executed. In fact, early on in this blogger's hobby, she shared this story with you all. *sigh*

It's a wonder anyone still puts up with Grandy, but I almost think people will wonder what they'll miss if they don't.

There have been opportunities to focus on those that are FAR smarter than this Grandy. Remember when we hosted the Sunday Stalker series? That was fun, and filled with MANY people with varying skills that far outweighed that of Grandy. I was truly humbled to learn of all the different people that stalk follow this site. As a matter of fact, the guilt sometimes really gets me when I have been remiss in keeping this site as active as I should. (It will get better people...really)

In the spirit of trying to highlight someone smart for a change (don't worry, there are no "People of Walmart" in this feature), Grandy would like to introduce you to Michael Day. Grandy has not personally met Michael Day herself...yet...but she feels like she knows him because she works with his beautiful sister-in-law. You can just tell that these are GOOD people...and Grandy digs that.

Michael Day is currently competing in the GE Ecomagination Challenge. He has come up with a Combined Cooling and Energy Storage invention that looks really top notch. Grandy is not the sharpest tool in the shed, and some of the analogies are a little lost on her, but you know it's not very often that we get on this site and say CHECK THIS OUT!!! But when someone so brilliant comes up with such a great idea...when that brilliant someone is in my Kevin Bacon 6-degrees of separation...and when I think there is a genuine chance for making a difference...Grandy will tell you to CHECK THIS OUT NOW!!

Michael is competing with other brilliant ideas all over the world. Grandy has brilliant readers all over the world. We could make this work folks!!

Let's CHECK THIS OUT and go VOTE for Michael!! If you do check it out, please stop by and let us know your thoughts. If you like his idea enough...please share it on your blog and link back to it. We would love to support your blog in this adventure as well.

Grandy will track how far this momentum can carry. It will be good to get back into the blogging community on a more regular basis any way. What better way to re-join the community than to tell two friends...and they tell two friends...and so on, and so on...

Thanks for your support gang!!

Adventurous Folks

So there's a new girl in Grandy's office. She's very cool, adventurous and fun. Adventurous folks don't exactly understand Grandy's phobias of things. GRANDY doesn't even understand some of her phobias.

A little while back, she's talking to someone about all the fun things she would like to do, or has already done.

"Scuba diving is my current passion right now," she says as the dialogue goes from one adventure to another.

Because Grandy is not the best swimmer in the world, she doesn't contribute to the conversation, but instead just keeps working.

Blah blah blah "hang gliding" blah blah.

Still silently working. Remember Grandy's fear of heights??

And then...

"SKYDIVING!"

To which the person she was having the discussion with must have even thought THAT was too much for her as she says, "Good luck with THAT."

"Oh come on!!"
"NOPE!"

Then cute new girl turns her attention to me, "Hey Grandy, wouldn't skydiving be on your bucket list?"

My reply...

"I'm afraid if I had to try skydiving, it would be on my KICK-THE-BUCKET list."

*silence*

Laughter ensues and Grandy dodges yet another bullet of awkwardness...kinda.

Blogging from the Airport

Hello everybody!!

Coming to you live, and yet remote, from the Sacramento Airport.

Yes...I know...it's been 2 weeks since Grandy has posted anything. Even longer since there's been a post of "substance". Oh well. No apologies from me (even to those friends who stalk me and remind me how much I suck for not spreading my words).

Sitting at the airport is always so much fun for me. I often sit and watch people and wonder what their story is.

Across from me, there is a 40-ish guy with a HIDEOUS Hawaiian shirt...halfway unbuttoned, with what looks like a shag carpet sticking out from his chest. My thought here is either...YOU MUST BE SINGLE...or...someone please take a Dyson to that thing!

Behind me there is a group of young ladies traveling together. They must be traveling on business because the conversation is cheerful, yet superficial. Some of the questions asked, "Are you still married?" is not something that true friends would have to ask each other. But seriously, do we ALL have to hear about all the remote locations each one got married at, and HOW WONDERFUL each one was? My guess...auditioning for the new reality series, "Housewives from the Hood".

Older couple traveling together. All I can say is C-U-T-E!! Their roles have probably not changed in 40 years together. He walks 10 feet ahead of her, with his eyes open. He spots two open seats next to each other and clears the way.

Older gentleman with the neck brace, cane, and a cast. Call me cynical....but PLEASE don't let this guy sit next to me. I do not need to hear about how it all happened. REALLY!!!

Oooohhh...this could be good readers. Imagine this with me, as I live it. Nice looking guy in a suit, visiting with beautiful blond who OBVIOUSLY wants to sit by herself. He's trying. He really is. I feel for the guy, but really want to lean over and say, "Excuse me? But she's just NOT that into you."

More adventures from the road to follow!! Too much fun to be had.

Have a good WTF everybody!!!

~~ Grandy

T.M.I. At The Hospital

Sitting in the hospital, while waiting for a family member, can be an interesting ride. As you walk through the halls and make eye contact with people, you're not certain if you should give them a smile, or turn away.


Are they there celebrating the arrival of a new family member?


Are those tears you hear down the hall from relief, or from grief?


Are they nervously awaiting the results of a friends cancer surgery?


Perhaps it's just a routine knee surgery, or their cousin broke his leg jumping on a pogo stick. Either way, there tends to be more of a levity about them.


You never can tell what or why, but you don't necessarily want to pry. But over the course of a week you do start to see the same people. In the hallways, at the cafeteria, on the elevator, somehow without saying a word, you form a relationship with some of these people. The glances, the smiles, the look of I'm sorry, all represent the true depth of communication without words.


As my sister and I sat in the family waiting room, awaiting' Mom's 6 hour surgery, we sat among many different individuals. The conversations ranged from joking with each other (Grandy always gives the crowd something to giggle about when she trips over things...nothing like physical comedy to break the tension), to private internal updates on how they were holding up. If my sister and I had something personal to discuss, we had our eye communication, our whispers, and we even used our own quazi-sign-language, in an effort to be respectful of the others in the room.

In every crowd, there is someone who fails to recognize the social boundaries that should be observed. They fail to recognize that maybe people in the room want silence, maybe they don't want to be burdened with someone else's emotional drama, especially if they are dealing with enough on their own. Just because someone is sitting by themselves, does not mean that person is LONELY, it might just mean that they may want to...go figure...sit by themselves.

Enter "tweedle-dee". She sat in the room as we entered. You could tell she was coping with her nervous energy in her own way. She looked like she was spooled, anxious, and lost.

I had to leave my sister for a short time, and in my absence I received the following texts...

**Please hurry...the lady is sharing TOO MUCH INFORMATION.

**Hello? I don't need to hear about her abortion and uterine scraping!! How much longer?

**OMG!! Now her child molestation story is coming up!! HURRY UP AND COME BACK!!

As much as I laughed at my sister for her text messages, and the discomfort she faced at this woman sharing so much information, I was surprised to learn that she wasn't sharing this information with just my twin. She was sharing it all with the entire room.

It made me feel a bit sad for the woman. I was not sad for her because these things happened to her, but rather the fact that she was feeling so vulnerable and exposed at that time that she felt she had to share all this very personal information in a room full of strangers. Sometimes stress and fear makes people act and react in ways that cannot be explained. Grief does strange things to people.

I only heard of the stories after the fact. When I returned to the room, she had already gone. I know that several people in this room were also uncomfortable with the open discussion. Nobody really understood who she was there to see.

I only hope it turned out alright for her, and whomever she was there for. Someone who lacks social boundaries to that extent already struggles with what to say in a crowd, and wants to fit in. Hopefully she finds a "fit", but maybe she finds it by saying less.

Who's Yer Baby's Daddy?

YEARS ago Maury Povich used to have a pretty good talk show. Somewhere along the way, the producers of the show turned him into a bit of a daytime Jerry Springer.

I rarely catch any daytime TV (having sworn it off with my medically induced sabaticals) but I had noticed the commercials for the program usually centered around the subject of paternity testing. I once caught an episode where the poor girl had already been on the show 6 times before (or something insane like that) and they still had yet to drill down to who the daddy was.

I felt bad for the poor girl. Really!!

Yesterday, while at the pharmacy, I noticed this:

Oh yeah...Maury should be worried about what this over-the-counter-do-it-yourself paternity test could do for his future episodes.

With this modern little piece of science, little Suzy could buy these in bulk and still have enough for a ring-pop and a root beer. I didn't actually catch what the percentage of accuracy is, but I'm quite certain it couldn't be nearly as accurate as the results on Maury's show. Right? One can hope.

Poor Maury. How will he survive such competition?

Making a Difference

Grandy goes through her job doing the best she can for her clients. It's not done because they PAY me (although it does help me actually GET to work if there's gas in the car). I truly do like helping the clients. Lately though, with everyone's spirits being so low, I can't help but wonder why I try so hard. Really... Does my extra effort matter? Does this client care that I'm working on their monthly summary over the weekend? Do they even NOTICE that I am responding to their inquiry asking for help at 9:00 at NIGHT?!?

Today Grandy's faith in why she does what she does, and why she tries so hard, was restored.

Back in the early part of the year we had a former client in a real bind. This sweet man, who had moved his business away from us a couple years ago due to something WAY beyond my control, found himself in such a mess. He was facing a litigation without insurance coverage that would pay for his defense. I spent MONTHS trying to dig deep through whatever lead I could find to retrace his insurance history that dated back to the early 1980's. NOT an easy task.

One day in April, this sweet man called me. He sounded like he was at the end of his rope. "I'm going to have to file bankruptcy," he said. He had already paid thousands of dollars towards the attorneys, and didn't think he could carry it any further. This case was NOT going to go away. This man has been in business for 36 years, and he was at his threshold.

"Give me 2 more weeks!" I said. "I HAVE TO TRY!"

He agreed to give me two more weeks. I had regular dialogue with his attorney, and was trying EVERYTHING. Then one week later the clouds opened. A couple of avenues I tried paid off big time. Not only did I find coverage, and they agreed to defend him...but they were also going to reimburse him for his bills he already paid. THOUSANDS!!!

Yesterday Grandy finally met this man in person for lunch. That's right...I had not met him in person before. I had only spoken to him on the phone. I reached to shake his hand, and this gruff, self-proclaimed "Oakie" knocked my hand away and gave me a big bear hug.

This gentle-man shared some amazing stories about how he met his wife, how she saved his life, and how things happen for a reason. He talked about what he's been working on since I have helped him. He's trying something new with the business, to try and generate business, and it seems to be working well for him.

He then turned to me and said the following:

I just want you to know that if you ever question how you make a difference in this world, you should know that you saved my business, and you saved me. My current broker wouldn't even look at the lawsuit. In fact he asked me, "What am I supposed to do with this?" You took care of this because YOU cared about what happened to ME, and I will never forget that.

Then he turns to the Producer who had worked on the account for many years and said, "As far as I'm concerned, you've got my business back. You make it happen."

As soon as Grandy got done tearing up (who am I kidding...I full on cried...even sniffled) he handed me a note and asked me to open it later, in private.

The note said: I want to Thank YOU from the bottom of my heart. Without your efforts, I would have had no choice but bankruptcy.

Yep!! This is going to be a great week!!

Nice Parking Job!

During the hustle and bustle of the Christmas holiday season, with people flocking to the malls and shopping centers in droves, parking can be somewhat...problematic.

There have been times that Grandy has come out to her car and could not get into it because someone parked so dang close to her door that there would be no way to get the leg in. Grandy has literally had to climb over the passenger seat before. It is times like these, because Grandy already hates to shop, that truly makes the head want to EXPLODE. There have been occasions when a note has been left, or even some choice words have been exchanged with the person who parked the vehicle there.

Now, don't get me wrong, my parking skills are not one for the record books. There have been occasions where maybe I have a tire on the line, or had to make a 32 point turn to maneuver into a parallel parking spot. There was that one time I drove my then boyfriend's (now hubby) truck to the mall to pick up a gift, the parking lot was packed and Grandy saw a primo spot in front of a corvette. I pulled into the space with the lifted truck, and wondered how close I was to the corvette. With the truck in park I got out to check, because I really couldn't tell.

UH-OH!

Yep! Grandy had parked over the corvette. There was absolutely no contact with the little car, but somehow I had parked far enough over it that half the hood was under the truck. YIKES!! You guessed it, Grandy backed out of the spot, checked the vette again for any possible scratches (not a one folks) and decided she would take the land yacht (aka pick-up) to the far end of the parking lot where there were no other cars.

Last week Grandy met a friend for dinner. If it weren't for the fact that this restaurant (on the outside of the mall) wasn't one of the best sushi places around, Grandy would not bother going there. But she was in a hurry, parked in the back, and there were about 20 open spaces all around her. Because she was in a hurry, Grandy didn't realize that her back tire was a little over the line of the next parking space. Besides, there seriously was about 20 open spaces around her!

Grandy had a good time at dinner with her friend, they walked around the massive bookstore inside, and she returned to her car a few hours later. As she approached, she could see something in the windshield. Oh yeah...it was a note alright. The note read: Nice parking job a$$hole!! Learn how to f*c*ing park!!

Hahahaha!!!! There are still 20 open spaces around her, she's in the back of the parking lot, and there is no one else around. The thought that I made someone irate enough to stop and leave this note, by parking out in the middle of nowhere, and having my tire over the line, made me hysterical. I seriously got in the car and laughed so hard I had tears.

Grandy would like to thank the charming soul that left that note on her car. Truly thank that soul. For you see, before that note, I had been having a rough day, consoling a dear friend, and just having an overall difficult time putting things into perspective. That note reminded me, although Grandy may feel like she's going crazy sometimes, there are still people out there WAY worse off than she is.

I Never Expected Gold

Despite triple digit temperatures, Grandy & Ty ventured out to volunteer with the Special Olympics of Northern California today. We worked the Tennis Venue, and met some AWESOME folks.

Barbara was an independent woman, who lives on her own, who had such a joy about her. She was AWESOME!! She used that word with everything, and her enthusiasm was so contagious. She also happened to think that the "babe shagging the balls was SO CUTE". Oh yeah...the babe? You guessed it...

Obviously Barbara has excellent taste. She was adorable as she hit Mr. Ball Fetcher directly with the tennis balls, and giggled profusely.

As a scorekeeper, I got to interact with the participants in the skills competition. These are some talented folks who, although they work hard, don't necessarily possess the skills to compete in a full match.

My partner athlete was Shilo. She was equally adorable and enthusiastic. She seemed to get a bit nervous when it was her turn, but as her scorekeeper, I would stand where she could aim at me and she did GREAT!! Each person had this charm and enthusiasm about them, it was absolutely great. We didn't even mind the fact that it was hotter than the depths of hell...so much.

At the end of the event, it came time for the announcement of the medals. Adorable Shilo, who had only picked up a racket a couple months before last year's event and still scored a silver, was anxious to know how she did. She wanted a gold SO BAD! Her mom was there with her, and I could tell she wanted it for her too.

The Special Olympic Oath Reads: "Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt." I couldn't help but be nervous for all these athletes who worked SO HARD, and yet want to hug each of them who were so very brave throughout.

And then...the announcement came...

OH YES SHE DID!!!

She won the GOLD folks!!

Her reaction when she won????

I never EXPECTED Gold. I HOPED for it, but didn't actually EXPECT it.

You deserved every ounce of that Gold Medal lovely lady!!

I AM A SUCCESS STORY

March 5, 2008: Grandy takes this picture in her living room, just in front of the coat closet, as they are getting ready to leave for dinner.

*Fast Forward*

March 5, 2009: Grandy takes this picture...reluctantly...while on the phone...to show progress made throughout the year.

Looking at these, it's hard to believe either one is me. I never really saw that person in the top picture and I don't yet see the person yet to be in the bottom.

On March 6, 2008, Grandy had Gastric Bypass surgery. I know you all know that I had a "surgery" back in March last year, but I never really shared with everyone WHAT the surgery was. There are so many opinions out there about the surgery, and the reasons people have them, that I didn't want people making assumptions about me or my reasons while I was going through the process.

First things first, Grandy's weight did not qualify her for the surgery by itself. In looking at the picture, I don't see how that is possible, but it is true. It was the fact that my diabetes was heading off the chart, my heart rate was out of control, blood pressure couldn't get down, and I was pretty much headed to even bigger issues. Despite gym attempts and re-hashing dietary needs over and over and over, Grandy was taking 13 medications per day (200 units of insulin was just the start). Those medications were taking a toll on my system.

The GP had mentioned the surgery to me for a couple years, but each time I would get ticked at the mere mention that I was even large enough. I'm not 100 lbs. overweight DANG IT! He would always come back with, "You don't have to be. You just have to be over 40% body mass index. Clearly you are." ASS

So Grandy tried other ways: Weight Watchers, Atkins, Exercising, Weight Watchers again, you name it. Slowly her weight would fall, rise, fall further, rise higher. All the while, no matter what she did, her blood sugars never balanced out.

In April 2007 Grandy applied to go on "The Biggest Loser". At that time my weight was 226. It was enlightening to even go through the application process (to say the least). I cried as I truthfully answered all the questions. When it came to filling out my health history, it broke my heart. I was now turning 35 and did not see the possibility of me seeing the light of 40.

From that moment I decided it was time for me to take charge of my destiny. I had an overwhelming sense of needing to fight. I broke my back and almost died at 23, I had a stroke at 28, and the writing was on the wall. Must.Overcome. When I wasn't accepted onto the show, I had my "Plan B" in place.

Unfortunately, my body decided to start the implosion, and the doctor put me on my MIS (Medically Induced Sabatical). "I'm going to put you on permanent disability," he told me. I had to do something. Nothing was working.

In November 2007 I met with the surgeon. My weight was 209 (my efforts were slightly paying off) but my insulin needs continued to climb. He told me to STOP going to the gym, and don't lose any more. He worried my weight would drop me too low and the carrier would not qualify it. I had all the other CO-MORBIDITY factors required for the carrier to approve it, why miss out for 5 more pounds?

I started going to a support group (and was looked at funny when some of the patients realized I wasn't an "after" patient) and continued to go every month. I made changes to my diet ahead of time so it wouldn't be too hard after (no more carbonated soda).

One year ago today I took the big step. I had my big surgery. My weight the day of the surgery was 201. My morning blood sugars were 407. Today my weight is 145, and my morning blood sugars are 130. My 200 units of insulin is down to 15. All the other medications I was on have been replaced by vitamin supplements.

In September they discovered a complication (something that only happens in 2% of all gastric bypass patients) and in October I had a "re-do" corrective surgery. Man did that suck. I made it through though, as you all know.

For those of you that think that I took the easy way out, please keep in mind that today I have paperwork that outlines my prospective retirement date of 2037. Try and imagine how it feels to actually believe I might see that day sometime, when before I never thought you would see 2012.

It's very exciting people, I assure you!!

A New Energy

The energy is in the air.

Can you feel it?

Record crowds gathered...without incident.

People are just so positive, and that alone is exciting.

Congratulations to this adorable family, and all those who got them there.

Goodness knows I wouldn't want the job.

Rejection

Everyone in the blogosphere, and in real life, has an image they try to portray. I've never really known what my image could or should be, I'm kind of all over the map and it's actually worked okay for me so far.

I find that when I try to "categorize" my blog, I can't. I don't really count as a humor blog because let's face it, I'm not really funny all the time. I'm not a news blog. My other site doesn't even exactly (actually not at all) count as a technology site, unless one is trying to laugh at the daily struggles of the technically challenged. Really people, I had NO IDEA that I could find something to blog about every day, as far as all things technology...and how I struggle with them. WOW!

Grandy has a bloggy buddy that had a Birthday yesterday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY JEN! I know, I'm a day late...but I was a day late on posting even my own birthday. Jen has 3 blogs.

She blogs at Red Head Ranting, in which she rants about the daily happenings in her world. Her EC card looks like this:


Her next blog is Ergodic Cogitation/ I'm too tired to remember exactly what that means, but it's another good place for her to air her daily witticisms. The card she uses for EC is this:

I believe her last blog speaks for itself in the title. Kids of Queers is a blog that has some funny stuff. I think they are still Jen's outtakes on life but sprinkled a little more with a definite focus. It's more of a chronicle of how she grew up the product of a gay father, and a straight mother. That card used to be this:

But then I hooked her up with some killer resources and now it looks like this:

Part of the fun of Entrecard is the exposure you get to other blogs and learn more about the blogosphere. To earn credits you drop your "cards" on people, and to buy exposure to your blog, you pay with those Entre-Credits that you earn by clicking. Well, each blogger has the opportunity to accept or reject an ad.

I have to say that my ad has only been rejected once, in the entire time I've been with EntreCard. That rejection came by way of a (are you ready for this?) convention blog. I don't mean any old convention either. I mean you must imagine the type of convention that requires you to have either pointy ears or speak in another language entirely. Really...the Girly Anti-Geek has been rejected by geeks. And the reason given? Not relevant.

Hey, I'll admit even I've declined a couple ads here and there. I won't post ads where the chick is hotter than me. Granted, there are a couple on the adgitize site, but at least he polices them regularly.

What I have not had to deal with is how society still views homosexuality even today. Why would I? I'm not gay. I have a couple gay friends and family members, and love them very much, but I have not had to face the adversity they do every day.

As you can imagine, Jen has had her last ad rejected quite regularly. The reason given? Not relevant. Really? Is that it? Because I'm afraid you might be judging that book by a cover and really missing out on something good. That is truly a loss.

In honor of Jen's birthday I am here to show her some bloggy lovin'. I'm also here to say that Grandy judges no one, as she has no room to talk. I was only a little irritated when I got rejected by the geek squad (but only until I remembered the William Shatner SNL classic moment) so I can only imagine how it felt to continuously be rejected.

Sometimes I hide in the fog of what's considered a "mixed bag" of life, but do envy those brave enough to take a stand on something and be strong in the face of adversity.

What about you, reader? Have you ever been rejected for no darn good reason? Please share.

Whether you are part of Entrecard or not, would you share the KOQ card on your site? I just did. :)

Happy Belated Birthday, Red!!

The Sweet Old Man

I'm in no hurry.

Waiting for you, Mr. REALLY OLD MAN, to cross the parking lot aisle to get to your car.

I see your elderly wife putting the groceries in the trunk of your car, as you slowly limp across the way. Or is that your daughter? You little devil.

You are so cute as I watch you walk so painfully slow. The car behind me honks, as I turn and give them the stink eye. I'm not worried about the fact that you are now slowly walking down the middle of the aisle.

How rude people can be, don't you think? Can't they see this very sweet elderly man taking his sweet time getting to his car? He can't help it if he moves incredibly slow. He's elderly and has lived an entire full lifetime. He's earned the right to move slow.

I find myself smiling, wondering what stories this man could tell me, as he is still walking in front of my car. He's not quite cut that angle to get out of the way, and I actually don't care.

I wonder if he's fought in a war? Or how many? Is that really your wife? (Really, she does look a little young for you.)

As my mind continues to wander, he finally cuts that angle and slowly waddles over to the direction of his car. Your female companion has finished with the few groceries she had. I smile as I think how they will go home and share some conversation over a game of chess or scrabble.

I realized...this man could be my Grandpa. This is why I could reach out and HUG him. So many things about his frame, and his age, that made me think of him.

My mind wanders off to fine memories about Grandpa and I find myself getting all warm and fuzzy.

Then I notice that this sweet man is reaching into his pocket. His hunched frame slowly waddles across the aisle, not quite clear of my small car yet. "What's he getting?" I think to myself.

HOLY CRAP!!

I realized that this old man is getting the dang keys to the car? His female companion/daughter/wife is now in the passenger seat and this man is walking towards the driver's door.

WTF?!?

This man couldn't even move with enough agility to button his own pants and now he's going to DRIVE?!?!?!????????????

S-C-R-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-C-H!!

Any fond walks down memory lane were quickly met with a halt.

Get me out of this dang parking lot before this man can turn the key!!!

Crisis averted... for now.

Whew!!

Lunchtime Silliness

Scene: Popular chain restaurant near the office. Heavy business area frequented by many professionals. Lots of wait staff on hand preparing for a busy lunch. It's 11:30, just before the main lunch hour. Grandy and Co-Worker friend are having a serious lunch.

Cast: Grandy, Co-Worker Friend (CWF), Freaky Waitress (Freaky)

Grandy and CWF have just ordered their meals and within 5 minutes, the fun ensues.

Freaky: Can I get you ladies anything else?

Grandy: Nope, we're good thanks!

Freaky: Great!! Well, please let me know if I can get you anything else.

CWF: We will, thank you.

Freaky: Great!!

...two minutes go by...

Freaky: How are you ladies doing? Alright? Can I get you anything?

Grandy & CWF: ::blank stares at eachother::

Grandy: Thanks, we're good.

Freaky: GREAT!!

...another two minutes goes by...Grandy and CWF are huddled talking about personal things.

Freaky: ::just appearing:: Aren't you girls thirsty? You're not drinking very much?

::blank stares::

CWF: Well, we're fine. Thank you.

Freaky: GREAT!! Be sure to let me know if I can get you anything!

Grandy: Will do.

...about 5 minutes goes by this time...

Freaky: How are you ladies doing? Can I get you anything?! How is everything?

Grandy: Really? Maybe our lunch? Maybe? If it's ready of course.

Freaky: Oh that! It should be out any minute.

Grandy: Alrighty then. Thanks!!

...2 minutes...Lunch arrives (delivered by someone else).

Freaky: (literally before Grandy gets her first bite in) How is everything? Good? Is it good? Can I get you anything else?!

::blank stares...almost as if we're looking for the candid camera::

Grandy: I think we're okay, but we haven't tried it yet.

Freaky stands there...waiting...staring...watching first bite.

Freaky: Well? How is it? It's good, huh? It looks real good.

Grandy: (with mouth full) Uh-Hmmm.

Freaky: Can I get you anything else?

Grandy: (still chewing and shaking head) Uh-mmm.

By now Grandy is already seeing a Saturday Night Live skit being played out in front of her. CWF is astonished at the enthusiasm of Freaky. There were at least 4 more visits from Freaky before we could even make a significant dent in our meals. It was a strange

...end of the meal...need the check...no sign of freaky.

Where was she? She was off stalking another table.

It took 20 minutes to get the check...from someone else...but the entertainment value was well worth it.

Oh! And did Grandy mention Freaky looked just like this?

This is one thing I love about having this blog. I can find the humor in most things.

FREAKY!!!

Don't Threaten My Dogs

Have I introduced you to Grandy's dogs?

This is Sierra...She's our "Puppy".

This is K.C.... he's our old boy.

For the record these pics are the first two I took with my new camera beck in December of last year. So' I was still learning the whole focus thing, m'kay?

Now, the Grandy family has a wireless gate system. Those collars send off a beep that tells the docs when they get close to the perimeter on our property., in the event that they don't see the flags on the perimeter.

This invisible gate can sometimes be a bit problematic, when people go running by our property. They walk their dogs, or just walk each other, and usually my dogs ignore them. There is the occasional time, however, that the dog or the jogger will get my puppy excited and want to play. How does she communicate this? She barks.

Well quite often we are outside with the dogs when this happens, and either me or my son explain, We have the fence. Not to worry. She just wants to play. Don't worry, she can't get off the property.

Some of the responses have ranged quite differently.

Oh, it's alright. She's cute!!
to
Oh good to know! She startled me for a moment.

On one occasion, however, Grandy heard her son out playing with the dogs as she was going to the restroom (there's a window in the bathroom on the side of the house where he was playing). Some b!tch actually cursed at my son, and threatened to call the cops and have the dogs taken... and put down. WTF?

UGH...My son was instantly in tears. I couldn't finish my "business" fast enough (and washing my hands) to run out there and hunt that b!tch down. Ty was so panicked, there was just no calming him down after that.

I got in the car and even drove. I couldn't find her. Oooohhh I was so angry!!

This morning, I'm outside letting my dogs do their thing, and a man walks by. I smile at him and he keeps walking. The "puppy" starts barking and runs to the end of the perimeter, which is a good 20 feet from the perimeter of the property.

This man, for whatever reason, starts yelling at me that I need to chain my dog up! He's a hazard and a danger. What? She barked twice to say, "let's play". I do my typical bs with, she's behind the invisible fence, it's alright.

That wasn't enough for him. He is still yelling at me and the DOG.

Oh, Grandy is walking real slow right now, hurts more when she's emotional, and was pissed. I started to explain further as I walked towards the edge of the property, and he just jogged away saying he would call the sheriff.

What?

Oh this man was so lucky he was jogging and Grandy could not. I'm afraid what this liquid crack-takin' girl would have done to him. All I can say is, the sheriffs would have been called alright.

Why is it when little yippy dogs bark, people are fine? It's not like Grandy's dogs are all that scary. Why are people so nasty??

I tell ya this...we take very good care of our dogs. Old boy is getting up there (he's 14). I don't know what we'll do when his time comes. To threaten to hurt someone's dog is like threatening their children.

So you...Mr. Jogger...and Ms. B!tch...watch yourselves.

Grandy will be off her meds soon...and she'll be ready for you.

Farewell to a Classy Guy

I have always been a big fan of Mr. Newman.

He was truly a class act and deserved the respect of everyone.

He will be sorely missed in the movie world, but thank goodness for DVD's. The first movie I really noticed him was Cool Hand Luke. Our English teacher made us watch it, and I was HOOKED.

My heart goes out to his family.

In honor of Mr. Newman's legacy, why don't you share what your favorite movie was with him? Cars? Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid? The Color of Money?

The list is plentiful. Pick one and share it with the group.

RELAY FOR LIFE

Grandy is very sorry she's been out for so long.

Where does the time go? There's always a cause that Grandy is working towards.

ALWAYS!!!

So, what's Grandy's cause for this month?? Actually it's an all year project, just this year it snuck up on me. Usually we do this event in the end of August, and this year it's in the beginning.

Every year, Grandy and son participate in RELAY FOR LIFE with some very dear friends.

What is the RELAY FOR LIFE? It's a 24-hour Relay to raise money for cancer research. My son and I started this years ago, and have only missed it once...The year my father passed...and that was ONLY because the funeral was on the same day 3 hours away. We originally started to do this for his honor as a survivor. 4 years ago, that all changed and we do it in his memory now.

I even published an article over at Associated Content about the Relay HERE. Grandy is still getting her feet a little wet in the publishing her writing content, so she tried it. Go take a look...I'm not worried about the number of views, but you will see Grandy published somewhere other than when she struggles to be functional.

So...have you followed the link to my website for the RELAY FOR LIFE? Did I do the link correctly? If you go to my team pic, you'll see all my friends. This pic was taken a couple years ago.

Our team? The Marrow Menders

Our Mission? To raise awareness about the importance of Bone Marrow Donation, against the Leukemia fight. My dear friends lost their daughter to Leukemia years ago, and we just love them so, we wanted to be part of this. When Dad got sick with Leukemia, it only made it that much more important.

Our team color? Hot Pink...because that was Danielle's favorite color.

What's cool about this event? The money we raise stays local. They have this event all over the place, and the money stays and helps treatment in local areas.

Where else can you go take your children to learn the importance of doing for others, and fighting a cause together?

Well...the RELAY FOR LIFE of course!!

So...Have you ever Relayed?? Do you want to?? Take a look and see what's in your area.

If you can't support Grandy at this time (trying desperately to NOT sound like a feed the children commercial) we ask that you keep us in your minds, hearts, and prayers on August 2nd & 3rd as we do our part for this worthy cause.

Thanks!!!