Fat in my finger

Well, while Jerry is at home nursing his wounds, I'm sitting here at work totally freaked out about the news I got about my own battle wounds.

I got bit in the middle of the scuffle yesterday...I don't think I mentioned that in yesterday's post. I got bit on my left middle finger by Jerry when I reached to grab him. I literally picked him up off the ground with my finger. When I realized that wasn't going to work, I frantically sat him back on the ground and stuck my other hand in his mouth to pry his jaws open. Much to my dismay, I got bit on my right middle finger as well. The part I'm freaking out about is the fact that I have a chunk of fat hanging out of my finger now. The ER doc said it's best to leave it alone because to stitch it up he would have to clip the fat off, and the area he would have to cut is too close to my nerves. He said it could cause nerve damage, and I would lose full mobility of my finger. AAAHHHHHHHH!!!!

I'm on antibiotics now since it's such a big open wound. He was afraid it would get infected. I now have to check in with the ER every day for a week so they can watch it.

If I had a digital camera, I would grace my blog with some cool pictures of it. I have to say I enjoyed seeing the gruesome details of Andea's abscess in the pictures on her blog. I'm jealous!!!

I had no idea I had so much fat in my finger....I kinda wish I had this wound for my Halloween parties the other night. Some flesh hanging from any appendage is always appropriate at Halloween!!!!

Tired of loose dogs!!!

OK, as if my little Jerry has not had enough trauma in his life already.......

The poor little dog got attacked by a loose rotweiler in MY yard AGAIN today!!!! I'm so tired of this. It's official that this dog in particular has now had a taste of all three of my dogs. It better be dead when I get home tonight, because if it's not, I think Ryan will kill it himself.

Luckily, Jerry only suffered minor lacerations to his head and neck, but we still had to take him to the vet just incase. The way he was thrown around, I'm surprised his lungs didn't collapse. That was one of the main things they were worried about when I called Dr. Humphrey and told him what had happened.

I hope I can get the image of the fight out of my head tonight, otherwise, I don't think I'll be sleeping much. It was so horrible to see. Jerry's whole head was in Babe's mouth, and all I could see was his hind end flopping around like a little rag doll....I think iI screamed like I've never screamed before. My neighbor thought I was getting attacked at first.

I'm convinced that Jerry has at least nine lives.

Here's a list of the injuries sustained so far in his short six years in this world.

1. He got electricuted from chewing on a lamp cord when he was a puppy.

2. He got attacked by a rotweiler named Ozzy that is no longer with us...thank goodness.

3. He injured his back last fall and is now paralized and in a doggy wheelchair.

4. He has once again been attacked by a rotweiler, this one named Babe, who better not be with us much longer!!!

MARS-up close

Hey folks!!

Just a cool little tid bit of info to share with you. You have probably heard about this on the news, so ignore me if I'm repeating what you already know. I just think it's really cool.

Mars will be taking a pretty close trip past the earth this weekend. Well, pretty close in comparison to normal anyway. Apparently, it is normally about 140 million miles away from earth, and this weekend it will be about 43 million miles away. It was actually closer than this back in 2003, but it will not be this close again until the year 2018.

It's closest pass will happen at approximately 11:25 Saturday night. The article I read about it said that it will glow just above the horizon. To the naked eye, it will be much brighter than normal, but with a powerful telescope, you will actually be able to see the southern ice cap, and possibly some cloud formations.

The Hubble telescope will be taking some close ups over the next coulpe days.

Halloween...PARTY!!!!!!!!

Well, I don't think Ryan and I will ever top our Halloween costumes from last year (Adam and Eve with BIG bushes,) but I'm looking forward to getting dressed up again this weekend.

We've got several places to stop on Saturday, so we're just going to go party hoppin'. I'm always excited to see what kind of crazy things my friends come up with for Halloween. My friend America and her sister, Shannon, never cease to amaze me. Last year America and her husband dressed as aliens in homemade costumes. We gave them the "best dressed" prize at our party. Shannon was "Mommy Dearest." It was great, she ran around with a wire hanger all night smacking people around, but only if they asked for it :-) I actually have several pictures on a disc from last year's party. I'll have to see if I can find them so all of you will be able to better appreciate my enthusiasm.

Of course, the puppies all have costumes too. (I know it's a liitle rediculous.....don't care) Maggie will be a little witch, which is very fitting for her temperament. Jerry has an alien head to wear...he actually keeps it on...good boy!!! And last but not least, little Franklin is going to be a devil. Also very fitting for him. I call him a "little devil" all the time. I think he would probably respond quicker to that right now than his own name.

I will not disclose any information about my costume at this time, due to the fact that someone I might want to surprise could be reading this. It's not quite as revealing as last year's costume, but I will be much warmer. I'll be back next week with some details, and hopefully some photos.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!!!

heartbroken

Well, Ryan and I are officially in mourning.

Two of the members of our favorite band, Ekoostik Hookah, have quit to start a new band.

The new band is called One Under. ( www.oneunder.net ) We went to see them at the Lafayette Brewing Company at the end of September, and it was a great show. They are playing a very diverse span of music. They describe it as combining the roots of rock, American jazz, afro-Cuban Latin and pure groovy funk. That is a great description of what I have heard so far. They don't actually have any CDs released yet, but we have managed to pick up a couple shows on CD from some of our friends who record the shows live. The band has a fairly large following already, considering the short period of time they have been together. A lot of us are Hookah fans, of course, and heard of them through the other band, but they have received some very good reviews from local papers in Ohio which have helped catch some interest from other directions.

I have spoken to my friend Eric (the drummer from E.H.) once since the announcement of Johnny and Ed quitting. It sounds like there have been disagreements with the guys and management for some time now. The members that are still part of the band are actually all original members, so I hope that means they will continue to play together. Eric sounds a little unsure of the future of E.H. but says he will continue his musical career with them as long as they are still around.

I have been heartbroken since the announcement. It's amazing to me how much of an influence these guys have had on my life over the last couple of years. Their music is very inspirational in so many ways. They have always focused on being kind to one another and everyone around. They have been better to their fans than any other band I have ever known. Following them has become a way of life for myself and so many other people. A lot like the following of the Grateful Dead was. I am so thankful that the end of E.H. as I have known them did not happen due to the death of a band member or any other tragic event, for that matter. At least the guys are all still around and accessible, only in another ensemble now.

When Jerry Garcia died, there was no option for anyone to ever experience the things and feelings they experienced with the Grateful Dead. This is different, but still just as disheartening in a way.

I just hope I can keep track of these guys and continue to support them in all their future endeavors. Eric is the only one I talk to on a regular basis, but Ryan and I both consider these guys our friends. I will miss E.H. with all my heart and soul. I already do.

PARTY!!!

OH YEAH!!!!

IT'S FRIDAY NIGHT, I'M NOT ON CALL, AND I DON'T HAVE TO WORK TOMORROW. YOU KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS......PARTY!!!!

WE'RE GONNA HEAD TO THE HIGHEST CLASS BAR IN KOKOMO TO SING SOME KARAOKE. IN CASE YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT BAR I MEAN....WE'RE GOING TO THE HIMARK. he he he

IT'S PRETTY SAD THAT KOKOMO IS SO DULL THAT I'M TOTALLY THRILLED TO GO HEAR A BUNCH OF IDIOTS (INCLUDING MYSELF) GET ON STAGE AND MAKE FOOLS OF THEMSELVES.....

HAPPY FRIDAY EVERYONE!!!!!!!!

Ever watched "Behind the Music?"

OK, so most of us have probably seen the show "Behind the Music" on VHI at least a time or two. I LOVE those shows!!!

Anyway, my friend sent me her idea of the five stages of Behind the Music....Here goes:

Stage 1: After a middle class upbringing, some people come together to form a band

Stage 2: Band finds its sound, plays for beer, gets some chicks, builds base, gains initial success, and possibly some STDs

Stage 3: Band experiences huge success, invests in huge pyrotechnics and lasers, then meets Kurt Loder

Stage 4: Band begins near fatal descent into hazy world of drugs, booze, sex, and bankruptcy. At this stage, there is a higher risk for tragedy (bandmember death or possibly the loss of limbs to maybe...the drummer for instance)

Stage 5: Band comes back from the brink...usually sober (so they say.) Redemption is nearly complete.

All I have to say is.....Thanks a lot!!! Now I'll never be able to watch the show again...you ruined the ending!!!

sax anyone??

Being the lover of music that I am, I have found myself exploring some unfamiliar paths lately. I've recently become very interested in anything with horns (especially saxophones).

I have picked up a few "Tower of Power" cds, thanks to the advice of my cousin, John. He's always a good one to turn to when I'm looking for something new. Also, I've been on a huge Maceo Parker kick. He's a phenonmenal sax player that used to play with James Brown. I've actually had the pleasure of seeing him live a couple times. Last time I saw him was about five years ago in Chicago. He was playing with Bela Fleck...another amazing artist. Anyone who appreciates the saxophone or any jazz would really appreciate Maceo Parker.

Stan Getz is another artist that has caught my attention recently. I came across an old album of his at home a while back, and decided to see what it was like. I fell in love instantly. I believe he plays the tenor sax....it has such a pure sound...it's very soothing. I wish I was more familiar with the famous sax players out there...looks like I have some research to do!!

stay off my blog!!!!!

OK, all you anonymous people who keep leaving me comments.....if you actually read this, I would appreciate it if you only leave comments that relate to what I've written, and DON'T try to get me to go to your little websites about sex toys, or whatever it is that you're soliciting....I'm tired of your comments!!!!!

Holy CRAP!!

HOLY CRAP.......I'M 30 NOW......HOLY CRAP!!!!!!

quick update

OK, it's 1:25 am....I got called into work, so I'm gonna make this quick. Ryan is at home with a zombie movie paused and waiting for me.

Anyway, I saw Michael Friday. Everything went well. We were in and out of the tattoo shop within about 10 minutes. We really didn't talk about much. It was actaully kind of good to see him. I felt better having seen him myself to make the judgement whether to believe him or not when he tells me he's sober now. There's still a little bit of me that is skeptical, but he did look good...he looked healthy. Healthier than he did while we were still together.

I'm going to the courthouse tomorrow to turn in the paperwork. Hopefully this is it!!!!!

Don't worry........

Don't worry guys....I'm not going to see Michael alone, and I'm meeting him at the tattoo shop. Now, that doesn't necessarily mean that he'll be a perfect gentleman, but I'm not going to his house. I don't plan on staying long. My friend has to babysit for her nephew Friday evening, so we've got a schedule to keep.

I am a little nervous of how he will respond to seeing me. He is the king of manipulation. But, I have Ryan, and we have so much more, and are so much closer than Michael and I ever were. It seems strange that I'm still technically married. I felt alone for so long even while Michael and I were still together. In all reality, I feel more for Ryan in only about a year than I ever felt for Michael in the ten years we were together.

Anyway, I don't want anyone to worry. If Michael would hurt me in any way, it would be emotionally...not physically, and I've learned how to deal with the emotions pretty well over the years with him. I'm a pretty tough cookie, you know?

wish me luck!!!

Well, now that I have gotten some things taken care of at home, I'm ready to take care of some other business.

This Friday I will be driving down to Indy to pick up the last of my divorce papers from Michael. I've been waiting for him to send them back to me for almost six months. (he never was the most motivated person I've known) I've called him nearly every day for the last month hounding him about this. It's a little rediculous that it's taken us a year and a half to get through a "non-contested" divorce. He has told me over and over again that he would mail the paperwork to me, and time and time again, I've checked my mail to find nothing other than the typical junk and bills.....no divorce papers. So, I decided enough is enough, and when he told me today that they'd be in the mail tomorrow, I told him to keep them and I would be down on Friday to get them in person.

It will be strange to see him after all this time. In a way, I'm a little anxious to see him. Mainly to see if I believe him when he says he's off drugs. He sounds good on the phone, but I sat right next to him at his worst, and heard him sound very good on the phone to others. Until I see him myself, I won't believe it. For his sake, I hope he is telling me the truth. I wish him nothing but good days for his future. So it will be interesting.

It has been almost two years since he moved out, and about 19 months since we've seen eachother. In some ways, it feels like it was a completely different lifetime. But, then again, it's also hard to believe he's been gone that long.

You know, they DO say that time flies when you're having fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

so fresh and so clean clean!!!!!

Oh yes!!!
It's official......I have water!!!!
It's amazing to me that it took less than a week for the church to collect ALL the money for my water AND get it fixed. My yard is a huge swamp now, but it's a small price to pay to be able to shower in my own home again.
I am so thankful to have so many people looking out for me. I like to think I don't need anyone to take care of me, but I can't deny that it has taken a huge weight off my shoulders to have this taken care of.
The only thing I'm afraid of now, is becoming obsessive compulsive about washing my hands, brushing my teeth, flushing the toilet........basically anything that has to do with water. I'm surprised my gums aren't bleeding yet!!!!

I feel so fresh and so clean clean!!!!!

Do YOU have a song that gives you chills?

Have you ever heard a song that hits so close to home that it gives you chills every time you hear it?

Here are a few lyrics from a song by Ekoostik Hookah called "Another You." It really gets to me every time I hear it because I've had the same thoughts myself after everything I've gone through with my ex-husband. Now I'm with someone who treats me like gold.

I said "I don't deserve your anger,"
she said I don't deserve her love,
I said "I'll give you everything,"
she said that wouldn't be enough.

It's been six years since I've seen her,
at least a thousand miles between,
and my new lady's just as kind to me
as the old one was ever mean.

And I don't care that she's gone
and if I ever see her face,
I'll say "I can't believe I begged for you,
you know it seems like such a waste."

But then she did get one thing right,
there was only one thing left to do.
So now here I am,
a different man,
in another time, another place,
with another you.

That's only a few verses of the song, but you get the general idea.....

The Crow

As I was sitting flipping through channels, frustrated at all the crap on TV these days, I came across a great movie I hadn't seen in awhile. It was "The Crow" with Brandon Lee. What a great movie!!! It's a little creepy, so for some of my family who are faint hearted, I wouldn't recommend it.

I've always been a little intrigued by the movie becuase it's kind of dark, but also due to the fact that Brandon died while filming it. If I remember right, he was shot by a real bullet in a scene where he was being shot at, and obviously, the cast was supposed to be using blanks. The fact that this happened, gives the whole movie a different feel, knowing what went on.

Anyway, it's nice to actually find something worth watching on TV once in awhile.

FYI: The Crow soundtrack is great!!!

music pick for today........

For the last few days, I have been hooked on Van Morrison. I don't think my Moondance CD has left my car stereo for about a week. Although my favorite Van Morrison song (Brown Eyed Girl) isn't on this disc, it has some other great tunes like "Into the Mystic" and "These Dreams of You."

Another CD that has caught my attention is Paul Mccartney's new release, called "Chaos and Creation in the Backyard." I haven't heard the whole thing, but I saw a documentary about the recording sessions that was very good. Paul Mccartney is creditied with playing several of the instruments throughout the album. Some that I can actually remember are the drums, guitar, bass, keyboards, block flute, and something called the harmonium. I have no idea what that is, but I thought a lot more of the album when I heard that he had done that. The music is pretty basic, but Paul had a few songs with some great lyrics. I don't own it yet, but I will soon.

Last, for today, anyone who likes the blues, and/or Aerosmith, should check out their CD called "Honkin' on Bobo." It is an album that was released a year or two ago, but I just recently found it. It is mainly covers of old blues songs. A couple of the songs that I liked were "Shame, Shame, Shame" and "Eyesight to the Blind."

humbled........

Well, once again, things are falling into place for good ol' Alli.

I just got the most humbling message from a good friend of mine yesterday. Apparently, my friends and nieghbors in West Middleton are getting together with West Middleton United Methodist Church to help me out with all the water problems I have had at my home. Some of you may not have realized that I have been without water for nearly six months now. My neighbors, on the other hand, are very aware, because it's usually their doors I'm knocking on to refill my jugs. It has been a huge struggle trying to save any extra money. My credit was ruined when Michael got ahold of my money, and I have to admit, I didn't always make the best financial decisions in the past. So, it has been one denial after another trynig to get loans, refinancing on my house, or any other assistance for that matter. I have had some very generous people (you know who you are) that have donated to the "Well Fund," and I thank you with all my heart.

When I got the news about the help they're providing, I almost cried......I don't cry. (It's called Lexapro) Most people would look at me and say I was crazy, or irresponsible maybe, for not being able to take care of this myself. I'm a grown woman (I don't feel like it sometimes,) I have a decent job, and in my opinion, I should be able to do this on my own. But, I tend to be a little stubborn, and I like to learn the hard way....I have definitely learned the hard way how NOT to handle my money. If it weren't for Ryan providing me with concert tickets and gas money for the shows all summer, I would have rotted away in my own little drought and misery. (Thank you, Honey, for keeping me sane this summer, and giving me an escape!!!)

Anyway, I just felt the need to let everyone know how thankful I am to have such loving and caring people surrounding me. I may not be wealthy in the monetary sense, but right now I feel like the most wealthy woman in the world!!!!

Hookahville!!!!!!!!!

Well, here I am, back at work, still recuperating from Hookahville, which was this past weekend.

I threw in a couple photos of two of my favorite guys. Eric, here to the left is the one I call my "Buddy." I had such a great time watching him, and talking with him after the show. I got a pretty cool picture of us together...me on his shoulders. I was so excited. Too bad I don't have a digital camera to share it with all of you.

Johnny, up there with the bongo drums, is another band member who I always try to chit chat with if possible. He always has this glow to him. Especially now, since he just got married a couple weeks ago....Congrats Johnny!!!


I was a little fearful of facing bad weather after all the hurricaine remnants rolling through, but the weekend turned out to be beautiful. Ryan and I were both very thankful for the perfect weekend we had. I do have to admit, however, my butt and legs hurt SOOOOOO bad from walking and dancing, and just being silly.

I actually hopped into a hoola hoop, which I haven't done in years. I think it would be a great form of exercise, so I'm considering it. Plus, I just didn't like being shown up by these little 10 year olds who can hoola for hours on end.

That's one of the great things about Hookahville. There are so many families there. The kids have plenty to do, and there are NEVER any hassells with the crowd. It's just not like that. I don't know of many places you can go with thousands of people, and so little security, and not have problems. The band makes their opinions very clear on making it a family friendly environment.

The shows were great, of course!! There were several bands there that I was not real familiar with, but I'm always up for something new. One band I really enjoyed was called the Hackensaw Boys. They were mostly bluegrass...with a little rock mixed in. I was very excited to have the chance to see Little Feat. They've been rocking out for decades. In fact, my dad saw them back in the late seventies, and I have an original poster from one of their shows in a small venue in New York from when my dad lived there. We also got to see Donna and the Buffalo, and DJ logic. So, as you can see, they try to get a good mixture of different music genres all together...it's a great setup.

Ekoostik Hookah rocked both nights!!! I was so excited to hear my man Eric sing a couple songs. I make him blush when I tell him how much I love to hear him sing. Isn't that funny...this hard core biker, drummer, still gets a little self concious...how cute. (He'd probably kill me for saying he's "cute") Cliff pulled off a great cover of "These Dreams of You" by Van Morrison, who is one of my favorites. So, I was glad to hear that.

Of course, just as always, Eric sang the last song of the last set. He always does the finale. I look forward to that every year, but it's also a little bitter sweet knowing that the night is coming to an end. The finale is the only time he steps away from the drums, so, of course, I'm always right up front. I just can't get enough of that guy!!

My next plan is to e-mail him again, and stroke his ego a little about him singing. He DID tell me that we will definitely keep in touch while the band is taking their break this winter. He even mentioned coming to Ohio to check out some cool hangouts. Ryan will be along for the ride of course. Ryan is still number one, but he's all for us hanging out with the band, so I'm all over it!!!!

When I have more time, and my memory is refreshed a little, I'll write more details about the show.

Until then.............everyone take care.............and SMILE!!!!!

music pick for today

I recently picked up the new Willie Nelson album. It's his first reggae album...yep, Willie's gone reggae on us. In all actuality, it's still Willie, with a few reggae beats and some different instruments. I have to say, I think it's a great pick.

I've also recently become very fond of my Weir Here disc, by Bob Weir. I've had it for several months, and just pulled it out and dusted it off a few days ago on the roadie to Ohio. Everyone should listen to Bob when he says "Women are Smarter" he's a very smart man!! That's my favorite quote right now. I'm probably safe to say that Ryan is tired of hearing it.

However, that's what he gets for quoting one of his favorites albums right now that says "being handsome means never having to you're sorry" Sorry, Baby, I don't think so!!!!

Last, but definitely not least, I picked up a double disc of the band called "One Under," consisting of a couple members from Ekoostik Hookah. Great album...a must have.