tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17657115541189364682012-01-06T22:41:22.116-06:00The Principality Of Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378975197191803886noreply@blogger.comBlogger8681100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765711554118936468.post-20356037060153339752011-02-25T13:20:00.010-06:002011-07-07T00:12:49.879-05:00

It's time for me to fly kids... I am discontinuing this blog. You can find my new blog here: http://theprincipalityofpattypartdeux.blogspot.com/

The Principality Of Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378975197191803886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765711554118936468.post-48229825744722286822011-02-23T21:01:00.003-06:002011-02-23T21:07:54.341-06:00

Thinking back on my trip to Australia, New Zealand and Fiji in February 2006, this was the first thing that came to mind - all the luggage our group had.And no, despite what anyone who has traveled with me will tell you, it WASN'T all mine. I had one suitcase when I left Los Angeles, California and we arrived in Cairnes, Australia.When I left Fiji, which was the last leg of the month-long trip,

The Principality Of Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378975197191803886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765711554118936468.post-62937918691393425702011-02-22T20:28:00.003-06:002011-02-22T20:38:28.414-06:00

When I saw the pictures coming out of Christchurch today I cried. Christchurch, New Zealand was one of THE MOST beautiful cities I've ever had the privilege to visit. I've been in many of those collapsed buildings. The devastation shown in the photos and the mounting death toll makes me incredibly sad.My heart goes out to everyone there. I truly love New Zealand and it's people. The people I met

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I came home from work tonight to find Ashlee and Nick in the kitchen making dinner.“Hi baby!” I smiled and kissed him. “What smells so good?”He told me. It was a Mexican dish I can’t pronounce let alone spell. It smelled fabulous!“How was your day?” he asked with a big smile.I looked up at him for a moment. I realized my once wild and scruffy workaholic lion is now relaxed, clean-shaven and

The Principality Of Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378975197191803886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765711554118936468.post-14438303728887392662011-02-20T08:56:00.000-06:002011-02-20T08:59:37.808-06:00

Saturday morning, Nick was acting all smirky and weird when we got up.“Viv, I need you to take ten days off work at Thanksgiving,” he pulled me into his arms and smiled when he came upstairs.“Why?” I asked.“Well now,” he smiled, reached in his back pocket and produced three airline tickets, “we’re gonna go on our first vacation as a family.”I looked at the destination on the tickets.“OH MY GOD!”

The Principality Of Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378975197191803886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765711554118936468.post-3140956053956203892011-02-19T08:01:00.001-06:002011-02-19T08:01:00.476-06:00

“Friends can help each other. A true friend is someone who lets you have total freedom to be yourself - and especially to feel. Or, not feel. Whatever you happen to be feeling at the moment is fine with them. That's what real love amounts to - letting a person be what he really is.”~Jim Morrison(Photo: Jim Morrison and Pamela Courson)

The Principality Of Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378975197191803886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765711554118936468.post-84259129576691642522011-02-18T07:18:00.000-06:002011-02-18T07:20:43.033-06:00

Ok…I’d be lying if I didn’t say that Fox finally finding someone else wasn’t like having four thousand pounds lifted off my back. His sudden announcement gave a whole new meaning to the phrase “free at last” for me.I know Angela will be good to him and take care of him the way he wants to be and needs to be taken care of. She will be the picture perfect, beautiful housewife he always wanted. She

The Principality Of Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378975197191803886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765711554118936468.post-15262114634499879822011-02-17T20:12:00.003-06:002011-02-17T20:16:38.571-06:00

“I know what you’re thinking!” I smiled at Nick when I walked through the front door as I got home from work Wednesday night. “You’re thinking, ‘God damn this woman is gorgeous! I should take her out to dinner’!”“Yeah-sure, baby. Now that’s exactly what I was thinkin’!” he chuckled and set his book aside.Ashlee had gone to dinner with Fox and Angela so she could get to know Angela better. That

The Principality Of Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378975197191803886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765711554118936468.post-29867907122107074852011-02-16T21:47:00.004-06:002011-02-17T07:14:06.187-06:00

I held back posting this until Fox told all the people he needed to.After months of trying to get Fox and Angela together, I finally accomplished my goal. Apparently, Fox and Angela had a very good weekend together.So much so, Fox took a ring she always wears while she was asleep Valentine’s morning, went to an exclusive jewelry store here in town and bought her an engagement ring. He bought her

The Principality Of Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378975197191803886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765711554118936468.post-62410786161640704552011-02-15T20:26:00.004-06:002011-02-15T20:38:04.072-06:00

One pill makes you largerAnd one pill makes you smallAnd the ones that mother gives youDon't do anything at allGo ask AliceWhen she's ten feet tallAnd if you go chasing rabbitsAnd you know you're going to fallTell 'em a hookah smoking caterpillarHas given you the callCall AliceWhen she was just smallWhen men on the chessboardGet up and tell you where to goAnd you've just had some kind of

The Principality Of Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378975197191803886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765711554118936468.post-80451808922530050272011-02-14T14:31:00.004-06:002011-02-14T14:45:47.654-06:00

Early Sunday evening Nick told me he had a couple of errands to run. I thought it was strange he didn’t ask me to go with him but he reminded me Spider Q would be with him and said, with a kiss, he’d be back.An hour and a half later, Spider Q walked through the door with a light blue handled sack in his hand minus Nick.“Where’s Nick?” I asked Q.Spider Q handed the sack to me. “Ma’am, he asked I

The Principality Of Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378975197191803886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765711554118936468.post-2390308357468063182011-02-12T13:39:00.002-06:002011-02-12T13:41:38.836-06:00

“Grandmamma! Grandpa Joe!” Ashlee shouted when we arrived at the airport late last night. She was so thrilled to see them. She was bouncing on the plane the whole way here.Nick and I are spending the day at the hospital getting his medical re-evaluation while Ashlee gets to spend the day with the grandparents she adores. We saw no need for her to sit with us waiting for test after test all

The Principality Of Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378975197191803886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765711554118936468.post-77929576927827347032011-02-11T12:05:00.005-06:002011-02-11T14:10:33.756-06:00

When I set my mind on something I will pretty much do whatever it takes to achieve it. So this week, when an opportunity presented itself, I took advantage of it.It's unfortunate Margie's dad died this week. He was 89, suffering from Cancer and had a really good life. He died a few months after being diagnosed so he didn't get to the stage where one truly suffers which is a blessing. When Margie

The Principality Of Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378975197191803886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765711554118936468.post-40293993568098881242011-02-09T22:54:00.000-06:002011-02-09T22:59:45.921-06:00

On my way home from work tonight, my cell phone rang.“Mom?” Ashlee’s voice sounded strange.“What’s wrong honey?”“Don’t go home. Daddy’s having a bad day,” she said.I pulled over to the side of the road so I could talk to her.“What’s he doing, Ashlee?” I asked.“He locked himself in the bathroom, mom. He told me to go to Mrs. Mary’s.”I asked her where she was calling me from and she said Mary’s

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On Saturday night something miraculous happened…Nick had gone down to get ready for bed and do some reading while I let the dogs out for the last time of the night. Even though it was icy cold I stood out there with them to make sure they did their business before bringing them back inside.Once I got back inside, I double checked to make sure all the doors were locked and checked in with our

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At the airport late Saturday afternoon, Ashlee spotted him before I did. His flight had been delayed by an hour.“Daddy!” she shouted and ran to him on the stairs. A big smile swept across Nick’s face as he hugged her.This is what my Saturday was all about: everyone coming home safely and reuniting for the first time in a week.“Hi baby!” Nick smiled, pulled me into his arms and kissed me.“Where’

The Principality Of Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378975197191803886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765711554118936468.post-86730214460553781792011-02-05T11:20:00.004-06:002011-02-05T11:24:14.266-06:00

(My brother speaks Dutch so I knew how to greet you. I hope I spelled it correctly.)Looked at my stats and realized 60 people in the Netherlands had read my blog today. WOW! Thank you!I hope to see your country someday soon. From pictures I’ve seen it looks so incredibly beautiful!And to my new readers from Japan, Haiti, New Zealand, China, Puerto Rico and Saudi Arabia, I bid you a warm

The Principality Of Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378975197191803886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765711554118936468.post-79917300309728730962011-02-04T20:40:00.000-06:002011-02-04T20:41:16.643-06:00

A friend of mine sent this to me asking if this was my theme song.By the look of the video and the song itself, I'd say he knows me pretty well! Been there - done some of those things.Enjoy, kids!(This song is a bit "adult" in nature so keep that in mind before you click on it.)

The Principality Of Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378975197191803886noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765711554118936468.post-54620531267143840232011-02-04T12:02:00.000-06:002011-02-04T12:10:47.486-06:00

Yesterday on my lunch hour, I got on the elevator in the building I work in to go home for lunch. A couple of floors down the elevator stopped and a young man I ride with almost daily got on to also go down to the main floor.“Hi!” he smiled.On the main floor the elevator doors opened. I was looking down to watch my step over the threshold and right in front of me were this pair of enormous black

The Principality Of Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378975197191803886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765711554118936468.post-67440181717054268262011-02-03T18:52:00.007-06:002011-02-03T19:10:04.310-06:00

Tucson, Arizona (CNN) -- Brisenia Flores arrived in her rural Arivaca, Arizona, home with her parents, Raul Flores and Gina Gonzales, on the evening of May 29, 2009.The family had spent the day shopping for Brisenia's new shoes about 60 miles northeast in Tucson, her mother testified this week. The 9-year-old girl had just finished the third grade and needed the shoes for summer camp that was

The Principality Of Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378975197191803886noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765711554118936468.post-34929259194211234232011-02-02T20:14:00.000-06:002011-02-02T20:15:18.052-06:00

Dear Bowflex,My name is Xena The Warrior Puppy and I am five months old. I’m currently teething. My mom says I’m twenty pounds of sheer hell and teeth on wheels. I thought these things were called paws but whatever.Today when my Mom was at work I chewed through the cord on her very expensive Treadclimber thingey she never has time to use while Mr. Chad was busy watching a movie with Ashlee. I was

The Principality Of Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378975197191803886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765711554118936468.post-1200220723112220112011-02-01T17:55:00.003-06:002011-02-01T18:02:58.753-06:00

Last night 8:38 p.m. my doorbell rang.When I answered the door I was surprised to find Chad standing there.“Hey Red!” he smiled.“Hi honey! What are you doing here?” I asked as I let him in. I was totally surprised by his just showing up like that without letting me know.“Snowstorm comin’ and all – thought you could use some company!” he grinned. I noticed he had a duffle bag in his hand.“Ok, are

The Principality Of Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378975197191803886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765711554118936468.post-52039172059159314862011-01-31T10:36:00.000-06:002011-01-31T10:36:56.292-06:00

“Mom, what’s a lover?” Ashlee asked me yesterday afternoon.I was really taken aback by her question. It took me a minute to respond.“It depends of what you mean, honey. An art lover is someone who loves art. A dog lover is someone who loves dogs,” I replied.“I don’t think that’s what he meant,” she responded.“What who meant, Ash? Honey, I don’t know what you’re talking about.”“I heard Mr. Fox

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I really don’t like goodbyes. I much prefer hellos.At 3:45 a.m. this morning, Nick woke me from my warm, dreamy sleep.“Baby, it’s time to get up. We got to be at the airport in fifteen minutes,” he whispered in my ear. I could smell he was freshly showered and had used his sandalwood soap.Slowly – very, very slowly, I started to crawl out of bed. I am SO NOT a morning person.As I got dressed,

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Late last night on my pillow did layThis handwritten poem with a pink rose for display…“Dream of me”, she said as she hung up the phone“Dream only of me my love, and me alone”And later that night, when his body hit the bed,Visions of her beauty danced through his headHis first dream of her was in Paris, along the Champs ElyessesDancing with the night, playing hide-and-seek with the dayThe beauty

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When Chad, Nick and I walked into the Pool Room to get a table to sit at last night, I heard one of the guys on our league shout, “She’s BACK!” There was some mild cheering which made me feel good.Another guy yelled, “There’s Trouble!” and smiled.“That’s trouble with a capital ‘T’ and that rhymes with ‘P’ and that stands for ‘Pool’! Who wants to give me all their money tonight?” I yelled and

The Principality Of Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378975197191803886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765711554118936468.post-67326588924976639062011-01-27T19:47:00.000-06:002011-01-27T19:48:14.998-06:00

What will these idiots come up with next?Smugglers with “medieval catapult” nabbed at U.S. borderWed Jan 26, 7:44 pm ETPHOENIX (Reuters) – In a brazen attempt reminiscent of a medieval siege, Mexican smugglers tried to use a hefty catapult to hurl drugs north over the U.S. Border, authorities said on Wednesday.The Mexican military seized 45 pounds of marijuana, a sports utility vehicle and a

The Principality Of Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378975197191803886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765711554118936468.post-14005289980562672512011-01-27T07:26:00.003-06:002011-01-27T08:47:15.158-06:00

By TERRY WALLACE, Associated Press Terry Wallace, Associated Press – Thu Jan 27, 3:14 am ETDALLAS – A U.S. missionary working in Mexico who brought his mortally wounded wife to the border told authorities in the United States that gunmen in a pickup truck shot her in the head, police in Texas say.Nancy Davis, 59, died in a South Texas hospital Wednesday about 90 minutes after her husband drove

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Since you claim you still don’t remember this day…this is what happened.July 6, 2008…“Why, Fox?! WHY?! You’ve thrown your entire life away for THIS?!” I threw another whiskey bottle at him.“Angel, they’re not mine! Sweetheart calm down! I can explain!” He smiled this smug smile at me like I’m some kind of gullible idiot. He ducked as I hurled two bottles at him this time.“You are such a LIAR!

The Principality Of Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378975197191803886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765711554118936468.post-3632416673716070252011-01-25T19:18:00.001-06:002011-01-25T19:20:47.540-06:00

Oh...my...(drools)

The Principality Of Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378975197191803886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765711554118936468.post-67560279113958078762011-01-24T20:58:00.001-06:002011-01-24T21:01:58.047-06:00

I felt really badly about what happened yesterday. The entire thing set off some emotions I wasn’t aware I had.I put Ashlee to bed at 9 p.m., Nick went to bed at 10:30 p.m. and I wrote my post. I sat at my desk afterwards for a very long time thinking about everything that happened.When I finally decided to go to bed it was close to 2 a.m. I was surprised when I opened the bedroom door to find

The Principality Of Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378975197191803886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765711554118936468.post-15657499796984428032011-01-23T23:30:00.001-06:002011-01-23T23:37:48.403-06:00

We had been invited over to Mary and Ronnie’s for Sunday Brunch: Ava and Shawn, Nick, myself and Ashlee, and Fox. We were all couples – except Fox. He was alone. Ashlee decided she would sit with him to make the boy girl scenario at the table “even”.Kate, Ava and Shawn’s baby girl, was fussy. Ava must have gotten up from the table at least five times to soothe their baby and her food was getting

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This morning when I woke up, Nick wasn’t in bed. I got up, threw my robe on and checked on Ashlee in her room. She was still asleep. I went upstairs to see if Nick was reading.“Nick?” I shouted quietly.No response.I looked around and noticed his coat and backpack were gone from the coat rack. I opened the front door just as Spider Q was attempting to.“Q, do you know where Nick is?” I asked.“He

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Last night Nick was attempting to teach me French.“I’m just gonna start by teachin’ you some of the basics, honey,” he said.About five minutes into his teaching me French, I straddled his lap on the couch and kissed him.“It’s ah…” he chuckled, “baby, it’s kinda hard to teach you…”I kissed him again.“Well…now…that’d be, ah…considered…French,” he smiled.I kissed him again.“I ah…oh now I do like

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By MIGUEL ANGEL HERNANDEZ, Associated PressThu Jan 20, 12:46 am ETVERACRUZ, Mexico – A suspected top operative of the brutal Zetas drug cartel died Wednesday during a confrontation with Mexican security forces in a city in the Gulf Coast state of Veracruz.It was one of several developments throughout Mexico linked to the grinding battle between drug traffickers and the state.Leonardo Vazquez,

The Principality Of Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378975197191803886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765711554118936468.post-64717827287191440962011-01-19T12:32:00.000-06:002011-01-19T12:35:33.351-06:00

They gave us 16 hours to prove ourselves.“All right, now there’s three things you gotta know. These folks are religious, they are superstitious and they’re real deadly. You’re gonna play up to their weaknesses. Viv will explain to ya how you’re gonna do that on the way there. Follow her instruction to the letter. Do NOT improvise,” Nick instructed.“How, exactly, are we going to pull this off?”

The Principality Of Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378975197191803886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765711554118936468.post-25577198613617513352011-01-19T00:02:00.004-06:002011-01-19T07:17:12.044-06:00

By OLGA R. RODRIGUEZ, Associated PressTue Jan 18, 2:04 pm ETMEXICO CITY – Mexico's federal police have arrested a founding member of the brutal Zetas drug cartel, a man who controlled drug smuggling routes and the kidnapping of Central American migrants in southern Mexico, officials said Tuesday.Flavio Mendez Santiago, 35, was arrested along with a bodyguard outside Oaxaca City. He was in charge

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Late Friday night, January 14th in our hotel room after the meeting…He asked why I was upset.“How come you never told me about Kim? I didn’t know anything about her until she was crawling all over Chris tonight thinking it was you! You told him all about her but never me?!” I crossed my arms over my chest.Nick looked at me and sort of laughed. “Are you kiddin’? This is what you’re upset about?”I

The Principality Of Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378975197191803886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765711554118936468.post-82236942256564377382011-01-17T15:01:00.000-06:002011-01-17T15:04:12.547-06:00

Twenty minutes into the meeting an agent knocked on the door and interrupted.“Sir, I have a man on the phone who said I needed to interrupt you. He won’t identify himself but states it’s a matter of National Security. He says it’s critical I interrupt you right now. Sir, I really think you should take this call. He asked me to put the call into your meeting. He’s on 101.”The man in the suit at

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Friday somewhere over Texas…“This is _____________asking permission to land,” Avery stated.“Negative ____________. That’s a negative. You do not have permission to land on this base.”Avery turned around and smirked at us.“I don’t really need your permission. I have already received permission from higher up. I was askin’ as a courtesy. ____________ is preparing to land,” Avery said into his

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By MARK STEVENSON, Associated Press January 12, 2011MEXICO CITY – A total of 34,612 people have died in drug-related killings in Mexico in the four years since Mexican President Felipe Calderon declared an offensive against drug cartels, officials said Wednesday.The killings reached their highest level in 2010, jumping by almost 60 percent to 15,273 deaths from 9,616 the previous year.The rate of

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In early 2006, I was in Sydney, Australia and on a month long trip to three countries (Australia, New Zealand and Fiji) with my mother.While dressed in a bright red wrap dress, four inch red leather Steve Madden platforms, sporting very short, Marilyn Monroe platinum blonde hair, bright red lipstick, my favorite black sunglasses and smoking my traditional brown More cigarette outside on the steps

The Principality Of Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378975197191803886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765711554118936468.post-16357042335270907132011-01-12T12:51:00.002-06:002011-01-12T12:57:13.438-06:00

Today I was supposed to have lunch with Chad.As I was walking to my car my cell phone rang."I can't meet you for lunch today, Red. I'm stuck in line here at the comic book store.""What?" I chuckled."The new Superman comic came out today and it's takin' longer to get through the line than I thought," he replied"Let me get this straight. You are standing me up for a fictional superhero?!""Well…now

The Principality Of Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378975197191803886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765711554118936468.post-12374987473920821112011-01-12T00:03:00.002-06:002011-01-12T06:49:10.311-06:00

Winter through the eye and camera lens.

The Principality Of Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378975197191803886noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765711554118936468.post-21076461792267595262011-01-11T00:04:00.003-06:002011-02-06T09:47:37.481-06:00

“Why?!” I asked him while sobbing Saturday morning.He said he needed to take a shower, collect his thoughts and we would talk afterwards.While he was showering, I wrote The Tell-Tale Vision and posted it.He hobbled up the basement stairs on his cane and came back into the living room in his bathrobe.“Please, Nick. Just tell me why,” I asked more calmly this time.He threw his cane aside and pulled

The Principality Of Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378975197191803886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765711554118936468.post-25016384840795221192011-01-10T00:08:00.002-06:002011-01-10T06:46:49.858-06:00

I did something ‘unusual’ on Sunday. I should say it was very ‘unusual’ for me.Sunday morning I got all dressed up to go to church with Fox and Ashlee. I even put on makeup and curled my hair. The fact I was doing so made both Nick’s and Fox’s mouths drop.For added shock value, I put a chicken in the Crock Pot with some lemon, onion, paprika, thyme and butter for dinner. Jaws dropped again. I

The Principality Of Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378975197191803886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765711554118936468.post-26385834519804965962011-01-09T00:01:00.001-06:002011-01-09T00:01:00.717-06:00

By SERGIO FLORES, Associated PressJanuary 8, 2011ACAPULCO, Mexico – The bodies of 15 men, all but one of them headless, were found on a street outside a shopping center in Acapulco on Saturday as police reported 27 people slain in the Pacific resort in less than a day.The decapitated victims, all of whom appeared to be in their 20s, were discovered in an area not frequented by

The Principality Of Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378975197191803886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765711554118936468.post-9011870295135528152011-01-08T11:47:00.000-06:002011-01-08T11:48:29.557-06:00

In visions of the dark nightI have dreamed of joy departed,But a waking dream of life and lightHath left me broken-hearted.~ Edgar Allan PoeI couldn’t tell Nick what I’d seen in my vision. I couldn’t even explain it to myself.Going on two nights with no sleep, I knew I had to talk with someone about it. But who? It’s not like you can pick up a phone book and look up a listing for “Visions Solved

The Principality Of Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378975197191803886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765711554118936468.post-7503889330617004062011-01-07T09:15:00.002-06:002011-01-07T10:26:34.726-06:00

I couldn't believe what I'd seen in my vision. What I saw made no sense and I was afraid to go to sleep last night fearing I'd have it again.I lay quietly next to Nick while he slept with his arm around me.In the dark I lightly ran my fingers around the twisted and tortured flesh on his chest. For a brief few moments I remembered when my touch would send electricity flowing through his body

The Principality Of Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378975197191803886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765711554118936468.post-85187213296302754552011-01-06T11:57:00.003-06:002011-01-06T12:05:21.915-06:00

I have what some say is “a gift”. I call it a curse. I can see and feel things other people can’t most of the time through nocturnal visions. I don’t know where it came from. I’ve had it as long as I can remember.Being intimate with a man creates problems for me. Once he’s been intimate with me I can sometimes see his future and, ultimately, his death. I don’t want to see these things but the

The Principality Of Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378975197191803886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765711554118936468.post-62477541648955655342011-01-04T12:16:00.004-06:002011-01-04T12:54:02.754-06:00

Harry Blackstone Copperfield Dresden, that is.And there’s a tape.In the wee hours of the morning I heard a voice softly saying, “Honey, wake up.”“I’m sleeping!” I replied groggily and angrily. We’ve had this discussion before, kids. I am NOT a morning person.The light overhead in the bedroom turned on.“Who’s Harry?” he asked.“Who?”“Harry. You’re talking in your sleep. Who’s Harry?” he asked again

The Principality Of Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378975197191803886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765711554118936468.post-11398097445918647742011-01-03T13:25:00.004-06:002011-01-03T13:32:07.416-06:00

I knew when Fox opened the door unexpectedly this morning that all hell was about to break loose.I was lying face down on the couch reading. Ok, I was shirtless and braless. But nonetheless, I was still face down.Fox didn’t know I had gotten a new tattoo. The expression on his face when he walked in and saw it was something I can’t even begin to describe.“What the HELL have you DONE?!” he

The Principality Of Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378975197191803886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765711554118936468.post-13542888993649013632011-01-02T14:09:00.003-06:002011-01-02T14:16:13.416-06:00

Early Saturday morning I laid down on the table of a tattoo artist who I was sure was about to give me the experience of a lifetime. He told me how long it would take (all day) and asked if I could handle it.Like an idiot trying to prove what a brave girl I am, I smiled and replied, “Of course!”I heard Nick and Chris snicker.“What are you two snickering about?” I asked.“Oh…nothin’!” Nick chuckled

The Principality Of Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378975197191803886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765711554118936468.post-55171701974013910912011-01-01T22:37:00.006-06:002011-01-01T22:44:05.970-06:00

You know somebody really loves you when they give you a hat like this.Thank you, honey! I LOVE IT! :)

The Principality Of Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378975197191803886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765711554118936468.post-31737112233637350702011-01-01T00:01:00.002-06:002011-01-01T00:01:03.159-06:00

When I started this blog I did so for some friends per their request. I thought maybe I’d have 8 to 10 people reading my blog in a couple of states in the US from time to time to keep up with what’s going on in my life.Well…Not only is my blog read nationwide - it’s read worldwide!WOW! I’m so flattered and very grateful.According to my stats my faithful readers are from:United

The Principality Of Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378975197191803886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765711554118936468.post-10752490034442157662010-12-31T00:01:00.000-06:002010-12-31T00:01:00.532-06:00

Mae West…Queen of the One-liners.This woman is someone I’ve always admired immensely. Just look at her and her fabulous curves. She was 100% woman. Mae’s lines have often passed my lips. What’s most interesting to me is that no one seems to know I stole those lines and, more times than not, men hang around for more of “my” wisdom. Heh… ;)Here are some of my favorites:I use these lines (and a

The Principality Of Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378975197191803886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765711554118936468.post-79427465317053024712010-12-30T08:58:00.002-06:002010-12-30T23:22:02.774-06:00

When I hired him, I did so because he was extremely qualified and SO very serious. I thought working for me might lighten him up a little. After all this time he has but only a little bit.This was one of the first conversations we actually had a month after I hired him.Talking with Spider Q is a real life experience sometimes…“So Q, what do you do for fun?” I smiled at him.“Fun, ma’am?” he looked

The Principality Of Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378975197191803886noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765711554118936468.post-46958789483068038232010-12-29T12:07:00.003-06:002010-12-29T12:12:02.910-06:00

I’ve been trying to come up with something perfect for the new body scanners for my upcoming trip overseas.I was going to save this for Sturgis but I think this should do the trick!Hey TSA…scan this! ;D(They are SO gonna love me!)

The Principality Of Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378975197191803886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765711554118936468.post-25869608541776341772010-12-26T14:20:00.006-06:002010-12-30T23:36:29.946-06:00

At 2:30 this morning, I felt Nick’s hand gently rubbing my arm.I lifted my head off his chest as I realized he was also awake.“You all right, baby?” he asked quietly.“Yeah. Are you?”“Can’t sleep,” he replied and turned on the reading light above the bed.“Me either,” I replied.He sat there for a minute looking at me softly stroking my hair with his fingertips.“I don’t know what I ever did to

The Principality Of Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378975197191803886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765711554118936468.post-26497726931953370472010-12-25T22:46:00.007-06:002010-12-25T23:50:08.362-06:00

Christmas Day, Fox brought a date to the family Christmas. She was tall, brunette, with big blue eyes, broomstick thin and strikingly beautiful. We all welcomed her warmly.I tried very hard and went out of my way to make her feel welcome. So did everyone else.And then…little by little, as she opened her mouth about things, we all knew how the day was going to go.First she criticized the way Mary

The Principality Of Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378975197191803886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765711554118936468.post-91354921763746876982010-12-25T00:01:00.002-06:002010-12-25T00:01:00.971-06:00

I wish you all joy, peace, love and happiness - always.

The Principality Of Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378975197191803886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765711554118936468.post-40217014139375420822010-12-24T06:30:00.001-06:002010-12-24T06:30:00.514-06:00

Last night while Nick and I were sitting on the couch having a glass of wine, Ashlee was busy under the Christmas tree looking at the presents.Nick leaned in and whispered in my ear, “That’s the third time today I’ve seen her countin’ ‘em!” and chuckled.“Why is she counting them?” I whispered back.“Well now, my guess is she wants to know how many presents Santa brings this year,” he smiled and

The Principality Of Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378975197191803886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765711554118936468.post-41039339309440386922010-12-23T18:23:00.000-06:002010-12-23T18:23:58.800-06:00

At work today I received what I call a “Psychedelic Santa”. Three inches tall, glitter galore and when you flip the little switch at the base, he changes colors!I poured myself a glass of chocolate wine, put In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida by Iron Butterfly on, turned the lights off and turned him on.WOW! Pretty!Even cooler - watching him while listening to Iron Man by Black Sabbath.Two glasses of wine down

The Principality Of Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378975197191803886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765711554118936468.post-83927717163414701932010-12-23T00:03:00.000-06:002010-12-23T00:03:00.380-06:00

Heh... ;)

The Principality Of Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378975197191803886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765711554118936468.post-29475028912281531832010-12-22T21:23:00.002-06:002010-12-22T21:26:37.891-06:00

Nick insisted he wanted to be in charge of the holiday cards this year.You know how you just have that feeling that maybe it might not be such a good idea?Well, I was completely wrong.With Chad’s help, Nick purchased some lovely Christmas cards that were blank on the inside. Nick told Chad what he wanted them to say on the inside and Chad used his big, sophisticated printer to print them all out.

The Principality Of Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378975197191803886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765711554118936468.post-89402171973484276082010-12-21T20:30:00.002-06:002010-12-21T20:33:14.658-06:00

For those of you flying within the US during the holiday season, I present this wonderful tune I found on YouTube.I’d personally like to dedicate this to the fine folks at TSA. I know. You love me. ;)Happy Holidays everyone!

The Principality Of Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378975197191803886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765711554118936468.post-73800403006081543832010-12-20T20:46:00.003-06:002010-12-20T20:52:15.284-06:00

New Task Force Established To Eliminate Rural GangsPOSTED: 8:32 am MST December 20, 2010UPDATED: 9:05 am MST December 20, 2010ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- A new joint task force plans to crack down on gang members in rural areas of New Mexico.The FBI said that some gang members have moved from the metropolitan area to more rural communities with less law enforcement so they can prey on the same victims

The Principality Of Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378975197191803886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765711554118936468.post-11283018352535741962010-12-19T00:35:00.002-06:002010-12-19T00:40:32.791-06:00

“And what would you like for Christmas?” Santa asked Ashlee.“I already got everything I wanted. My daddy came home. Thank you Santa!” she smiled and hugged him.

The Principality Of Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378975197191803886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765711554118936468.post-70571281481470156962010-12-18T14:52:00.003-06:002010-12-18T14:57:39.807-06:00

Today is my birthday. I honestly never thought I’d live this long…I had plans to be out of town this weekend but my plans abruptly changed when I received a phone call.My friend Mary was thrilled I’d be here. She suggested the men spend the afternoon with the kids and we go spend the afternoon together by having lunch and then shopping. Since Mary had Anna Marie, her second child, she hasn’t been

The Principality Of Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378975197191803886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765711554118936468.post-12022744885042721872010-12-17T12:02:00.001-06:002010-12-17T12:07:35.523-06:00

And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts,And I looked and behold, a pale horseAnd his name that sat on him was LegoAnd Hell followed with him.Ok well, this video made Nick feel better. ;)These toys are killers!

The Principality Of Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378975197191803886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765711554118936468.post-64347164125236424732010-12-17T00:08:00.002-06:002010-12-17T00:12:01.518-06:00

When drinking and telling the truth don’t always go hand in hand…Last night after Ashlee was in bed, Chad, Nick and I really tied one on. We imbibed way too much alcohol and foolishly decided to play “Truth or Dare”. It was Chad’s idea. It was his way of trying to get to know Nick better.The questions started out innocently enough but half an hour into the game things took a turn...During a lot

The Principality Of Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378975197191803886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765711554118936468.post-77146412318654936062010-12-16T00:01:00.001-06:002010-12-16T00:01:00.593-06:00

Juarez Counts 3,000th Homicide for 2010December 15, 2010By Nick Valencia(CNN) -- Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, made its own history Tuesday as its homicide rate reached 3,000 deaths for the year -- 10 times the number of killings annually that the border city counted just a few years ago.With two weeks left in the year, 2010 is now the deadliest year Juarez has ever seen, a spokesman for the Chihuahua

The Principality Of Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378975197191803886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765711554118936468.post-38742672917989606722010-12-15T00:02:00.001-06:002010-12-15T00:02:00.171-06:00

Finally! You and your man get some much-needed time alone. Your company is gone and your kid is tucked away in bed for the night.You decide to do something a little…naughty…for the man you love.You put on Joe Cocker’s sultry song You Can Leave Your Hat On and proceed to take your clothes off and do as suggested by the lyrics while wearing his favorite hat while he sits in a chair and watches you

The Principality Of Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378975197191803886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765711554118936468.post-39541034053902447942010-12-14T14:00:00.000-06:002010-12-14T14:00:00.521-06:00

For me Pirate mates! ;D

The Principality Of Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378975197191803886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765711554118936468.post-81906269993206844362010-12-14T06:05:00.005-06:002010-12-14T06:05:00.233-06:00

On Sunday morning…“Jesus it’s FREEZING here!” I exclaimed as I got in the back of the SUV with Nick on Sunday. He’d come with Spider Q to pick Chris and I up at the airport.“It is that, Viv!” he smiled.“I missed you so much!” I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him.“Ya did, huh? Well now, Mrs. H, I sure missed you too!” he kissed me. “Snuggle up here woman and I’ll warm you up.”“How was

The Principality Of Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378975197191803886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765711554118936468.post-35383100628243652532010-12-13T12:01:00.000-06:002010-12-13T12:08:34.887-06:00

Many of my single friends grunt and moan each year about receiving what we call “holiday newsletters” from family and friends during the holidays. Most feel they are very impersonal and, truthfully, no one really cares that your kid crapped something that looks like a snowman except you. (That’s what Facebook and Twitter are for.)According to some of my friends, they feel the letters are somehow

The Principality Of Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378975197191803886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765711554118936468.post-83529389133623634352010-12-12T12:10:00.008-06:002010-12-12T12:32:25.108-06:00

When you sit down to watch a porn flick it usually is not with a group. It’s usually with someone you love…or a couple of someone’s you love or...want to love in a special way.This movie Pirates was brought to a small party “because it had pirates in it”. Sure guys! We believe THAT’S WHY you really brought it. (snicker)Now my friends are all very open about their sexuality and very open minded.

The Principality Of Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378975197191803886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765711554118936468.post-55289546781242985522010-12-09T19:09:00.004-06:002010-12-09T19:18:03.513-06:00

My best friend gave me the best adviceHe said each day's a gift and not a given rightLeave no stone unturned, leave your fears behindAnd try to take the path less traveled byThat first step you take is the longest strideIf today was your last dayAnd tomorrow was too lateCould you say goodbye to yesterday?Would you live each moment like your last?Leave old pictures in the pastDonate every dime you

The Principality Of Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378975197191803886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765711554118936468.post-64809253431503179392010-12-08T00:12:00.002-06:002010-12-08T17:56:03.653-06:00

Sunday morning, I awoke curled up to Nick in bed to find him already awake.“You all right this mornin’, baby?” he whispered with a smile and gently pushed my hair behind my ears with his fingertips.I did a very cat-like stretch against him. I shook my head ‘yes’ but couldn’t conceal my beaming smile.“You sure? No flashbacks? No bad dreams?” he asked.“No. None at all!” I replied and kissed him. “

The Principality Of Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378975197191803886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765711554118936468.post-44831355000818475852010-12-06T09:22:00.001-06:002010-12-06T09:24:00.637-06:00

Bright and early Saturday morning…“This place is cool!” Chris smiled at me as stepped inside the warehouse.“This will be your train’ facility, Chris,” Nick stated and hobbled on his cane towards the arena.“The cage is where you’ll practice martial arts. The arena is where you’ll hone your shootin’ skills, your fightin’ skills and evasion tactics. That room back there is for shootin’ practice with

The Principality Of Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378975197191803886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765711554118936468.post-24947756705280315322010-12-05T11:28:00.005-06:002010-12-05T11:38:56.413-06:00

AFP Saturday, December 4, 2010 - 3:52 PMWASHINGTON (AFP) – The United States is supplying intelligence and crucial training to elite units of Mexican marines who are engaged in an operation against drug cartels, The Washington Post reported late Friday.Citing unnamed diplomats and law enforcement officials, the newspaper said the effort includes more information-sharing and training than

The Principality Of Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378975197191803886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765711554118936468.post-6557631302985118622010-12-03T00:15:00.004-06:002010-12-03T07:12:29.186-06:00

By Tim McGirk / Colorado SpringsNovember 30, 2009TIME Magazine article: How One Army Town Copes With PTSDIn retrospect, Disneyland wasn't an ideal family-vacation spot for Mark Waddell, a Navy SEAL commander whose valor in combat hid the fact that he was suffering from severe mental trauma. The noise of the careening rides, the shrieking kids — everything roused Waddell to a state of

The Principality Of Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378975197191803886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765711554118936468.post-44448230490226259842010-12-02T00:07:00.003-06:002010-12-02T07:16:15.825-06:00

“Viv, you still awake?” Nick asked quietly while I was curled up to him in bed late Tuesday night as he read.“Yeah,” I replied.He closed his book and set it to the side.“Ya know, I never gave you that honeymoon I promised you.”I looked up at him, gave him a soft kiss on the lips and replied, “That’s ok, honey.”“No, baby, it’s not.” He kissed me on top of the head and pulled me in closer to him.He

The Principality Of Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378975197191803886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765711554118936468.post-71319293828595984422010-12-01T05:15:00.002-06:002010-12-05T11:39:35.599-06:00

This was my turning point...I walked into the livestock barn.“You’ve been looking for me. Here I am!” I said as I stood a few feet in front of my ex-husband and his friends. My long black coat concealed my holsters and guns.He smiled.“Where’s your friends?” he asked.“I’m alone. This is between you and me.”He walked around me. I was absolutely stoic. I showed no fear. I looked him square in the

The Principality Of Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378975197191803886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765711554118936468.post-6509879524596404972010-11-30T11:55:00.003-06:002010-12-05T11:40:04.386-06:00

It was the secret I so closely guarded and tried to live with. It’s what changed me from the naïve, sweet and innocent girl I once was into the woman I would become.The writers of the Showtime series “Dexter” named her Lumen.Her real name was Robyn. Her story is mine. Without their knowledge of my story, they wrote it for all to see.Watching the storyline unfold right in front of my eyes this

The Principality Of Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378975197191803886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765711554118936468.post-17470053242620369312010-11-29T09:02:00.002-06:002010-11-29T09:02:00.595-06:00

Nick and Ashlee got up late Sunday morning. After the night he’d had I knew sleep would be the best thing for him.“You all right, honey?” I asked when he came upstairs.He put his arms around me and just held me for a couple of minutes.“Why didn’t you wake me when you got up?” he asked and kissed the top of my head.“I wanted to let you sleep.” I looked up at him and smiled. “Where’s Ash? She’s

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During the night last night, Nick was wildly thrashing around and yelling in Spanish in his sleep. Whatever he was dreaming about must have become a horrendous nightmare.He kept yelling, “No!” “No!” “No!” until he shouted loudly into almost a scream, “NO!”I quickly flipped the light on.He was awake now: wiping his eyes with his hands. I could see he was crying and trying to hide it from me.I put

The Principality Of Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378975197191803886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765711554118936468.post-22067657788766440392010-11-27T13:38:00.001-06:002010-11-27T13:41:21.425-06:00

One of my friends sent this to me today.After I stopped laughing, I realized I know a least two men who should have seen this before getting caught. ;)Enjoy!

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Last night, Ashlee’s friend Claire called.When she hung up the phone, Ashlee asked me if she could go spend the night at Claire’s.I told her to ask Nick.She approached him the same way she always approaches Fox when she wants something: with a sweet, syrupy little voice and that oh-so-innocent aren’t-I-the-cutest-kitten-you’ve-ever-seen look on her face.“Daddy? May I please spend the night at

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“He looks super hot with that eye patch and bandana!” Mary said quietly as she smirked at me across the dining room table while we were setting it for Thanksgiving dinner.I smiled and quietly chuckled. I looked back into the living room watching him playing with P.J.One thing about Nick is he’s always able to keep children enchanted and out from under foot.“You doing ok in here, honey?” I walked

The Principality Of Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378975197191803886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765711554118936468.post-43914214159841709002010-11-25T00:01:00.002-06:002010-11-25T00:01:00.442-06:00

It was one year ago in the early hours of Thanksgiving morning my husband Nick was found in a cartel stronghold in Mexico. He had been abducted, severely beaten, starved and tortured for three months.After a year in the hospital, he finally came home last Saturday.I have been thankful for many things every single day since he was found.I’m thankful most of all for Avery, Nick’s best friend and

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Looks like we inspired TK for this one. ;)June 29, 2008: “The ride into town…”The waitress asked what we’d like. Before I could get a word out he said, “She’ll have whiskey – top shelf – not the cheap bar shit. Make that two. Hell, just bring a bottle and two glasses. Thanks.”March 6, 2009: “Here’s another taste of my book…”I smirked. “I didn’t know tonight’s adventure would include taking my

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I was nervous about Nick coming home. Very, very nervous. I didn’t know what to expect when he came home and I wanted so badly for everything to go well. I wanted it to be a flawless transition for him. What I didn’t realize is that I’d put too much pressure on myself…“Why do we have to dress up, mom?” Ashlee asked me mid Saturday morning as we were getting ready.“We need to look nice for your

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My hero comes home…

The Principality Of Pattyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08378975197191803886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765711554118936468.post-43329951657186670922010-11-18T20:30:00.002-06:002010-11-19T17:46:12.408-06:00

by Stephen Engelberg, ProPublicaMexico's regional newspapers are failing to report many of the murders, attacks on police and other violence linked to the nation's war against drug cartels, a new analysis shows.The Fundación MEPI, an independent investigative journalism center, studied the crime coverage of 11 regional newspapers and found that the drug-trafficking cartels receive little mention.

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November 2008…Momma’s houseI was sitting in Nick’s lap on the porch after he told me what he did for a living.“You sure you wanna stick with me?” he asked, took a drag off his cigarette and slowly blew the smoke out of his mouth. “Some say I’m bad luck!”“You sure you want to stick with me? Everyone says I’m trouble!” I smirked.“Well now, I do like your kinda trouble.” He sniffed, cleared his

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Oh kids…you just KNEW I’d have something to say about the new TSA Rules released to the media on Monday.For those of you who missed this big news item, TSA in the United States is now giving you three options when you fly:Option #1: You may have the full body x-ray scan which shows TSA what you look like with no clothes on OR ...Option #2: You may submit to a full body pat down by TSA which

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I’ll be honest. When I first met Nick, I wasn’t sure which side of the law he was on.Nick looked like the most bad ass biker I’d ever seen. But there was something in his eyes the first time I really looked into them I just couldn’t shake.When we went on vacation together in Mexico in 2008, I still wasn’t quite sure. All I knew was I genuinely liked him – regardless.I knew for sure which side he

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It was all Nick’s idea…This morning, Nick and I were having a conversation on the Skype phone.“Susan, could you come in here for a minute?” Nick pressed the call button and asked.“Yes, Mr. Hawthorne. I’ll be right in!”Susan, his primary nurse for the last year, dutifully came into his room.“Could you sit down with me for a minute?” he asked and showed her I was on the computer with him. She sat

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In a few days my lion will be home. Eight days to be exact. There’s so much to do but I can’t seem to do it all – even with help.Chad popped over last night to see what I was up to and to drop some things off. I was in the middle of cleaning out a dresser in the bedroom.He snickered when he saw me working away in a frenzied pace.“Do you have the jeans?” I asked.“Yeah,” he smiled and handed me

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