Mom and Deb...

Have fun at "The Mouse!!!"

Love you,
-P

CAN YOU BELIEVE THIS !

This appeared in the paper this morning.

A camel who once belonged to Doris Duke,named Princess
and has lived at the Popcorn Zoo since 2004, has a simple way of
predicting the outcome of games.
John Bergmann, general manger of the zoo, will pick a game at random,
place a graham cracker in each hand and use a permanent marker
to write the name of a competing team on each hand.
Whichever hand Princess nibbles from is her "pick" for that week.
She is 10-0.

SHE PICKED THE PATS TO WIN TONIGHT!

ARE WE GOING TO MAKE IT 10-1?

J-E-T-S...JETS,JETS,JETS!!!!

What a great day in football...
Patriots lose!
Cowboys lose!
Broncos lose!
Dolphins lose!

JETS WIN!

Happy Birthday, Kira!

BRETT THE JET, BABY !!

Even though I am still cautiously optomistic coming off of a 4-12 record, I do have to say ... I can honestly say that Brett is obviously worth the deal. Especially when we can send Rag-arm packin' and walkin'.

How long has it been when we can relish in being 1-0, beat Rag-arm, and have the Patriots be where we were 9 years ago all in the same day. Just goes to show that, even though Rag-arm had a 290+ yard day (which was mre than us) doen't mean shit if it does not get the job done.

Just hope it continues. J E T S, Jets, Jets, Jets.

Big Daddy

Yes We Can!

Thank you, Senator McCain, for choosing Sarah Palin as your running mate. I know they say not to look a gift horse in the mouth, but....

Yes We Can!

GO-BA-MA!!

Yahoo!!

I'm so sore, but it was worth it!

L-
-P

Tammy's Gettin' Hitched!!

Tammy is getting married (and jumping to the FRONT of the alphabet) to Brandon Alexander on April 17th, 2009 in Jacksonville, Texas (about 15 miles from Tyler, where we grew up). Yours truly is the maid of honor :-)

YES!!! BYE, BYE PENNINGTON!

WELCOME TO THE JETTIES, BRETT!!!

Hi All-

Just checking in to say all is well here. Plugging away on my studies, which is fine because it's just too hot to stay outside for long. Yuck. Michael's Mom, Harvey, and niece Danica are coming for a visit next week. Oy vey. We are going to take Danica down the river for her first time--Class III rapids :). It's too late to do the Taos Box (Class IV), but she's only 10 years old, so the RaceCourse should be fine for her. Other than that, all is about the same. How is Jessica doing? She should be, what, 7 months or so now? I can't imagine being pregnant, much less in this heat!

Anyway, just saying hi because it looks like the blog has been quiet. I can't wait to watch the gymnastics, but the whole China thing is really weird, huh? I guess they think they are fooling us with their facade. Well, I'll watch the gymnastics and try to ignore the setting. We've got a great women's team this time around.

L-
-P

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PEGGY

Oh, if only I could sing Happy Birthday.
It would make my day.
But since I can't,
I will wish you
A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY !
May all your dreams come true.

Love you ,

Mom

What did I do to piss off the universe?

Although most of you would think it's quite a minor thing, I am convinced that the universe is preventing me from getting an iphone 3g.   I know, I know... such a tortured existence that I don't have the newest gizmo a mere 2 days after it's release, but I have been thwarted more than once.

Some of you may know how much I hate my current phone, but for the uninitiated, there is not much in my existence that I despise more than my battery hindered Motorola Razr.  I have been patiently awaiting the release of the new iphone since about November when I finally decided that  while I fought the urge every single day to toss my phone out the window, I would wait until the new version of the iphone came out.  Now this is a huge step for me b/c when I finally decide to buy something I don't F&*k around, I just go and buy it.  

So the iPhone finally goes on sale on Friday.....  I was all set to sneak out from working from home at about 3 yesterday to go wait in line..... Universe smacks me... one of the websites that I support gets hacked, and I spend 8 hours working with my team to ensure that none of the other sites on the server were compromised.

Try number 2 - I go to the mall yesterday and the line isn't half bad, but I couldn't wait at the time, so I decided to come back after dinner.  I rush through dinner and leave Jess to read to Cole and put him to sleep.   I burst through the door at the mall... the line is about 10 people... SWWEEEETTT... only 10 people b/c that was all the phones they had left.   &^#(##)*&%.....

I check the apple website once I get home... Short Hills store shows that they will have phones on Sunday.   Store opens at noon... 

Try  number 3.... I get to the mall at 11:20... OH CRAP a guy comes out of the mall with a iPhone bag.... I walk in... NO LINE!!!!! WOOO HOOOO.... no line.... b/c THEY HAVE NO PHONES AND OPENED AT 9AM?!?!?!?! 

Whose cornflakes did I piss in?  I just want a cool phone that will do way more than I would every need....

(PS - after getting thwarted on try number 2 I went to an AT&T store and ordered one... it will be delivered in 7-10 days - I just have to wait to be cool....  (and I can hear Heather saying - "phone won't help... keeping waiting bro....."

I am NURSE!

Hey all!!

Just found out I passed my boards on the first shot. I am officially CASSI WILBUR, BSN, RN!!!

I didnt tell anyone I was taking it in case I failed :-) But I should have known that I'd have angels bringing to mind all I've learned. Now I am off to celebrate with Chilean wine in Santiago!!

Love to all! CIAO!

-Cas

Minions of Ka

Hey All-

David emailed me and told me to check out the trailer for his graphic novel (Minions of Ka) on YouTube. I thought I would post it here so that you can all see it. Very tasty, indeed.

-P

P.S.
I had to delete the first one because Dave put an edited version on YouTube, making the original unavailable. You should be able to view it now. Sorry Deb, but it deleted your comment as well! What I know is that Dave wrote the novel with two others, but it was his story. He did the animation (!) along with an intern that is working for them. This is just a trailer--there is a full length version on the way. He also sent me a proposal for a video game based on the novel. Pretty cool, huh?

Home Sweet Home

Hi All-

Just want to let you know that Michael and I survived L.A. and are home safe and sound. Of course, the weekend that we chose to visit was in the middle of a record-setting heat wave. The first day we were there it was 111 degrees! Yuck. As if L.A. is not bad enough. It was a good visit though, and I didn't have to play "princess" with the youngest one (niece). We actually went to the mall to escape the heat. Another yuck! It's good to be home.

I just turned in my last exam before the final for the first module of my MT course. Two more modules to go, but I'm hoping to be done before the end of the year. I never imagined that "hepatosplenomegaly" would be in my vocabulary. The spell check doesn't even recognize it. Anyway, I'm learning a ton and love working and studying from home.

Michael got a scholarship from the company he works for to take classes toward getting licensed as a Substance Abuse Counselor. His work at the Academy will count toward his clinical hours and everything is done at the Academy or online. It's a great opportunity, and only four people from the whole company were chosen. Can you imagine? Both of us in school at our ages. It's a new world out there.

Anyway, just checking in. Miss you all.

L-
-P

I'm around!

I've gotten some emails about being MIA :-) Sorry but I've been traveling about! I was in a wedding in Cincinatti this past weekend and now I am living it up in Nashville, TN!! I'm visiting a few friends then headed back to PA for about a week of work before heading off to Santiago, Chile to visit yet another friend. Then back for another week of work... then to Northern Cali to attend a wedding in wine country. Then I fly to Vegas for a night to meet up with co-workers for a birthday extravaganza and back to Cali to see Uncle Dave and Aunt Cathy. Whew - THEN I am off to Virginia for one of my best friend's graduation (Laura... she was at my graduation)... then to texas for a BREAK before starting work on Sept 8th. Which reminds me... I should take MY BOARD EXAM somewhere in the midst of all that chaos. Sounds fun though, eh?

Recap: Cincinatti--> Nashville --> Philly --> Chile --> Philly --> Cali --> Vegas --> Cali --> Virginia --> Texas --> Philly/Reality/Adulthood :-(

Visa just called to ask if I wanted a higher credit limit... which I gratefully accepted! I'm gonna need it for all these trips. My graduation gifts will certainly carry me quite a long way though... thank y'all again. Sorry for my lame keeping in touch since I saw y'all last... and thank you cards will hopefully be in the mail before Christmas :-)

That's what's up with me. Exhausting just to read, huh? Well, wish me traveling graces! I'll be in touch!

Much love,
Cas

GUESS WHO'S THE BIG 40 TODAY?

Happy Birthday , David !
Celebrate!
I hope EVERYONE sings
"Happy Birthday To You"
May you make some new memories.
I love you.

Love,
Your Mother

Clinch!

GO-BA-MA!

Itsy Bitsy Spanish Spider

So I pick up Cole from Daycare the other day. His teachers tell me that he can sing the entire Itsy Bitsy Spider in Spanish. They sing it to the kids all the time, but Cole just up and sings the whole thing from beginning to end. They didn't even know he could do it.... And my spanish is non existent, but it sounds pretty credible to me.

...and to you, too, Jay

Happy Birthday Jason!

I don't know if you check out the blog anymore, but Happy Birthday anyway!

Hope it's a good one.

Love you,

Peggy and Michael

Happy Birthday, Deb

I love you,

Peggy

...and Idol Comes to a Close

I have to admit that I was really liking David Cook toward the end there. However, last night showed that Archuleta had what it took when it really counted.

I won't mind seeing him crowned the winner tonight.  Like Randy said...he was "on fire, baby!"  What a doll.

Nate's First Game

Well, Nate got his first lesson in how to be a long-suffering Met fan. They of course managed to lose 1-0. Despite their own pitcher through six no hit innings. Ehh, whatever. He love the hot dogs, peanuts, popcorn and ice cream. He cheered along with the Lets Go Mets chants and the Jose-Jose-Jose chants like the rest of us. We had a good time because of Nate. I attached some pictures. Oh yeah, I did not get to go to the Yankee game Friday night because it was rained out. Therefore, I will be attending in late June when they make-up the game. At that time I will bring my yankee thoughts to the stadium in the Bronx. Enjoy the pictures.

A LIFETIME FAN

On Thursday, Nate will attend his first NY Mets baseball game. He has his Mets jersey hanging on a hook in his bedroom where he can view it every day until 'the big day'. He wore it to demonstrate his piching and catching prowess last week when we were in CT. Will was born during the playoffs in 2006 and Nate and his dad spent special bonding time watching b-ball while Mom was in the hospital. Peter is passing on his love and lifelong devotion to his team. Other family members say he is introducing Nate to a lifetime of disappointment.
What is it about a sports fan, whatever your choice of sport or team, that makes you continue to hope, year after losing year, for the big win? The Superbowl..the World Series..the Stanley Cup...whatever? Each and every year you remember the winning years and sweep away the losers. It must be akin to starting with a clean slate. Where else can you erase the outright errors and idiocy of the previous season and begin anew with the excitement and hope of an new opportunity? Everything else in life should be this way. It is, amongst lots of other lessons, one of the greatest that sports teaches us.
I say...let Nate have his day. I hope the Mets win (This is easier said aloud when they are not playing the Yankees.) M-E-T-S METS! METS! METS!

Cassidy...

I've seen where the wolf has slept by the silver stream.

I can tell by the mark he left you were in his dream.

Ah, child of countless trees.

Ah, child of boundless seas.

What you are; what you're meant to be

  speaks his name, though you were born to be,

  born to be, Cassidy.

Flight of the seabirds,

scattered like lost words.

Wheel to the storm and fly.

Faring thee well, now.

Let your life proceed by its own design.

Nothing to tell, now.

Let the words be yours.

I'm done with mine.

L-

-P

All She Wants to Do Is DANCE!

Lighting up the dance floor will always be one of my favorite pasttimes. We had a semi-formal last night... :-)

The Bitter End

It's 4:27 AM and I... am... almost... done...
My thesis is due in 12 hours and that will be the bitter end of college--It doesn't seem fair.
(I can SEE y'all rolling your eyes at me and thinking Oh she has no idea just how unfair it is!)

Five years later and I am not ready to be done...
I certainly know now why you all adopted 7-year plans!

I'm sure you all remember the array of emotions. Crazy, incredible excitement, a deep sense of pride in what you've accomplished... and that brick-like feeling in the pit of your stomach when you realize there is no REWIND button. Deep breath, take it all in... and prepare to walk away.

Is everyone depressed with me now? Well, I had a job interview today at the Hospital of UPenn and I should hear back in the next day or two. Will keep you posted... Love - CAS

Happy Birthday Heather!  Have a good time!

DVDs From Mom's Party

Hey All-

Just want to let you know that I finally got those DVDs burned and sent out, so be looking for them in the mail. :)

L-
-P

IDOL VS YANKEES

.......otherwise known as The Yankees LOSE!!!! Can you believe that the Idol 'hook' has reached Mom/Grammy?(and Kenny too, but maybe it's the Chex) She told me this morning that they had to get the game results in the paper this morning. She was engrossed in Idol this week. Even watched ALL of Idol Gives Back (I FF'd through Snoop Dog).
Michael Johns should not have gone home last night. As a matter of fact, I think the final probably should have been David A and Michael Johns. I think he'll do OK (maybe better) even without the Idol crown. Look at Doughtry(sp?). I am not much of a rocker but I really do like his 'What About Now?' I could just about feel David's heart beating when they said that Carly and Syesha were safe.
This Blog has been very quiet lately. That is very odd for this relatively 'loud' family! What's going on now that we are all emerging from the Winter hybernation?

Western Travelers

Hi All!

By now, Deb and Don should be almost home and Pete should be recovering from some amazing skiing :) We had a great visit, Deb and Don having braved the storm and making it to Taos. They know this story already, but I thought I would share.

The first night Deb and Don were here, we had taped AI (two episodes) and did the speed watch, skipping commercials and interviews, after dinner. I drove D&D back to the RV Park, and when I returned, Michael was sitting in the bedroom looking all sad and droopy. I asked what was wrong and he told me that when he came back into the house after saying goodbye, the TV was dark and he could not get a picture to come up on any channel. He said, "American Idol blew up the TV and the last thing that played on it was that creepy Danny guy!" I tested the TV and he was right--no picture. I wasn't sure if he was happy that the incident might mean a new flat screen for the house or not, but it certainly crossed MY mind.

Anyway, it must have been a satellite issue because all was well in the morning, and our beloved TV digested the evil content and is now ready for more! Please...that country version of "Eight Days a Week" was enough to kill any television!

Hope little David Archuleta comes back with a big one next week.

Love you guys and welcome home to all the Traveling Wilburys,
Peggy

P.S. Gary, I sent you a birthday card and you never picked it up, so Happy Belated Birthday!

FAMILY IDOL FEVER 2008

Otherwise known as "Get the Chex started". Finally Hollywood week gave us an inkling as to who made the grade. Cryboy Josiah was too unstable for sure. Every week would have been" a pity vote". Might have had the drama of Sanjia. Hey..it rhymes. Josiah/Sanjia. I like the guy who did Bohemian Rhapsody. In the last year, the Blogs that inspired the most comment were sports, Idol and Heather's boobs. So let's get this Blog fired up again. Tuesday starts the competition! Go get your margarine...Chex are calling!!!

Patriots Lose! Yes!

Pix?

So, Heather...where is the picture you promised? lol

Michael had a good idea for your swelling. He said that you could dip your bra in water and freeze it. Then you would have a custom ice pack!

Hope you are feeling great.

Idol tonite--first Chex of the year :) I can't wait any longer!

L-
-P

P.S. Yes, I really am making copies of Mom's DVD for everyone. I've just been super busy. I'll let you all know when I send them out. xxoo

Could It Be?

So my Tivo picked up a new American Idol on Tuesday. Should I make Chex? :)

L-
-P

Christmas Cactus

No, we didn't decorate the trees outside---too much snow!

Everyone wish Heather good luck today! Bye, girls :)

L-
-P