Visual Thoughts from Montana

Parking Bison

2012-01-02T17:30:00.001-08:00

Parking Bison - 5716bsg
Originally uploaded by teagden

Deviantart contest

2011-10-06T12:11:00.001-07:00

Deviantart contest
Originally uploaded by ZhenPanda

North Dakota sunflowers

2011-09-07T10:50:00.001-07:00

August 2011 1085
Originally uploaded by ZhenPanda

I recently had to travel to Minnesota to help my sister after the sudden death of her husband. The trip was, for the most part, great! We did get things sorted out and she will be OK for a while.

I had plenty of time to stop & take pix on the way there & back! it was fun!

GS owlet & parent

2011-05-19T20:53:00.001-07:00

GS owlet & parent
Originally uploaded by ZhenPanda

It's owl time again!

2011-05-01T20:06:00.001-07:00

DSC00049
Originally uploaded by ZhenPanda

It may be the first sign of Spring! Owlets at both the regular spots! YAY!

A new phase

2011-03-06T03:12:00.001-08:00

I recently learned that the reason I faint and feel dizzy so often is because I have entered menopause.
That diagnosis was sort of a relief. It also was a kick in the brain.
I didn't think I was old enough for this. Of course having a hysterectomy a few years back could have helped with that.
Now I will be taking it all in. I'm sure I will share.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Highlander - KLTLVR

2011-03-01T20:46:00.001-08:00

Highlander - KLTLVR
Originally uploaded by ZhenPanda

Fall leaves

2010-09-29T20:37:00.001-07:00

Fall leaves
Originally uploaded by ZhenPanda

Awesome!

2010-08-09T20:25:00.001-07:00

For my birthday, The Hubby got me an iPod touch! Trying mobile blogging!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Is that robin on his head!??

2010-07-05T17:31:00.001-07:00

Is that robin on his head!??
Originally uploaded by ZhenPanda

Owl Spotting

2010-07-04T09:50:00.001-07:00

July 2010 013
Originally uploaded by ZhenPanda

I have been spending a lot of time at the cemeteries and Giant Springs State Park photographing the owlets.

This pair was spotted early on July 4,2010.

Happy 100!

2010-06-10T13:16:00.001-07:00

Happy 100!
Originally uploaded by ZhenPanda

June 10, 2010 is 100 years on this earth for my awesome Grandmother, Eunice LeBarron!

Giant Springs Owlets

2010-05-26T15:58:00.001-07:00

Giant Springs Owlets
Originally uploaded by ZhenPanda

Raincoats

2010-05-26T07:49:00.001-07:00

Raincoats
Originally uploaded by ZhenPanda

It's the usual Montana Memorial Day Weekend weather

Sad & confused... conflicted?

2010-04-29T20:49:00.000-07:00

I don't deal with death well.

On April 13th, my Uncle Sam died suddenly. Cancer. it has been crazy getting things together for the memorial. I have been digging through drawers of old family photos and albums, scanning tons & sorting them. I discovered my organizational skills during crisis sucks.

Then on April 22nd Mystery Daughter's adoptive mom lost her battle with brain cancer. I wanted so badly to go to Billings to be with her. I couldn't.
I kept thinking I could deal with whatever life could come up with but today I feel lost. Not because of the sadness but the weirdness that came with it all.
How do I ask my sister why she has ″friend-ed″all my ex-boyfriends & husbands. it's just strange, but she also sided against me in my last divorce so I shouldn't be surprised.
Why am I freaked out that Mystery Daughter talked to her bio-dad?

It's all just weird.

Update March 2010

2010-03-15T23:54:00.000-07:00

So many things have been happening that I forget to update here. sorry.

February 28th in the early afternoon we received a call from the Cascade County Sheriff's office informing us the van had been located in Billing! We contacted the officer on scene and worked out a plan to retrieve it later that day. If we wanted to press charges the van would be towed to GF and processed all at our expense.
We needed the van here for Daughter#2 so we had to retrieve it ASAP.
The flying trip down started at 6PM and we pulled into Billings around 10PM. After working on the van we stopped by Mystery Daughter's house to meet my #2 g-cub, Gar-Bear! I got to spend 2 hours holding him & feeding him, so I was very happy. We pulled out of Billings and headed home about 230AM. The trip home included avoiding deer & a bobcat.
Arrival home was 630AM. I went to bed & the hubby headed into work.

Happy it is back!

It's now countdown time to Son#2's graduation! He is walking a fine line this last semester but I still have hope he will pull it off.

#1 G-cub is growing like a weed and is ready to walk. He has 2 teeth with a 3rd in the works.

Life is chaotic but seems to be good.

Missing van

2010-02-12T04:10:00.001-08:00

Missing van
Originally uploaded by ZhenPanda

Some jerk stole my daughter's van. Please look for it in Montana.

Thief was caught a few days later but did not have the van (he had another stolen vehicle). I believe the van is somewhere around Great Falls or between GF and Harlem, Montana.

If you have information email me here or call GFPD or MHP!

It's really not the van I want but the two car seats, stroller & other items inside it that we need for my grandson.

A Nation Says Goodbye

2010-01-30T15:55:00.001-08:00

A Nation Says Goodbye
Originally uploaded by Nikographer [Jon]

Happy New Year

2009-12-31T17:38:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year
Originally uploaded by ZhenPanda

Seriously, I'm bad at updating...

2009-10-28T07:46:00.000-07:00

Weekend fun was loads of fun! I forgot to post but I'm sure my readers forgive me!

Second month of unemployment down & no I still don't miss the old job... I miss working though. I watch the G-cub full-time but starting tomorrow it will be a bit less and spread over more days because my daughter GOT A JOB! YEAH!!

I became a grandmother again(3 weeks early) on October 21st! My oldest (mystery daughter) had a 6lb 4oz baby boy via emergency c-section. He was breach & they had planned the cc-section for November 2nd but Gar-bear(my nickname for him) had other ideas! I am not complaining.

I will be heading to Billings in the next month for a visit. I am debating if I should go alone, take my mother or take the hubby. The solo trip is sounding the best as I can't really see spending 3 days with my mom non-stop & the hubby can't ever get time off. OK,OK, I really just want to be away for a bit! lol

My Billings trip will include a side trip to Miles City to do some waymarking & hopefully some geocaching.

My next trip will be a 4 day trip to Butte-Anaconda-Dillon area for geocaching, waymarking & maybe enrolling in a few classes.

A real post!

2009-09-29T19:39:00.000-07:00

OK, I've been tweeting a lot more than blogging lately.

I have been without a real job for a month. I still don't miss it.

I have been spending most of my time with my grandcub and doing a bit of geocaching.
This weekend (October 3 & 4) I will do a bit more fun stuff. On Saturday I will be driving to Superior Montana to meet my cousin & bring her daughter back. (I know, I know, I said I would do thins anymore but...) I plan to photograph the Mineral County Courthouse, Superior Post Office, school, cemetery and do a bit of geocaching (there are over 50 within 10 miles)!
Then on Sunday my family is celebrating my Aunt Catherine's 80th birthday! She is a wonderful person & it is going to be a great time!

I will post all the photos and update after the weekend.

iPod + washer & dryer = NOT AWESOMENESS

2009-09-24T00:34:00.001-07:00

iPod + washer & dryer = NOT AWESOMENESS
Originally uploaded by ZhenPanda

Guess where I am

2009-09-12T09:46:00.001-07:00

Guess where I am
Originally uploaded by ZhenPanda

Playing with Karma

2009-09-05T01:16:00.001-07:00

Playing with Karma
Originally uploaded by ZhenPanda

Lack of motivation

2009-08-21T17:20:00.000-07:00

I am lacking motivation to write anything of substance recently.
Actually I lack the motivation to even get out of bed some days.
My head is spinning. really.

The dizziness issue is getting worse. To add to the fun my extremedies go numb randomly. This makes work, life very hard to do.

On Tuesday my ED told me I was fired. Luckily, the Treasurer overruled him on that. I returned to work on Wednesday and decided that I really can't work for this man under these conditions any longer. This next Thursday will be my last day. I figured I would finish the pay period and be done.

I have no ill feelings toward most of the board or the ideals behind the Law Clinic but as long as they have the current ED they will have little success. You can't succeed under inept leadership.

On to my next phase in life.

I hope to be substituting shortly and I have found some temp and part-time work. I think the less intense work schedule will help me to deal with my illness.

I will not get any unemployment benefits but the hubby and I have planned for this for a bit so I'm covered for the next month or so.

Onward & upward!

WHAT is THIS!??!

2009-08-19T19:43:00.001-07:00

WHAT is THIS!??!
Originally uploaded by ZhenPanda

I love taking photos of my grandcub

Big label

2009-08-14T12:23:00.001-07:00

Big label
Originally uploaded by ZhenPanda

The ENT has helped to rule out:
Tumor
stroke
diabetes
anemia
liver issues
thyroid
inner ear

So I am taking antibiotics an prednisone for the next few weeks

Happenings

2009-08-05T08:43:00.000-07:00

I seem to tweet more than blog these days simple because I can just throw out thoughts through my phone with twitter.

*anyway*

What is going on in my life? LOTS!

August 1, 2009
I awoke very early and scurried through the house frantically packing then ushering people into vehicles.
Today's the day!
We hit the road about an hour and 1/2 later than planned but the hubby tried to make up for it with speed. No MHP and no tickets so that was good.
Arriving in Billings, we headed toward ZooMontana. I was very, very, very nervous.
Breathe.
My thoughts raced.
We walked in the gates and I hear "Are you (insert childhood nickname)?"
Stunned I replied "yes"
Next thing I know I am getting hugged by someone and ushered quickly into the giftshop.
More hugging.
crying.

It's really her!

Two days of blur followed.

She is no longer a mystery.

IRL meets

2009-07-19T11:25:00.000-07:00

I attended both the Great Falls Tweetup & the Electric City Blog Fest.

They were very different events with equally great people.

The tweetup was a very relaxed, informal eat & chat session. It was perfect for the crowd that showed and really made everyone want to do it again. I'm excited to see what comes next for the GF tweeters!

The blog fest was a more structured event in that Gregg had a discussion session first then BBQ after. I was only able to stay for the first discussion session since I had the grandcub and Karma had a vet appointment. It was a great discussion. Wulfgar was a great speaker and initiated some very thoughtful conversations. I meet several bloggers I had hoped to and just enjoyed the atmosphere.

Between the two meets I think I started to focus more on the "why" than the "what" I post. I don't post to really have discussions but I think the several different incarnations of my blogs have been a vent for my random thoughts. One of my first blogs was started after I was hospitalized for a suicide attempt. It helped me with the thoughts I had and trying to get them out so I could "deal" with everything.
Today I focus more on the happy parts of my life which is why this has a photo component to it.
I still try to help people to understand that not everyone who is diagnosed Bi-polar is unable to function in society in a "normal" way. I know that I will have to take my medication everyday for the rest of my life and I am fine with that. I also know what my ability to function is closely tied to my ability to force myself to leave the house everyday and go to my job.

When I awaken in the morning I take a minute to focus my thoughts on the positive parts of my life- my family, my health and my friends.

This post did not go as I had planned but I think it still conveys the thoughts I had to get out.

Next month is a fun geocaching event and *hopefully* the flickr meetup!

These are my tweeple!

2009-07-12T11:03:00.001-07:00

On Saturday evening many of the local tweeters meet in real life at the Downtown Doghouse. We were treated to awesome food, beverages and conversation!
A BIG shout out to Dave the owner of the Doghouse! Thank you for opening your business to us and the community. You are an asset to Great Falls!

It was so nice to meet the faces behind the tweets! I can now put voices with those words.
I was impressed that we had more attendees than the Michael Jackson Memorial in Missoula and the St. Louis Tweetup combined!

I'm looking forward to the next Twitter event!

In the mean time - we have the Blogger event coming up on July 18th!

Meetups planned

2009-06-30T22:00:00.001-07:00

Tweetup
WHEN: July 11, 2009 6PM
WHERE: Downtown Dog House
#4 5th Street South
Great Falls, MT 59401

Blogger bash
WHEN: July 18, 2009
WHERE: See website for details & instructions to attend.

Camera club/flickr meet up
When: Looks like early August so we don't overwhelm the GF cyber-community
Where: Taking suggestions

Great Falls Flickr meetup/camera club get together

2009-06-26T16:04:00.001-07:00

So I'm thinking we can get a good group of GF Flickrites/photogs/cameranuts to get together one evening, walk around downtown, shoot a few frames & grab a drink (not necessarily adult beverages) with conversation after.

Pick a day:
July 11 5-7PM
July 17 6-8PM
July 21 6-8PM

Anyone?

Baby Great Horned Owls

2009-06-11T16:18:00.001-07:00

June 2009 043
Originally uploaded by ZhenPanda

My second time to find babies at Giant Springs State Park.

I do believe in miracles

2009-06-05T11:00:00.000-07:00

Thursday night one happened!

I was doing a random search for Mystery Daughter on facebook & actually found her...

She was searching for me too!

Twitter

2009-04-29T12:11:00.000-07:00

More addictive than Facebook and probably meth! (I know nothing of the latter so this would be exaggerated a bit)

Follow my tweets with the top button ----->>>

Update

2009-04-23T22:34:00.000-07:00

I feel a bit better. I visited my regular (although new) Dr. and he gave me meds to help with nausea. I have no clue about the allergy stuff since the old Dr. left without saying anything & new Dr. is not an allergy guy.

Been busy at work- cases are closing and new applications are pouring in.

Karma is fitting into the family well.
The Grandcub is growing like a weed...
So I guess things are normal... whatever that means

I hate being sick

2009-04-06T13:57:00.000-07:00

On Friday I was getting ready for work, rushing around then I quick jumped into the shower. As I was getting out the Hubby was getting in & I mentioned I was feeling dizzy. He told me to just stand there & hang onto him. I remember putting my arms on his shoulders the next thing I knew I was laying on my back in the tub. Whoa. He was very concerned and I was kinda freaked because he had surgery just over a month ago. I was more concerned that I had hurt him than I was that I had fainted.

I got out of the tub and laid down on the bed. I didn't go to the doctor. (I know, I know)

I have felt faint ever since so I went to the doctor today. I prefer to see my PCM at the base clinic but he was not available so I went to the GF Clinic. NEVER AGAIN. The PA I saw was an ASS, rude & basically dismissed me with "It's a virus, you should drink lots of water." Wow. I hope they aren't billing TriCare for much.

So here I sit at work feeling very weak and hungry. I ate lunch but it wasn't very good. Nothing tastes good when I am sick. I hate the idea of eating even.

On the plus side I lost 5 pounds according to the clinic scale!

Funny thing...

2009-03-26T12:45:00.000-07:00

Over the past two months I have adopted a dog, purchased a new car & witnessed my grandson's birth...

I am still taking less pictures than I have over the last 2 years!

(OK- I think my camera is dying or in need of maintenance)

My Nitro!

2009-03-23T01:05:00.001-07:00

better view
Originally uploaded by ZhenPanda

OK- I found out this week that I have better credit then my hubby! So I got to pick the new car! My van has been on her last legs for a while. We plan to put the last bit needed into her & give the van to Step so Grandcub has a safer ride to Dr. appointments.

I feel in love with this when I drove it! Feels like a Jeep with more leg room!

I'm happy

I'm thinking

2009-03-16T14:05:00.001-07:00

Who uses twitter?

I may jump in since it appears easier to blog there then here.

What ya' think?

Flickr Game

2009-03-10T14:08:00.000-07:00

the rules:

a. Type your answer to each of the questions below into Flickr Search.

b. Using only the first page, pick an image.

c. Copy and paste each of the URLs for the images into fd's mosaic maker).

the questions:

1. What is your first name?

2. What is your favorite food?

3. What high school did you go to?

4. What is your favorite color?

5. Who is your celebrity crush?

6. Favorite drink?

7. Dream vacation?

8. Favorite dessert?

9. What you want to be when you grow up?

10. What do you love most in life?

11. One Word to describe you.

12. Your flickr name.

(I forgot to copy the URLs for here...oops)

Vote!

2009-03-05T08:50:00.000-08:00

My sister sent this email today:

Most of you know that I work with pregnant and parenting teens from the lowest economic levels who have been traditionally unsuccessful at school. Last year they lobbied successfully to get a prom at our school. Through much hard work they raised enough to have it at a local hall with security at the doors and good music etc. This year they are doing it again and this program came up which can be a great help to us to make the night even more special for them.

We also get help from the local group Operation Glass Slipper which connects donated gowns, shoes and accessories with girls who cant afford to buy them. (most of the gowns are new and donated by the stores and others)

Here is how you can help:

Give 30 seconds of your time to vote every day until March 13th.
Go to: http://www.stumpsprom.com for the Prom Across America contest (link is located on the left column of the main page)

Find MN- Broadway Technical High School Minneapolis

Click and Vote!

** only (1) vote per IP address and computer network is allowed each day.

We appreciate all your votes and support to Broadway High School!!

(Broadway High School's Student Council has committed to donate 30% of prom funds raised to a local charity: Catholic Charities)

Thanks so much on behalf of my girls: (all 187 of them as of today)

I know it's not local but I hear the stories everyday about these girls. Help them out!

Karma

2009-02-27T22:40:00.001-08:00

Karma
Originally uploaded by ZhenPanda

Isn't she cute?!

The kids named her... I agreed it was a fitting name.

Updates!

2009-02-27T22:25:00.000-08:00

The hubby had his disk replacement surgery on the 26th. He is doing great. He was up & walking within 4 hours of coming out of the OR! He is off the IV, IV meds, cath & oxygen! I'm guessing he will be home by Monday & have the next 20 days off. *fingers crossed*
Baby Adrean is doing well. The hospital & Social Security misspelled his name so he will be refered to as Adrian in the future. (easier than fighting with the agencies)
We got a DOG! I wanted the Saint Bernard at the pound but the hubby talked me into the sweet little Beagle/Australian Shepard mix. She is the cutest thing.
Did I mention I am a facebook.com addict?totally addicted!

Sick

2009-02-20T16:06:00.000-08:00

I have come to understand that many of the people I "help" through my job are not rational and not always sane but I think that sometimes I get too emotionally attached to the case anyway. Take the case of Alicia.

I know the father because he dated my daughter. The biological mother of the injured baby also came to my clinic for help. I met the baby and she was a sweetie. These two young adults both loved the baby.
I am just sickened by Alicia's actions.

I actually went to visit my daughter to check on my grandson after work yesterday.

I'm physically & emotionally exhausted after dealing with this.

Family

2009-02-18T16:57:00.001-08:00

DSC_0201
Originally uploaded by ZhenPanda

Step with sisterK & Son#2... oh yah, Baby Adrean too!

Fluffy

2009-02-13T18:32:00.001-08:00

Fluffy
Originally uploaded by ZhenPanda

This unexpected pet turned out to be a blessing for me over the last two years. This morning she died in The Hubby's arms.

It was a very tough day.

Question

2009-02-09T14:30:00.000-08:00

Who paid for Nayda Suleman to get IVF 5 times?

Seriously.

Adrean Michael

2009-02-07T23:51:00.000-08:00

7lbs 4oz 20in

Healthy!

Exhausted Mama

2009-02-07T15:39:00.001-08:00

Exhausted Mama
Originally uploaded by ZhenPanda

24 hours of labor & 2 hours of pushing. Our little "girl" turned out to be a boy!

Somedays

2009-01-25T22:42:00.001-08:00

I miss the ears that really listened to me & the eyes which really saw what I was feeling, thinking and doing...

Valentine geese

2009-01-23T19:28:00.001-08:00

Valentine geese
Originally uploaded by ZhenPanda

The owners dress these two different throughout the year. Sadly someone stole the cute penguin outfits they had on in December.

Contemplation

2009-01-23T19:17:00.000-08:00

Many things are on my plate this week:

My job - I am concerned as to whether or not I will or want to continue on with this job. I will stick it out to the bitter end.
Surgery & baby - The hubby's surgery finally got a date, February 26. Which is good since it is after the baby's due date of February 11. He will be hospitalized for 5 days and then convalescent leave for up to 90 days after.
The ex will be here February 4 to "help" with the baby. No stress there *insert sarcasm*
Family pet - we are considering getting a dog... seriously. After many months of looking at different breeds the Newfoundland is my personal choice. But you can't find a breeder, rescue or one in a pound within 500 miles of GF. *ugh*

I have been very stressed and angry over the first 3 but tonight I had to make the decision to either cry it out or chose a different approach. I went with the latter. We will see how that works for the anger/stress/frustration.

Any suggestions for doggie names?? :-D

There is only one word to say...

2009-01-14T18:21:00.000-08:00

RIP

I love Suze

2009-01-14T13:45:00.000-08:00

Ok maybe love is too strong but I really respect her.

Suze Orman is obnoxious on her TV & Radio shows but the message she is putting out there is right on!

Go get her latest book! FREE!!!!

The winds of change

2009-01-14T13:22:00.000-08:00

They are a-blowin'!
With the closing of many local businesses and the one chain here in Great Falls, I have to say the recession is hitting us.
The loss of small business is our own fault though, we bought into the greed. Do you shop at Wal*Mart?Target? Eat at Burger King? McDonald's? Yah- that helped. I know that I contributed too. I also know I never ate at the Big Sky Bagel Bakery and very rarely at either Burger Master, Zandy's or Park-n-Ponder. When my son worked at Zandy's- we ate there but not before nor since. That was my choice. My family loves to eat Best Wok, Maple Gardens, and Howard's Pizza. We also eat BK, Subway and Noodles Express. There are many local choices mixed with those chains.

When Barnes & Noble first arrived in GF there was an awesome local bookstore I loved. I spent a ton there. Not six months after B&N opened they closed- cheap books beat them. Box stores have a solid business model that draws in customers and pushes mom & pop stores out. But the consumer drives businesses. Business is in business to make money. Greed leads companies (& people) to make & sell more products because that is what produces more profit. If you want to see greed in action just turn on the TV! Every commercial sells you a product. When the Red Lobster commercial comes on I think about how great it would be to have one here BUT I also know that it would not be a place I could afford to eat at every day. The once a year trip to Billings makes it "special" to eat at RL.

You want local businesses to stick around? Spend your money at the local stores! The whole "sustainable" movement is not just about the environmental impact of big business! Buying local products keeps your neighbor as your neighbor- builds your community and if when the economy seriously tanks - your know where you can still buy your groceries!

Where are you going to get your food if you can't buy it at Wal*Mart? Where are you going to buy your clothes if the chain stores are closed? Will you be eating out if Burger King is gone?

Things are different in Winnett

2009-01-12T20:18:00.001-08:00

55 - Petrolium County
Originally uploaded by ZhenPanda

*OMG*

With a population of just under 500 people in the county I figured I'd never see this one in GF!

I am now at 43/56 counties!

It will be work to get the last 13.

Holy S*it!

2009-01-12T00:23:00.001-08:00

It's snowing

**again**

Interesting

2009-01-10T22:54:00.000-08:00

So I frequently view sites that people click in from..... I found this one interesting- it randomly clicks through blogs. You can stop it or skip faster.

Totally cool!

2009-01-10T22:50:00.000-08:00

I took the 43 Things Personality Quiz and found out I'm a

Self-Improving Organized Money Manager

The best line of this quiz was in the results:
"0% of the 55761 people who have taken this quiz are like you"

Does that mean I am totally unique or what!??!

Is there something special going on this weekend?

2009-01-09T15:24:00.000-08:00

DUH!!! The RODEO IS HERE!!!!

(I really was stumped as to why I saw so many different out-of-county plates today in the mall!)

1. 1 - Silverbow County,
2. 8 - Fergus County,
3. 12 - Hill County,
4. 14 - Custer County, (rare)
5. 15 - Lake County, (somewhat rare)
6. 26 - Pondera County,
7. 46 - Granite County,
8. 48 - Liberty County,
9. 7 - Flathead County, (somewhat rare)
10. 5 - Lewis and Clark County,
11. 31 - Teton County,
12. 27- Richland County, (rare)
13. 3 - Yellowstone County

WOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOO!!!

2009-01-02T14:47:00.000-08:00

ZooMontana just announced that they have acquired a female red panda! This means they have a breeding pair!!

YAAAAHHH!!

As so as the Hubby recovers from surgery we are off to meet Zoe!!

(do I sound excited?)

The end of the 'Burg

2008-12-31T14:14:00.001-08:00

byebyeburgermaster3
Originally uploaded by ZhenPanda

Not that I ever eat there or even drove on the ramp... it's still part of the good ole days disappearing...

Welcome SONIC!

Snow guage

2008-12-26T16:39:00.001-08:00

Snow guage
Originally uploaded by ZhenPanda

taken at 7:20AM December 26, 2008.

Thanks Dave!

Elvis lives!

2008-12-26T08:47:00.001-08:00

Elvis lives!
Originally uploaded by ZhenPanda

Christmas is family

2008-12-26T00:59:00.001-08:00

Turtle surprise!
Originally uploaded by ZhenPanda

Although we did not give or receive many gifts at my house I feel my family is truly blessed. My niece, Turtle, is so much fun to photograph. She is so expressive and open.

My she never loose the wonder...

Merry Christmas

2008-12-24T17:07:00.001-08:00

Ornaments on the tree
Originally uploaded by ZhenPanda

Happy Holidays!

From the ZenPanda House to your!

sigh

2008-12-23T22:44:00.000-08:00

How did I manage to delete every picture off of my cellphone?

I'm going to cry in the corner for a bit...

Winter morning at the Black Eagle Dam Powerhouse

2008-12-22T21:20:00.001-08:00

Winter morning at the Black Eagle Dam Powerhouse
Originally uploaded by ZhenPanda

I was up & out very early today and snapped this when I noticed how beautiful the powerhouse looked lit-up with the snow.

Practice beard

2008-12-22T21:17:00.001-08:00

Practice beard
Originally uploaded by ZhenPanda

Someday he can play Santa but for now it was just 6 days of leave & no shaving!

He got a nice break from work last week and is now back in the grind. This week and next are only 3 days of work each so he should be good to go by January 5!

I, of course, still have no ink for my printer (going on 14 days now), the internet is so slow at work I can hardly use it and the phone is intermittent. I will be doing paperwork from home this week. No returning calls once I leave the office & no in-person assistance.

Everytime I get gas

2008-12-20T12:03:00.000-08:00

the next day prices drop more!

I am not complaining.

I would just like it to be the same price for a week after I buy it.

I paid $1.49 a week ago Friday & Saturday it was $1.43! Of course the fact that I filled up my van (from next to fumes) for $20 was EXCELLENT!

My Christmas shopping is closed to finished and I am under budget!

It is a great week in my house!

Hiding behind my tail

2008-12-17T19:39:00.001-08:00

IMG_0285-Hiding behind my tail
Originally uploaded by moosewhisper

If I can't see you - you can't see me!!

Somedays I get the feeling

2008-12-16T14:05:00.001-08:00

IMG_7344
Originally uploaded by Capital Photography

that I am just barely hanging on.

Today is one of those days.

***scream***

Now I feel better.

Nutcracker of the day

2008-12-14T18:36:00.001-08:00

Today's nutcracker of the day
Originally uploaded by ZhenPanda

My kids gave me the idea to put up one nutcracker a day from December 1 until Christmas... sadly I have enough to do just that!

I'm really trying to feel it!

I'm baking cookies as I type... yah me!

Frozen

2008-12-13T17:19:00.001-08:00

Frozen
Originally uploaded by ZhenPanda

So Winter 2008 has started... a bit late but better late than never!

Son#1 got out to shovel our walk & noticed no one on the block had done any shoveling so he did our side of the street. He returned with icicles on his lashes.

Now for some hot cocoa!

It's up!

2008-12-13T17:12:00.001-08:00

It's up!
Originally uploaded by ZhenPanda

The tree is up. We purchased a pre-lit 4.5 ft tree and sofa table to put up in the front window without having to rearrange the livingroom (just moved the couch out enough for the table.)

It is only partially decorated but it up!

Now I get to bake all weekend!

A 5 1/4 inch FLOPPY!!

2008-12-12T16:56:00.001-08:00

A 5 1/4 inch FLOPPY!!
Originally uploaded by ZhenPanda

Friday is shred day at the office. Since we moved in March I have shredded over 10 file boxes worth of files. We are trying to keep our records streamlined so I shred ALOT.

I was surprised to find this today in a file.

WOW.

Does anyone still have a drive for one of these? I bet the documents on this will not be readable by any computer either!

Family gift exchange

2008-12-08T23:46:00.000-08:00

Back in the day we used to cram 30 people & 3 or 4 pets into my Grandmother's house (about 900 square feet on the main floor) and have a mountain of gifts to unwrap, ooh & aah over...

As time passes there are fewer of us to gather and my Aunt who lives with Grandmother is not too appreciative of the mountain of gifts, thus we now have the "gift exchange." I assumed that all the names of everyone over the age of 18 were actually put in a hat & drawn- WRONG! Apparently they divide the names by generation and then my Mother & Aunt V just pick who should give to whom! Of course every year without fail the Hubby gets Cousin L and I get Sister#3...surprise this year I got Cousin L & the Hubby got Sister#3!!! I REALLY hope that Cousin D DOES NOT get me! She buys the worst gifts -even with the suggestions! Son#1 and Step will exchange with Big J while Son#2 & Turtle will get as many gifts as people want to buy them (since they are still under the magic age of 18!!)

To help the family with the exchange this year I requested 3 gift ideas from the Hubby, Son#1, Step & Son#2. The cheapest gift will be suggested to the person giving in the exchange, the most expensive (within reason) will be from "Santa" or Mom&Dad and the middle one for my Mother (since we have to have gifts at her house as well)

Don't get my rambling wrong- I enjoy exchanging gifts and having fun with the family but I really don't relish having to shop for all of it. Christmas shopping is NOT retail therapy!

The truly funny thing is I can find things for the kids & even Cousin L online no problem but shopping for the Hubby is the worst! I have no idea what bi-pod he wants/needs for his spiffy new gun! How do you pick a rifle sling?? Maybe I'll just give him a gift card to Scheels!

Of course I don't want much:

Big Buddha Melrose bag in Yellow

OR
A Nikon D60!!!
(I'm not really betting on either!)

I'll be lost in the mall about 4PM today... wish me luck!

Cranky

2008-12-08T21:03:00.001-08:00

Cranky
Originally uploaded by ZhenPanda

Can't say I blame him...

He is getting a colonoscopy in the morning!

*BTW* Found my phone case with cc & ID intact!!!!

Just checking...

2008-12-06T17:36:00.001-08:00

Just checking...
Originally uploaded by ZhenPanda

I had to make sure my head was still attached.

Yesterday I managed to loose a $100 bill. I hope who ever found it has a nice Christmas.

Today my van broke down & after I removed all the vital stuff I discovered I lost my cellphone case which has my military ID & debit card in it.

SO now I am without a way to buy food for 4 days. yah.

Go me!

Trying to get the spirit

2008-12-05T22:14:00.001-08:00

Nutcracker7
Originally uploaded by ZhenPanda

Just not getting much yet....

I did break out my nutcracker collection and start to get it set up!

Maybe we'll get the tree up by Christmas!!!

Somedays...

2008-12-04T20:44:00.000-08:00

I miss my Friend
~Darryl Worley

I miss the look of surrender in your eyes
The way your soft brown hair would fall
I miss the power of your kiss when we made love
Oh, but baby, most of all
I miss my friend

The one my heart and soul confided in
The one I felt the safest with
The one who knew just what to say
To make me laugh again
And let the light back in
I miss my friend

I miss the colors that you brought into my life
Your golden smile, those blue-green eyes
And I miss your gentle voice
In lonely times like now
Sayin' it'll be alright
I miss my friend

I miss those times
I miss those nights
I even miss our silly fights
The makin' up
The mornin' talks
And those late afternoon walks
I miss my friend.
-----------------------------------------------------------

I truly miss my friend.

A brief synopsis of the holiday break

2008-12-02T10:12:00.001-08:00

Versitile
Originally uploaded by ZhenPanda

OK- Turkey Day was a bust. The family gathering was lame, we said no prayer and it really was just uncomfortable. The Hubby & I agree that next year we will do or go anywhere else.

The USAF did not take a break so the Hubby worked Thursday, Friday & part of Saturday. He hunted on Saturday & Sunday with no luck.

Saturday my Aunt took me on a long drive looking for turkey to photograph with her spiffy new camera. In the van we carried 6 cameras, two humans and one dog. We saw one group of turkey so far from the road that even her 80-300mm didn't help. The only saving grace was taking the wrong turn and ending up in the middle of a cattle drive. About 500 photos later we headed home.

I caught a cold or maybe a sinus infection.

I didn't think about work one day over the break! Now, I'm behind on the website. I hope I will have it up soon! Stay tuned.

The Owl is still alive & doing very well! I hope to have more photos of him soon.

Geese in the fence

2008-11-28T19:14:00.001-08:00

Geese in the fence
Originally uploaded by ZhenPanda

It looks so real! I stopped & drove around the block to make sure it was a decoy

Giving Thanks

2008-11-26T09:18:00.000-08:00

This is the time of year when I really miss the good ole days.

Growing up in a very large family we had traditions. Thanksgiving was spent with my father's side of the family. That meant the traditional turkey and ham at Aunt Betty's house where the cousins from Helena would show up around 1 in the afternoon. We would split the living room in half- one side for the Cowboys and the other for Green bay! (Being a Bears fan meant you just played both sides until you ended up on the winning side!) It was a great day to watch all the guys argue each and every call and then the winner would be dogging the losers throughout dinner.

Dinner was the buffet style with all the younger kids (me included) stuck sitting at the card table or on the floor with the plate in our lap. Uncle Fr. Tony would lead the prayer, usually the angelis (sp?) which was a bout 10 minutes of grace with a few hail mary added on. Looooonnnngggggg. I remember just closing my eyes and reciting it in cadence with the family just hoping someone would start talking faster. Once the food started to hit our mouths conversations would slow but my family never stops talking. I think the only time it would be truly quiet it when the pies were being cut. My Aunt Betty didn't just make a small pumpkin pie or even 3 she made them on a cookie sheet and we all got squares! It was a treat to get the one with more than bottom crust. Cool whip never lasted past the older cousins so I had to squeeze into the line to get some.

After the food if there was another game on then it was back to the shouting matches while Uncles Bill and Fr. Tony would fall asleep in the recliners. There would be hide-n-seek in the dark and someone would end up crying over a skinned knee but it was fun and we were a family. That was all that mattered.

This year again I will be with that side of the family but with out any of the Uncles or Aunts. My Cousin Mary will cook the bird at her house and I will bring the veggy tray. No football games because they have no TV in the living room and the kids will take over the basement with pool and Xbox. No cousins from Helena. No card table. No hide-n-seek. Just family- a very small one at that. I'm sure someone will lead us in the angelis, painful as it may be.

This year has disappeared so quickly and I have hardly had time to breathe. It will be Christmas before too long and then on into 2009. Time never stops.

I am very thankful for my family.

Not my mess

2008-11-22T23:42:00.001-08:00

Not my mess
Originally uploaded by ZhenPanda

I almost wish it were but the cost of this pile of boxes is equal to 2.5 house payments!

I want a new camera but this is way more than I will ever need.

Ethics and me

2008-11-19T20:43:00.000-08:00

In my "new" job I have discovered that I was not well versed in the ethics of a Law Firm and it's employees. I hate to say my mom is right but tonight she pointed something out that is 100% correct. I need to reevaluate my commitment to this job.

I have allowed my job to not only come home with me but to come between The Hubby and Me.

The good thing about the internet is I can quickly find several views which tell me my mother was right! LOL.

I bookmarked this one which I will have at work as well.

I am a bad influence

2008-11-17T14:03:00.000-08:00

The hubby finally had a ~~day~~ weekend off with no phone calls and no heading into the office at 0-dark-30 for some ~~pinhead~~ ~~screw-up~~ airman.

We had a nice Sunday brunch and then stopped by the mall to *look* at a hunting rifle. He looked a lot & I checked out all the cool mounted animals before he found the one! So he now is the proud owner of a .270 whatever/thingy gun.

Maybe I should say "only if I get my new camera"?? LOL

He can have his toys... he works very hard for them.

I'll be cooking up a lot of deer this weekend while he is out killing the next one!

I love this one

2008-11-12T12:35:00.000-08:00

$343 Million!?!!??

2008-11-11T18:12:00.000-08:00

*OMG*

That is a lot.

this guy articulated it best:

“What this is about is an orgy of spending. An orgy of borrowing,” said Jim Goetz, an attorney who represented cycling star Greg LeMond and others in a lawsuit against the club that was recently settled for $39.5 million."

Reflection

2008-11-11T08:34:00.000-08:00

Today is Veteran's Day. Thank you to everyone who has served and is serving in the military.

Today is also my SIL Birthday! Happy BDay Sis Stephanie!

I need to take a break today and wish a belated birthday to Mystery Daughter, who turned 24 on Sunday.

No update on the owl yet. I'll be checking in with her today.

Owl Rescue

2008-11-09T22:11:00.001-08:00

Owl Rescue
Originally uploaded by ZhenPanda

Sunday I set out with my Aunt & Cousin to Freeze out Lake to see the snow geese. We were traveling on I-15 north when I noticed an owl sitting on the shoulder of the road. He did not move when cars passed and I feared he was dead. I knew he had to be injured to be there.

My Aunt knew a wildlife rescue lady here in town so we called her and she picked him up shortly after.

We went about our trip stopping in Fairfield to visit the elk and camels; then we hung around the lake seeing very few geese. Our stomachs lead us to Choteau to the Log Cabin cafe and some yummy buffalo burgers served with "buffalo chips" (thick-cut potatoes fried up) then we headed home.
We drove to see how the owl was fairing.
He suffered a broken bone in his right wing, his right eye is gone and he appears to have a skull fracture. The prognosis is guarded at best.
I'll keep you posted.

See more photos on my flickr photostream

Get out & Vote!!

2008-11-08T20:22:00.000-08:00

Cast your vote online now

Voting begins Monday, November 3 and ends at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, December 3. The winning name will be unveiled during the cub’s 100 Day Naming Celebration on December 8.

name	pronunciations	meaning	source of names

Xiao Laoxiong	(shao-laoshong)	“little buddy”	Giant panda keepers
Xiao Nan	(shao-nahn)	“little man”	Zoo Atlanta Staff and Volunteers
Hua Sheng	(hwa-shung)	“peanut”	Zoo Atlanta Members
Xi Lan	(shee-lahn)	“Atlanta’s joy”	Zoo Atlanta Board of Directors
Wei Sheng	(way-shung)	“greatness is born”	Zoo Atlanta MySpace Community
Shu Shu	(shoo-shoo)	“kind and gentle”	B98.5 FM
Wei Li	(way-lee)	“large and strong”	92.9 Dave FM
Ling Li	(ling-lee)	“alert and quick”	VIVA 105.7FM
Shen Shi Lan	(shen-shuh-lahn)	“Atlanta’s gentleman”	Star 94 FM
Li Lan	(lee-lahn)	“Atlanta’s strength”	V103 FM
Fu Mei	(foo-may)	“handsome and happy boy”	Chengdu, China
Mei Chuan	(may-shwan)	“handsome Sichuan boy”	Che

A random reoccuring thought

2008-11-04T21:53:00.000-08:00

I want to live in Denmark.

Seriously!

I looked on their website & I could teach there!!!

That would be cooler than winning the lottery & marrying Kenny Chesney!!

*OMG*

I'm ordering the Rosetta Stone set today!

Lobby Cafe

2008-11-04T21:35:00.000-08:00

I have decided that since I work downtown I should eat at all the different places instead of just grabbing the same old fair.

Today I convinced one of the paralegals from upstairs to go with me to the Lobby Cafe.

It was really empty at noon, a surprise to me since it's downtown! We sat down & a very nice man took our order- I had the beacon cheeseburger, she the porkchop sandwich. Both get a thumbs up. Fries were awesome. Beacon was fresh-cooked, perfectly & just yummy. The price was not bad either- $8.95 for meal with a drink. My lunch companion was very happy with the taste of her sandwich, too.

I didn't see one ghost, bummer.

Yes, I did!

2008-11-04T18:37:00.001-08:00

Yes, I did!
Originally uploaded by ZhenPanda

Not the best quality shot but I was all excited! LOL

Tell the city what you want

2008-11-02T13:26:00.001-08:00

Great Falls Park & Rec wants your input!

Have your voice heard!

Handy information

2008-10-31T01:29:00.001-07:00

Handy information
Originally uploaded by ZhenPanda

How did this help anyone?

2008-10-30T18:44:00.000-07:00

This affects my life. My husband works on the missiles here in Montana. This incident ruined my anniversary and July 4th celebrations because every site here had to be inspected.
The moral at Malmstrom in the missile section is already at an all-time low... this will just make it worse.

I hardly see my husband as it is.

*sigh*

REWARD OFFERED

2008-10-29T09:45:00.000-07:00

In the case of intentional poisoning of a Border Patrol Agent in Cut Bank, MT