older is better

Getting old sucks, but it is better than the alternative.

I guess I am what most people would call "Middle Aged". Even though I think I am young, I'm not...

Over the last 7 years I managed to ignore or explain-away any and all ailments & medical issues that I have experienced. Well this year, I said, "this is the year I get healthy". I finally went to the doctor and let them take blood and do tests... It hasn't been fun, not at all. You know the saying, "Ignore it and it will go away?" Well, that doesn't work especially after you reach 40!! What a wake up call. (knock, knock, is anyone home? Luckily, I answered the call!)

(You're born, life sucks, then you die...) NOT!!! At least not me! Life is an awesome experience and I plan on living mine to the fullest.

HELLO WORLD, I AM EILEEN!!!!

High Speed Internet

WWOOO HHHOOO! I finally have high-speed internet! Okay, most people would think that is a wierd celebration, but not me. over the last 10 years, I have been been working the dial-up; sure it sucks but enough is enpough

Worry Wart

I worry. It's a well know fact about me. I worry about all kinds of stuff. I worry about making ends meet. I worry about what Lady-Lick-alot does when I'm not home. I worry that there won't be enough food at Thanksgiving dinner or our anual 4th of July barbeque. I worry that Ryann won't like her birthday presents. (which is silly, because she likes everything that's a present)

I also worry about significant things like...I worry about doing the "right thing". I worry about the war in Iraq and all of our troops over there.

Mostly, I worry about my family.

The last thing I worry about is me. Found out recently, that's not smart.

FYI: Always take care of yourself, because if anything happens to you, then who would take care of your family?

American Pride

Tonight I watched the movie 'United 93" I cried through almost the whole thing. The movie re-enacted that fateful morning. The film not only focused on United flight 93, but on the personnel tracking all of the highjacked flights, etc...

I remember that morning watching on TV when the news was reporting that there was a fire in one of the World Trade center towers. I was watching when the second plane crash into the other tower. I cried when the tower collapsed. All I could think was about how many people just died. then the second tower! I had just recently lost my mom, but that was nothing compared to all of the lives that were lost and the lives that were forever changed...I cried then, I cry now and I pray...

What a senseless waste of God's greatest gift...life!

this is the way I am

I am a very blunt, straight forward type of person. I don't take crap and I never have taken crap. If I were a man, I would be respected, but since I am a woman, I am considered a bitch. Fair??? NOT!!!

Growing up, my family constantly teased and made fun of each other. Every sibling's birthday, I always felt there was a competition to find the most insulting card (without being too cruel), and if you were the one to give that card then you won. Won what? I honestly don't know.

Anyone that knows my family, knows Wallace's are jokers. We kid around a lot. My dad was the best kidder of them all. He really knew how to joke around with everyone. No matter the age of the recipient, they always laughed. God bless Red!

Unfortunately, when my siblings and I joke with people, it does not end with the same result. (I guess we are probably lucky that we haven't been sued.) We are usually taken seriously and considered mean!!! Imagine that!!

I am so tired of having to explain myself...So here I go...Okay World, I'm joking...lighten-up...don't be so serious...it's funny...I'm sorry...

Having a baby, ouch!

I just spoke with my niece, who is desperately awaiting the birth of her second child. She is nine months pregnant, and anyone of you who has ever been pregnant should understand what that means comfort wise; NOTHING IS COMFORTABLE!! No such animal! End of story!

She wants to have the baby so bad. To help induce labor, I told her to have sex, she said she did. I told her significant other to have sex with her again, and to give her spicy foods... he said, tell her that...which I did before she handed him the phone. Any who...

I remember my ninth month as if it were yesterday. 'Any which way you turn', is not a Clint Eastwood movie! It isn't fictional, it is reality and it really sucks when a baby is pressing up against your bladder and every other internal organ you have!! I mean WHOLLY CRAP!!! The little kicks or hiccups here and there are endearing, to a point.

Anyway, labor sucked the big one and when she popped out? There was no popping, there was tearing. Not tearing but, RIPPING! Wholly OUCH!!! And my kid was only 6lb 13oz! Predictions for the size of the new kid on the block? Well, he was estimated at over 5lb at 32 weeks (I think?) So I'm predicting about 8lb 12oz at birth, which I already told my niece. Unless she keeps him in the oven another week. Then the numbers would change; but knowing her, another week is not an option.

Welcome to the world nephew! Auntie loves you! (4/27 4:27; hopefully not until 5/7)

Out of the Loop

Okay, I know I have been silent for quite a while, but I really didn't understand what that meant in blogger time. From what I have gathered, I have been away so long that I am no longer a "blog to note" or a "blog to visit". Yet my neice, who stated she only used blogger so she could comment on her cousins' blogs, is.

Okay, I started calling people instead of blogging...I guess that was a mistake. You can say more to a person in a call, but inform less people about your news. Anyway, I guess writing is the best way for me to communicate.

so...what do I say???

Well, I'm Back... After a long absence, I finally have found my will to write again. But...it is so hard to pick just one subject to focus on since so much sh*t has been happening in the world these days. So maybe I'll just let my mind wander...

Okay...yesterday was my birthday. It is the only day of the year that I can do exactly what I want to do, only because I say so!!! It was okay. I mean it was a Tuesday and I had to work. Then Bill, Carol & I had king crab at my house, which was nice, but I wasn't supposed to help...Well, anyone who knows me at all, knows that watching them in my kitchen cooking & cleaning pretty much drove me up a wall . But, you would be proud of me; I didn't flip out, but I did have to rearrange the dishwasher this morning!!! (It was way too messy!) Like Carol always tells me...I'm anal; like Bill tells me...I'm bitchy.

So, I guess that leads me to a totally different subject; am I becoming my parents? My first reaction is, "Holy crap! I am!" But when I step back and take a breather, I realize, yes I am anal, (thank goodness) and yes, I am bitchy (I'm a woman going through the change; feel lucky that is all I am!!) I am also, caring, loving, trustworthy, brutally honest and one of the most faithful friends a friend could ever hope for...for any friend or loved one this applies.

Others beware...

Now Here Comes Rita!

Last year was Florida's year for hurricanes. I guess this year it's the Gulf coast...

Hey, let's relocate the people who evacuated from New Orleans to Texas. Sounded like a good idea at the time.

Now here comes Rita. Threatening to hit the Texas coast and right near Houston, I might add.

Do you think the people who went to Texas from New Orleans feel like they are jinxed or what?

You know what? Sometimes life just sucks.

Life's Plan

I know everybody has their own idea regarding what LIFE is all about. I know I do.

To quote Sally Fields in 'Forrest Gump', "Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get." I beg to differ. Maybe on a conscious level we don't know, but I firmly believe that before we get here, we choose our life, our parents and our purpose for the life. Some of our souls come back time and time again... Some don't.

Ever heard of the Akashic records? (my spelling might be or probably is off) These are the records of life...of everything...It's pre-destined. I know and believe that everytime we come to this earth in life, we strive to learn lessons that will in turn elevate our souls closer to God. That is our goal after all. Isn't it? To be closer to God?

So do you think I'm crazy??? Or just nuts??? OR BELIEVABLE!!!

Family

What is family??? Is it a brother?? A sister?? A cousin??

I think family is not only that but more. We all have brothers, sisters, step-daughters, step-mothers, sisters-in-law, sons-in law, friends...

In this world, there are many people that I know and like, acquaintances, co-workers and similar. But, family, to me is more.

I miss my original family, you know the one that was only about us, the original 7? The one I was born with? My Mom, Dad, brothers and sisters. I know Mom and Dad are gone...but my brothers and sisters are still here. I talk to my sisters on a consistent basis, not my brothers.

One of my brothers made it well known to me, he DOESN'T HAVE TO CALL. I actually got into a fight with him last year. There were a few major points to that fight. One was he never calls me. He replied, "I called you on your birthday". I had to point out that the last time he called me was on my 40th birthday which was a year and a half prior. I also asked him to do something for my sister that I couldn't do because I did not live closer. BIG FIGHT. Either way, it was difficult because we argued big time! I later wrote him a letter trying to explain my position. (**Please note** This is not a good idea when you are writing to an attorney) I wrote a letter, which unfortunately for me, he analyzed for 2 weeks before he called unexpectedly one Saturday afternoon. Needless to say as an attorney, he went off the deep end. To summarize: we have different opinions on what family means. Here is an example of a question I posed, "For instance, if some day after you and Jane have passed on, wouldn't you want your children to be there for each other???" He answered, "That's not the same thing." I stopped the battle. He's gone...finally I see...he's a MacCormack... (My mind soars...where is Jan? My head is screaming, "I knew the family would fall apart!")

My other brother only calls because I bitched him out last year after the hurricanes, told him, he was a sorry ass for not giving a shit about me and my family. After that he called for every hurricane, whether it was close to Florida or not. This year he's slacking. Oh well. But he is coming to visit. My sister thinks he's going to stay with her, but I have a big-screen and cable TV that says differently!! I have to add, I was amazed and dumbfounded that Don did not call at anytime around the hurricanes. I mean even my mother-in-law from England emailed!! What the F***??

Still don't have the 'old-time family' feeling. BUT I DO HAVE my husband, whom I love immensely, my children (yes, children) whom I love unconditionally, my grand children who think I know everything (God bless them & they're right!), my friends whom I love exceptionally and my sisters whom I love eternally.


My sisters treat me like I was gold!! God bless them!!


What do you think about family??

Prime Time

Today, my daughter brought home a composition note book from school. She showed it to me and inside there was a note that said, "Your child has been selected to be the PRIME TIME student of the week." There also was a newspaper clipping from an Ann Landers column that said writing about a student in a book is a special way to appreciate them. Every week a student would be chosen and the parents and/or family must write something special or unique about their child in the book then return it to school and it will be passed on to the next winner's family.

The first thing I thought was, 'My child, the PRIME TIME student...Awesome!!' Then I thought, 'What should I write?'

There were two prior entries. I read them. The parents touted their children (as most would) as being the most kind, generous and thoughtful children alive. What parent wouldn't? Okay!! I started thinking about last year in school...2 girls taunted, teased and made fun of my daughter. At times, she would come home crying because of those bullies... (I had a conference with her teacher, the teacher said she thought the girls were jealous of my daughter because all of the boys liked her. We're talking 2nd grade, for crying out loud!)

I can honestly say, my daughter has a lot of great qualities, but also has many faults. How honest should I be? The other parents made their kids sound like they should be considered for sainthood. Come on now!! In reality we all know that is just not true! Kids can be so cruel!!

All I can say is, my daughter is the best person she can be. I've tried to teach her to treat others as she would want to be treated, and so far that seems to be working. She is imaginative and creative. She is the only girl I know that can take a cardboard box and make a game out of it that lasts a full day. For her, it is wonderful to be eight.

How does that compare to the other two 'saints'?

Now I know...IT'S EVEN BETTER!!!

Are you ready for some FOOTBALL???

Thank god football is back. Now there's finally something worthwhile to do on Sundays again!! PARTY!!!!

GO PATRIOTS!!!!

They won last night, yahoo!!

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.........

New Job

Started a new job on Monday. Boy, do I like it!!! No Bull sh*t. thank goodness and everyone there is very nice. At least they are right now. I probably should... as they say, 'wait until the honeymoon is over'! Already got paid my first week though! SO I like it....

summer heat

Yesterday was a weird day. Full moon and boy could I tell. It was swelting hot, humid, muggy, sunny, rainy everything. I love summer but I can't wait until the fall. Though it's not the same down here (Florida) as it was back home (Boston). I miss the color of the leaves in the fall, but I can always turn on my TV and there it is. Autumn in Florida is awesome. Even though it's the most active part of the hurricane season, the weather is so beautiful. We go swimming up to Thanksgiving...sometimes even Christmas. I love it here, and yes, even in the hot, humid, muggy, sunny, rainy summer....cause I have central air.............