A new Blogger

Well, it took a long time but she has finally come to the dark side. My A1C Shay has finally created a blog. She only has one post so far but I know that with a little help from all ya'll we can give her topic ideas to help her out.

Go visit her at A1C Shay and tell her what you think or how you feel.

That is about all I have for this Friday. Well, it is actually Saturday because it is after midnight but who is counting minutes, right?

Anna and I are going to the Tampa Rays Baseball game this afternoon. She has never been. Hope to have some photos for you on Sunday.

Hugs to all and props to the candidates.

I finished Jury Duty, Finally

As I said, we were called and told to wait. Then they called us and told us to take a long lunch and be back at 1pm. Got back at 1pm and the bailiff came to get us around 1:30. Took us to the courtroom where the lawyers proceeded to ask group and individual questions. Trying to see who they could dismiss from the panel. They sent us out of the room to wait. When they came out again they called six names, those were the ones that would be sitting on the trial. Michelle Lewis!!!!! That would be me. So we were on a DUI case. One witness for the prosecution (the sheriffs officer, one video from the front of the patrol car and the lawyers for both sides presented their case. When all was said and done we went into the jury room. I was voted forman, why!! Do you want to talk or take a straw pole to see where we start. 4 not guilty and 2 guilty. Then we discuss the difference merits if the case, wrote a list of questions we needed answers too and then got called back in the court. They could not answer our questions but they could read the instructions again. Ok, that did it. We now knew what we had to do. Back in the room,one goes to the restroom the rest of us decide to vote, but wait we need the other call. We finally get the form filled out, buz the buzzer to let them know we are ready. Go out there and made this guys day. We were not convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that he was but he did perform the field test and it was on camera and we thought he did as fine as any man 100 pounds over weight could do. Had we not watched the video from the officers car we would have all gone guilty just because he refused the tests. But his appearance did not support that finding.

Anyway, Home at 7, PBJ for dinner and then helped Anna with her homework. AND now I need to get to bed.

Later

Jury Duty Update

This is my update as of 12:45pm.

At 11:00am my name was called, along with about 19 other people. We were told what judge we would be assigned to and to have a seat and the bailiff would be back to get us. About 30 minutes later they called another group of people, told them what judge and then told them to go to lunch and be back at 1pm. A few minutes later they called our group and told us to go to lunch and be back. (I am back).

I want to set the record straight, I am not complaining about doing this. I am lucky in that my employer (the good old government) will pay me while I am here. I believe it is our civic duty and hope that IF I ever have to have a jury that those peers of mine will feel privileged to be there judging me. If you ever get the chance to do this, you should. But I like to figure out puzzles and solve problems.

I also just happen to be reading Randy Pausch's The Last Lecture and at lunch I read section 54 that talked about Jury Duty. Ok Randy, I get it. H says that we all believe we have the right to a jury trial but go to great lengths to get out of it.

It is almost 1pm so I better close down for now.

I did get good news while I was here. My Airman (Shay) has passed her final exam (I had no doubt) and all she has left is to finish her section of clinicals and then to outprocess and graduate on Sep 23rd. These kids are SO READY to get out of school.

Bye for now.

Jury Duty

I received notice a couple of weeks ago that I was selected for Jury Duty. That I would need to be there at 8am on August 27th. BUT to call a special number the night before to see if I really did have to report (Phsych). Well, my number was not selected which means I do have to report. Go figure!
I have a laptop I can take (they have plugs and wireless internet), I have books, and magazines. But I forgot my iPod at work. I am bummed now. So I may get to post again or I may not get to post again on Wed. Keep the prayers that I don't get some murder trial and have to stay there. Who wold take care of the dogs? And Anna?

Another candidate for President

I have found another candidate for President. I think that this candidate is better than the other ones that are out there and I think that with my friends on this blog we can make it happen.

Skywatch Friday

Skywatch Friday. Taken by my lovely daughter in 2007 on the Oregon Coast the week before she left for Basic Training. Very nice shots.


I hope you enjoy. Michelle

Nothing, Nadda, Ziltch

That is what we got from Hurricane Fay. It is hard to explain but you feel a sense of let down that the hurricane did not come our way. Not even any rain or wind from the storm. Now, other parts of Florida did get hit. I guess I should be happy that this is not my neighborhood.

They are calling it the boomerang hurricane/storm. It turned east and is slowly moving north and is expected to switch back west by tomorrow. but not expected to come back to Tampa.

So for all of you who worried about me, thanks. We are doing just fine. Tonight I get to put my patio furniture back out. It has been sitting in my livving room for the last couple of days.

Have a wonderful Wednesday.

Storm Update

Is it ok that I am bummed that we won;t be getting a hurricane? They have downgraded it to a Tropical Storm. Still lots of rain and 60mph winds are expected but no hurricane. I promise to post pictures as soon as I get some. Tonight I took this one. It is actually facing east as the sun sets in the west. Pretty Cool. (taken with my cell phone camera so not the best shot).


I should have saved it for Skywatch.

Tropical Storm Fay

As it stands right now, it appears we may be experiencing our first Hurricane tomorrow! Anybody up for a Hurricane Party? Here is a picture of storm tracker at 10am EST.

If you want to track the storm with us here is a link.

http://weather.tbo.com/wx.php?config=&forecast=tropsystems&year=&region=NT&hwvstormid=6&alt=tropsystempage&hwvmetric=

My To Do List:

Put outside furniture in garage. Don't want to have these things flying around and crashing into my sliders.

Water - Get more water from Costco

Generator (still debating on whether to buy one)

Remain calm

Yesterday Anna's boyfriend told her he was worried because there was a tornado coming to Florida. I told her "it's not a tornado" which caused her some relief. Then I told her "its a hurricane". The school systems here are great. I got a recorded phone call last night letting me know that they evaluated the situation and that schools were open today. That we would received notice tonight if schools will be closed tomorrow. Work is being great about it. If no school, no work. I will try to post updates as I get them. If I am not online tomorrow it is because I don't have power.

Exchange Student Picnic

I know I have been absent for a few days. We have been busy in so many ways and not really busy in others. Know what I mean?

Thursday we had Orientation at the High School and walked the schedule and met all of the Teachers. Then on Friday we went back when it was not crowded and walked the route from class to class again. Here is Anna in front of the school.

Saturday we had a meeting/picnic with all of the other students that are in the area for this program (ICES). There was another girl from Sweden. Her and Anna immediately hooked up and started talking in Swedish. Why is it when someone is speaking another language you automatically think they are talking about you? LOL. Here is Anna and Micaela. I am not positive about the spelling. Do they look interested in what they are hearing?

Not so much here. LOL I am sure that Anna is wondering what has she gotten into.




There were 13 students there and all of their host families as well. Anna is in the middle of the back row. There were students from Germany, Switzerland and other places that I don't remember.

They took the kids to another area and gave the parents a speech and the students got the same speech with a different slant. Basically it is, follow the rules, no back talk, the do's and don'ts, etc.

Today we had to go shopping for some more shirts and some jeans. We have most of the school supplies that she will need.

Tomorrow is the first day of school and Anna is a little nervous. Everyone that we met so far has been really nice so I don't think she has a reason to be scared. I know that doesn't help her though.

We are doing good. It is a little bit of an adjustment getting used to having a teenager in the house again. But Anna is making it easy.

Congratulations Hallie!!!

I would like to say congratulations to Hallie at WoWW. Yesterday I was the 6500 lurker looker at her blog. To help her commemorate the occasion I want to present her with not one, but two, pictures of Prada bags.




I am such a nice friend. I even picked the most expensive bags I could find. Keep up the good blogging Hallie.

In other news in Shaysmas life:
....Anna is settling in. Since I am at work all day she is left to fend for herself. Unfortunately, this gives her time to think and she thinks about how much she misses her family and friends and Sabastian (bf). Today she is going shopping with some friends so that should help and then tonight we have Orientation at the high school. I am off tomorrow and as soon as I get the lawn mowed we will be heading out to see Tampa.

....You can't plan when it comes to the Air Force. Shay has been scheduled to graduate from Tech School on Sep 23rd. This has been the date since she arrived at Wright Patterson on January 4th, 2008. Then came word that they would graduate on the 19th because their NCOIC will be on leave the next week. So I look up new flight times. Then it comes down that so and so's father already got his ticket so graduation is now set for Sep 22nd. Ok, I look at more flights. Then comes the txt msg that says "don't buy your ticket yet". I realize that it is a month away but the price for tickets keeps going up. I don't think it is going to go down. Plus I have to schedule the time off from work. That is my rant for the day. I will keep you all posted!

Awesome

This is awesome. You have to watch it carefully though so pay attention

Well, did you lean in really close? Did you jump back? Gotcha!!

Anna has arrived

The big day came and Anna arrived. The flight even arrived a little early (unheard of) and she arrived totally exhausted. The time change coupled with the 2 days of sight seeing in New York made for one tired young lady.

We went to lunch at Applebees and then headed home. It was time to meet my other three kids, Brutus, Molly and Binde. They like her alot.

Then Wes had to leave to make the 8 hour drive back to Alabama and Anna and I went through the pantry to see what we had vs what she liked. We made a grocery list and then headed to the Verizon store to get her a cell phone. She had been using her Swedish one which is probably going to be costly.

With that taken care of we went to the grocery store. We picked up a good selection of fruit and some veggies and the usual, bread, milk, yogurt and I had to introduce her to Pop Tarts. I know, not the most nutritious of things. We had salmon for dinner and Anna had broccoli.

After dinner I wanted her to meet at least one of the neighbors so that she knew someone else in case she needed something while I am at work. Our neighbors have a little 3 year old girl who is adorable. Well, she just hugged up on Anna and danced for her. Her parents had never seen her like this before. I guess Anna might get a babysitting gig out of the deal.

Today she is on her own to catch up on her sleep and unpack her things. I will try to introduce her to some of the other young adults in the neighborhood tonight.

Men Are Mean

Tell me the truth, if this were you what would you do?

I have a feeling if that were my husband, he might be enjoying the features of the couch for a few nights. How about you?

Now here I caught Molly as she was watching Tonjia's Max get excited. Tonjia got one of the Flip camera's and was playing with it. Does not take much to make us happy.

And finally a little show from tonights storm.

Enjoy your Wed. I have to go to the high school to register Anna. Wish me luck!

Five Songs

I was an original member of the David Cassidy Fan Club. So my first song is I Think I Love You

And don't tell me that you don't secretly sing along to this one if it plays on the radio - We've Only Just Begun.

My next love was Donny Osmond and my favorite was Puppy Love

And who could resist Shawn Cassidy and the hair. Do You Believe in Magic and DaDoRonRon

One of my all time favorites (and karaoke favorites) is I don't Wanna Play House.

My all time favorite artist has always been Reba McEntire. I got re-hooked on country music when she came out with Whoever's in New England and my very first Karaoke staple was Take It Back and I actually had a fan club on Friday nights at the club and these three gals would always come up and sing my back up for me.

About the same time that Reba came out with Whoevers in New England another lady was coming out with a song that would forever change my life. Amy Grant and Sharayah. Listen and see why named my only born Sharayah.

Thanks Kim-D for allowing me this trip down memory lane and thanks Hallie for giving me the YouTube idea. I really enjoyed this. If we are all ever together we definatly will have to go karaoke.

Now I challenge others to come up with their favorites and blog about it.

Law and Order

What do you do when hubby has been gone 1 week (39 more to go)? Well, Saturday I mowed and edged the lawn. Got done just before the storms came through. Washed dishes. How can one person use so many dishes? Went to the movies (by myself) and saw Wanted. I was pleasantly surprised. Sunday, I dremeled the dogs nails (all three of them, dogs that is), cleaned the refrigerator, ironed some clothes and played on the internet for awhile.

And I watched all of the Law and Order that I had DVR'd. Here is a video of what my Molly does every time she hears the theme song to Law and Order. She likes Criminal Intent the best. Be sure and pause the music so you can hear it better.

She could be sound asleep and that song will come on and she pops right up. Sometimes hubby will play it over and over just to watch her watch the TV. She will turn her head at the twangy notes. Funy dog.

So, that was my weekend. What did you do?

More of my Baby

Many of you may wonder who started the fist bumping thing? I have proof that it was started back in 1988. This was Kayla's first Birthday Party and look what they are doing.
A typical weekend at my friend Susi'es house. There are so many pictures that look like this.

Shay LOVED LOVED to ride rides at the fair. See the lady in the back on the right? That is my mom/her Nana.

I wonder what happened? She always loved to help in the kitchen when she was little.

First day of Pre-School. She was 2 years old here.

A new Christmas Outfit and at my aunts house for christmas dinner.

First time at the beach.

After playing in the rain with her preschool friends and getting soaked.
Halloween in 1988.


I have more to share. And until I find something to really post about this is what you get!

Fridays entry

I am off work today and do not plan to spend much time on the internet as I have things to do. (Watch me fail in the attempt) But I leave you with this : "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." Ralph Waldo Emerson