Went to Indiana to see the family and friends last week.  Got there Saturday, 10/11 and returned Monday, 10/20.  I took a long trip so I could make sure I had lots of time to see everyone. 

I spent most of my time worrying about my Grandma.  She recently had quad bypass surgery and has had problems since.  I was trying to do my part to help with things.  I visited her each day in the rehab facility.  I looked for assisted living places to move her into.  We dont think she will be able to return to her house - at least not anytime soon.  Needless to say Granny is NOT happy about all of this.  She wants to go home and does not really comprehend why she cant.  That makes her unsettled and anxious.  We try to explain the reasons, but she is not accepting it.  I would think this would be a hard thing to deal with.  I cant imagine having to rely on someone after being so independant for 76 years.  I just hope this gets better for her soon.  We are all stressed out about it, but I know she is having the harder time. 

Saw the babies.  They are SO cute.  They’re 9 months old now and on the move.  They like to scream when they are happy.  Just look at each other and scream - really loud.  Stop for a while...look at each other again and scream some more.  Must be some odd twin language they are speaking.  Jamison is the same length as Elyse, but he is 2 lbs. heavier!  He has the cutest little chunk legs and loves to be tickled. 

I did not get to meet up with my friend L.G. in Chicago like I had planned.  I really wanted to see her this time since she is due to have her baby in November.  Just did not work out.  I miss my pal!  I will see her and the baby next time.

All in all it was a good trip even if it was stressful.  I got to see everyone again and visit.  And I am glad that I was able to visit with my Granny and “help” some.

Ok so I have not posted in over 3 months.  I know what you are thinking..."Dayle is a lame ass”.  Yes, I am.  Been busy and more interested in being a voyeur on Facebook that I have not cared to update this page.  I dont feel like I have too much to say.  I’ll just start spewing thoughts and see what we come up with…

Ok Ebet got married 8/29/08 in beautiful Hendersonville, NC.  There were about 20 of us in attendance.  Was a very nice trip and so glad to be a part of it all.  Ebet & Courtney had been together for 10 years and engaged for 2 1/2 so it was time!

Heading to Chicago/Indiana 10/11-10/20 to see family and friends.  Will be having dinner with Laura on Monday night downtown Chicago.  I will take the South Shore Line into Chicago and meet her at the Michigan Ave office.  She is due on 11/2 so I hope she does not go into labor at dinner!

Cant wait to see my family (dad’s side), dad, Cathy, my sisters, grandparents, aunts/uncles...and my niece and nephew.  They are twins and were born in January.  Jamison & Elyse....so damn cute.  I know I am biased, but they really are so pretty!  Just so happens my mom, Grandpa Keenan, Aunt, and Cousin will be in town too.  So that is a nice coincidence. 

Going to Atlanta for Thanksgiving to see Papa & Grandma Keenan.  Will be seeing Jeanette for dinner on Friday and then will meet some friends for drinks after.  I cannot believe that I have not seen Jeanette in...um...probably like 7 or more years!  It has been so long that I cannot remember the last time I saw her!

Going to Seattle for Christmas to see my mom, brother & stepdad.  That will be nice.  I hae not spent Christmas with them in so long I can’t remember! 

Lots of travel this year. 

Work is good.  Still as the same company for 10 years in March.  Still like my job, still learning lots, and keeping myself challenged.  I get my second sabbatical as of 3/22/09 (4 weeks paid time off in addition to our vacation time!).  I would like to get to Europe.  My friend Molly and I are hoping to get to Italy for a week or so.  We would have WAY too much fun there! 

That’s all I have for now. 

Jesus H - I joined Facebook today so I could stalk folks I went to high school with.  I am finding so many people that I have not heard from or about in years and years.  And I am realizing something. . .I think I might be the only female from Henderson High School that is not yet married with kids.  I am not sure if that is good or bad.  Hmm. 

Ebet is revamping my website.  She has made it all pretty again with swirly girly things and colors.  It is so very me (the girl who loves pink and pretty things) - and so very not me (for the part of me that likes to cuss like a sailor and wear flip flops, jeans, and a t-shirt and watch football in a dive bar).  Can’t wait for you all to see it.  It is so cute!

Ebet and I went swimming tonight to get the bodies toned - or make an attempt anyway.  We swam lots for about 25 minutes - got the heart rate up.  I felt the burn.  Then we went to Chick-fil-A. . .hmmmm.  So much for the work out. 

Well we did it. Twelve of us girls went to see Sex and The City on Saturday for a one day early birthday “party” for me. We all agreed to get there early to get the front row with the bar. We all enjoyed it. I cried through most of it as I do these days. I was emotionally exhausted afterwards! I swear crying through a movie is like me getting acupuncture - it is like all of my emotions are released at once and I just cry and cry and cannot stop. Whew. Went to sleep about 11pm and did not get out of bed until 8am.

I could see myself watching the movie in the theatre again I liked it so much. And I never see movies twice in the theatre. Oh Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte, Samantha, and Big did me proud. I have decided that I still want to be a combo of Charlotte and Carrie. If I only had enough money to buy those clothes! 

So Ebet, Brian & Damon, and I scored tickets to see Tina Turner in October.  We could not pass up the opportunity to see Tina in person.  Hurry up October!

If you are not reading the blog “Charming, but single” you are missing out.  Check her out at:

charmingbutsingle.com

You need to read her post “The love you don’t feel when you’re holding me”.  Excellent writing.  I feel like a mini stalker or something.  I get a little excited when I am notified that she has posted something new.  Most of all I feel like I can relate to her posts and the things going on in her life.  So keep writing CBS!

Yes.  Yes.  Yes, I am one of those girls who loved Sex and The City.  Love it so much that I am going to drag my girlfriends to see a matinee for my birthday and then drag them for drinks after.  Um yea, like I have to drag any of my girls for drinks.  I think I really just like the show so much because of their fabuous clothes, shoes, and apartments.  I mean how do I get to be Charlotte York?  Cute, prim, proper, married to a Jewish man (yes, I am a wanna be shiksa).  And I have to admit that I still have my crush on Chris Noth that started back when the real Law and Order first came on TV years ago.  Ah Big. 

Seems like people who do not like dogs ("cat lovers") are snooty.  I was walking Lola for her 10pm tinkle.  A neighbor of mine walked out her door and was talking on the phone.  She commented - loudly - that she had to be careful walking in the grass because she had seen piles of poop that day.  She was literally 3 feet from me when she said that.  I felt the need to chime in and say “Well it’s not mine. . .I clean up after my dog.” I probably sounded like a crabby old lady or something, but I felt the need to defend mine and Lola’s honor!  Good night.

Ok so I want to be on the show Biggest Loser really bad...but you have to be able to commit to them for 4 months. Um - hello don’t these contestants have jobs? I can get some time off of work, but FOUR MONTHS? I need to work wherever they work.

Here is what I would do if I lost like 60 pounds and looked damn fine.

1 - wear a bikini
2- wear said bikini to a pool party that had boys in attendance
3 - wear the bikini in question to a Las Vegas hotel pool (everyone knows the pool is “the” scene in Vegas)
4 - wear a bikini while taking Lola for a walk
5 - wear a sports bra and shorts while jogging
6 - wear a sports bra and shorts at the supermarket (preferably when the fireman are doing their grocery shopping)
7 - faint in the sports bra and shorts while in the same aisle as the firemen (only if they are single and cute)
8 - wear a short-ish, age inappropriate, denim skirt and a hot black “tube” top on date with fireman from supermarket (yes, I said tube top so what!)
9 - dance with younger boys while fireman uses restroom...while in my short skirt and tube top
10 - wear an ASU t-shirt that was cut into a dress to the ASU game tailgate (like the 19 year old hoochies do)
11 - prance around said tailgate in my ASU t-shirt that was cut into a dress
12 - ...you get the point…

Going to see the Foo Fighters again tonight with Ebet, Court, & Snapper.  Molly & KJ will be there somewhere too.  I know it will be a great show!!  FOO FOO FOO!

Ok sorry to plagarize Ebet but here goes. . .Friday Night Lights (or as Ebet and I fondly refer to it as the ‘I don’t want your life’ show) is one amazing show.  If you loved My So-Called Life you need to be watching this show.  Right now Tim Riggins and Coach Taylor need our help.  Tonight is the last prestrike episode and the show is in danger of being cancelled.  That means no more Riggins people.  How will cubical girls like myself and Ebet make it through our corporate driven work week knowing that Tim Riggins will not be waiting for us on Friday evening?  It’s a pain I hope that Ebet and I never have to experience.  Kristen from e!Online has graciously given us three easy steps to save Tim Riggins from winding up in a PBR soaked strip bar.  Here is how you can help:

Three Easy Steps to FNL Addiction/Salvation

1. Watch the Friday Night Lights Finale tonight (Friday) Tomorrow Night at 9 p.m. ET on NBC:  You don’t have to know anything in advance. This is not Lost; there’s no complicated mythology to learn. If you’ve ever been a person, known a person or wondered about becoming a person, you’ll get Friday Night Lights.

2. Watch Other Episodes:  They are available on nbc.com’s Episode Rewind or in the season-one DVD (a ridiculous $18.99 on Amazon.com for 22 episodes), and every single click and purchase counts. You don’t even have to watch in order. If you just want to watch one to test the water, I recommend the season-one eps “Full Hearts” (Matt & Julie’s first date), “Black Eyes & Broken Hearts” (I dare you not to cry at the end!), “Blinders” (the powder puff game), “Mud Bowl” (it’s what it sounds like)...Hell, just watch one, and then good luck not watching them all.

3. Spread the Word!  Email this article to everyone you know who needs help in seeing the Lights! Let them know you are concerned for their own well-being and that you will help them do whatever it takes to get on board with this amazing show. Then wear your Panthers number 7 jersey with pride, try to keep your drool over Taylor Kitsch to a minimum, and remember…

“Clear Eyes. Full Hearts. Can’t Cancel!”

So why is it that people cannot “get” my name.  I can understand if it is the first time hearing my name...they might assume it is spelled “D-A-L-E”, but if you have known me for a while you might know better. . .Especially if you correspond with me via email.  My email address and my signature on the email both have “D-A-Y-L-E” in them.  Get a clue and stop typing “D-A-L-E”.

Thanks.

Mantra practice. “If it is meant to be, who are you to change that?  It’s time to believe it.”

I reconnected recently with my friend Angie from pre-school.  It has been a couple of years since we have talked and we just picked up right where we left off.  Before that it had been about 15 or so years since we had talked.  That girl is a blast.  Glad we are back in touch.  I am also friends with her twin brother Mark.  I saw him for the first time in years at Angie’s wedding a while back.  We all just acted like we had never been apart.  Got along famously. 

I am in the condo now.  Enjoying it.  My mom was in town last week to help me organize.  She did most of the work while I stressed about everything.  It really would do me some good to learn how to de-stress.  Dr. Oz (don’t act like you do not know who I am talking about) says that high levels of stress can change your chromosomes or something hideous like that.  I just do not know how to decompress.  May need to start running that stress out of me.  Well who am I kidding?  I may need to start walking (strolling) that stress out of me.  Yeah, that’s it.  I almost have to just go to sleep to stop stressing.  And even then I can have bizarre dreams that - guess what - make me stress out in the dream and make me wake up feeling icky.  I am weird.

Mantra practice.  “If it is meant to be, who are you to change that?  It’s time to believe it.”

Going to Atlanta next week to see my Papa and Granny.  Have not seen Granny for a while - maybe since last Thanksgiving?  She is not doing so well so I need to spend some time with her.  It will be nice to see them again.

I planned a possible large happy hour for this Friday.  I think I had 60 people on the list and then I know the info got passed to about 30 more people.  Should be interesting.  We usually get about 40+ people who show up.  Ahh good (potentially selacious!) times. 

Cheers!

I just found out that my friend J is getting a divorce.  I just hope she is ok and will be happy!  Here is a quote from her website:

“All I want is for one guy to prove to me that they’re not all the same.”

My sentiments exactly. 

I opened my fortune cookie after my lovely meal of Sesame vegetables with noodles yesterday and it said:

“If it is meant to be, who are you to change that?  It’s time to believe it.”

So I’ve got that going for me.  Trying to believe it.  We’ll see how that works. 

I am in process of moving into the condo.  I am so excited.  The place is SO nice!  Will publish a few pictures once I get in somewhat organized!

I miss my friend Kelli. She got into some extra curricular activities about 4 or so years ago and as a result, we have barely been in touch. I know she struggles with getting over these activities/issues, but I just want to be included in her life somehow. I just know that we would not have grown apart if she was not dealing with this crap. I think she is embarrassed about her situation and thinks it must be easier to exclude me, her old friends, and sometimes her family.

I looked at her sister’s My Space site today and saw a picture of her with Kelli. There were also pictures of Kelli’s boys. I have not seen them in years. CMW used to call me “Aunt Dayle” in a super sweet little boy country accent. He always called their guest room “Aunt Dayle’s room” since I slept there when I visited. I saw those pictures and was mesmerized. I immediately got sad and then mad. I mean this is my best friend in the whole world and I have to keep up with her via her sister’s My Space page all because she cannot get her shit together?  WTF ever. I just about could not take my eyes off of those pictures. 

Elisabet is getting married next year and we have been dress hunting and talking about the plans. It all makes me think about Kelli. This may sound selfish. . .but WTF am I supposed to do if I ever get married? Kelli is my best friend no matter what. I guess that means I will not be having anyone stand up for me.  I always just assumed that Kelli would be the only person I would have stand up for me. (I figure you do not have like 5 bridesmaids when you get to be my age!). Well I do not want anyone but her.  So maybe by the time I friggin find someone to marry she will have it together.

Some days I am sad and I cry because I miss talking to her about anything and everything.  I miss being able to call her up day or night and just talking about whatever.  I could always call Kelli if something was wrong and she would talk me down.  She is the only person who really seemed to understand me and knows what I am really thinking without me having to say it. 

Some days - like today - I am mad as hell at her. 

My friend Libby sent me a post from a blog that she reads.  I really like this blog.  This is a southern girl and I like to think that she and I could be friends if I lived near her.  Check her out at:

http://charmingbutsingle.com/

Her “About” is “Charming, but single is 27 and lives in the South. She likes both her drinks and her boys tall.” How could we not be friends if I was living there?!

Today is Lola Falana’s 3rd birthday.  I said “Happy Birthday Lola Falana buckies - give mama some sugar on your 3rd birfday”.  Yes “birfday”.  I talk kind of weirdo baby talk to her.  Anyway, Lola seemed unfazed, but she did roll on her side lazily so I could rub her belly.  Then she proceeded to go back to sleep.  I told her happy birfday again before I left and promised to take her to PetSmart tonight.  Lola LOVES PetSmart!  She hates the dog park. . .she loves PetSmart.  I think she likes it because they allow her to poop in there and they do not freak out.  This was the first time we have been in PetSmart recently when she did not do her “business” inside of the store.  I took her to a doggie potty area before walking into the store.  That was my saving grace. 

I figure if this is Lola’s big birthday present that I need to let her roam the aisles as she wished.  No forcing her to sit still while I try multiple sparkly collars on her - to determine that none of them fit her properly.  Just letting her roam around and sniff everything in the store.  She was panting and out of breath most of the time.  I found a little water dish and she drank from it for about 25 seconds before coming up for air.  SHE WAS IN HEAVEN. 

Thirty minutes later I was in line buying her a bone in place of a birthday cake and Lola was tuckered out! 

She is in her room right now eating that birthday bone.  I tried to take it away from her - to have her save half of it for tomorrow and she took off.  Lola apparently likes the bone.  Good job!

I swear I am going to update this site soon with all the goings on in my life.  Honestly, not much is happening.  I just do not feel like writing.  It seems like when I do want to update my loverly (as Ebet and I say) blog I do not have time.  Like when I am getting ready for work and do not have time to write. 

So here are the basics.  No boyfriend and no hot dates to speak of.  Not really sure if I want a BF.  My mind changes on that topic daily. . .sometimes hourly.  Moved to a new job within my dept at work.  I now update call routing for the toll free numbers we support for our different departments at work.  If they need a change to their routing (how, where, or the time the calls route, etc.) I do it.  Still living with Ebet and Court.  The condo should be done within the next month or so.  It will be super nice once completed. 

My friend Libby is getting married soon in Ireland.  TAKE LOTS OF PICTURES GIRLFRIEND!  I really am so very excited for her.  I think she is marrying someone younger (go girl!).  Maybe that would work for me.  I always have liked the younger men.  I am hoping to get to Georgia soon (maybe Thanksgiving) and drive down for a quick visit with her.  It has been too long since I have seen her.  I miss my girlfriend.  Funny how you can go years without seeing someone (and sometimes w/o talking) and just catch up like you never missed a beat or a drink in our case!

Ebet and Court set a date!  They are to marry in August 2008 in North Carolina.  Ahh the south.  I do miss it.  It will be a southern affair.  I will have to practice my southern accent before I go.  My friend Laura in Chicago will be married this September.  Tis the season. 

Hoping to get to Florida or arrange a girls trip sometime to see Jen.  It has been over a year since we were in Mexico.  Ahh if I only had unlimited funds for travel.  It is kind of scary how Jen and I just clicked in Mexico.  We have known each other since we were little kids, but never really spent any time together.  I felt kind of like I found my long lost soul sister on that trip. 

Went to Washington to see Mommy in July.  Just got back from Genesys (call routing technology company) in San Francisco.  I loved it there.  Could move there if I could afford like $2k for a studio apartment.  Going to Chicago/Indiana in mid September for Laura’s wedding and to see my family. 

Oh and my sister M.  (no name since I do not think she is keen on saying her name online) is pregnant with twins.  Just so happens she is a twin.  Twins did not run in the family - until now!  How exciting!  I also have three other friends that are pregnant.  Amy and Dess in Indy and Syd in Phx.  Jeez Oh Pete!  Tis the season (again).  Fun stuff.  I am anxious to see M. pregnant. 

Ok that is all for now.  Will think of something profound and/or SALACIOUS (as requested by Mark) to write on here soon.

My Grandma Hathaway is super high tech now!  I checked my Gmail today and there was a email from my little granny!  How cute! 

Dear Chicago Bears,

Please win this Sunday against the Saints.  Please win this Sunday against the Saints.  Please win this Sunday against the Saints.  Please win this Sunday against the Saints.  Please win this Sunday against the Saints.  Please win this Sunday against the Saints.  Please win this Sunday against the Saints. 
Pretty Please.

Sincerely,
Me

It is not fair that I have to work on MLK.  It really does not bother me that I have to be at work per say.  I am bothered that I have to do work while I am here.  I just wanted to flit around and hang out.  But I have to do actual work.  Not fair at all. 

Yes I am now holding tickets to. . .

George Strait on 2/2/07

and

Pete Yorn on 2/20/07

So excited!

Just wanted to say it now in case anyone else thinks I am copying them when I have kids.  Take whatever name you want, but know that intend to use these names.  And no my husband does not get a say so. 

My names will be:

Jackson Davis (a.k.a. Jack Davis) with Jackson Taylor being a close second (a.k.a. Jack Taylor) both are proper Southern names

Shelby Victoria (pronounced Shaylebee - as in Steel Magnolias)

Learn it - Love it - Like it

this is only a test

My website may be under construction this weekend.  Ebet is going to set up my new layout along with my new address!  The new address will be:

http://www.LookingForTaller.com (I’ll explain the deep meaning behind that title later)

We already think this might be labled as “adult” because of the other sites that came up when Ebet searched for my website.  So the name may have to change.  I SWEAR I AM NOT SAYING/SHOWING/DOING anything inappropriate on my blog!

Sincerely,

Dayle and Lola Falana Belle

Pictures of Paige and Jeff’s wedding have been posted under “Greene Wedding” in the photo gallery.  Check them out!

Went to the Stones concert last Wednesday.  Matt got great seats and took three of us (Molly, Todd, and I) for the ride.  Am posting pictures in the photo gallery.  Alice Cooper opened - everyone agreed that we only know 3 of his songs and concluded that we only actually like three of his songs.  A good time was had by all. 

My step-grandfather, J. Paul Hathaway, of Chesterton, passed away Monday, Nov. 6, 2006 at VNA Horton Hospice Center, Valparaiso. He was 86.

He was born Oct. 3, 1920 in Lowell, the son of Ward and Martha (Zartman) Hathaway, both of whom preceded him in death.

On Feb. 14, 1995 he married Barbara Callahan, who survives in Chesterton.

He was preceded in death by wife Lois Eileen Henderlong on Oct. 22, 1993, to whom he was married on June 12, 1948.

He is also survived by four sons, Robert (Cathy) Wilson of Antioch, Ill., Michael (Nancy) Wilson of Chesterton, Joseph (Chris) Wilson of Chesterton and John (Janet) Wilson of Cape Coral, Fla.; a sister, Martha Jean Nomanson of Lowell; 10 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

He was also preceded in death one son, Paul Hathaway; a sister, Martha Jean Nomanson and one brother.

Paul was a self-employed meat cutter, retired. He was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church. He was a member of Chesterton American Legion Post 170 and the Chesterton Moose Lodge #1623. He was a U.S. Navy Veteran of WWII.

Private funeral services will be held. Cremation at Heritage Crematory, Portage.

Memorials may be made to the Porter County Cancer Society.

Heading to Indiana this week for Paige’s wedding.  She and Jeff will marry in Chesterton on Saturday.  I go in Tuesday morning and return Sunday late evening. 

We got some bad news this week.  Our step-grandfather Paul is now in hospice.  His battle with lung cancer (which has of course spread) is ending.  He quit smoking nearly 20 years ago too.  They are keeping him comfortable.  He is not interested in eating much, but I heard that he is eating anywhere from 4-8 bowls of vanilla ice cream a day!  My grandma likes to tease him and say that he is stocking up on ice cream.  G.P. (short for Grandpa Paul) is also apparently stocking up on Granny’s kisses.  He keeps asking her for another kiss.  She gives him one and then he asks for another.  I will be in town Tuesday and will go right over to see him.  Uncle John is in the car right now driving up from Florida.  Bummer that my Uncle Joe (who lives in town) has not been to see Grandpa.  He says that he cannot handle that.  Well how about just going to support your mother?!  Jeez.  Man up already.  So I will be spending lots of time there at hospice with G.P. and Gran. 

On Wednesday I will go into Chicago to have lunch with Laura G.  It will be nice to see her and the folks in the office again.  Laura is recently engaged and planning her wedding for September 2007.  I am so excited to see her again!

Not much on Thursday.  Probably just hang with GP and Gran.  Maybe run errands and get things ready for the wedding.  Friday is rehearsal day.  Paige is having a cocktail party in her hotel room before the rehearsal for the wedding party.  Then onto the church to practice and onto the rehearsal dinner.  Saturday is 8:30 am at the hair stylists and getting ready. . .pictures. . .the ceremony. . .and the reception!

So I am driving to the Toyota dealership Thursday after work to drop my car off.  The oil light sensor is bad - at least according to the Toyo technician.  My personal mechanic says the vehicle has an oil pressure problem.  Funny that the place that has to pay for any broken crap on my car thinks the problem is electrical.  Anyway. . .I was headed West on Camelback Road just past 20th Street when this jerkass pulls out of a parking lot, cuts three lanes of traffic to turn left and I hit him.  So luckily, it is not my fault and neither of us was seriously hurt.  My knee is bruised and my back, neck, and shoulders hurt.  And my car is not driveable.  I was 4 streets away from the Toyota Collision Center so I drove it over there.  My car made a hideous noise the whole way there.  I think that some people thought my car was going to explode while driving down the road.  The best part is that the guy was driving a rental car and he has that crap rental car insurance - GMI.  I called GMI on Friday and they were about to close since it was almost 5pm ET.  AND they are closed on Monday due to the holiday.  So I cannot get anywhere with them until Tuesday morning.  My insurance claim guy says I can go through my insurance for repairs and a rental car, but my deductible is $1000.  I sure as hell do not want to pay for that.  And who has an extra $1000 just laying around? 

So the challenge begins.  I have a feeling that I am going to be fighting with them for a while.  My friend offered to let me drive one of her cars until mine is fixed.  She just needs to get updated tags on it.  I need to find out how long it will take for my car to be fixed and see what the deal is with that insurance company and then I can decide what to do.  If I go through my insurance ($1000) then that would cover the rental.