Tagged...

Well, I was tagged by Bobbi for this meme...and I apologize Bobbi for not doing it immediately! However, I do thank you for thinking of me! I put it off for awhile because I wanted to get the last post up first. I didn't want you girls thinking I've just been sitting around eating chocolates all day! ;-)

1. What was I doing 10 years ago?

Ten years ago, I was forty years old, a wife, and mom to my two boys who were 16+ and 10+ years old. I worked full-time as a bookkeeper for a union concrete construction company doing payroll, payables, general ledger, and union reports. This was the first job I've had that I was not working in the medical field (other than when I was very young). My youngest was playing baseball and basketball and my oldest played football and had his brand new license to drive. We bought another puppy to join our family and be friends with our dog that was a year old. My husband and I took a vacation alone that year on our anniversary (21 yrs) to Mazatlan, Mexico. We had not been on a vacation alone (on a plane) for ten years and that was to Hawaii! As a matter of fact, we have not been on a plane together since then! We lived in the home we do now. That year, I would garden and needlepoint whenever I could.

The most difficult thing about this year...was that it was the beginning of the most heartbreaking and downhill journey of my mom's last few years with Multiple Sclerosis. She went from walking, to a cane, to using a walker, to being in a wheelchair this year...that fast. She was paralyzed from the waist down at this point. She had a full-time day nurse at home that took care of her. She had six hospital stays, and three surgeries (one being a colostomy that she asked to have done because of her pride). To say the least, this was a difficult time. My days were long. I was a mother, a wife, a daughter, an employee, and helped take care of my mom and just be there with her after work or on the weekend when I could. I spent a lot of time at the hospital too. This was just the beginning of three years of heartache and pain until my mom passed away January 18, 2001. During this time, wearing all these hats, I did my best to wear a smile on my face and be strong for everyone...even though my heart was breaking.

2. Five things on today's to-do list?

Get this post accomplished! ;-)
Catch up on e-mail and see what you are up to
Fluff up around here...pay a few bills
Go outside and breathe some fresh air, it is sunny today!
Bead (maybe outside) ;-)
...Keep thinking about how to fluff up this blog of mine and about the 2008 BJP!

3. Snacks I enjoy?

Crackers and Cheese (Cheddar - medium and sharp, Swiss, Pepper Jack, Asiago
Fruit
Blueberries, cherry & grape tomatoes, snap peas...right out of the garden when strolling
Chips and Salsa
Nuts - Lightly Salted (all kinds with peanuts being my least favorite)
Dill pickles
Frozen Fruit Bars - especially late in the evening
and I still scoop a spoon right out of the Peanut Butter jar when the craving hits

4. Things I'd do if I were a billionaire?

Buy a huge piece of property and build the perfect one-level home for us. A big garage for Mark and a big, light filled, art studio for me with lots of storage! Build two more homes for our kids and build one more home for friends. Of course, all green, wind turbines, water tower, etc. It would be self sufficient. We would even farm there. We would give many charitable contributions to worthy causes and help family and friends. Do something special with and for my sister. Basically we could do anything we wanted to do with no money worries. Beads...lots of shopping for beads, fabric, and books! ;-) We would take our boys and go on a great family trip! We would travel some and have a second home...location to be determined. Wow, what else could you do with a BILLION dollars? It is fun to dream!!!

5. Places I have lived?

Portland, Oregon - born and raised
Lake Oswego, Oregon
Wilsonville, Oregon
Tualatin, Oregon
West Linn, Oregon
Milwaukie, Oregon

I am a native Oregonian!

6. People I want to know more about?

Well, I told Bobbi this is going around like wildfire and I don't know who else to pick that hasn't already been tagged. But in checking around...I came up with a couple girls that I don't think have been tagged. If you don't want to do this...don't feel pressured to do it! It is only for fun and for all of us to get to know one another better! If you are willing to participate, that means you answer the same questions as I have and then tag 4 to 6 more people! I know you three girls will certainly be able to do better than I could and keep the fire burning! ;-)

Pat Winter of Gatherings
Cathie of Clevelandgirlie
Tammy of Crooked Heart Art

I hope everyone has a nice weekend!!!