Pool anyone??

Well, we're having fun in the Florida sun. (Hard to believe she's already 8 years old!) Wish you could join us.

It's sad to think that I've been here 12 years and can count on 1 hand the number of times all of my family (excluding Mom) and friends have visited me.

Let's see, friends = none & family = 5.

Yet I've been back to visit...about 15 times....hmmm...

We have nice weather and sunshine... They have cold...snow...slush...sleet... (should I go on?)

Wouldn't you like to PLAY SOME POOL????

Courtney

Well, I got through today and though it was painful, it was easier than last year, Thank God.

Well, I woke up this morning and got Ryann ready for school without any argument or fight, Thank God.

Well, I filled my day at work with answering phones, proofing wires, filing, verifying funds, etc...Thank God.

Today is a tough day.

Today is the anniversary of the day that my step-DAUGHTER, Courtney left the earth.

Courtney was killed two years ago, on August 25th, in a car accident, she was 19 years old. She was a victim of road rage, if you can believe it. (I know we can't.) She made the bad choice of getting into a car with a man who was angry and high. She also chose not to wear a seatbelt... Unfortunately, for her and us, IT WAS A FATAL DECISION.

With three other people in his car, this man decided to race down a rural route going 60 mph. He tried to run another car off the road, which he did accomplish. After which, the man lost control of his car and slammed into a tree going 60 mph.

Courtney was in the front passenger seat, she was not wearing a selt belt. The medics said she was dead at the scene.

What do you think was going through her mind? During the chase? Just before impact? I wonder about that. It's enough to drive me crazy!

When Courtney passed it was hard. At the time, we were treating her with 'tough love'. Not just Pete and I, but Mallorie, her sister, did as well.

I always thought there would be time. Shame on me, I should know better.

God knows, when I was young, I didn't get along with my mother, but when I grew older I had the chance and opportunity to realize that my mom wasn't such a bitch and that she actually knew what she was talking about, at times. I always thought I would have that with Courtney. You know, that one day she would 'wake up' and realize that I wasn't such a bitch. Never happened.

But, I hope that I'm not such a bitch. Mallorie, without knowing it, proves that to me every single time I speak to her. She told me not too long ago, although not in the same exact words, that because of me she has a relationship with her dad... That means a lot.

But, it still doesn't change the fact that Courtney is dead.

Life sucks...sometimes...

Finally Football

Finally Football!!! I LOVE football!!! Now, I say this because football is the only (and I mean only) sport I watch faithfully.

Now, usually I only love PATRIOTS football, BUT... (did I already say I loved my new job?) This Saturday night, August 20th, Pete and I are going to the Buccaneer's game...We are sitting in a LUXURY BOX at Raymond James stadium. The owner of the company I'm working at (did I already say I loved my new job?) decided to give his LUXURY BOX tickets to our department. Now, I've been told by several different sources at work that 'this never happens', so I am officially calling myself the 'GOOD LUCK CHARM' of my department. (ha, ha)

It's funny, but sad, that I really don't give a rat's ass that the Bucs are playing, I just want to see what the luxury box is like!

Either way, each ticket goes for $250.00, so it's like a $500.00 bonus right off the bat!! Yee Haw!!

Golfing in paradise

The one thing I love about my life is that there is always something new popping up.

Three weeks ago I found out they were having a golf tournament at my new job. Now, I have NEVER golfed before in my life and quite frankly I thought it sounded like the most frustrating sport in the world. I mean, what could be relaxing about hitting a little ball from here to a little, tiny hole way the hell over there?!?! And at home if I ever put on the golf channel it was because I wanted to take a nap and had trouble falling asleep. I mean really, think about it!

So being the 'new girl on the block' and hearing my department needed one more player for their team, I volunteered..............

Okay, a couple of things I need to point out. First, the company was raffling off a 42 inch plasma TV with a home theater system, plus an additional $5,000.00 in cash prizes. And the only way to win was to play in the golf tournament. Second, it was completely free and included 2 meals and all the beer you could drink. Third it was a best ball tournament. And last but not least, I found out the other members of my team were not golf pros...

So we played golf yesterday. We played at 1:30 in the afternoon in August in Florida!!! How stupid does that sound?? Do you have any idea how hot it was?? And believe it or not it didn't rain. (which we would have welcomed) Anyway, I was completely covered in sweat by the end of the first hole.

Come to find out it wasn't as bad as I originally thought it would be. I actually hit a couple of nice shots and sank a few putts. I had a few cold ones and some pretty decent BBQ after it was all said and done. And as for the TV and cash prizes.........