Weird weather in August...Go figure its Vegas..

So its August and its HOT in Las Vegas..Wait its been hot since March..Seriously Not lying..As I was going into work today getting in my car ready to drive to work,I felt that HEAT on me and I was like OMG well this ever stop..SERIOUSLY? Its August almost the end of August and its still so damn HOT. Today August 21,2009..103.8,doesnt really sound all that bad right? well I check my weather bug on my phone..ALERT..Heat to Extreme,please use caution,make sure your car doesn't over heat,make sure you have your ac on at home and in the car..Then I think CRAP I don't have AC in the car right now..But oh wow Its hot..The wind hot..
9 and half hours later on my way home 91 degree's,Usually its cooler but today fat chance.So I get home turn that ac down,and think about my power bill..Oh man its gonna be a expensive Power bill..Damn Vegas Heat...

There finnally comming Home

WELCOME HOME SOLDIERS

Soldiers from my home town and surrounding area's are coming home,this makes me very happy,But not all of them are coming home,my Friend and man I well always Love and Miss Sgt.Schuyler Brent Patch,who got killed in Afghanistan by a road side bomb,In February 24,2009..Seven days later from celebrating his 25th birthday,and he had a month left tell he would of came home on leave,and just two days before he was killed,him and I talked to him for hours..

But today August 20,2009 the Troops r coming home,Ryan (aka labby),Josh(aka Autry) and many other troops those are just to name a few,are headed home..They no longer have to wake up after 2 or 4 hours asleep afraid that today's mission they might not make it home,They well no longer have to sit by and watch while there fellow soldiers are being shot and killed.They no longer have to sleep on a muddy floor while we sit at home and worry about having no money there out there risking there life for what they believe in.

I wish that I could be home for this celebration but my parents and sister well go and tell them how happy I am for them to be home though I know they already know because when I talk to them while there one facebook or yahoo messenger I let them know how proud of them I am.Ive been blessed with a lot of things in my life,and friends who are soldiers are just the top! Ive known Labby for almost all are lives,and I went to school with Autry,Schuyler I knew almost all

my life as well,and it helped that he knew I had a huge crush on him,that always made it easy for him to tease me.Though I know in some ways Schuyler is coming home with them I still cant help to fall apart because I would of came home to surprise him,now Ill never have that chance,But to my friends that are left like Labby and Autry and Ebert who a few years back was in Iraq,I was so glad to have him home and I'm just as happy to have them home..Thank GOD R TROOPS R HOME,and I pray that the other ones come home soon and safe and that this war ends soon...GOD BLESS R TROOPS and there families<3

A site before work..

I was heading into another night of work,like most nights I take my route..same old route,listening to the same old music..But as I was stopped at the Red light,I saw something that really hit me hard..A man,holding a sign saying Vet..stranded and needed money,I see this everyday a man standing at some red light waiting for a hand out..Bumbs are what there use ally called.But today this Guy stood there and he was dirty,maybe had been outside in that heat for Months,or years..When I read his sign,I started to cry,A Vet..

It hit home really fast,Because my grandpa John was a vet,My friend Schuyler a vet now..So many soldiers I knew coming home,or already home,a guy I worked with a soldier..and this guy just stood there and stared at me..I cried because he was standing out in the heat,and he was begging for money,I wanted to reach out to him give him some money..I thought that I was struggling,No money..living pay check to pay check..But here he was a VET standing there asking for help.He had a do rag on his head that had the American flag on it..That made it worse I no longer felt that I was poor I had just saw a Vet standing there..I mean I have a roof over my head(apt that might cost too much),a job that might drive me crazy,a family that love's me,and a car to get me where I need to go I no longer felt needy..I felt sad for that man and if I had cash I would of gave it to him,I wouldn't care if he used it for beer,Hell if I was standing out on the street corner begging people for money Id need a few drinks too..I just drove away thinking what is this world coming to..Especially if a Vet a man who in one time or another risked his life for this country,now hes begging for money and living on a dirty street coroner in Las Vegas.

Really what is this World coming to if a Vet. can stand on the side of the road and no one stops to help him..A vet to me is special,because they give up everything for protecting what they believe in,they fight for this country and for us,and every time I see a soldier I always go and say thank you..Thank you for doing what you do,some risk there lives,some never return home,some do..There all Hero's no matter what..

Spendin a week with Winston(uncle's dog)Damn Dog..lol

Winston

So I'm babysitting or should I say Dog sitting my Uncle's dog. Winston,Winnie for short. Ive never had a house dog,I grew up with Big dogs my first 2 dogs were Chocolate lab and a half collie/half st Bernard. They both lived outside,and the one now lives outside as well,My parents have another Chocolate lab.But never ever had a inside dog and now I'm beginning to understand why.. but watching my uncles dog Winnie in my apt is different for me,Ive always wanted a dog,but I work and sleep so much of my time is always busy for a dog Id feel I wasn't showing it enough Love and I'm a huge fan of dog's so..For a week I have Winston..Hes a old dog,so hes not a lot of trouble,(Or so I thought) and is used to little attention,but the first night I was so worried that Id come home to surprise..(dog poop or pee) I was about to be stand corrected,he was gonna make me wish Id never want a dog in my House EVER....

Day One

I left him sitting on the couch when I left for work Friday,and when I came back home from a long night he was still on the couch,just where I left him but i have noticed he likes to move around a lot,noticed that when we went to bed that morning..He moved every time I fell asleep I swear..

He pees on my floor after we just went outside to go pee..see why I don't have a dog lol...At least he didn't poop that I couldn't handle..LOL ICK ..

Went to work and I came home to another pee spot on the floor that I expect hes old and hes alone for 9-10hours while I'm at work,but this time he messed up my blinds in my living room,I think he was trying to look out,and he just messed them up,and off to another night of sleep,he tosses and turns more then I do,so again no sleep.. goofy dog..

Day 2

The days have gotten easier I wake up and take him outside to do his business then its get something to eat for me,and then get ready for another night of work..I pulled up my blinds today so he don't ruin my blinds,Ive lived here 5 years and hes soiled my carpet,and breaking my blinds lol..damn dog.. well lets see what happens when I come home from work tonight.

Day 3

Went to another night of work and before I could leave he decided that he didn't want me to go or that he was going with,he tried his hardest to get out my front door.Another night of work came home,and find that he decided to mess up my curtains(because I moved my blinds up so he wouldn't ruin them anymore) and left me Poop on the floor and some pee, you would think that he would peep in the same spot but no he just goes where its the cleanest,Again Damn DOG...I get home walk through the door and he about got out,I grabbed him by his MILLIONS of hair,and picked him up so he wouldn't bite me hes known to do that...,Again DAMN DOG. I took him out to do his business what he didn't do in the apt,and left me a mess of dog food and water all over my kitchen floor..and after that was all done went and got ready for bed,hes sound asleep as soon as I'm by him,hes such a baby...damn dog...

Day 4 Its hard to leave any dog I think,and I like Winston,but after this is all over Ill be glad to have my apt back,and not have any surprises,and especially when I'm eating I wont have anyone begging for my food,Or the worse when I want to sleep,he tosses and turns or is in my leg room,whats up with that? I always just want to sleep get up get ready eat something and leave but he's so messed up my schedule...lol well of to work wonder what he well leave me tonight...hope nuttin to bad..

So I come home from another night of work,tired beyond belief and I come home to find him trying to escape out my door again .. and I find that he chewed the crap out of my blinds,well there goes my deposit for my apartment,he messed up my entire blinds,I was beyond Pissed, So I took him outside to do his business then on to my poach,so I could get the blinds looked at and then I picked up another bowl of food,he had taken it from the kitchen to where I have my kitchen table,water all over my kitchen floor and more pee and poop again..What did I ever do to deserve this Mess? When I come home I want to come home to relaxation and be able to put all the crap from work away,but for the last 4 days Ive been going nuts,I can not wait tell my uncle and his family get back from there Vacation because Ive had enough... DAMN DOG

Day 5

Woke up,went outside to do his business this time he takes forever,playing around,so when he is finally finished.We go back in and I get ready for another night of work.9 and half hours later I'm back home,hes left me Poop,and a crazy scratching dog at my legs so we go outside he does his business and we come back in,not so bad tonight because I prepared myself I pulled up my blinds all of them so he cant chew on them anymore,and since I got home he has been by my feet,I think he misses his family hes used to always someone being home,its so separation anxiety.. so tonight not mad,and hes a good dog for now.. Next two days I'm off so they should be a little better,and I'm going to attempt to give him a bath cause GOD HE NEEDS IT.. hairy dog...

Day 6

First day off and Winston and I just hung out,we went for a little walk in the morning then in the park later on when it wasn't so hot outside,I feel sad for any dog with this much hair to be outside for a long time cause WOW HOT..

Today was a ok day every time I moved he was there,by my feet,or waiting to see where I would go next,he so hates being alone...and every little noise scares him..LOL goofy dog..

Day 7

Called my Uncle today to see if he is on there way home yet,but no response I think Ive had enough dog for one week,Exhausted from him moving around in his sleep and hogging my foot room,board because when I leave him he destroys things and aggravated because hes leaving his hair everywhere on furniture and its making me nutty.. That and he always wants to be out in the heat..He pees more then I do..Ahh and the day isn't even half over yet..

Finally at 5pm today I got a call from my uncle Jim hes finally coming to get this hairy dog of his..I mean its been fun but I'm so ready to clean up all the hair and vacuum and not trip over him or have him watch me eat my food either thank GOD!! WHOOOOO!!!

7:45 pm Winnie finally got picked up,He was happy to see his family,I still am left with ruined blinds and hair on me,my couch and floor..clean up time..But all in all it was nice to have a dog around..Even if he was the hairiest dog ever...So not a bad week..Just glad its over..

The Loss of a great friend

Abby Michelle Dana

5 Years ago On April 22,2004 I lost my childhood friend to a car accident.It hurts to remember how she left us,but I want to share her story..of my life with my best friend.

At the age of 2 I met a baby,who for 18 years was my best friend.Our Mothers have been friends since childhood,and at a early age my mothers best friend lost her father.It seemed though life was hard Jamee found it easier when she was surrounded by her family and friends Years later after two other children(Allison and Ashley) Jamee and her husband Kirk had there youngest ..My Best friend Abby. Abby and I got in more trouble then you could think of,we'd go roller blading down her hill by her house and fall and get stuck in the rain,we played Marco polo in her swimming pool,& we gossiped about all the cute boys we glanced are ways.We both grew up in the same town,though we went to Two different grade schools and Jr. Highs.I went to a catholic grade school and Jr high she went to public school. Two different people who couldn't of known more about each other .Finally high school came we were as close as sister,we fought sure..But we made up,we were two girls who had rough lives,she hadn't known her grandfather and mind had been through a life and death surgery.Through the rough times we remained friends.Then are Jr. Year in High school a nasty rumor about Abby was going around school a girl who disliked me,told Abby I spread the rumor,At first I thought Abby would never believe her.But a year went by,My best friend and sister became just another person in the school hallway.

Finally came the day where she began saying hello to me again.It was our senior year and she was pregnant,a happy mother to be she showed her belly to anyone who would look her way.(She told me,we'd have kids just like are mothers,just a few years apart,(as I am 2 years older then her)She ended up graduating early from high school,I finished out the year and

tried to keep in touch.She was a proud mother,and a proud daughter.She quit her drinking and partying for a few months,but she missed it,we went to a few parties and would drive home,Never to think.Then a month after high school I told her I was moving,told her I was scared.I was moving to Vegas..She said to me "were not sister Heather by blood but that's only because god needed to separate us."I told her Id miss her terribly and I would miss seeing her everyday and something Id miss was watching her raise her little baby boy.Who is spitting image from temper to looks like his mom.

Then the fatal day,A day I'd never forget..April 22,2004. I was frightened by the sound of my telephone ringing,I awoke to answer to see I was to late..As I sat up in my bed,To listen to my voice mail my friend Desitny-said She had something huge to tell me,I thought to myself..Oh this could wait,But a weird feeling came over my body as I sat there thinking,what was going on back at home.As I called her back she told me to prepare my heart for the wost.Abby had been killed in a car accident earlier that morning a block away from her home. I told Destiny..She was crazy,I said Ill prove it Ill call Abby,shes still alive.It took time to sink in that my best friend was no longer here on earth.I called my mother at work crying non-stop,Finally I sobbed out what's going on,she told me the worst had happened,it was the truth,Abby wasn't there anymore..I finished getting ready for class in disbelief that I as 1,700 miles away and my best friend needed me.I didn't get to return home for the funeral(as I was in College)Though I know Abby forgave me for not being there,It still hurt.A month and half later I was able to make my way back home.The last month and half had been a living nightmare,finally the truth hit me,I drove to her home where she grew up.Her son Drake ran up to me as if he knew me,Hugged me and said hi Heather..he hugged me and I cried,I tried to walk away cause I didn't want to scare him,but he just hugged me..(this is him now at the age of 6)

Then Abby's mom Jamee came up to me and hugged me and said everything is going to be OK Heather..and its OK to cry,I told her I loved her,and that I didn't want to make her sadder then she already was,so we walked around.There I found statues of Angels and as I walked inside down to her old bedroom..Empty.Once filled with childhood memories and pictures,Now empty.I told her parents and two sisters they would always be a Big part of my life.As I started to walk a way a gust of wind picked up..I felt as if she was standing next to me..With tears filled in my eyes I looked back at the house she lived in as if it were my own,I recalled the swimming pool,the trampoline,so many late night chats and sleepovers on the back porch..But that was all gone.I then left and found myself on the hill we once played on,but now I just cry about how she could left so fast and so soon.As I left to visit her son Drake.By looking at him it reminded me of what she had said a few months back.."we have to raise our kids together,Just like Our Mothers..So get Busy."

5 years ago in April I lost my Best Friend,My sister and classmate.She excepted me for me.I love her and I miss her more and more every day.

Abby All I want you to know is that you re truly on of a kind I wont ever forget you in my heart you well always stay.Forever my Best Friend,and sister..and Guardian Angel.

Here is a poem I wrote for her back in 3/1/2007

"My Guardian Angel and Best Friend"

I awoke from a deep sleep thought maybe I was dreaming,but I wasn't quite sure.You stood there,as an angel from above.You told me that Id be OK and that I could make it.I was the tough one you said.I started to cry,knowing deep down I had to of been dreaming.As I wiped away my tears you asked me to remember the person I was and to be that person again.I looked up to you and said I couldn't remember who that person was anymore,I was worn out with life I asked you to come back so you could live a life you deserved and I could take your place,because I was ready to give up 2 1/2 years ago when you left us on earth my best Friend and my sister you had been for 18 years when you died in that car accident I was there and along with you my best Friend I died to.When you came to me that night I wanted you to still be alive when I woke up but I knew the truth you told me I'd make it through all the pain and suffering that I had been dealing with the last few years.I said it hurt so much and that i need you so you decided to tell me that no matter what you'd always be there,always have my back always be my best friend.But I cried I knew the truth you were in heaven and i was stuck in hell on earth you told me as much as I thought we could trade places you said I was chosen to still live my life because it wasn't my turn to go.I cried again.You hugged me and said what happened to the best friend I grew up with the one that always made me laugh,I said on April 22,2004 she died in that car accident along side you.Then I saw a tear come down her face,you said I need you to be Strong and just remember what we used to say,well see each other again no matter what.Then before I knew it she was gone again.I woke up and felt like I had to remember who I used to be,and as I stared at her picture I smiled..NO more tears I said Ill see you again..No matter what..

One of the Best Men In my Life..My Grandpa John

My Grandpa John

Like most kids I was my grandpa John's little angel and he always said I never could do anything wrong.

When he got sick 13 1/2 years ago,I felt I didn't know how to treat him I was about 12 years old,and it seemed that none of the doctor's could fix him.When he was sick he couldn't keep from getting pneumonia.So a few years back he got a Tube that went down to his stomach so he could eat,and drink with out getting the Pneumonia so many times..The doctor's said that he would keep getting the Pneumonia and one day just not be be able to make it anymore and he would be gone..
He made it 13 1/2 years,and I believe even to this day he did it to see his 16 grandchildren grow up.A lot of the grandchildren like my sister well remember him sick..But I'll remember the day he made us that tire swing or the days he'd sit in his garage with a can of his favorite Beer.Or be in there tinkering with his favorite Hobby..Building Old Cars.

He would of be 75 this past November 1'st but he didn't make it. October 19,2008 came like any other day tell I got the news..,one minute he was telling me I love you baby..Then 8 hours later I got a call from my dad and Dad told me Grandpa was gone..Myself along with the rest of the family lost a great man,A man who stood up for what he believed in and always stood his ground no matter what life threw at him.I look at that week like a blur standing in the distance because as far as I was concern he was still at home..Though I cant remember much of that week,I remember not being able to say goodbye,to a man I looked up to,a man I call my Hero.

Before Grandpa got married to my grandma he was in the Army,and was stationed in Germany while the Korean War was going on.He is a Veteran :)
My Grandparents were married November 30,1957 . They have 6 children and 16 grandchildren.

They were married 50 years November 30,2007 (Here are pics from there 50th anniversary party)That I'm glad I went home for :)

He is more then A father,a grandpa,a uncle,a son. He was a HERO.. He was my Hero.

Not much changed for me when I came back to Vegas after that week,of tears and questions of why..I kept it in my head that he was just at home,and I went on this way tell I went home this past June.I didn't want the reality to be that he was gone.

When I went to visit my Grandma in June 2009 I noticed his favorite chair was moved,and I asked my grandma why his pictures I sent were off the wall.She said everyone is telling me I have to move on and I have to let the pictures go.She said she saved them and put them in his room and asked me if I wanted to see them,I stood there.I couldn't go back to his room not yet,Because I knew what I would see..his American Flag folded nicely with his medals would be there,he wouldn't be.His bed would be empty and his window would be shut,I just wasn't ready to say goodbye,NOT YET...

This was the last time I would see my Grandpa John Alive, June 2008.

He was one of my favorite people and the best man I ever knew.When I was a kid he would push me on this Huge Tire Swing that he made for me and my other cousins,he was the sweetest man and the best Grandpa that a girl could ask for.It broke our hearts to lose him,but I know that he's not hurting anymore and he can drink and eat all his heart desires.He well never be forgotten and I well always remember the memories and the years we had him here on earth,but I just cant help to go back home,and know that my grandpa wont be joining us for Christmas Dinner or Grandma's Home made Lasagna that I love so much.I just know that there well always be a HUGE part of each one of us that is missing because he isn't here anymore..Love u papa<3>

My LIfe & My Job..

I am 25, some days I feel more like 95. I work at a Cafe and I love cooking. Just last year on mother's day(May 12,2008) got a promotion (thanks to a lot of confidence from a great friend,and a fellow co-worker(LIZ )(shes the blond on my right) I decided that it was time to see what I could do..,Lets just say it hasn't been easy.. I practically gave up my life. So why did I do it? I wanted to see if I could If I was smart enough to put the education that I got from Le Cordon Bleu of Culinary Arts to use.Do I remember a lot from that School.. NOT REALLY.. Lets just say the older I get the farther away information Ive learned just seems to disappear..oops :/

Ive had a lot of ups and downs and I guess that's with a lot of jobs,so I guess I'm doing ok if Ive made it a year, When I hit my year May 12,2009. I emailed Liz and told her how much her confidence in me and knowing that she has my back,that I wouldn't ever try to let her down.Its been 2 months since then and Ive had my share of troubles,but Ive got through them..so Thanks Liz :)

Here I am a Year Later..

So enough of work here is a look back at my past...

I grew up in Kewanee,IL its a small town most people haven't ever heard of,but its home to me.

I was a Only Child tell the age of almost 9.So I spent most of that time Pretty much spoiled Rotten (as my grandma Betty would say)
I was a very outgoing even as a young kid,My dad never had any boys so I soon became his little helper.I was also the first Grandchild of my mom's parents(John and Betty).

I had it pretty easy as a child. I had the best of both worlds, Two Amazing hard working Parents,and a Grandma that baby sat when the parents were at work.

Back in Kewanee we have what you call Hog Days(Labor Day weekend) and we have a carnival & Rides and Cotton Candy and a Parade and a lot of competition,For a long time I was in the Braid Contest,and every year I won..(That's what you get with all the hair I had..)

Here I am in 1988,and I just WON!

I also had a 2 dog's growing up one was Bud he was are Chocolate Lab(my dad's hunting dog)and my dog Rockey (they got him before I was born so mom and I shared him) He was a Half Collie& Saint Bernard. and he was one of the most sweetest dogs ever and extremely protective especially over me mom said. :)

He(Rockey) was 18 when we put him to sleep,he was a GREAT dog.I love him <3

Bud My dads dog he was a great protector,and my dads best hunting dog..He got put to sleep at 16 he had bad hips,and I remember how sad my dad was,he loved that dog..

I went to Visitation School from K-8th grade,and I had a lot of trouble in school..They told me in 3rd grade that they were going to take me back to 2nd because I couldn't comprehend what I read. I could read all day,but give you a book report..was a Little harder.So off I went back to 2nd grade(probably one of the worse experiences in a young girls life ever)After I graduated from Viz, I went on to High school and it was fun and easier and I had more friends then I could of asked for..

April 7,1992 my baby sister Andrea Lee was born. I didn't like her at first I mean give me a break I had my parents for 8 1/2 years and there she was hogging all my attention. Lets just say I got over that pretty fast ..But having a sister so much younger then you is difficult cause what you really want at that age 8 1/2 you want someone to play with not watch her sleep,eat and poop all the time.So I pretty much one day told my dad to put her back where she came from& I'm glad he never did.

(here we are a Year after I moved away)
My sister and I have the best relationship now,shes gonna be a senior this year,and 18. Where the time has gone? I have no idea. Ive missed out on a lot in 6 years here in Las Vegas. There are a lot of things I would change,like the distance.But I wouldn't take back the experience and the people Ive met along the way.
Me and my Little Sister now,How time changes..

Everyday I wonder if I'm doing the right thing,some people ask me do you ever think of moving back home?,and all I can think is,I came out here because there isn't much to do in Kewanee but drink& party.Not that there is anything wrong with that :)

But lately Ive thought more and more about moving home,and at this point that's what seems to be the best for me.Being around family and friends,the Familiar..

Vegas life has never been me,I moved here to help out my uncle and then I went to school then I never left,I said Id give it 5 years and Ive gave it 6 years,So I plan in January to pack up and move closer to the life I miss and closer the ones I left behind.Some might say I'm a failure,that I couldn't make it in the big city,or when things got rough I just couldn't make it.But that's not true,I'm 25 and I've been on my own since I was 19.Ive had rough time and some good times,But I deserve at 25 to be happy.I work so much and these weird/strange hours that I don't have much of a life out here and I deserve to walk back into that town and say I'm back Kewanee watch out!!