Do I need to change my friends?!

I have been very busy with evening meetings for SEVERAL of the organizations with whom I volunteer. Many of the same people are also in PGR Missions. We spend alot of time together. Whether they are active duty, retired, old, young, married or single they love to tease and I seem to be the 'little sister/daughter' target of much of it. One thing I love to do, though, is sit back as they talk about their particular branch of Service and try to see who it the BIGGER MAN among them. It is a riot-but sometimes I will excuse myself by saying 'gentlemen I am going to leave because I think I am hampering your vocabulary.' LOL I love being with them and am honored that they allow me into a small part of their world.
A little over a year ago Joanna convinced me to join the Haygoods Message Board. She said it would be fun and we would have a blast. It has been anything but BORING since. I have met and developed friendships with so many of them. Jason and I were playing phone tag the other night. Shanna had convinced us in the chat room to put a message on his SAYNOW! account. He figured out who did it, well I narked, and then had Shanna and I on a conference call. We ended up helping him record a new greeting. Which we found out went to EVERYONE on his account that had ever sent him a message. HAHAHA
We also went to the chat room, while still on the phone, and the three of us laughed and talked with each other for over an hour!
Joanna and I have been friends for years-meeting in line for Sawyer Brown, and have a special sisterly friendship that drives the guys nuts. We love to tease them while they are onstage and then afterwards. I told the Haygoods that they are only getting a glimpse of what we have been doing to Sawyer Brown for years when we go to their show.
My political friends have been just as entertaining. In 2002 we attended the State Convention in Cedar Rapids Ia. We enjoyed hanging out and the next day even extended our 'ROAD TRIP' by going to Des Moines for a Bar B Que given by our State Senator with Charleton Heston as the guest of honor. We did not get much sleep during the entire campaign season because we laugh and talk so much together.
I often wonder if I need to get friends whom will allow me a little more time to sleep. But, then I am reminded of a saying 'I will sleep when I am DEAD!'. HAHA
I started thinking how my life would be different if I had not met any of them. I can't even imagine NOT having these friends. All of them seem like we have know each other for years.
I am truly blessed to know them and think I will say 'NO! I need to keep my friends.'

Happy Easter and other happenings of the week

Happy Easter to everyone. I shared this on other postings but wanted to add it here as well. This is a portion of one of my favorite hymns.

'Up from the grave He arose
with a mighty triumph over His foes
He arose the Victor from the dark domain
and He lives forever with His saints to Reign.
He arose
He arose
Hallelujah Christ AROSE!!
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I volunteer for several groups that Honor our Armed Forces. One of these groups have been having alot of leadership problems and has lost membership and cooperation from other groups. We had an emergency meeting due to this and other issues and had to release the president from her duties and membership in the group. We also were advised to vote new Officers into place until nominations and general election in May. I am temporary President. But, have been told in May I will probably be voted permanent because past and current members and other organizations respect me and will be willing to all work together. We had lost focus on this because so many other organizations could not work with her.
When strangers come together, for any reason, there are those that can work together and enjoy each other and then those that after awhile you realize under any other circumstance you would not be associated.
I have worked on political campaigns, with Veterans groups and other organizations always as the worker bee. I have never been thrown into the spotlight of Leadership. I was talking to the President of MarineMoms and she said she was the same way. She gave me extremely good advice. She said to rely on God for guidance and learn to delegate so that others feel they are just as important as anyone else. So I am going to strongly rely on Him and others to continue our work for our Armed Forces. I would extremely appreciate any prayers for all of us.
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Friends of mine have been going to the Haygoods Opening Season of shows. It has been absolutely hilarious the phone calls we have been doing to each other for the celebrations for them and other Branson happenings. HAHA Several went to Waxys to hear Dirty Old Towne and thoroughly enjoyed all the 'jiggin'. I am so jealous of all of them for having such a marvelous time without me. HAHA But, Joanna and I will be there in June. We are already getting exciting and can't wait to have some F-U-N-!!
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Friday and Saturday night we spent with a 'Welcome Home' of 20 Marines returning from Iraq for home. There were plenty of hugs, handshakes and tears by all. The PGR and other groups worked together to escort them to a brief ceremony with their family. It was a MARVELOUS time for all. One of the Marines asked me what they could to thank us. I told him 'You already have...that is why we are here.' Thank God for our Military.

Ohhh Raahh and Yeeeeeeee Haaaaaaaaaw everyone.

YEEEEEEEEEEEEE HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAW

Spring is ALMOST here!!!

I will be so glad to get rid of the snow, ice and cold. Winter is a nice season but after awhile you want SPRING! LOL
I entered the Haygoods 'Jersey Cow' poetry contest but didn't win. DRAT! The winning poems were really good though and I am looking forward to hearing them when Joanna and I go down there in June. I wanted to try and sneak down this weekend but we have a St. Patricks Day parade and I am one of the designated drivers. We start in Rock Island Illinois and come over the bridge to Davenport Iowa. After the parade we drive everyone back to Rock Island to get their cars. I am walking with the MarineMoms and Patriot Guard Riders. Being an honorary member of both I have made quite a few friends.
We do alot of parades in our area. With this being an election year I also get calls to join political candidates to walk with them in some of the parades. Some may think walking in parades in boring but it is very fun. I enjoy it because I only get to see some of my friends at this time.
My company is competing in a 'Walk to the Moon' contest with a couple other cities. We wear pedometers from April 1st until June 30th. We keep track of the steps/miles we walk and the winning team gets a trophy. It is a good way to jump start your excercising. I generally get my nieces and nephews to join me in the evenings or weekends. You have to wear it all the time. You would really be amazed at the amount of miles you can walk in just ONE DAY!
Both supervisors are back at work but only part time. They are taking shifts so one is there in the morning and the other the afternoon. Neither are doing too good yet but they are trying to make it through the days.
I am just counting down until Fan Fair and the Haygoods shows!!

YEEEEEEEEE HAAAAAAAAAAAW and God bless,

Annette

It is never too young

I met my sister with all my nieces and nephews at Dollar Bills store today. The kids were all spending their allowance. When we got ready to check out the cashier asked if we wanted to buy a toy for a local child of someone in the Service. I asked the kids and they were ALL EXCITED and gladly purchased a toy and then put it in the box.
The kids already know the important of our Armed Forces and never hesitate to say 'thank you' to a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine.
Over Thanksgiving Alex's , 8 yr old nephew, public school teacher asked each of the kids what they were thankful for. She told my sister later that he almost made her cry. He stood tall and said 'I am thankful Jesus died for my sins' and then prompted sat down with a smile.
As long as they can keep these values they will grow up to be fine Americans and adults.

God bless Alyssa, Evan, Brian, Tanner, Olivia, Alex and Dylan. The best nieces and nephews this aunt is proud to know. ;)

What is in a name??

Today was a better day at work. My manager is still being a pain but that will go on for at least another month. I got a call from Rose. She just left a randomly cheery message. I called her back to thank her and told her we must be friends because only a friend would know when a call like that is needed.
We deal with alot of patients who have unusual names. Some have the same first and last name-Ruby Ruby, Harb Harb, etc. Today we found a patient named Queenangelica. NO KIDDING!!! How sad the parents thought that would be a name to bestow on their child. Another person named her twin daughters Orangelo and Lemonagelo (Orange jello and Lemon jello). People are definitely weird at times.
But, everyone knows someone like that. Dad was named after the doctor that delivered him. Since our last name is Wood is name was William Sherwood Wood. Grandma definitely had a sense of humor. Mom and Dad named my sister's and I after entertainers they watched as teenagers. Annette (Funicello-Mickey Mouse Club and Beach Blanket movies), Sandra (Dee), Karen (Valentine) . My sister Rita was named after my aunt. Still not original. LOL
When Mom was little her mom used to get her and my aunts confused when she wanted to yell for one of them. So they became known as Beluabarbararita (Beulah, Barbara Jean and Rita).
Carol at work is always being called 'Carol Ann-come toward the light.' Anyone named Carol after Poltergist movies came out doesn't stand a chance. ;) My friend Todd and his twin brother have their dad's name. He used their middle names as his first and middle name.
It is interesting to see how or why people get their names. Someday maybe I will have children. It will be interesting to see what names we choose. Until then I can just stay in AWE or SURPRISE at what other people do to their kids. haha

Today I officially HATE my job

One of the ladies last week gave her two week notice. Since her client bills are printed the first of the month she was going to work until the 4th to get them out to be nice. Well, some people in the office persuaded her that it would be better to leave on a Friday and not Tuesday. She walked into the office today and gave a revised departure date and told the Manager we had talked her into it! I dislike people who can't seem to make up there own minds or use others as an excuse for wanting to do something. She spent all day beaming with glee that she was leaving. Which I do not begrudge her because I would feel the same way. But, then the manager yelled at everyone and said we were doing the client bills and taking all the calls. She would not be helping at all. I told her I thought we had a procedure written down to sort out the doctors, fax certain ones and mail the rest. She said she didn't care about anything and if we screwed it up it would be our own fault. She is already upset because one supervisor is out after shoulder surgery for at least another month and the other one is out for two weeks. She may be gone longer if she has to have back surgery for 5 herniated discs. I know she is under stress. We have tried to help and offered to take some of the load. We either know how to do it or could learn fast to help. I have been there FOREVER and long before her. I just resent being treated like children and being punished for someone else's decision.
I am tired of putting up with things like this all the time. I love the coworkers but the manager has a really bad ROYALTY complex. I really want another job. I know I could do well wherever I go. I know the kind of job I would like to have and know I would be GREAT at it. I just have to be given a chance. I have had many people tell me to 'do it' and even professionals in the business wonder why I am not in it with them. hahaha
Sorry for the rant-I just had to unload. I promise the next one will be lighter.

A semi week in review

Thursday was Valentines Day. We had a party at work and you would have thought we were a bunch of school kids instead. We made our own boxes and gave each one a Valentine and had a party. Most of us gave the same Valentines as the school kids do. Those are the cutest ones. We had word search, mazes etc. to do throughout the day. Needless to say, not much work got done. I bought my neices and nephews heart shaped pizzas and they LOVED them. Texted messaged, emailed or posted a Valentines Day message to all my friends. It's funny that this day is set aside for couples but so many people let friends know how much they are loved as well.
A friend of mine asked me to look up some information for him and I got everything put together and presented to him in less than a week. I was very proud of myself and think I may have given him more than he thought I was going to find out. HAHA
My boss told me she wished I was as enthused about work as I am Sawyer Brown, The Haygoods, Patriot Guard Riders, MarineMoms, etc. I told her my work is my job and I enjoy doing it. But, the others are my passions and they deserve my attention just as much.
You have to work to pay bills and do the things you want in life. I just wish I could combine both. I know what I want to do and would be REALLY GOOD at it. I just have to find a way to get a chance to prove it. :) I have been praying alot for the direction my life should turn. i just pray God on I have the same road plan.
I have a 'date' tonight. My brother in law is taking my sister, Mom and I out for a belated Valentines day. We are getting along alot better than we used to. Which is a good thing for the kids. Hate it when parents or even family fight and the kids see it. Not physical fights but enough to put a damper on family gatherings. hahaha
Haygoods chat room in down again so we can't talk with each other. We have tried IM and it works pretty good but the chat is more our speed. lol
A former student at Northern Illinois University killed five people and himself. They said he was off his medications a few weeks. Then everyone starts yelling about banning guns or stricter laws. Why can't we just inforce the laws we have. I believe if we had more states with the concealed gun law we would be safer. It is proven that the states with this law have less crime. Would you want to take the change that the clerk your are robbing, or the customer behind you would blow your head off if you pulled out a gun. Or that the teacher, principal or other student would take you out before you could harm anyone else. I honestly believe in the Second Amendment. I have worked with people on bipolar or other drugs and know how they are when they do not take them. But, we can't continue to blame the weapons. It would be like saying we can't blame the drunk driver because the CAR killed the person. Personal responsibility has to be understood and put into perspective.
Sorry to go off but it was really bothering me this week with all the other shootings that occured.