Miss Chera

Bridal shower

2006-02-18T19:52:00.000-06:00

I went to Dallas today for a bridal shower for one of my college friends. Thank goodness for Mr. Chera. There has been bad weather (ice), and I did not have to drive. There were wrecks all over the place when we got into Dallas.

It's been awhile since I have seen her, and she looked great. I felt a little uncomfortable at first because I was the only friend attending that knew her in college. We became very close while at college, and she was even in my wedding. We have grown different ways since I got married. Of course, we live two hours away, but we do not email or call each other. I have always called her by a nickname. For example, if her given name were Christine, I would call her Chris, get it? Everyone there called her by her given name, and it was just unusual. Sounds like she is marrying a great guy, and will have a great mother-in-law.

Short post

2006-02-17T12:26:00.000-06:00

I have had one tough week. I had my annual review at work, many, many doctor's appts. for me, Lil Darling is sick, Mr. Chera is home taking care of her, and I have reached my limit at work. So, just a quick note to let all know that I am still around.

Lost friend

2006-02-08T23:56:00.000-06:00

I did not find my friend by Googling her or her new husband. I have been thinking quite a bit about her in the last few weeks. I think my thoughts wander to her because Lil Darling is going through some rough times in preschool with friends.

Lil Darling misses the friends she made in past classes. This year she is with a new group, and can not seem to make friends. Yesterday, she told me that a new girl started in her class, and they made friends! I was so excited, but...there is always a but. But, today, she & her new friend had a fight. My precious, wonderful, loving little girl punched this new girl. I am horrified! Where does this behavior come up? I am so disappointed with her actions. I have another concern ... her birthday is about a month away, and fear Lil Darling has been mean to the other children in her class. I hope her classmates will come to her party. I guess time will tell.

Lost contacts

2006-02-07T13:02:00.000-06:00

It is funny how you lose touch with friends. Over ten years, I have lost touch with a few friends. New friends come, but can not seem to replace the ones you lose contact with.

I just found one old friend - she actually introduce Mr. Chera to me. She was in our wedding along with her little girls serving as flower girls. She got married and moved less than one year after Chad & I started our life together. I think I will google her or her husband's name to get a phone number.

Laundry

2006-02-07T09:04:00.000-06:00

Whew! I am still recovering from the weekend of endless laundry. I did probably 14 loads of laundry, plus two more last night. I decided to go through all of Lil Darling's closet, and put what I could on ebay. I wanted to make sure I had everything clean before listing anything. I will start listing tonight if everything goes as planned.

Lil Darling is having trouble at school with one of her best friends. Her best friend does not want to play with her on the playground anymore. The two have been in a class together since they were 14 months old, and this is the first year that they have had separate teachers. They are next door to one another. Lil Darling told me last night that she does not want a new best friend, she already had one. I explained she needs to make friend in her class. So hard to be four!

The day of cleaning

2006-02-04T16:02:00.000-06:00

Well, T and A are home and doing fine.Our vet and staff fell in love with our beloved T. He loves attention, and evidently, swiped his paw at every person who walk by his cage. They had T & A together in one cage. A is an introvert (sp?), she likes to be left alone. She is the first female cat I have had since I was a kid. Lil Darling loves A with all of her heart. Our vet called this morning to see how they were doing, and set up an appt. for A to have her stitches removed.

Last night, I discovered an awful thing. I have sorted clothes to be washed in our laundry room. I found A in the clothes. I thought at first she was bedding down in there, but discovered she was using the clothes as her litter box. I was horrified! I have been cleaning all morning. Washing clothes and mopping the floor. I think they have been doing this for awhile, and I just did not notice before last night. I always sort the clothes right in front of the washer & dryer, so they could have been doing this all along. I was so grossed out!

T and A

2006-02-01T08:17:00.000-06:00

Update: T has grown out of his murmur, and was able to have surgery. Mr. Chera called yesterday afternoon, and they made it through the surgery just fine. They had to spend the night at the vet's office, and I can pick them up today.

Lil Darling can hardly wait for them to get home. she misses them terribly. Thank goodness we have such loving cats. What were we thinking about with four cats in the house????

Kittens

2006-01-31T09:47:00.000-06:00

Our two kittens are in surgery right now. T is being neutered & A is being spayed. T has a heart murmur, and I am waiting to hear from the vet if the surgery can be performed. Lil Darling misses them terribly, and could not wake up this morning without the kittens jumping all over her.

Family problems (venting)

2006-01-27T09:54:00.000-06:00

My FIL has been fighting the big "c" for almost a year. During the last year, he has had problems tolerating the chemo, sickness, tumors not shrinking, hearing what he wants to hear, etc. Well, the dr. he is seeing has a PA which my FIL hears only what he wants to hear. The PA last week told him the tumor is inactive - my FIL heard he is in remission and the tumor has gone away. He was so excited, and wrote a letter to the Pope. Well, he went back on Friday to check more test results, and the dr. saw him. She corrected him that he was not in remission, and told him he would be fighting cancer for the rest of his life. The wind left his sails, and he is back to feeling ugh again.

There is a little background info that you should know about my relationship with my inlaws. Simply, they dislike me with all their being. Never in my life have I know anyone who hates me as much as they do. I know, I know...I have lived a very sheltered life to not have someone dislike me, but they have not liked me since Mr. Chera & I started dating. And, I truly believe they think Mr. Chera married down. I have not done one thing to set this relationship in a downward spiral...it just the simple fact that they dislike me and will never try to establish a relationship with me...no matter how hard I try to get a relationship started with them.

We have plenty of good times to look back at too (insert sarcastic laugh here)...After Lil Darling was born, my MIL & I did not speak to one another for 10 months over a christening dress & after she screamed so loud at me on the phone that I hung up on her and had to buy a new phone 'cause she screamed so loud the speaker quit working! During this time of no speaking, I did not go to visit them, but did not hinder Mr. Chera and Lil Darling from going to visit. I wanted Lil Darling to know her grandparents. My FIL videotaped every visit, and other relatives visits with them. When we started speaking again, they shared the videotape with Mr. Chera & I by sending it home with us. One night I was watching the tape with my parents, and heard my MIL call me a B**** when talking with Mr. Chera's aunt & uncle. I was devastated, and did not tell Mr. Chera for two weeks about it. When Lil Darling had surgery to remove a tumor when she was 12 months old, they did not come to the hospital - they had more important things to do like go to the casinos in Louisiana. When Lil Darling has any special program or recital, they can not attend because they would have to drive in the dark, rain, etc. I am not usually a fighter, but both MIL & FIL have pushed me to fight with them & at times, sink to their level. So now, since the big "c" has come to visit my FIL, I have tried so hard to be supportive for my FIL & MIL, and let the past go. Although now, I have grown so tired of hearing about how crappy their lives are. I am so desensitized to their problems, and I hate this. I have always been and tried to be the caring person, but I find myself pushing myself away from them which puts Mr. Chera in a bad position once again. I am just venting about this relationship. I will continue to care, but I think I will need a break from all of this soon!!! :O)

Up early

2006-01-27T05:37:00.000-06:00

Mr. Chera got up early this morning, and I got up with him. I will probably go down really fast this afternoon. I have not decided if I am a night owl or a morning person.

I have a lot to do this morning - gathering everything, making lunches, taking care of four cats. It can be exhausting with four cats. What were we thinking?

Next Tuesday, our two kittens will be fixed, and it can not be too soon. We have a female and a male, supposedly brother and sister. Our vet says otherwise - one is a gray tabby (female) and one is a brown tipped siamese (male). We noticed last night that our female is having 'her time'. Our siamese is following her around, and calling for her. We have separated them now, but we may already be in trouble. We waited a month too long to have them fixed. Our other two cats already are fixed, and could care less about these kittens. We should have an interesting weekend!

Well, gotta get ready.

What a week I had! (last week)

2006-01-23T12:23:00.000-06:00

Well, I did not live up to my promise of posting once a day. But, I am trying to improve.

Lil Darling & I started the week off on a bad note. We both had stomach viruses. I totally believe it was food poisoning from her fav restaurant that has a mouse as their hero, and I am not talking about Mickey. She & I both had salads, and she got sick immediately, and then, I followed the next morning. I had to call in sick on Monday from it. During this time home, Lil Darling broke her DVD player that Santa bought, and Mr. Chera had to take it back to Best Buy. Good thing Santa purchased an extended warranty for the TV and DVD player.

After this start to the week, I was in a funk the rest of the week. Every little thing bothered me at work and home. Things are tough at work, and it can get you down. I work with a group of women, and it gets so hard at times. Oh well, 'nuff about that. But, at least one of my fav shows started back - American Idol. As much as I hate to admit, I do enjoy watching it. Lil Darling absolutely loves it.

We had a good weekend. We picked up a new DVD player (it had to be ordered), and all was right in the world of Lil Darling. Laundry, cleaning, and church followed - what a combo.

Question to the internet world, but first, a little background:

Every week Lil Darling's preschool has a letter of the week. She has to take something for show & tell - last week was N, and she took a necklace. All the girls in the class brought necklaces, and Lil Darling wants to be unique this week. This week is the letter W - what should I send? Remember, this is preschool - I can not send Wine like Mr. Chera suggested. I was thinkg of send a Washer from Mr. Chera's toolbox. Let me hear from you!

Just a little note for now...

2006-01-13T14:36:00.000-06:00

I normally love dealing and working with people. I am very people friendly, but I am having problems with people I work with. There are just some days I would like to scream, "Please grow up" or "Please stop talking to me". But, I can't I have to learn to deal with difficult people, and it sucks!

One of those days

2006-01-12T13:46:00.000-06:00

Well, today is just one of 'those' days. Mr. Chera is usually gone during the week, so I manage the house and Lil Darling until he is back. No wonder you hear about the single working mom's plight and hard times. And some mornings, I am ready to pull every hair out and run screaming from the house. This morning went like this:

Get up, get myself & Lil Darling dressed and ready, make Lil Darling's lunch, make sure I have everything, take off to preschool, run every yellow light with a 4 yr. in the back screaming, "There's another one. You have to stop on yellow!!!" all on about 1/16 tank of gas, drop her off at preschool, chit chat for a split second with one of her teachers, make sure her DORA (ugh!)backpack is in just the right spot, double check she has her lunch in said backpack, arrive 10 minutes late to work exhausted greeted by a watch watching boss. I know women all over the country do this every day, but today was just one of 'those' days. Whew!

Although, I did receive great news from one of my long time friends. She pregnant, and has been trying for sometime now. I am really, really jealous of her because Mr. Chera & I can not get pregnant. oh well

Comments

2006-01-11T06:44:00.000-06:00

I got my feelings hurt that no one was commenting, and then looked at my site. I discovered the comments were not turned on. They are now, so go ahead and delurk.

2006-01-11T06:43:00.000-06:00

Here's a few more...
-I am a night owl. Actually, I have not slept well since my Dad died.
-My Dad died in 2003. My husband and my Dad are and were the two most important men in my life. I was a Daddy's girl. Lil Darling is now a Daddy's girl.
-I love to cook, but I am very lazy during the week. I cook a lot during the weekends.

I guess I should do a 100 things on the sidebar, but I still have not learned how to do that.

Have a good day!

Little facts

2006-01-10T13:45:00.000-06:00

I have decided to start making an entry everyday, and to let at least one fact out to the entire blogoshere internet thingy. I have been so apprehensive about letting people know me. In the past, I have written about Mr. Chera, Lil Darling, my Mom, MIL, FIL, etc., but have never let one thing out about me (aside from my love of popcorn). Today is my day to share, so here's a few (five to be exact) facts about me to get started:

-I am adopted, and have meet my biological mother. After meeting her, I appreciated my parents even more and realized their love for me. OK, OK, OK...I started off with a sappy one.
-I am addicted to Diet Coke and peppermints.
-Before I got married, I had only driven Chevrolet cars. Mr. Chera came into the marriage with a Dodge!
-I can not drive a stick shift.
-I never had acne problems until I had Lil Darling.

So, there...you know a little more about me.

De-Lurking Week

2006-01-09T09:26:00.000-06:00

Let me know you visit! I know I have not made entries on a daily basis, but I hope to change this!

Twice

2006-01-08T23:39:00.000-06:00

...in one day - just a little update of our lives today. We stayed at home today. Mr. Chera & I caught up on cleaning & laundry. I actually cooked lunch & dinner. Took a long nap and read my latest "had to have" book. Lil Darling was busy finding homes for her new Barbies that Santa brought her. She even found some of last year's gifts to go with her new stuff.

Where have I been?

2006-01-08T11:07:00.000-06:00

It is so hard to believe that I have not updated since August! Gosh, so much has happened! I am hoping to get to a point where I update daily and share pics. I am still so uneducated when it comes to blogging.

Lil Darling is growing by leaps and bounds everyday! She loves Barbie and her Leapster L-Max right now. In August, we added two more members to our family - two kittens. We are now a four cat house! I can not believe this. Thank goodness, Lil Darling can help out so much with these new additions. Mr. Chera is so happy about these new additions - as you can imagine.

My Mom had open heart surgery in August, and has been on the road to recovery. We have had a couple more hospital stays than she would have liked, but she is doing great. She is such a fighter! I tell her all the time that she is a tough old bird. She said my Dad was by her side during the whole time she was in SICU.

My FIL has not been doing that great, but he is still with us. He has had a lot of complications from chemo. My MIL is still not handling this well, she is so mad at the cancer and what it has taken from her. My FIL has ups and downs, and she has a difficult time with this.

MIA

2005-07-19T22:34:00.000-05:00

Wow! I need to catch up with everyone and update my blog. I really do not have much to say tonight, but will give a few brief overviews:
1. Lil Darling had her first IMAX experience this past weekend. Mr. Chera purchased the largest bucket of popcorn that I have ever seen.
2. IMAX theater seats are tooooooo narrow for my butt. I was afraid to eat alot of popcorn - I might of gotten wedged in the seat.
3. Work is going great - got a promotion & raise
4. Mr. Chera needs to weed-eat & I need to mow
5. Mower is at the shop - pulley is broken or something like that. I could not understand the repairman due to the large dip of snuff in his mouth. I was focused on it - thinking, "Dude, have you not heard about gum, lip, mouth cancer"
6. FIL is in the hospital - small intestine blockage
7. MIL is going crazy - worrying
8. I really, really want to go to the movies again. This time I will go to a stadium seat teather, and take a neck strap for the bucket of popcorn
9. Mr. Chera cleaned the house on Friday night - and vacuumed

That's about all for now.

Happy July 3rd

2005-07-03T21:49:00.000-05:00

The Chera family had a great day today!

Mr. Chera and Lil Darling got up early today, and I slept in to about 9:00. I did not sleep too well last night, but hit the ground running. We did not go to church, but did all of our cleaning this a.m. We met Mr. Chera's parents for lunch, and then drove around town looking at houses for the MIL & FIL. They currently live about 60 miles away from us. They are trying to downsize especially now that my FIL is fighting cancer. Mr. Chera & I have been looking at this own garden home & development, and drove them by it today...and, they loved it. This is so surprising because they had specific requirements, and we were worried they would not like the area. There is a grocery store and Catholic church nearby as well as a small pond this home looks over (with ducks...my MIL is a big, big animal and nature lover). We did have a frightening moment, my FIL fell down while walking up to a home under construction. I was with him, and I just knew he was hurt badly, but luckily he was not. He will probably have a black eye from his glasses hitting his eyebrow, and have a few bruises on his left side. I think his pride was bruised as well. Mr. Chera had to help him up, and that was tough on my FIL.

We cooked out tonight, and Mr. Chera did *so* well with the grillin'. Tomorrow, we will cook out again. We have had several burn bans in our area, so hopefully, we will be able to pop a few firecrackers. Have a great 4th, and say a prayer for our troops stationed all over the world.

Parade again!

2005-06-30T12:40:00.000-05:00

Well, I made it in time for the parade today. This a.m. I spoke with the director, and it seems so many parents were asking about the time of the parade, they decided to have it at 11:00. I got there just as they were beginning to line up! Lil Darling was so happy that I was there. She marched and marched and sang, "Yankee Doodle Dandy" and "Grand 'Ol Flag". But, by the end, she was tired and one of the last in the parade line up! I took so many pics.

Parade

2005-06-29T12:23:00.000-05:00

Well, I went to Lil Darling's school on my lunch hour, and just missed their parade! That's my luck! I walked into her room, and she said, "Momma, you missed it!" Oh well, they will be having another tomorrow, and maybe I can remember the camera.

4th of July parades

2005-06-28T22:25:00.000-05:00

There are no major 4th of July parades in our area. I really want to take Lil Darling to a parade, but I can not find one. Although Lil Darling's preschool does have two days of parades for the little one to show off what they have made the last few days. The only problem is there is no set time. I sent a note to her summer teacher asking for the time of the parades, and she responded with no info, time, or even if there was a parade. I am strictly going on the word of my four year old. Hopefully, this is not a pretend game for Miss Lil Darling. I am so bummed. I think I will just go up to her school at my normal lunch time, and see if the parade is taking place then. Lil Darling is *so* excited about the noisemakers they have made and singing "Yankee Doodle Dandy".

Survey for fun!

2005-06-27T12:59:00.000-05:00

Down in the dumps!

2005-06-15T13:52:00.000-05:00

Thanks, Shirley! I needed that!

I have not been feeling like myself lately! I am just down in the dumps. I have lost interest in my job, and the only thing that get me through the day is the thought of picking up Lil Darling.

Lil Darling is so excited to see me everyday! But, I think it is probably the new, huge swimming pool we got this weekend. Now, that's another thing to be depressed about - high water bill! :O) Oh well, swimming this evening sounds pretty inviting.

Sunday visit

2005-06-14T22:43:00.000-05:00

On Sunday afternoon, we drove our Mr. Chera's parent's home. We only stayed about two hours. His dad is not doing good.We discovered when we were there that his memory is failing him, and I think he has given up a little more than the last time we saw him. Mr. Chera also sees this. His color is not good, and looks frail. He is losing his hair. He did not remember the name of the town we lived in. He has shortened all of our names, and is speaking much softer than normal. Of course, his mom is a mess, too. She started crying hysterically when we left. Earlier in our visit, I asked her if they had contacted a support group, and she said she did not want to listen to other people's problems with what they are going through at this moment. I think this would help, but you can not force Mr. Chera's parents to do anything. His dad talked a lot about his flowers, and he had some plants that he needed planted. Mr. Chera & I planted them for him.

Mr. Chera is upset, and really does not want to think of losing his dad. But,
I do not think his dad is made for this earth much longer. Cancer sucks!

Lil Darling

2005-06-10T22:38:00.000-05:00

This evening I was faced with one of the toughest questions from Lil Darling. In her preschool class, there are three little girls who have formed a mini cliche. Their moms are friends, so by default, these three little ones are friends. Up until the past week, Lil Darling has been able to get along with these little girls. But, now they have turned mean and are ganging up on others. Lil Darling was scratched and bitten last week, Lil Darling bit one of these girls, and today, Lil Darling was punched in the face - punched!

Lil Darling was telling me about this latest incident, and asked, "Why do people have to be mean?" I was unsure of how to answer. Mr. Chera & I have strived to raise a girl who is happy, lively, outgoing, strong, loving. And to see her sad or disappointed by someone, broke my heart. The inner "Momma Bear" got mad, though. I had a hard time answering her without telling her to beat the snot out these little girls the next time. I explained some people are not nice all of the time. And, she shouldn't play with them when they are being mean to one another and others. It is so hard being a parent sometimes. Luckily, she has a best friend in this class (they have been friends since they were 13 months old).

Things that drive me up a wall!

2005-06-09T00:15:00.000-05:00

Instead of a blog entry, I think I will give you a list. Making lists has become my new hobby. I can not remember anything lately.

1. the mixture of a new teacher & a 4 yr. old testing her limitations
2. a grown woman who you are training at work shouting "SHUT UP" like a teenager
3. the same grown woman hitting you in the bicep when shouting "SHUT UP"
4. having to do three loads of laundry every night
5. wanting to take a vacation day only to find out you have 4 days left for 10 months
6. wanting to take Lil Darling to see the ocean for the first time, and seeing you have no money to do so and finding you have only 4 vacation days left
7. being out of Diet Coke for me and yogurt for Lil Darling
8. being behind in filing at home and work
9. someone noticing that I am behind in filing
10. not having a lot to say in my blog

So Bored

2005-06-06T13:58:00.000-05:00

Have you ever reach a point in your life were you are so bored? I visited with one of my best friends this weekend. I have always looked up to her, and value her opinions and thoughts. She is bored with her life. She said she needs change. I feel this way sometimes too, but the moments pass fairly fast for me. She surprised me with this. I felt a little thown off by her telling me this, and was unsure what to say. I could read from her that she was a little depressed, and has been worrying about work things. I felt so helpless in trying to give advise and suggestions. Oh well...I spoke with her today, and she is in a great mood and feeling a lot better.

American Idol

2005-05-26T09:22:00.000-05:00

Miss Chera

Well, it's over. I really, really wanted Bo to win last night. I called in for him twice on Tuesday night. I loved Bo's performance - talk about a dream come true. Mr. Chera was in Alabama last night, and there are billboards everywhere supporting Bo. Lil Darling loved watching last night, and was able to see Nikko! Remember, she loved Nikko. I decided last night that she liked him because his leather jackets look like cartoons. I did not enjoy Constantine, Nadia, or (I can not think of her name). I love, love Kenny Wayne Shephard and his guitar work, but the three of them absolutely ruined it for me! Kenny Wayne is from Shreveport/Bossier City, and I have heard him live several times. He is as close to Stevie Ray Vaughn as you get. Anyway, Carrie will be a great American Idol, but I think Bo will out sell her if he releases a CD. I would definitely buy his CD.

Missing!

2005-05-21T13:31:00.000-05:00

It's been a long time...so much has happened! Bo & Carrie are left on American Idol. And, I am not which I would like to win, both are great singers/performers.

Lil Darling is officially in the 4's class at preschool. We had the end of the year party this past week. She had a blast. They had a picnic, blew bubbles, fished in small swimming pools, rode bicycles, and made their own sundaes. Lil Darling poured her own sprinkles on her sundae...half the bottle! She was on a sugar high for the rest of the day.

I have been a little down with my career. But, hopefully, things will start to pick up. I need to catch up with everyone's blogs, and read my e-mail. Mr. Chera & I are rearranging our bedrooms today.

Peeking

2005-05-06T14:22:00.000-05:00

A couple of weeks ago, Mr. Chera took Lil Darling to a local paint-it-yourself pottery store. She made three things - one for me, one for my Mom, and one for my MIL. Well, Mr. Chera is out, so I had to pick up the pieces. Mr. Chera called ahead & had them wrap everything up, so I would not be able to peek. I really, really, really want to peek. I am not good at waiting for surprises, presents, etc. I have to patient. Lil Darling grilled me when I told her I picked up her gifts. Too funny!

Show & tell

2005-05-06T11:11:00.000-05:00

I felt like a bad Mom this a.m.. For the past couple of weeks at Lil Darling's preschool, every Friday is show & tell for a certain letter in the alphabet. Well, today is "A" show & tell. I remembered last night...I was trying to think of something I could send, and it not be an apple. So, I got sidetracked. This a.m. we were walking into the school, Lil Darling turns to me, and says, "We forgot show & tell". And then without dropping a beat says, "YOU forgot show & tell. Maybe Ms. Wonderful Teacher has something for me to show & tell, since YOU forgot". I felt about two inches tall!!! I am really gonna have to think of a good show & tell for the letter "T" next Friday!

Scotty the Body

2005-05-04T23:27:00.000-05:00

Why do they call him that? Adios! I just knew that Anthony would be gone, gone, gone! I really like Bo, but I did not like the flip flops or sunglasses.

Bloggin' time

2005-05-02T09:23:00.000-05:00

So much has happened in the Chera's lives since I last posted.

Miss Chera:
I have a good lead on a new job. I am hoping they call for an interview after they review all 65 gazillion resumes. My laundry room is receiving a makeover. I am finally posting new items (mostly Lil Darling's outgrown clothes) on eBay.

Mr. Chera:
His grandpa flew in from Minnesota a couple of weeks ago. And, we picked him up on Sat. and delivered him entact to my MIL. He will be here for Mother's Day. He goes home at the end of May!

Lil Darling:
She won a door prize last week from our bank. Now, one of her most treasured possesions is a million dollar bill. She was able to take for show & tell on Friday. Her class is learning the letter "M". Not only did she have money, but she had a "million monies"!! She was so excited.

Shocker!

2005-04-27T21:25:00.000-05:00

I was surprised that Constantine was sent home. Although I am glad to see him go. A local morning DJ totally makes fun of him every Tues, Wed, and Thurs morning. I wonder what the DJ will say tomorrow morning. I am surprised Scott is still in. I do not like the way Scott reacts - pointing upward and saying something. I just do not like the kid.

I have several hot projects going on around the house and around work. And, I feel I am being pulled in forty different directions. Hopefully, things will cool down soon.

Monday, Monday!

2005-04-25T09:48:00.000-05:00

This morning I startled myself awake. I hate it when I do that. In my mind, I thought that I would be late for work & taking Lil Darling to preschool. Mr. Chera is off today, and keeping Lil Darling with him today. I think they are planning Mother's Day gifts. Lil Darling keeps telling me that she will keep Daddy's secret. I have not prodded her too much.

More changes at work. I am not opposed to change, I just have to find my bearings sometimes.

Happy Monday!

Lazy Sunday

2005-04-24T11:53:00.000-05:00

We have so many things to do today. We are going to see Mr. Chera's parents, Mem & Pep. Lil Darling is not in the best mood this morning. She had a busy day yesterday. We went to the first birthday party, and she had a great time. I learned a lot about the other mothers and the anti-depressants they take! lol I never expected to hear about their lives so in depth. I did not know how to react. We came home, and met Mr. Chera working at my Mom's. Lil Darling & I helped - she picked up twigs and sticks & I mowed the back yard. We came home showered again, did some laundry, and got dressed again & off we went to the second birthday party. The second party was not such an eye opener as the first. Lil Darling & I left early to come home to pick up Mr. Chera. Driving home, I felt like two days had passed! I was wiped out. All three of us went out to eat & picked up Key Lime Pie ice cream. It was a perfect ending to the day!

Mr. Chera is so jealous of Shirley. He loves Allison Kraus. I hope you have a good time.

Busy Lil Darling

2005-04-23T08:07:00.000-05:00

We have two birthday parties today. I just finished wrapping each gift. My version of wrapping is throwing in a gift bag with tissue! I am so creative! I will let Lil Darling put stickers all over the bags when she gets up. The one thing I hate about children's birthday parties are the mothers. Don't get me wrong, I am social person. Some are just not nice, and are so catty. But, Lil Darling has a good time at these parties, & that is all that matters. Well, better try to find something to wear, and get Lil Darling up & ready! Have a great Saturday!

Southern? I think so!

2005-04-19T23:12:00.000-05:00

Your Linguistic Profile:

45% General American English

35% Dixie

10% Upper Midwestern

5% Midwestern

5% Yankee

What Kind of American English Do You Speak?

I copied this profile from Dell

Time

2005-04-19T22:45:00.000-05:00

Where does time go? Well, let's catch you up-to-date...I am still spring cleaning, finding things to list on eBay, we got our taxes finished, sent to our accountant, and filed...whew, Lil Darling has been able to spend more time with Mr Chera the last few days, and work for me is just falling apart or so it seems.

I really intended this blog to be about our lives, but by reading past entries, I am totally obsessed with American Idol. I never in a million years would have thought that I would watch, but I am. I even had Mr Chera watching tonight. I really enjoyed Bo and Vonzell. I really think the final three will be Carrie, Bo, and Vonzell. But, I am lousy with predictions. I never pick the winning Super Bowl team or winning lottery numbers. Oh well.

Wouldn't it be nice to win the lottery? My bank account would love it. But, money does not bring or buy happiness.

Another American Idol post

2005-04-12T23:16:00.000-05:00

Here it is Shirley. Lil Darling was not too interested in American Idol tonight. Daddy was home tonight, and her focus was on him. I managed to watch during breaks in laundry, though. I really like Carrie, Bo, Anwar, and Nadia. I really think Anthony will be gone this week, but don't go betting on my prediction. I agree Lisanne, Anthony should have been let go last week. Maybe his week will be it. I am not crazy about Scott, Constantine or Vonzell - have I left anyone out? Well, it will be interesting to see who goes.

My FIL has another chemo treatment this week. We saw him on Sat for his birthday. He really looked frail to me and his coloring was not great. Even Mr. Chera agreed with me. Mr Chera has been worrying himself about his Dad-he has made an appt. on Friday for a physical and to talk to the dr. about the anxiety he is experiencing.

Not only is he worried about his Dad, he has been worrying about me. We have been trying to conceive with no luck. My system has gotten so fouled up. I blame the vicious cycle of worrying about Mr. Chera worrying about me - lol! I need to make an appt. to see my doctor tomorrow just to calm Mr's nerves on this.

One of my coworkers said that if it is meant to be, then have patience and it will happen. Talk about optimism - I just wanted to break down & cry right then. Oh well, she was just trying to be nice.

Lil's Darling's Nikko

2005-04-07T00:46:00.000-05:00

Well, Lil Darling was upset that they sent Nikko home tonight. I think she likes saying Nikko's name and the jacket with paint on it. I think Scott should have gone home.

Amazing Race & American Idol

2005-04-05T22:38:00.000-05:00

American Idol was pretty good tonight, only I am not a fan of musicals. I only know a few musicals, and recognized only two of the songs. Wonder who will receive the least votes?

Got good luck? Meredith & Gretchen do! My gosh, they make so many mistakes and still are able to make it to the check point. I hate that the brothers did not make it. During the "carry it or milk it" part, I was angry when I heard Lynn make the comment about Uchenna and Joyce being "born" to carry the items on their heads. What a racist remark! They would not like something said about them. Oh well, it could have been just a comment that they were naturals, but I did not take it that way. Lynn & Alex gripe about every team, so if that is the worst they say about Uchenna & Joyce...they have said much worse about Rob & Amber. Oh yeah, the beauty queen is mental! She is such a complainer!

Lil Darling did not have a good day at preschool. She was mean to one of her friends and did not take a nap. She fell asleep on the way home, and was so tired. Hopefully, she will have a better day tomorrow.

My FIL is not doing to well. He started chemo last week, and does not seem to be handling it too well. He took a fall this a.m. while my MIL was out. They admitted him into the hospital late this afternoon, and he has a low hemoglobin level. They will start running tests and maybe give him blood. Hopefully, he will recover from this. Last weekend, he looked weak to me, but he was in good spirits before beginning the chemo. When Mr. Chera comes home this weekend we will go see him. Maybe by then, he will be home.

Spring cleaning

2005-04-04T23:41:00.000-05:00

Mr. Chera & I still have to do our taxes! We wait until the last possible moment to get our info to our accountant. I have some of my receipts ready, but I still have a lot of receipts to go through in the next couple of days. I did nothing with the taxes today. ugh!

We opted this weekend to do a little spring cleaning. On Sat. morning, I cleaned the house and did a couple of loads of laundry. Mr. C finally put away the Christmas storage boxes that have been hanging out in the spare bedroom. I put away to small number of Easter decorations, but left all of Lil Darling's drawings on the fridge. We did go shopping over in Louisiana later in the afternoon and evening with my Mom.

Mom is getting around so much better with the walking boot. She is hoping on her next appt. to be able to toss the boot! :O)

Yesterday, we went to the grocery store. We stopped by WalMart to get Lil Darling some new sheets. We are going through a major change of decor for her room. Before she was born, we decided we wanted bright, vibrant colors for her room, bedding, etc. We read bright colors simulate babies. So, we decorated her room in primary colors...right down to her ceiling fan. Luckily, her carpet is blue. Another reason for our choice of primary colors is that I did not like any of the character themes (Winnie, Mickey, etc.), and I was not crazy about the popular trends at the time in children's decorating (Noah's Ark, butterflies). Now that she is a "big" girl, she has decided she wants her room colors to be red & pink. The red works out pretty well since we have the primary color thing going on and we just bought new red sheers and drapes. So, last night she decided on a Dora the Explorer sheet set and comforter. She said it has pink and red in the design. Oh well! Now, we face have a pink & red room with Dora and blue carpet! Mr. Chera said we should change her carpet to red! I think he is crazy!

Shopping

2005-04-02T09:56:00.000-06:00

We are going on a small trip to shop! I love to shop for clothes! I need a few spring things to wear to work. We do this every so often. We will drive to Louisiana. Lil Darling will use a small amount of her birthday money to buy jewelry. She really has started to love bracelets, rings, and necklaces. Her prize possession right now is a bracelet reading DIVA in huge letters. Maybe we will take some pics and I can figure out how to post them!

Amazing Race & American Idol

2005-03-30T23:45:00.000-06:00

Oh my! Last night, The Amazing Race was so good. I really like Rob & Amber & Uchenna & Joyce. But, the team I am pulling for is the brothers. I felt so bad for them when they wrecked their SUV.

I have become an American Idol fanatic. I think Carrie is great, but I also love Bo. Tonight, I agree with America's decision - Jessica should go home based on last night's performance. She has good and bad moments, and last night was not great.

It's Easter Bunny time...

2005-03-27T00:20:00.000-06:00

Well, Mr. Chera got a big Easter basket this year. He got a new truck. Here in Texas, that's a BIG deal. We bought a '05 Chevy HD 4x4 truck. He is in "hog heaven". HA! He loves everything about it. We went to get it last Saturday, and I was able to drive it all week. Since Mr. Chera is gone all week, Lil Darling & I get to drive our pick. Lil Darling gets to pick every morning on whether to drive my car or Daddy's truck. Of course, she chose to drive Daddy's all week (which was fine by me)!

Having Friday off was absolutely fabulous! I was able to get my Easter shopping finished. Mr. Chera made it home in time to help with all the errands. Last night (Fri) we went to a wonderful steak house. Our truck salesman sent us there on him, and the steaks were great. We were able to get my Mom out also. She had a great time.

Today, we went to visit Mr. Chera's parents, Mem and Pep. Pep was recently diagnosed with cancer, and will begin chemo this week. Please say an extra prayer for him this week. In the past and recently, my MIL & FIL & I have had problems getting along and understanding one another. But, I still do not want anything to happen to either one of them. Mem & Pep are very special to Lil Darling. I made strawberry shortcake for everyone tonight except for Mr. Chera-he had cherry shortcake! It was a special treat for everyone. Pep has to keep his weight up for the chemo and procedures.

Well, I better go...got to check on the Easter Bunny and make sure he places Lil Darling's basket in the perfect spot.

Happy Easter to everyone!

Hello?

2005-03-23T22:40:00.000-06:00

It has been so long since I last posted. I have been busy since my last post. My Mom fractured her leg. She has osteoporsis, and has had several breaks in the last few years. The kicker of these breaks is that she is only in her late 50s, so who's knows what is in front of us. She has been staying with me for the last week, and just went home today. She was so happy to be back in her home!

Lil Darling has also been sick with the stomach flu. So much fun when a four year old wakes you at 2 a.m., and she is throwing up! uuugh! She also was just diagnosed with eczema yesterday. Mr. Chera has severe bouts with eczema on his feet and hands.

Hopefully, I can catch up with my daily reads and respond to e-mails tomorrow. Thank goodness that this is a four day week!

More later!

Whew! Birthday weekend

2005-03-15T23:39:00.000-06:00

Lil Darling's birthday party was this past weekend. I do not think neither Mr. Chera nor myself sat down for at least fourteen hours! At least it seemed that way. Lil Darling's party was a big hit with all her friends. We actually had two birthday parties on Sat., Lil Darling's and her best friend's party. Lil Darling was so exhausted when we got home that she did not even want to play with her new toys. She just wanted a bath and prayers. Poor baby!

We spent all day Sunday removing Barbies, Polly Pockets, My Little Ponies, and other things from their boxes and letting her play with everything. My living room still has not recovered!!

Out of the shadows

2005-03-10T12:27:00.000-06:00

I am so excited to have link from someone's blog that I read everyday. I am glad that I e-mailed Shirley last night! I finally came out of the shadows of lurking to e-mail her, and let her know that I read everyday. Funny, huh? I have commented on a few blogs that I read everyday, and have exchanged e-mails with a few great blogging folks. Now, I must learn more about HTML, design, and other fun stuff in order to share a little more about my life and my family. Guess I should read some of the books I have accumulated over the past year or so.

BTW, Shirley, I will add a few pics in the coming days. Hopefully...

Pre-birthday girl

2005-03-09T22:39:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow my little girl turns four...actually in 1 hour 15 minutes. I can not believe that my baby girl will now be four. Are four year olds still considered toddlers? I don't think so. Lil Darling has blossomed over the past year. She communicates more. She shows more and more interest in learning, dancing, singing, playing, etc. Wow, what a year. Wonder what is ahead???

Reality TV

2005-03-08T21:48:00.000-06:00

Tonight was a big night for me. American Idol, Amazing Race, and the last episode of Real World Philly... I have absolutely fallen in love with American Idol. I did not watch during the past seasons, and I really enjoy it. I am still trying to find things to like about the Amazing Race this season. I like the fact that Amber and Rob are on, but all the drama caused by other teams is driving me nuts. Real World Philly has been a little of a disappointment. I really liked Sarah tho. Maybe I am just getting too old to understand the younger generation?? Who knows...

Can't sleep again

2005-03-08T01:28:00.000-06:00

I have trouble sleeping almost every night. No reason, not stressing, but just can not sleep. Lil Darling's teacher called this evening. Seems she is not listening as well as she could and can not keep her hands to herself. She has to touch everyone including hugging. She is so social and loving at times. She & I talked about this, and she 'promised' she would clip her listening ears on. Man, I hate to hear about the phone calls to the kids who hit, kick, and bite...this call was about little trivial things. Sure, she should be listening to her teacher and keeping her hands to herself, but I always think, "It could be worse!" We went through a period where she was the 'biter'. It was so bad that some mothers would not even speak to me while passing one another in the hallways or during afternoon pick up. Hell, I still have some mothers who do not speak. Oh well...

Lil Darling on American Idol

2005-03-02T12:30:00.000-06:00

I have increasing become a reality show ho. I have always watched Real World and Road Rules, but my interest in the latest Real World has dropped. I really love The Amazing Race, Survivor, and Animal Police (on Animal Planet).

I never watched American Idol, but I love it now. Lil Darling & I watch it. Last night, she said, "I want to sing and dance like that one day." Well, she does have the wardrobe - feather boas, sequined dresses, high heels, etc. So, maybe in a few years, I will be one of those crazy stage moms (NOT like a crazy pagent mom) who will cheer wildly for my daughter and have everyone I know vote for her! I will be like the mom who fell to her knees when her son was chosen in the preliminary round on AI. I guess I can dream just like my almost four year old!

Birthday shopping

2005-02-28T12:27:00.000-06:00

Lil Darling is going to love, love, love the dress-up clothes I bought her. Mr. Chera is not too keen on the clicking noise these little shoes make on our floors, but she loves dressing up in high heels. She has had about twelve pair in the last year, and every pair has broken, lost parts, etc. She will love these!

Lil Darling

2005-02-28T10:37:00.000-06:00

My Lil Darling is a diva! Her birthday is approaching, and we must have every dress-up piece of clothing, shoes, and accessories made. Today for lunch, I am shopping at Target for little dress-up shoes that we saw a week ago. I could not purchase then because Lil Darling was with me. I am at a loss for other things to get for her birthday - it's all about the dress-up stuff.

I can't sleep

2005-02-28T02:18:00.000-06:00

I am having such a problem sleeping tonight. So many things are going through my mind. So, I decided to get up work on some more laundry. I always have laundry with Mr Chera and Lil Darling. I am totally confusing my cats being up like this.

Think I will gather up some magazines and read in bed. Maybe I will be able to close my eyes.

It's been awhile...

2005-02-27T19:15:00.000-06:00

I have not blogged in awhile. I read daily, but I do not write daily. I hope to change that one day.

I am still deciding what I would like to write here. I would like to use this as a scrapbook of my Lil Darling's life and growing up. Also, I would like to write about my family. I guess I should stop saying what I would like to write about, and just do it.

Umm...maybe I will start tomorrow! hehe

Rain & seasons

2005-02-23T14:05:00.000-06:00

It rained this morning driving in to work & preschool. I hate driving on wet roads! Also, I wore short sleeves today. I thought the temp would be higher today. So now, I am freezing.

Where have I been?

2005-02-22T23:30:00.000-06:00

Borrowed from Dell

bold the states you've been to, underline the states you've lived in and italicize the state you're in now...

Alabama / Alaska / Arizona / Arkansas / California / Colorado / Connecticut / Delaware / Florida / Georgia / Hawaii / Idaho / Illinois / Indiana / Iowa / Kansas / Kentucky / Louisiana / Maine / Maryland / Massachusetts / Michigan / Minnesota / Mississippi / Missouri / Montana / Nebraska / Nevada / New Hampshire / New Jersey / New Mexico / New York / North Carolina / North Dakota / Ohio / Oklahoma / Oregon / Pennsylvania / Rhode Island / South Carolina / South Dakota / Tennessee / Texas / Utah / Vermont / Virginia / Washington / West Virginia / Wisconsin / Wyoming / Washington D.C /
Go HERE to have a form generate the HTML for you.

I'm kind of boring. I have never lived outstide of the state of TEXAS!

Conclusions

2005-02-22T00:21:00.000-06:00

After clicking the 'next blog' button in the top right corner, there are lots of different and unusual people out there. After seeing some of the blogs, I do lead a blah life which is FINE with me.

I don't feel so bad

2005-02-21T10:06:00.000-06:00

I have been checking out other's blogs here on Blogger by using the next blog button in the upper right corner. Many people have 0 comments like me.

It's been awhile...

2005-02-20T15:18:00.000-06:00

since I posted anything. Many things have happened since the last post. Little Darling has cut her own hair at school again. She is no banned from using scissors at school until she can make better choices. I definitely took pics again.

My FIL has been diagnosed with cancer, and will be having surgery this week. I am praying everything will go as good as possible. He will immediately start chemo, and possibly radiation.

Mr. Chera and I have been trying to concieve for almost a year. Last week, I had another sono to check out my ovaries, and everything appears fine. My gyn said if I am not pregnant by the summer, we will start to look at infertility issues. Luckily, I have not had a miscarriage during this time of trying to concieve.

Amazing Race

2005-02-03T21:27:00.000-06:00

Two days late...I love the Amazing Race! I would love for Kendra & Freddie & Hayden & her man to lose. Kris & Jon need to win this. They are the most deserving. They never bicker or plot against others. I am totally a reality show junkie. I am addicted to The Real World, and have been since college. Gosh, I feel old now.

Work stuff

2005-02-01T22:31:00.000-06:00

Have you ever disliked a person so much that you want to hide everything they come your way? Well, I felt this way to whole day. I truly do not think it is healthy or in my best interest with the company to feel this way - I can not stand this woman. I am a team player, but I am not a kissass, backstabber, or manipulator. This woman has shown she is all of these in just the last four work days. In these past few days at work, I feel I must watch everything I say around this person. She will ask me how I like another co-worker or if I agree with a decision a VP has made. She is new, and is way to concerned on who likes who in the office. This behavior is just so immature to me. Who the hell does this woman think she is? ugh! I just feel like today was a crappy day after dealing with this woman. Good thing I have Mr. Chera & Little Darling to come home to everyday. They will cheer anyone up.

IM what???

2005-01-31T23:00:00.000-06:00

I received a request for my IM address from a friend of mine, and I have no clue how to do this. I have become lazy in learning new computer things. I know IM is not new. At my previous job, I watched several of the ladies signed on and IM each other and their friends. I just never did. I feel like I have been left behind. Now, I work for a different company who watches internet usage like hawks. I would like to start IMing with some of my friends, but I am terrified of of the Company's System guys. Oh well, I guess I will stay in the dark ages.

Blog addict?

2005-01-30T00:23:00.000-06:00

I really do not have much to say/write. I am not as witty or creative as some out there who blog. But, I would love for people to read & comment on my blog. Although, I have been a lurker on many, many blogs for the last two years and never once commented.

I became addicted to reading other's blogs by a google search. I googled Mr. Chera's company, and found a wife who blogs. What is the chance of that? I continue to read hers and her links. And, in the process found so many cool and interesting people. Before my google search, I had not heard of blogs. Now, I can not go one day without reading one of my daily reads. I hope to have many readers one day.

Little Darling

2005-01-26T23:15:00.000-06:00

Little Darling, who is 3 yrs. old, did something at school yesterday that I never imagined she would do...She had a beautiful, new haircut...a cute pageboy haircut. Noticed how I used the word "had". We just had it cut last Wed. before the funeral and visitation with all our relatives.

Well, she cut a chunk of her bangs - this chunk is about 1/4" long! She also made small cuts to each side. The two sides are not that noticeable, but the front is. She told me, "It was an accident, Mommy." She made these three cuts before the teacher saw her. Snip, snip, snip...

Mr. Chera came home late last night, and immediately went to her room to see her hair. He was so upset about her hair. He wants to take her this weekend to see if a hairdresser can do something to help the appearance. I suggested we just let it grow out. We will see what we do this weekend.

YOOHOO!

2005-01-25T22:59:00.000-06:00

Is anyone out there?

I normally lurk on our people's blogs, and seldom comment. I guess I need to start commenting and e-mailing, so I can get some visits and comments!

I'm back

2005-01-24T22:22:00.000-06:00

Well, we made it back! We were able to see snow. Little Darlin' was so excited. I took tons of pics, and will try to post in the next few days. We are so tired, and have to go back to work in the a.m.

Traveling

2005-01-17T22:43:00.000-06:00

Mr. Chera's grandmother passed away tonight. I am so sad for him. He was so close to his G & G. He has been blessed to have both of his grandparents for so long. Some people do not have this luxury. Although saying this to him, does not lift the grief he is feeling. We will be leaving for MN in the a.m. to be there for his Grandpa and Mom.

Work week & intro

2005-01-16T23:40:00.000-06:00

I am not lucky enough to work for the state, financial institution, etc. to have MLK day off. So, I have been working on getting everything that may or may not be needed this week for the Chera family. The Chera family consists of Mr. Chera, Mrs. Chera (myself), and Little Darling Chera. I guess I should have named my blog Mrs. Chera, but I just was not thinking. Oh well, I just hope to get some comments, and be blogrolled on some the blogs I have been reading/lurking around the last couple of years!

Have a great week to everyone who reads this.

First blog entry ever

2005-01-16T21:19:00.000-06:00

My goodness, I am so excited to enter my first post!