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14 YEARS

2011-08-27T08:17:00.000-07:00

Missing you today, tomorrow and always.
I love you, mom.

I WAS AT THE LIBRARY ON MAY 3RD!

2011-05-04T19:14:00.000-07:00

GOOD STUFF was very good stuff! I was at the Library and took out my copy of Jennifer Grant's book about her and her father - Cary Grant. What a delightful read. Too bad I stayed up until 2 reading it and finished it this evening!

I really enjoyed the book and envy the realtionship they shared with each other. Though they didn't have enough time together they made the most of their time and made a lifetime of memories.

I adore Cee Gee even more...as if that was possible! And I miss my dad even more...as if that was possible.

Until next time...

CEE GEE UPDATE!

2011-01-04T19:29:00.000-08:00

I haven't written about my fantasy man in a while, and I know you are wondering what is new in the world of Cee Gee and Mee!

I read another book...Evenings With Cary Grant. It is based on his appearances in theatres across the country, where he basically sits on the stage and answers fan questions. It was, in fact, the evening of his show in Davenport, IA that he suffered a major stroke and passed away. The book was a delight! It was totally positive. No bashing, nothing bad. It even dispelled a lot of the rumors that persisted and were so alarmingly prevelant in some of the other books I have read. I loved this book!

I have seen lots of pics of young Cee Gee but had yet to see him in any movies prior to 1937 (age 33 - The Awful Truth)...until last night! I found a boxed set of 5 movies dating from 1934 to 1936. The first one I have watched so far was 30 Day Princess, when he was 30. OMG! OMG! I about died and went to heaven! So handsome! Long and lean! Eyelashes that most humans would have to paste on! I fell in love all over again! And, his acting was good, too!!

After Googling 25 pages of images, I finally found the cover of the DVD set with 30 year old Cary! That is my new avatar at the right of this page. Whaddya think?

Gotta go, the DVD player and Cee Gee are calling my name!

Until next time...

12.22.1920 - 8.27.1997

2010-12-21T22:32:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday, Mom.

I love you.

Until next time...

I'LL BE AT THE LIBRARY MAY 3, 2011

2010-12-01T19:16:00.000-08:00

GOOD STUFF: REMINISCENCE OF MY FATHER

ABOUT THIS BOOK
With the birth of his daughter, the sixty-three-year-old Cary Grant— still urbane, athletic, sublimely handsome, always self-effacing—retired from the screen to devote himself to his longed-for child.

In Good Stuff, Jennifer Grant writes of her enchanted but very real life with her father, playing, laughing, dining, and dancing together through the thick and thin of Jennifer’s growing up; the years of his work, his travels, his friendships with “old Hollywood royalty” (the Sinatras, the Pecks, the Poitiers, et al.) and with just plain old royalty (the Rainiers) . . . until Grant’s death at the age of eighty-two.

She writes of the love he showed her, the lessons he taught her, of his childhood as well as her own. Here are letters, notes, cards, and drawings from father to daughter and from her to him . . . photographstaken at home and on their many adventures . . . and bits of conversation between them (Cary Grant kept a tape recorder going for most of their time together).

Good Stuff captures the magic of a father’s devotion (and goofballness) and reveals a daughter’s special odyssey of loving, and being loved, by a dad who was Cary Grant.

Until next time...

IS HE OR ISN'T HE...ONLY HIS RABBI KNOWS FOR SURE!

2010-11-24T19:55:00.000-08:00

I have just watched my 20th CG movie! And they said this infatuation wouldn't last. I read some trivia I thought was interesting...what do you think?

-- Cary always wore a gold chain with 3 charms...a St. Christopher, a Cross and a Star of David...symbolizing the religions of his wives.

Cary often referred to himself as Jewish, even though raised to go to church. As a baby he was circumcised - and baptised - which in England was only done for religious purposes.

-- Some say his mother was part Jewish, some say his father was part Jewish and yet a third says his real birth mom was his father's mistress who was Jewish.

-- It is said he turned down the starring role in Gentlemen's Agreement, a movie about a reporter who poses as Jewish to write about anti-semitism, because he said he WAS Jewish and looked it so nobody would believe he was a Gentile posing as Jewish. The role went to another hearthrob...Gregory Peck.

-- Cary donated lots of money to Jewish causes and charities and to the State of Israel

ps...If you get a chance, watch Gentlemen's Agreement. It is an awesome movie. And sshhhhh, don't tell Cary I said this but Gregory Peck is GORGEOUS!

Until next time...

JON BON'S COMPETITION!

2010-10-27T21:24:00.000-07:00

My Jon Bon has competition for my affections!

I have become obsessed, and totally in love with Archibald Alec Leach...CARY GRANT! Ok, so he'd be over a hundred years old, but hey it's my fantasy :)~

I have been checking out movies from the library for quite a while now. A bit ago I decided to start watching the classics. There are so many I have never seen and I intended to start with Casablanca. Of course it was already checked out, so I decided that Breakfast at Tiffany's was the next best choice. I adored the movie and began getting Audrey Hepburn movies. I also had to read about her and finally watched the Jennifer Love Hewitt movie of Audrey's life. For some reason I always pictured Ms. Hepburn's life to have been one of priviledge. Boy, was I wrong. She had a very hard childhood. And she was very self depricating. One thing that struck me about the movies I watched was that she is obviously a young lady and her love interests were OLDER men! Seems very "forward" for the era of her movies. So far, with many cinematic choices still to go, my favorites are Breakfast at Tiffany's and Roman Holiday.

Then I took out Funny Girl and Funny Lady. I thirsted for information on Fanny Brice. I laboriously read her biography for hours on end. I wish I could find some video of her roles. She was a comic genius who portrayed herself as a poor child, when she really had many years of a comfortable childhood. She completely recreated herself to suit the needs of the time and her career. She was quite the business woman. And hopelessly in love with Nicky Arnstein who unlike the sauve gambler he was portrayed as in Funny Girl he was a suave criminal! He virtually abandoned Fanny and their two children. I guess it is true that the hardest of times can create the funniest of times...

One day, I found a 5 movie boxed set of Cary Grant movies...Ohhh la la! My lucky day! The first movie was Holiday. LOVED IT! And so began my infatuation with the oh so handsome, funny and charming Cary Grant. I love a light-hearted romantic comedy from any era, but these movies ("screwball comedies" as they were then dubbed)have captured my heart. And so did Mr. Grant (NOT Ed Asner! tee hee hee!) I watched Holiday 3 times. Then I watched The Awful Truth...repeatedly! His Girl Friday was interesting to me. His character was every bit as suave, but not so debonnaire. He was rather mean, but the eyes and the voice with his own special accent and the CLEFT CHIN...oh my gawd...that chin! Needless to say I swooned! I was not as thrilled with Only Angels Have Wings, but still a good vehicle for my man! This movie was attributed to the supposed line...JUDY, JUDY, JUDY, but he really only said JUDY one time! I replayed the scene a number of times just to be sure (and see my guy some more!) I think that my favorite, so far is An Affair To Remember. Nobody dons a tux like Cary (see, I am now on a first name basis with him!) And even though he is a wolf in sheeps clothing, he is charming and quick witted, loves his grandma! I cried as he stood, in the rain, at the Empire State Buiding while being stood up by his one true love, I have a thing for men's hands and he has strong hands that I want to hold me! And when he wiped the tears from Deborah Kerr's cheek...I was smitten. Me thinks I need to watch it AGAIN before it goes back!

So now I am reading a Bio of him. If what is written is true, he was not the nicest man. He was a diva. He drank a LOT. He was cheap. He worked for J. Edgar Hoover as a spy, watching and reporting on his then wife, Barbara Hutton (heiress to the Woolworth fortune) and like so many of the hearthrobs of that era was homosexual. He was in a long-term relationship with Randolf Scott...longer then any of his marriages. It seems even while he was married (as was Scott). He had 5 marriages and 1 daughter by Dyan Cannon. And spent years tripping on LSD.

But I don't care, because remember this is MY fantasy! If he were alive today and 50 years younger we would be together! He would flash that smile at me, caress me with those strong hands and swallow me up in that cleft chin of his. We would sit together on the love seat and watch each of the 72 movies he made while sipping champagne. He would make me laugh and then he would say...maureen, maureen, maureen.

Until next time...

AUTUMN...

2010-09-22T20:13:00.000-07:00

I love the fall.

Blue skies with cotton candy clouds
Trees that look like G-D personally painted them
Breezy days
Crisp nights and blankies
Apples and peanut butter

I love the fall.

Until next time...

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2010-09-07T17:20:00.000-07:00

Wishing you a Happy, Healthy and Sweet New Year.

Until next time...

THIRTEEN YEARS

2010-08-26T19:33:00.000-07:00

August 27, 1997

13 years...

'nuff said...

until next time...

WHINY ND BITCHY

2010-07-30T21:02:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to write a new blog for a long time. But each time I tried, nothing came. Or what did come totally sucked. Everything came out sounding whiny and bitchy. Hmmm, maybe that is the true me...whiny and bitchy.

But then I decided...it's my blog. If I want to write a whiny and bitchy blog, I can. And I am!

I am hot and cranky.
I am old and tired.
I am achy and breaky.
I am fat and wrinkly.
I am whiny and bitchy.

Until next time...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM

2009-12-21T21:54:00.000-08:00

December 22

I love you.

AUGUST 27, 1997

2009-08-23T20:22:00.000-07:00

I can’t believe how much time has passed
since we sat together, our hands clasped.

The years have gone from one to another
12 years later and I still miss my mother.

It hasn’t been an easy ride
from the moment I learned that you had died.

I sometimes forget that you have gone away
and I try to call you to share our day.

No more can you answer the telephone ring
but I do look to the sky and tell you things.

I miss you so much, and I’m glad you’re with dad
but even in the comfort of that it still leaves me sad.

Sometimes I feel so all alone
Daddy and you were my heart, my home.

I know I’m old now and should get over it
but sometimes inside I still feel like a little kid.

Twelve years have gone by and 12 more will too
its just hard to imagine and know what to do.

I’ll get by, as I always do
still missing and loving daddy and you.

Rest in peace mom, rest in peace.

Until next time.

50 YEARS OLD GOING ON 8

2009-06-10T16:13:00.000-07:00

I just read on the AOL home page about von Bruun, an 88 year old man (yes, 88) that opened fire on the Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C. I am sickened by this for so many reasons.

How does a man live to be 88 while harboring such hatred for people? And how can that same man walk into a museum filled with chidren and open fire? And how can a man perform such a heinous act in a place that pays homage to 6,ooo,ooo people that were murdered...and then commit murder?

I may be 50 years old, but I feel like a stupid kid. I don't understand this. I don't understand how someone can see the proof that the Holocaust DID happen and say it was a hoax? Ask the survivors. Ask the liberators. Ask the people that have been found guilty of participating. Ask the millions of people that lost their loved ones. IT DID HAPPEN and we can never, NEVER forget it. Nor forgive it.

As soon as I read this story it brought back memories of another shooting in a Jewish facility...a Jewish day care center nearly 10 years ago. Another anti-semetic, white supremist walked in and opened fire. Another place filled with children. The sickness in my stomach returned as I re-lived that day. Thank G-D that today no children were hurt. An innocent security guard was fatally shot. I don't mean to downplay that, but the fact that there were so many innocent children in the museum makes my blood boil even more. I think of the children shot in the shooting 10 years ago and tears roll down my face. I knew one that was shot and other kids that were there. And not only do they have to deal with the physical scars, how do you explain that they were victims merely because of their religion. How do you explain that there were 6,000,ooo people killed merely due to their religion. How do you explain that there are people filled with such hatred.

I would have thought that by 2009 there would be more tolerance. That there would be less racism, anti-semetism and hatred for people different from yourself. I guess I am wrong.

Please remember the Holocaust. Remember the victims. Remember the survivors. Remember the ones that lost their loved ones. Remember that it CAN happen again.
And pray (to whatever diety you pray to) that it doesn't happen ever again.

Until next time...

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

2009-05-09T20:11:00.000-07:00

Mom,
I miss you and love you...today, tomorrow and always.

TWO YEARS ALREADY, SEEMS LIKE YESTERDAY

2009-04-27T21:27:00.000-07:00

I love you, Leah.

I AM SOOOO OVER IT!

2009-02-27T19:38:00.000-08:00

I am soooo over it...winter.

I have had enough of it. Ok, I know that when it was 95 degrees and 95% humidity I was wishing for winter to arrive, but enough all ready. I suppose it is true...be careful what you wish for, as it may come true! And boy oh boy has it ever!

I'm tired of scraping snow and ice off of my car.

I'm tired of having those longgggggg drives to go a few short miles.

I'm tired of freezing.

I'm tired of canceled plans.

I'm just tired!!

But, alas I put it into perspective...sorta.

I chose to be here. I left the 11.5 months of sunshine behind to return to the tundra!

I chose to trade the warmth of the sun for the real life warmth of family.

I chose to give up the rocking and rolling of earthquakes for the stable ground...albeit snow covered.

I chose it.

I just wish it was winter for a little shorter amount of time.

And the teasers are so unfair! Today went from 50's to 30's in the drop of a hat...a wool hat with ear flaps!!

I suppose it could be worse...just gimme some more time to think about how!!!!

:)~

Until next time...

JUST AN UPDATE FROM LIL' OLD ME...

2008-11-01T22:03:00.000-07:00

I haven't done a bloggy in a long time. I haven't been in the creative mode to write one. Maybe you have been jumping for joy that I haven't written! Too bad...get over it!

I don't know what to write about...politics, the economy, the weather, the family, T.V or ...MEEEEEEEEE!

Politics are too controversial.

The economy is disheartening.

The weather is actually ok...today!

The family is well.

T.V is, well, t.v...enough said for now.

That leaves.................MEEEEEEEEE!

I had a monumental event happen a few weeks ago. I turned 50. I guess that makes me officially OLD. Even last year, on my 49th B-Day, 50 seemed so far away.

I am still young at heart. I don't think I look my age...close, but not quite there yet (and if you disagree...keep it to yourself!).

I don't necessarily think I act OLD. I feel OLD and rather decrepit, but I still think I act younger!

Maybe it really is just a number, I don't know. If that is all true, then why is it so hard to accept? Why do I write it in a tiny font?! Why can't I yell it at the top of my lungs...I AM 50?

Why, after looking forward to my AARP membership can I not bring myself to send it in? I deserve the discounts! I WANT the discounts!!

Maybe by the time I turn 51, I will be able to accept (and admit to) 50.

Maybe not!!!

Thank you to all that sent me Birthday wishes. They meant a lot to me and I treasure them...and you.

P.S....VOTE! (and I don't just mean on Dancing with the Stars!!!!)

Until next time...

THE TRUTH IS FREEING!

2008-09-15T20:30:00.000-07:00

I had a bit of a cathartic experience last night...or really this morning.

I had fallen asleep while still on line. Around 2 am, I woke up and noticed I had an im from only 5 minutes before. It was from one of my ex employees from the Jewlery store.

Most of you know I had a horrible experience with that job. The company seemed to be one of a culture based on lies. I was treated horribly on many occassions, but none as bad as after the robbery. Or when we were closing. I had to fight and threaten lawsuits to get my final pay. They never kept their part of their obligations to me. I was asked to place myself and my staff in unsafe situations. And I fought for my staff...on more then one occassion. I was also treated with disrespect and meaness from the employees on more then once.

Well, I guess I was too tired to censure my thoughts...or my typing!

This person asked if I ever spoke to one of the other employees. My response was "NO and I have no intention of ever speaking to her"! I then proceeded to tell her how she and all the rest of them treated me like a piece of shit. That they were disrespectul, mean, nasty and childish and made a bad situation even worse for me.

I let it out. I have let it fester inside for a long time...over a year now. And for a moment it made me irate to even think about it. But then, when I went back to bed...I fell soundly asleep. I think I freed myself of some hurt and pain.

I hope I learned a lesson from this. When I am angry, I need to let it out. Tell the person, or people, that they hurt me. And never allow them to do it to me again. Once...shame on them. Twice...shame on me.

I hope I can put that whole experience behind once and for all. As my friend said to me today...my jobs may not pay enough or be perfect, but I am treated with respect and dignity...and it is safe. I guess in a way that is priceless.

Until next time...

A TIP ABOUT TIPS!

2008-08-10T09:20:00.000-07:00

Recently there was an article in the newspaper about restaurants that charge the wait staff the credit card fees on the tips they get on credit cards. This happens where I work, and it is an ever growing practice. The restraunteers say they can not absorb the fees of paying the charge on the amount of the fee the tip incurs. That is a bunch of hogwash. If they can’t absorb them, how is the waitperson supposed to? The waiters and waitresess work for about 3 bucks an hour. The tips are what carry them. And then to have to return an average of 3% of the tips is just plain wrong. Sadly, with the economy as it is, tips are often down from the standard 15%. I have seen tips become closer to the 10% or lower stage, and then to have to give back another 3% of that really can hurt.

As a waitperson, you have no control over how patrons pay their bill. It is to the point we are thankful they even do pay. The management has decided to accept credit cards as a service to the patron...then don’t penalize the staff for it.

As a consumer, I now always will ask if the server is charged for the fees and I will not leave a tip on a credit card. Servers work too hard to have that penalty assessed to them.

The next time you visit a service type establishment...a restaurant or even salon, ask your person if they have to pay for their tips. It will make a difference to the person working for less then minimum wage. Trust me...it does make a difference.

And if you can’t afford to leave an adequate tip (if the service warrants it) then eat at home!!!!!!

Until next time...

HAPPY 4TH!

2008-07-03T18:31:00.000-07:00

WISHING YOU A HAPPY AND SAFE 4TH OF JULY!

GEORGE CARLIN...The Loss of a Legend...RIP

2008-06-23T04:56:00.000-07:00

The world lost an icon...George Carlin. There will be less laughter in times when we need to try and laugh more.

I had the privilege and honor of meeting Mr. Carlin when I lived in Los Angeles and it is a memory I will treasure.

Many of you know that I worked for a retail establishment that served many celebs...some merely legends in their own minds, but some bona fide celebrities. George Carlin was a bona fide star...and a gentleman behind that gruff exterior.

One day, I got a phone call...no name was needed as I recognized the voice at hello. It was George Carlin saying he had bought a microwave and it didn't work. He wanted to exchange it. No problem I said. He then said that he didn't want a fuss or hubbub around him. He wanted to get in and out quickly and un-noticed. I assured him it would be smooth and painless! He only needed to ask for me and it would be done. I looked up his purchase and had a new microwave waiting at the desk so he would only have to walk in, drop off the defective one and grab the new one and be on his way.

About 45 minutes later, I hear a hand slam on the counter and the unmistakenable voice announce..."I'M GEORGE CARLIN AND I'M HERE!!!!" I looked up...directly into his eyes and the glimmer was shining bright! Mr. Carlin proceeded to walk around the desk to where I was and together we went into his "STUFF" routine! This went on for about 15 minutes. I was in my glory! After we completed our tag team routine, Mr. Carlin graciously signed my autograph book (yes, I kept an autograph book at work and have 3 filled!) and left with a chuckle and the glimmer still blazing in his eyes.

It was a day that I will never forget. I will forever miss the irrascible gentleman that could make me laugh regardless of anything else on my mind.

RIP George Carlin...you will be missed.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

2008-06-15T15:54:00.000-07:00

Today is Father's Day. June 15, 2oo8. I can not believe that my father passed away 41 years ago. I have shared many stories about my mom either here or with many of you, so today is all about Dad.

My dad, Harry, was the best father anyone could ask for. It is sad that I only had him for a short part of my life, but he is still with me in my heart and in my memories.

Dad was physically ill a lot, but it never got in his way of being a dad. His wife and his kids were his life...and that was by his choice...not by obligation. Dad usually worked 5 and a half days a week, but when he got home on Saturday afternoon he was HOME. We always did things together. We went to the beach in the summers. We went for custards, we played in the yard, he bbbq'd. Dad made the best ham on the grill. It got to the point he had to make 2 because as soon as the neighborhood could smell dad's ham they swarmed to the house! Dad was a much better cook then mom, so you know the meal was gonna be awesome when dad cooked! And he enjoyed cooking, so he did a good share of it. Oh, and Dad loved cheese...the stinkier the better! He would actually let cheese get moldy, cut off the mold and eat it! Ewww!

Sunday's had their own special routine. I would get up and "help" him take his insulin shot, then he would read me the comics (I knew it was him, even though he used my little blue monkey...Chimpy, to pretend to read them!) and then we would make pancakes. I will never forget those Sunday mornings. And then off the family would go. Dad was in sporting goods, so fishing was a big part of our Sundays. Lake Oconomowoc here we come!

Dad loved to have new cars. About every two years he got a new one. We always teased that instead of emptying the ashtray, he would just trade it in! My brother has inherited that gene. While I am content with my car until my car is no longer content with me! I would rather drive a 10 year old car then make car payments!! That explains why I have only had 3 cars in my life!

And Dad did what seems to be a natural dad thing...fall asleep watching tv. He would be snoring away and as soon as you either changed the channel or turned it off he woke up saying he was watching that! His favorite show to watch was Combat. But we also watched other shows together. My favorite to watch with him the the Rifleman! I would dress up in my cowgirl outfit and swoon over Johnny Crawford! Yes, I know I was only 6 or 7!!

Everyone loved my dad...the neighborhood kids, his nieces and nephews...everyone. But none more then I did. He always had a kind word and a kind way. And he was fun!

Rest in peace dear Daddy. I still miss you and love you so very much.

Until next time...

MEMORIAL DAY

2008-05-25T09:46:00.000-07:00

And remember the families of the vets, too.

DEAR LEAH

2008-04-25T20:13:00.000-07:00

Dearest Leah,

I can not believe it has been a year since your untimely and senseless passing. The days have flown by, but it seems the grief is lingering.

I have mourned you...felt all the emotions and the anger and the selfish hurting. It hurts to know I will not see you again for many years...when we all gather again in heaven. But I still see you...your smile, your twinkling eyes, your beauty and your grace. I still hear your laughter and your funny stories and your caring words. I can still see you dance. They may only be images and sounds emblazoned in my memories...but they are forever.

As we mark the one year point, I want to start celebrating you and your life. The way you touched my life and the life of everyone that had the pleasure of knowing you.

I celebrate the beauty of you. Inside even more beautiful then the outside. The humor you so willingly shared. The kindness you selflessly doled out. The love you gave unconditionally. The elegance of the dances you performed. The nicknames you called me. The times you tried to connive me into letting you drive. The filthy words you let flow in the privacy of my car...always out of range of your parents. The vulnerability of you. Your love of animals. Everything about you was a joy. My life is fuller because of you. I am grateful for you.

I may never stop grieving you, but I will also never stop celebrating you. I know in my heart that is what you would want. Your generosity would want that. And I honor you.

Leah Marie...my dear cousin...I will miss you and love you forever.

Until next time...

2008-04-19T12:56:00.000-07:00

ADMONISHED AGAIN!!

2008-04-09T15:54:00.000-07:00

Well, I have been admonished yet again to update my bloggy! Brian, I am doing this just for you!

So, what's been going on in my world? I know you all spend sleepless nights wondering!!! LOL! Now, after reading, you can get a good nights sleep! Actually, this may be so boring, you fall asleep NOW! Just call me the "natural ambien"!!

Ok, first...I think Spring may have sprung! It has been in the mid-sixties for 2 days now! I know, this is Cleveland and the weather can change quicker then a speeding bullet. But, I am hoping! I did hear that we may get some snow in afew days, but I am choosing to ignore that! I am going to continue to enjoy the sun and having my windows open!

Work has been going well. I haven't been made permanent yet (it's been 3 weeks, what the hell are they waiting for!), but I am still hopeful. I have had some conversations with some people that carry some weight there, and the situation has been discussed and bantered about. I have been doing a lot of what I call CSI work! I am getting the error reports and researching them, correcting what I can and gathering info for the people that can make the corrections. The most frustrating part is when I have to call insurance companies regarding authorizations. OY! You have to listen to 7835125621739 options and then press the right number! Then, you are told it needs to be someone else to help you...then the transfer...then the hold...then be told it is the wrong person...then the transfer...then the hold........... You get my drift! I think they do this so you will give up, write off the visits and they don't have to pay! But, I don't give up! I wait and wait and get it done!

The actual environment in the building I work in is awesome! Everyone is really nice and helpful and friendly. I was introduced to all the PT's, OT's, MSW's and ST's at a meeting last week. And in my own amazing way made quite the impression on them all...as I was leaving I tripped over the display easel and sent it flying! I managed not to come face-to-face with the carpet! So, I would say my intro was memorable!

My boss demands we take our alloted break and meal times...no working thru lunch. But, I have decided to eat as I work (healthy homemade meals or salads!), then spend my meal time walking! YES, I WALK! I am so outta shape...and sitting on my doofus all day doesn't help! I see a lot of people doing the same thing. The perimeter of the office park is a 1/2 a mile.

I will also be starting a part-time job at the local coffee house on Friday night. Hence the coffee house avatar ;) . I was so excited that the owner agreed to give me a chance, I forgot to even ask how much my pay is! I am looking forward to it. I kinda like coffee ;) I will be pretty tired, but ya gotta do what ya gotta do!

The end of the month will be the one year anniversary of the senseless death of my dear sweet cousin Leah. I can't believe it is already a year. It seems like yesterday. I remember the phone call as if I just got it this morning. I don't think I will ever forget that. I will be in Dayton at the end of the month as Leah's headstone will be placed on her grave. In Judaism, a headstone is not placed until 1 year after the death. If you want, I can do another blog on the ritual and why we wait a year.

I have to apologize to all of my cyber-friends...I have been very lax and not visited your blogs in a while. I am still trying to acclimate myself to working and getting up at 6:30 every morning! I am loving it...but missing your lives. I will try and get caught up as soon as possible.

I hope this fulfills my blog duties for now!

Oh craparoni...I didn't even talk about American Idol! Who do you like? I seem to change my favorites quite a bit this season! I do still like David Archuletta and Jason Castro. I also tend to like David Cook and Brooke. But I don't think Brooke will win. And I am over Michael Johns! Oh, and there is something about Carly that I am not a fan of. But, I do think she has a great and strong voice.

OK, I will end it here. You are prolly snoring your face off by now anyhow!!!

Until next time...

Happy Easter!

2008-03-22T19:09:00.000-07:00

Wishing you and your loved ones a Happy and Blessed Easter

WOO HOO!!

2008-03-17T09:53:00.000-07:00

glitter-graphics.com

This is my 100th blog entry and I was waiting until I had a reason to blog.
Now I do.

I start work again on Wednesday!!!!!! I will be useful again...and get paid! It is only a temp position with University Hospitals, but I am hoping that it can lead to a permanent position within the system there.

I admit, I have been pretty down. I seemed to have lost my confidence. I retreated. But, I am now hoping to be fighting my way back. And I want to thank all of you that have stood beside me...accepted me...and encouraged me. I love you all for that.

I will indulge myself one more time here, if I may. (of course I may...it's my darn blog!) I am asking you to still keep your fingers crossed and keep me in your thoughts that this works out and I can finally put my life back together. I really need that.

{{{{{hugs}}}}} and ♥'s to all of YOU!!!!

Until next time...

ANOTHER DAY IN PARADISE!

2008-03-07T11:44:00.000-08:00

I have been admonished again for not updating. So, here goes nothing.
This is my 99th blog entry and I really have nothing to say! But, I will try to find something.

Hmmmmmmmmmmm

It’s snowing...AGAIN. I am sick of it. Cold and blowing and grey and just an ugly day. And it is supposed to continue thru tomorrow, too. ICK! And to make matters worse, this weekend we lose an hour of sleep...ya know the spring ahead thing. Well it AIN’T SPRING and I don’t wanna spring ahead! Although, that does bring us an hour closer to the real spring!

Oh, I know, I can talk about TV.

American Idol. I am less then thrilled with the girls this season. I am, however becoming a Brooke fan. I like the spin she puts on her songs. I really wanted to be an Amanda fan, but I can’t get into it. I so wanted to see a rocker chick win this thing, but I don’t think it will be her (at least I hope not). The boys are awesome now. I want to adopt David Archuleta and Jason Castro. They are toooooo cute and humble and they can sing. I wanna hear Jason put a reggae spin on the music. And I liked, no loved David Cook’s song this week...but I can’t stand his hair! I didn’t care for David Hernandez, but I am becoming a fan of his, too. So hard to choose.

Is Paula even more drunk this season that usual? LOL

I also have become a fan of Lipstick Jungle. I still have a crush on Andrew McCarthy and I love his character on the show. He was always my favorite brat-packer. Loved him in St.Elmo’s fire and all his brat-pack roles. The brooding hero! And a cutie pie, too!

On Project Runway, I really wanted Chris March to win. But his collection was boring. He has so much personality but it didn’t seem to come through in his collection. Romy was predictable. I thought Christian had runway appeal, but soooooo not wearable. Oh well, what the hell do I know!

OMA went homa! Yay! I can’t stand that bitch! I am glad she lost and lost in a record-breaking big way!

I can’t wait for the prime time shows to be new again. Missing Brothers and Sisters, Grey’s, ER, Boston Legal and D. Housewives. Damn...I need to get a life!

Well, I think I am done for now. I am not in the mood to discuss politics or anything that is really relevant in our lives!

Besides, it’s time for Divorce Court and then General Hospital!!

Until next time...

What's the legacy we are leaving?

2008-02-15T23:21:00.000-08:00

What is the legacy we are leaving future generations?

On Feb. 14th in the world as we know, it is the day we are supposed to celebrate and honor our loved ones. We give flowers and candy and hearts.

But on Feb. 14th, 2008 my heart was broken. A graduate student walked into a lecture hall at Northern Illinois University and randomly began shooting students and the lecturer. Killing students before killing himself.

Young people, in the University, trying to learn and make a life for themselves. To be productive members of our society. To maybe become the future leaders of our world. Maybe a Nobel Scientist, a future president, a poet laureate, a doctor or social worker - -someone that could have bettered OUR lives along with their own. And some sick son of a bitch walked in and took lives and changed lives forever.

What have we taught our youth? When and where did they learn that life - - their own or others - - has no value? How did we make someone so selfish that he felt that he could end his life and in the process take the lives of others. If he chose to kill himself, not thinking of his family and loved ones he would leave behind to grieve, so be it. But the kids he killed had no option. It wasn't their choice.

Schools, shopping malls, retail stores...they are supposed to be safe. Will they ever be again? Why aren't parents teaching the value of life? Why couldn't those around these sick bastards see any signs? Or did they choose not to see it?

So many questions. So few answers.

Thoughts and prayers to the families of those involved in NIU massacre.

Until next time...

2008-02-13T12:28:00.000-08:00

For Sharon

2008-02-10T22:09:00.000-08:00

Wishing you a beautiful birth day...and every day!
I love you lots!
XOXO,
me

THE WORLD ACCORDING TO...MEEEEE!!

2008-02-03T23:47:00.000-08:00

I haven't blogged about the state of the world in a while.
I know you are missing my point of view, so this is for you ;)

SUPER BOWL - What an exciting game. I actually watched parts of it around the commercials! CONGRATS to the GIANTS and Giant's fans. I just had the strongest feeling after the Pat's scored and there was about 2:15 left that the Giants would pul it out. Too bad I didn't bet on the underdog. I always root for the underdog.
As a kid, all the girls swooned over Davy Jones...not me...Peter Tork ruled!! Maybe because Tork rhymes with dork...and I am such a dork!! Which leads me to the next topic!
MY DORKINESS - It took me 2 innings, I mean quarters to realize I was rooting for the wrong team! The Giant's jerseys are blue all season. But noooooo, tonight they were white w/ red. WTF??!! I was cheering for the blue jerseys until half way thru the game I figured out that the blue team were the Patriots! It was such a patriotic looking field!
Speaking of patriotic (tee hee - - good segue, huh??)...
JORDIN SPARKS - I got goosebumps as I listened to her sing the National Anthem. She was jaw-dropping incredible. And what is she, like 17? What a voice. bravo!!
BILL BELICHICK - What a sore loser. Walking off the field before the game was officially over. He was a moron in Cleveland and he is a now. But what do I really think of him??!! LOL!
COMMERCIALS - I honestly didn't pay too much attention and I missed most of them. Does that make me as un-American as Bill Bel? I hope not! I did catch a few and I must say that I was grossed out and repulsed by the AMP commercial. Some doofus hooks jumper cables up to his nipples and after drinking the AMP, he is able to jump start a car. It was gross. It was uncalled for. It was sado-masochistic!!

LANE BRYANT - my sympathies to the families of the 5 dead and one survivor of the horrendous shooting in Tinley Park, IL. What possesses a man to walk in a store and go on a killing spree???? I am sickened. If he wanted to rob the place...take the money and go. But, to kill innocent people (or anyone for that matter) is uncomprehensible to me. What kind of world are we leaving as a legacy to future generations?

And speaking of legacys...BRIT BRIT! Did ya think I could blog and not include a tirade about her??!! LOL! ;)
At least the pop-tart is getting the help she so desperately needs. Her 72 hour observational hold has been extended for 14 days. YAY for her, for us and for her children! The sad truth is that she IS sick. In order for a hospital to extend the hold like that, she must be either 1. a threat to herself; 2. a threat to others; or 3. severely disabled mentally or physically. I hope that when she does get well enough to go home the papparazzi will leave her alone. Ignore when she begs for them and let her mend.
AND...now that she is unable to care for herself her parents come out of the woodwork? Just in time to take control of her finances. Something smells a little fishy to me. And I ain't frying no fishies here!

Hmmm, what else??????????

Oh yeah, HEATH LEDGER. What a tragic loss. It makes me sick that the "news" agencies have to put a nasty spin on it. If he did have a drug problem, leave it private. Show some respect for his family. He was never a problem star, like Lindsey or Brit Brit, so why dig up crap now??? Let him rest in peace and let his family mourn in peace.

Wellllllll, I think I am done ranting for now. I know you are relieved!!

Have a great week!

Until next time...

GRRRR!

2008-01-31T10:40:00.000-08:00

I have been trying to upload pics from Italy and this is the only one that showed up!
It is downtown Sulmona. I will try another day to do more!

One Question

2008-01-28T21:09:00.000-08:00

Why?

That's it...why

Until next time...

I wanna go back...

2008-01-26T01:07:00.000-08:00

Venice, IT
Gondolas, Piazza San Marco, Murano Glass and Gelato.
Does it get any better???????

Until next time...

just because it's pretty...

2008-01-26T00:58:00.000-08:00

Until next time...

LOSS OF AN ICON

2008-01-20T22:28:00.000-08:00

On January 17th we lost an icon...
Allan Melvin. Mr. Melvin was 74 years young.

Mr. Melvin was the voice of Magilla Gorilla, but was best known in American Pop Culture as
SAM the BUTCHER on the Brady Bunch!
Who amongst us didn't love the coupling of Sam and Alice?
He gave her the best meat, the best deals and eventually in made-for-tv movies, he gave her HIS meat as Sam and Alice had finally married. Awwwww!

The next time you eat meat, go bowling or watch the Brady Bunch (or My Fair Brady on VH1!) look up in the sky and sing the Magilla Gorilla theme song...

Magilla Gorilla and all of his friends say so long, so long, so lonnnnnng...to Allan Melvin.

Until next time...

Gimme a beak!

2008-01-16T16:01:00.000-08:00

~Ok, I am sitting here laughing my ass off. Eddie Murphy got married, what like 2 weeks ago and it is over already!! WTH! Marriage is a sacred institution. Maybe Mr. Murphy needs a different kind of institution! Ya know, the kind with padded walls and Brit-Brit in the next room!!! Gimme a break!

~Speaking of Brit-Brit - buying home pregnancy tests. NOOOOOOOooooooooo, please, not another Spears spawn! Gimme a break!

~ EXTRA, EXTRA - Simon Cowell DOES have a heart! A little one, but he has one!

~OJ is in jail! OJ is in jail! OJ is in jail! Sorry, I just like saying that!! OJ is in jail! I give KUDOS and APPLAUSE to the Judge in Vegas that had him locked up. AND that she had the conviction to tell him he is arrogant and ignorant! APPLAUSE APPLAUSE.

~So, this guy is suing Kroger's because HE was a microwave popcorn addict and has a lung disease linked to the artificial butter in the popcorn. WTF????? Did Kroger's kidnap him everyday and force him to buy it and then shove it down his throat???? There is way too much litigation in this country. People, TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR OWN ACTIONS! This isn't Boston Legal and there isn't really an Alan Shore or Denny Crane, Denny Crane. OY! Gimme a break!

~ Hmmmm, I got pretty fat again. Maybe I can sue the grocery store for allowing me to buy the crap I bought! Oh, maybe if they stopped me, I would be thinner again but then I could SUE them for not allowing me to buy what I WANTED!! Gimme a break.

~ I am so disgusted about the Marine that raped another Marine - then allegedly killed her before she could testify. Why wasn't she protected better?? And why wasn't he detained?? They found his truck but not him. Please give some justice to this poor young woman and her family.

~Should it matter what the religion of our next president is?

~If we didn't have olive branches to extend, there would never have been olives and no olive oil.
So, if ya need to...extend an olive branch. It'll make ya feel better and keep us all in olive oil! Oh, and if ya do extend an olive branch, really mean it. Don't just do it - be it.

~ Why won't my new profile picture load??????? I have tried a dozen times. Gimme a break - please!!

~I like Al Gore. I really do. But, how does this bitter cold we are expecting explain Global Warming??? I feel like I am global freezing - - and it isn't even as cold as it is gonna get by the weekend! Gimme a break!

~What should I make for dinner?

Ok, now I am pushing it and grasping for somthing to say!

I guess I am done for now. My brain is cold and hungry!!

(and special {{{hugs}}} and ♥'s to Brian if ya stop in ;)

Until next time...

IT'S BEEN A LONG TIME!

2008-01-14T10:27:00.000-08:00

In the immortal words of the rock band Boston...
It’s been such a long time!
I haven’t updated in ages, so since I am laying in bed at 3 am and I can’t sleep, I figured why not blog! Doesn’t everyone do that?? LOL
I haven’t blogged cuz I ain’t got nuttin to talk about! But as you all know about me, I can ramble so I guess I will ramble!
Someone asked me today what I was thinking about lately so I rambled off some random thoughts to him. I guess I will share those. Aren’t you lucky!!!
~ I was watching the New Hampshire Primary and I don’t understand how the media is allowed to spin so much. I mean, they were calling winners and only 17% of the precincts had been counted. What’s up with that?
~ Related to that, don’t ALL candidates have the right to equal air time? Isn’t it a law? So then how in tarnation can ABC un-invite Dennis Kucinich? Even if he didn’t have a shot in hell at winning the Dem. Nomination, he is STILL a candidate. He is entitled to be heard. In a free and democratic society, we are supposed to be able to hear what all the candidates say so we can make educated choices when we enter the voting booth. So there!!
~ And speaking of that, no, I haven’t decided yet who I am voting for, but I HAVE decided who I am NOT voting for! Have you decided?
~ Are you all getting sick of the writer’s strike as I am? I do agree with some of their points, BUT, they are putting the mid-level and lower level people out of work. The people that were not making a couple hundred thousands a year like the writers, but the $10 an hour employee that lives paycheck to paycheck. Studios and writers - C’mon and get this settled already. Besides, I miss my favorite shows already! And it IS all about me!!
~ When is Britney gonna get some help???????
~ YAY! American Idol starts on Tuesday! YIPPEEEEE!
~ The Jake is not the Jake anymore. It is the Progressive Stadium. So here’s my question...
Progressive laid off a ton of people. But now they have millions of dollars to spend on buying the naming rights of the stadium. Hmmmm, how about re-hiring the people you laid off. Or if ya got extra cash laying around, feed the hungry, help the schools, house the homeless. OH, here’s a novel idea - -lower your rates! I know, now they will have all that advertising everytime the Indians have televised home games. But I still don’t like it. I liked to go to the Jake. Now I have to go to the Prog? Sounds icky!!
~ Congrats to Nicole Richie and Xtina Aguilara on the birth of their daughter and son respectively. Ya know they read here regularly!! It is kinda poetic justice that wild child Nicole had a daughter! Payback is a bitch!

I guess that I have fulfilled my duties as a blog rambler!

Cher, if ya stop in, I miss ya and I hope your dad is doing better.
Sara, do you still read here?
Sandie, woof woof to Luc and Remy! And Ippuni, too!!
Carol, I hear there is some tripe on sale at the market! Bwahahahaha!!
Sharon, HI! Hope to see you and your shadow soon!!
Vall P, thanks for reading from half way around the world from here!!

Alright, time for me to shut up!!

Until next time...

Happy New Year

2007-12-24T20:01:00.000-08:00

glitter-graphics.com

2007 has not been the greatest year for many of us, so together let's make our mantra:
"2008 will be GREAT".
And who knows, if we all say it loud enough and often enough, it will come true.

Until next time...

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

2007-12-11T22:26:00.001-08:00

glitter-graphics.com

Festival of Lights

2007-12-05T18:26:00.000-08:00

glitter-graphics.com

GOBBLE GOBBLE GOBBLE

2007-11-21T13:19:00.000-08:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
♣
I hope that you all are able to spend the day with those that love you the most.
♣
Take time to recognize the things we DO have to be thankful for.
♣
Try to remember to tell the people you love that you love them and are thankful for them. I'm saying it to you all now ;)
♣
HAPPY GIVING OF THANKS!
♣

Until next time...

WHEN THE $#IT HITS THE FAN

2007-11-13T06:26:00.000-08:00

I'm writing this in a brown font today. Seems appropriate. There's a proverb - when the shit hits the fan. It kinda really did.

I have a blocked pipe in my house.
Shit has exploded out of the toilet in the guest bathroom.
Not really exploded, but sorta boiled over and oozed all over the bathroom, and even under the closed door.
It is an understatement to say it is disgusting.
Why am I sitting here and blogging when there is a shitload of crap going on? Because the plumbers - yes 2 of them - are trying to fix this mess.
Nothing I can do at the moment.
Did I mention the snake they used sprayed shit all over the walls, too?
Decor goes to trashbags.
This is day 2.
I can not use the water.
Nor the upstairs bathroom.
I had to stay at a hotel last night.
Nothing I can do at this point in time, except wait for the gallons of tears that have been dammed up inside waiting to pour out.
I guess that will finally happen when they give me the bill.
Or when I have to begin sanitizing my entire house - top to bottom.
GOT BLEACH.

It's ironic, you think things are shitty, then they really are.

Until next time...

BEEN OVER A MONTH

2007-10-22T20:48:00.000-07:00

Well, well, well it's been over a month since I have updated.

SSDD - same shit different day.
I changed the digits in my age.
E-Checks are free now.
Brit Brit is still a trainwreck.
DWTS is my new obsession.
A tree fell and missed my house by a foot.
The Indians didn't make it into the World Series.
It's raining tonight. So.Cal needs the rain to put out the fires.
I'm thirsty now.
I really want a sandwich because I'm out of bread. Going to the store in the morning.
I am tired.
Goodnight.

Until next time...

Hmmmm, what to write about

2007-09-19T15:26:00.001-07:00

Welp, I've been reprimanded yet again to update the old bloggy thingy. So here goes.

You'd think I have been busy or something. It's not like I have a 40 hour a week job to go to to take up my time!!!!

Let's see, where should I start. *wheels spinning in my head* Ok, I'll start with the wedding weekend. If y'all wanna go and get a cuppa joe and a biscotti I'll wait a minute to start writing!!

Everyone back? Ok, here goes...

We left on Friday. A little (ok, a lot) later then we had planned on. We were going to have lunch in Pitts. at Lidia's, but we didn't get to Pitt's in time. (AND, for the record, I was ON TIME. It was not my fault!!) But, we were together, so it didn't matter where we ate. My cousin Fran, she's the one responsible for me having this bloggy thingy in the first place, was in from San Fran and rode with us. There were 6 of us in the van, and we talked and laughed all the way to P-burgh, so the 2 hour trip seemed like 5 minutes.
At the hotel we met up with a bunch of other cousins, including ones that came in from Houston, Atlanta, Cin-City and other Clevelanders. In the evening we had the rehearsal dinner. It was a lovely evening. Good food, good company and lots of laughing and a little drinking! Joanne even had a mysterious stranger buy her a drinky! Afterwards we hung out in the lobby until the wee hours of the morning.
Saturday was the wedding. It was a beautiful wedding. Amy was gorgeous and Ken was so handsome. The church was beautiful, too. In the evening was the reception and we all cleaned up quite nicely!! OMG, there was the cookie table. No, there was the cookie ROOM! I never saw soooooooooooooo many cookies in my life and I am old! Not even in a bakery are there as many cookies as were at this wedding!! Again, after the reception we hung out in the lobby until the wee hours. I however, went to my room and returned to the lobby in my jammies! Doesn't everyone hang out in nice hotel lobbies in their jammies!!!!!!! DON'T JUDGE ME!! Ha ha ha ha ha
Sunday morning was a brunch and then the trip back to Cleve. On the way back we stopped at IKEA. Of course we had to have the requisite shopping experience and eat swedish meatballs and apple cake! Doesn't everyone do that when they shop??
All in all, it was a FANTABULOUS WEEKEND.

Monday had to roll around. It had to. Damn it.

Cough, cough. Sniffle Sniffle. Snort snort. REPEAT. Are you getting my drift?? Yep, I woke up like I was hit by a truck. A truck carrying the flu and it deposited it's load all over me. DAMN TRUCK.

I am gonna get gross now, so if you wanna scroll for a second, it's ok with me.

How much gunk can one nose hold??? I have been blowing it non stop now for over a week! I don't have a big nose. Just a nose of average girth and length. I looked up nasal gunk. (gotta love that google) It claims that one only produces an ounce of nasal gunk per day. Regardless of how sick one is. I BEG TO DIFFER! I swear, it is in the gallons!!

OK, done with being gross (for now!) so you can stop scrolling!

Ohh, I discovered a new delicacy (no, not Yak - which I have still not tried) - Pretzel Shooters! You take a pretzel and then shoot in 5 m&m's and eat all together! Delish!

So, how about that OJ Simpson? I find it poetic justice that he may finally go to jail for something! YAY!

Didja watch the Emmy's? Show rather sucked, but, SALLY FIELD rocked!

Well, I think I am done for now. I have to blow my nose AGAIN!!

Until next time...

I HEAR CHANTING...

2007-09-03T22:17:00.000-07:00

I was sitting and playing on the lappy and I heard chanting
new post, new post, new post. I looked around and finally looked at my blog,
and there was Cher, chanting at me!! So Cher, for you, here's a new post. And if you and anyone else that may read this is bored, IT'S YOUR FAULT!!!!!!!

~~~ DANIELLE - I will take a cyber trip downunder and check out your blog. I haven't been over in a while. No excuses, just haven't been around ;(
How's everything? How are the kids? Did you move to Sidney already??

~~~ CHER - When do you wanna get some Java again? Wanna include Abby and go at night or in the day? Call me!!! (And, keep your car keys in sight!!)

~~~ BRIAN - Thanks for all of your bloggies. I am an addict! I check your blog before I check my own!!

~~~YAAKOVA - Are you ever reading?? Post a comment if you stop in. I miss you!

~~~SHARON - Can't wait for Friday! What a weekend to come.

So, you may wonder what Friday is. Are ya? Huh? Huh?? Glad you asked. LOL
Friday we take a road trip to Pittsburgh for our cousin Kenny's wedding. A small group of us are going early, so we can go and have lunch at Lidia's, in Pittsburgh. Then, we check into the hotel. Friday night is the rehearsal dinner. Saturday afternoon is the ceremony and Saturday night is the reception. Sunday morning is a brunch and then back home.

I 'm excited to see some cousins I have not seen in a while that will be coming to the wedding. Fran will be a riot, I'm sure. If you remember any of my past blogs, Fran is the reason I have my own bloggy! So, you all can blame her!!!!!!!
We are going to share a room, so I imagine I should buy some NASA diapers, because she will have me laughing all day and night!!

Oh yeah, I had a job interview last week. It went well and on Thursday I have to go back to take a "personality test" . I have been studying, so hopefully I will pass the test!! DON'T LAUGH, I flunked one earlier!! Either I have NO personality or one that SUX!! Wish me luck! And CHER, I know how to get there now!!

I'm thinking I am probably at the end of this installment. Wait, I remembered something else!!!

~~~I went to the Indian's game on Saturday. AND for the 1st time ever, my team WON! I had NEVER been to any pro sporting event where the home team won!! Woo Hoo!! We creamed Chicago. But they creamed us on Saturday!!

~~~Can you believe Nicole Richie served a whole 82 minutes??? I can't even flat iron my hair in 82 minutes. GEEZ. And Lindsey will face no felony charges?? Gimme a break. OK, OK I won't rant again on this one.

~~~I want to try YAK. Not TO yak (I am good at yakking). The meat Yak. You know the animals that kinda look like rams. I hear they are very lean and delicious. A little goes a long way, and it is not supposed to be as gamey. If you know where one can get Yak, lemme know. OK? Thanks.

Alright, I think I am done now. Cher, did I do ok??????? LOL!

Until next time...

About...NUTTIN"

2007-08-12T14:46:00.000-07:00

I haven't updated in a long time. Really not much to talk about. I guess today will be something of a Seinfeld blog - a show about nothing!

~Still not working.
~Still sweating my ass off. Did you know I hate the humidity? And then combine that with the heat - - ick. ICK! What I want is a PLAIN OLD TEMPERATURE reading. Not one that has to be combined with a "heat index" or a "wind chill factor"!!
~Had to get a new cell phone. How do I use it??????? If any of you left me one of the voice mails on it, I am NOT ignoring you. I have no idea how to retrieve them!!!!
~I don't like pigeons.
~Free range chickens? Do other chickens have to pay to use the range? Is there a chicken range toll collector??? Or if it is on a menu, why isn't it indeed FREE??? What about, say Free range Bison? Who would be brave enough to try and collect a toll from a bazillion pound Bison that wants to roam on the range? Not I!!!

I think I need another cup of coffee now. Or maybe I have had 1 too many!!!

Until next time...

LA LA LA LA LOHAN

2007-07-24T20:49:00.000-07:00

Ok, I admit it, I am getting old. I just don't understand these kids today. What is wrong with the Lindsay's, Brit Brits, Paris' and other young celebutants of the world today?

They are living a dream of so many young girls and yet they choose to turn that dream into a nightmare.

These brats have not only a silver spoon, but apparently coke to put on that spoon. Give me a break already. You can afford to live a priviledged life - HIRE A DRIVER.

It is sad that young girls look up to these morons. What a lovely example to set.

What is even more disgusting then the behavior of these twits, is the behavior of their parents. Did they ever read Parenting Magazine? They sure didn't teach their children well.

Accept the help that you have pretended to get. I would bet that LiLo or Brit Brit will not be named as spokesmodels for Promises anytime soon.

You may not care about your own lives, but don't kill someone else in your stupor.

Why do I even care?
Did you watch the Democratic debate last night?

RANDOM THOUGHTS

2007-07-22T21:45:00.000-07:00

Why do celebrities inject collagen into their lips so they look like they are wearing two dead fish on their mouths? Do they really think that is attractive?

If you think about random thoughts, are they still random?

How can someone you have so much in common with (except gender) turn out to be such an a$$? Does that make you and a$$, too?

Why can't skunks spray in an aromatic scent, rather then a stank?

If you don't eat junk food, it is amazing, you will lose weight.

Why does too much coffee make you jittery, yet hanging out in a coffee house is so relaxing?

How can some people be so mean to animals? They are just a 4 legged form of humanity. Shame on Michael Vick, you belong in jail.

Why would Paula Abdul let her life be put on TV? With her 15 assistants, why wouldn't anyone stop her? Or feed her? Or let her sleep? Or get her help?

If I stop typing now, does it mean I am done thinking random thoughts?

Until next time...

Happy Birthday, Leah Marie

2007-07-17T21:29:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday, Leah Marie

On Monday we would have said Happy Birthday to you
The world should have been wide open for all you wanted to do
a shining star
a tender soul
a happy spirit
a gracious young lady to everyone you knew

I miss you much, I always will, my dear.
I still can not believe you're no longer here
a contagious laugh
a hug so tight
a twinkle in your eye
The depth of love you gave made you wise beyond your years

That drunken driver crossed the line
He took away someone so young, so devine
a cute little girl
a lovely young lady
a beautiful memory
Leah Marie, rest in peace, your in my heart till the end of my time

The Old Maureen IS Coming Back!

2007-07-13T07:41:00.000-07:00

So I don't have a job - BFD.
...I can sleep as late as I want
...I can wear shorts and flip flops all day
...I can stay up till 4 am if I want
...I can do whatever I want during the day
...I can even do nothing during the day

What do I have
...a roof over my head
...food on my table
...a car that can take me to the next job
...a loving family
...great friends
...cyber-friends
...my health

What is worse then my situation
...the thousands of soldiers at risk of dying every day
...the thousands of soldiers that have already lost the battle
...the families that have to mourn for loved ones
...people ailing with serious illness
...the homeless men, women and children
...the hungry men, women and children
...the people that are truly lonely

I am blessed with so much. I just needed to sit back and see it.

Thanks for putting up with me.

Where's the good?

2007-07-11T13:24:00.000-07:00

I am trying to find the the good , and it seems way too elusive
.
You know the expressions - shooting one's self in the foot, or, we are our own worst enemy? They are ringing so very true for me right now. The ringing is so loud, like bells tolling in my head.

I had two jobs lined up - or so I thought. I wasn't sure how I would decide which one to take when I would finally be faced with that decision. Foolishly, after the interviews with both places, and the certainty that was given to me at both places, I suspended my job search. How effing stupid was that?

When the first one called me last week and said that I was NOT getting the position afterall, I was kind of shocked. But, I tried to look at in a way as not a personal way. I chose to pick out the negative aspects of the job and became thankful I didn't get it. Besides, I had the other one in the bag (as I was led to believe). It was just a matter of time until it came thru.

This morning the phone rang. They went with someone else. I was speechless. I still am and I don't know what they are thinking. I know the other person that was up for it, and I am more qualified, better suited for it and already had marketing plans in place for them (which I had shared with the interviewer and she was all excited by it). By the way, I worked for them before, built them a HUGE business, made them an a$$load of money and trained other managers for them.

So, here I am. Back to square one. I can't stop crying. I am scared as hell. I don't want to burden or scare my family right now. My friends are all at work. I can't even talk without bawling. I know I have to begin the search again, but I have just totally run out of steam.

Maybe tomorrow I can find the good that came out of this. Maybe.

Lucky 7's

2007-07-07T20:57:00.000-07:00

Today is 7-7-07 and inspired a lot of talk about luck and transversely bad luck. I must admit, I was more of a believer in bad luck then good luck, but I sat back and really thought about it. Most (not all) of the bad things that I have experienced or chalked up to bad luck really (REALLY) could have been a whole lot worse. I have thought about a number of them and discovered what in fact turned out to be "lucky" about the experiences.
Let's go back a couple of years...

BAD LUCK - 2 discs herniated and 2 more bulging. Pain unbelievable.
GOOD LUCK - learned to take better care of my back and posture. Learned exercises. Also, discovered that I had high blood pressure and am being treated for it. Had the back problem not happened, maybe the blood pressure would have continued to rise and, well, I don't wanna go there.

BAD LUCK - Furnace caught fire in my house.
GOOD LUCK - I was not hurt except for some minor smoke inhalation. My house still stood. I learned that I did not have adequate home owner's insurance, but, on the other hand I increased my insurance and am adequately covered now. I also had every bit of fabric in my home dry cleaned or steam cleaned. Eventually, my house will be completely re-painted from top to bottom.

BAD LUCK - I lost my job with Pfaltzgraff.
GOOD LUCK - I no longer had to schlep any heavy dishes, much better for my back. The company had changed hands and the new corporation was not a nice place to be, anyhow!

BAD LUCK - Got robbed at work.
GOOD LUCK - I realized that jewelry is not the career path for me. Even if I was not losing this job, I would be looking elsewhere. I also learned some great relaxation techniques to get thru the stress and fear.

BAD LUCK - Losing this job.
GOOD LUCK - Being available for the RIGHT and GREAT position to become mine.

BAD LUCK - Fell very hard for the wrong guy.
GOOD LUCK - Able to have those feelings again and finding out it was doomed sooner then later.

Those were some of the things that have caused me the most stress over the past couple of years. Had I thought about it in the lucky vs. unlucky terms, I could have faced far fewer sleepless nights. Lucky for me I figured it out - finally.

Until next time...

2007-07-06T20:50:00.000-07:00

Back when I started this blogging thingy, it was purely by accident. My cousin Fran started a blogspot, and I wanted to comment on her blog. I had never even heard of a blog up to this point! By some strange occurance, when I tried to log in, it brought me to the dashboard and kinda forced me to create a bloggy of my own. Since Fran is my cousin, and the participants on her blog were all cousins, I , being the creative genius I am, came up with the name cousinscorner! How original! When I left the first post - NO ONE commented. Forever. I never even came back to it for the longest time.
Then, thru Fran's suggestions I checked out other blogs. Eventually, I visited other blogs, began commenting and was told - matter of factly - to start updating my blog! The rest is history.
I have "met" so many nice people thru the blogoshpere. I call you my strangerfriends. The kind words and encouragement you have given me is not unnoticed and certainly is appreciated.
I just want to say a global THANK YOU!

Until next time...

For Danielle!

2007-07-04T20:27:00.000-07:00

I was admonished by Danielle for not updating, so, after bowing my head in shame, sitting in the corner for a time-out and slapping my wrists, here is an update.

It is probably going to be a let down, because not too much to write about. Sorry in advance. Let's see...

~ Gained .4 at weight Watcher's ;(
~ Worked today, the 4th of July. Independence Day - not to independent! Was supposed to be off, but I won't go there.
~ Have you seen the Paula Abdul show on Bravo? OMG, she is a train wreck!! Is she drunk, drugged out or just plain DITZY? If I were Paula I sure wouldn't want my life chronicalled on TV for all to see. And on video, to come back to haunt me forevah!
~4 more days open at work, then a couple to pack up. Worried to be out of work, but, glad to get out of there. After it is over, maybe I will write about some of things that I dealt with there. I thought I had a really good job lined up, but, it fell through. Fear is starting to set in.
~ Did any of you see Isaih Washington on LKL? That man needs to keep his piehole shut, put his tail between his legs and move on.
~ Impeach Cheney and then Bush.

~ Where are you Yaakova? This is for Shayna ---> =^..^=
~ Sharon, are you lurking?
~ Cher, I'm still thirsting for some java!
~ Sara, thanks again for the card.

So, Danielle, was it worth the wait? I warned y'all it would be pretty boring here in blogland!

Until next time...

Paris Shmaris

2007-06-27T20:31:00.000-07:00

Did you watch Paris on Larry King tonight? I couldn't help myself, so I watched some of it. And, the bit I watched was more then enough. Can you say spin?! I don't really believe a word she said. Did you catch the look on her face when LK asked her what her favorite passage from the bible was? OMG, it was priceless. She looked like a doe in headlights!! That girl has never read a page of the bible!!! She totally got busted on that one. Then she said that, basically everything we read about her is BS and is just a mis-conception about her! HA HA.
I suppose it wasn't really her in the porn tape.
Or that it wasn't really her that drove drunk.
Or that it wasn't really her that drove while under suspension and the list goes on...
And Ms. Hilton wants to be a different person? Why if the old one was so wonderful!!!!!!!!!!

After the PH debacle, I turned on Nancy Grace. I was sickened as they revealed more information about Bobby Cutts, Jr. The son of a bitch was on line, on his dating site, looking for a new girl just a mere 12 hours after he "allegedly" killed his unborn daughter and her mother. The disgust just keeps multiplying with this case. This guy needs to fry.

What is this world coming to?

Until next time...

WOO HOO

2007-06-25T11:27:00.000-07:00

UPDATE...

The cretin, Uranus pled guilty at the 11th hour and there will be NO trial. YAY. I don't have to face him and testify. WOO HOO. YIPEE.

Until next time...

This and that

2007-06-22T22:08:00.000-07:00

Here's wishes for a good weekend for all. I will be working. Only 2 more weeks left to go. I will be ready to get the hell out of there, but wish I had somewhere to go. It is scary, this thing called the future.

I was offically served with papers to testify on Tuesday. DRATS. I guess there is still an 11th hour chance the cretin can cop a plea. I have to call on Monday afternoon to confirm everything. Let's all do a cyber blog-o-prayer that he does take the plea. Then that chapter can finally be closed - and I would not have to face him. That would be nice. Maybe those cards will fall in my favor for a change.

I am wishing positive thoughts for Jessie Davis and her family. What a tragic story. That poor little boy - her 2 yr. old Blake. Maybe, just maybe, she will return safely along with her newborn daughter, Chloe.

Yaakova - are you stopping in to read? How are you? Leave a note so I know you are ok. How are the pets?

BB - your pics are so beautiful. I love to look at them.

Cher - HI! Where have you been? Aimster keeping you busy? What's up? I am thirsty!

I guess I should be sleeping already. It is late and I have a 12 hour day tomorrow.

Until next time...

The Good, The Bad and The OY-gly!

2007-06-14T20:45:00.000-07:00

Had an interesting day today. Some parts good and some not so. Briefly, the good things:

Interview seemed to go well.

Just as rolled up the window on my car, a bird dropped a HUGE calling card on it. Had I not rolled it up, said calling card would have splatted on my face!

Had a nice dinner with Brigid. We went to Red Lobster. I had never been there (except one time in CA.). Food good, but company even better! Even went to TJMaxx and I was responsible there!

Then the ickyness.
I am not going to go into detail, but suffice it to say, I can not stand when people are rude. Especially when you are trying to help them (on your day off, may I add) out and to make wrongs right that were not even your fault. What happened to using honey instead of vineagar when talking to, or treating, people? What happened to the golden rule. Sheesh, when you want everything in the world done for you, wouldn't it be more productive to be nice about it, ask nicely and politely?

OY OY OY!

Now I am hot, tired and cranky!

Until next time...

Dear Paris...

2007-06-07T21:32:00.000-07:00

Dear Paris,
Are you proud of yourself? Are you proud of the fact that you, spoiled rich brat, have made a mockery of the justice system and of the severity of drunk driving. You are a disgrace and to think that there really are young people that look up to you makes my stomach turn.
You DROVE DRUNK - TWICE you moron. And that was only the number of times you got caught. And then off you go WAH WAH WAH about having to go to jail. SHUT UP .At least you are still alive to go to jail. At least you are still alive to get out of jail. Did you ever think about the innocent people killed by the likes of you - drunk drivers. You and your BFF Nicole Richie should be sharing a cell, next to Lindsey Lohan. GET A CLUE you fricking imbicile.
You little rich snot, you complain about your cold cell and only having 3 little blankets and having to use one for a pillow. BOO HOO HOO What about all the poor homeless people that would kill for 3 blankets when curled up under an overpass in 10 degree weather. You are too good to eat a hot dog? SCREW YOU. Do you even have any idea how many children are starving for a hot dog.
Face the facts Paris, you are a LOSER. You have bought your fame and now your freedom. Maybe, just maybe, you should have bought an education and some semblence of conscience.
Shame on you and bigger shame on your parents.

;(

2007-06-04T21:30:00.000-07:00

I found out the ugly truth today - - there WILL be a trial.
The creton would not accept any sort of plea bargain and wants a trial. I have to look at his ugly face and recant the entire incident again in court. I soooo hoped he would accept the plea and let this be behind me, once and for all. But par for the course for me, it didn't go that way. The trial is set for June 26 and 27. Oh boy, I can hardly wait.

Until next time...

ANOTHER DAY AT ARABICA!

2007-05-30T08:32:00.000-07:00

Hello dudes and dudettes.

It is a beautiful day in the neighborhood! I am sitting at a patio table at my favorite hangout, Arabica. There is even an outlet, so I am plugged in! I have a ginormous java juice. I broke out the capris and I am pretending that I am having a great day!!

Actually, I am - - so far.

Went to Weight Watcher's - lost 2.4#. Down 19.6# YIPEE SKIPPEE !!
Sent out 2 resumes. WOO HOO !!
Opened all my emails with attachments and downloads. QUICK CLICK !!
Happy Birthday Fran! You rock Cousin. It is your fault I have a blog!!!!

Now, to some not so happy tunes...

Found out yesterday, by accident, thru an electrician, that the store is closing in June, not July. I will be unemployed and uninsured sooner then later. It is sooo nice of the company I work for, and have slaved for, to be so dishonest and so un-forthcoming (is that a word???).

Friday is the pre-trial of robber #2. Let's all hold hands via cyberspace and pray he pleads guilty, and like robber #1 there is no trial. Don't wanna face him ever again. Ready to hold hands...

Danielle is taking a blog break ;(. I understand, BB, but I will miss your updates (if you are lurking here) and look forward to your return.

Yaakova is not blogging either these days, but, I too understand, so here is a shout out to ya, just in case you check in here.

Cheryl Ann - When in the H.E.L.L. are we ever going to have java together again??? I miss you.

Hi Sara, I see you looking!

Hi Sharon / Joanne!! Can't wait for the art opening / food outing Friday.

Until next time...

A NEW POST!

2007-05-19T08:50:00.000-07:00

I have been told to finally update the old blog, so here goes. (just for you, Cher!!)

Still working.
Still looking for a new job.
Still trying to be a Weight Watcher. (TRYING is the operative word there!!)
Got a haircut.
At Arabica - again!!

Robber #1 took a plea bargain and is up the river for a whopping 8 months. At least there is no trial there and I didn't have to testify and see his mug again. Hopefully, the same will happen with Robber #2.

Can't decide who should win American Idol - Blake or Jordin. Love 'em both.

Whose gonna win Dancing With the Stars? Can you say APOLO!!!

What did y'all think of the Grey's finale? Will anyone be back next season???

Do you watch ER? I missed the first 15 minutes and missed what happened to the one doctors legs. Anyone know? Please tell me? I really kind of missed the whole thing, so a synopsis would be lovely.

Found a very VERY cool website (thanks Joni) WWW.Wavelit.com. go to Africam and selecet live stream. It is a watering hole in Africa. Watch indiginous wildlife. It is like being on a safari without having to pay for airfare or getting your passport stamped. I may need a 12 step program for it. I am becoming addicted to it!

I think that is it for now. Gotta go and take one more look at my safari before it gets dark in Africa!!!

Until next time...

IN MEMORY...

2007-04-29T19:49:00.000-07:00

Leah Marie
20 years young, a whole life ahead
a drunk driver took her away
and on a new path she is being led.

A beautiful child, a lovely young girl
a gorgeous heart - one who would give you the world.
What is the reason, what was the plan
if anyone knows the answer, please share if you can.

Two sorrow filled parents and grief stricken brothers
pain ridden aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and others.

It's only been a day, my dear little Leah
and I miss you so much
You always brought joy, laughter and smiles to my heart
I thank you, for all of the lives you have touched.

Rest in Peace, Leah.
I loved you
and always will.

A NEW DAY??

2007-04-19T07:28:00.000-07:00

A new day? Maybe. I just came back from the Psychologist and I am tired. I am tired physically and emotionally. I am tired of living in the shell that passes as Maureen. I want Maureen back, and starting now, I am going to get her back.

I used to laugh all the time, I found the humor in things, I looked forward to the sunshine and the future. The last two - three weeks were 180 degrees opposite of that. I am going to fight my way back.

I am going to stop being angry at the inhumanity and lack of compassion that surrounds us. I am going to say to myself - screw it. I am going to think that I have to heal myself, because I obviously can’t heal anyone else. I don’t have to be pained by it, so I won’t.

Today is the 1st. day of my new self. I am going to take it one step at a time. I may not make great leaps and bounds, but I am going to give it my best efforts - for me.

Thanks for bearing with me thru this very, very...difficult time for me. I do appreciate all the well wishes that some of you have sent. It meant and means a lot.

Until next time...

2 DAYS LATER

2007-03-30T19:20:00.000-07:00

It's 2 days later and I went back to work this afternoon. I totally didn't want to go, but I had to get back on the proverbial bike again. I was pretty much a nervous wreck. I won't get graphic here. I still have my headache, but it has subsided in intensity somewhat. On the way to work, I had to make a stop at the Police Dept...

What fun. I had the lovely chore of ID'ing the sons of bitches today. Thankfully I only had to look at photos. I freaked at photos. I can't imagine what my reaction would have been had I had to face them. I also had to ID the merchandise and their clothing - also by photographs. The merchandise was blood spattered. DISGUSTING. When it came to the picture of the shirt the one guy was wearing, I lost it. I don't know if I mentioned the shirt before or not. The one that did the actual robbery was wearing a t-shirt with a face on it. His jacket was unzipped and the eye of the face was starring at me the whole time I was "waiting" on him. It freaked me out the whole time he was there and it freaked me out when I saw the photo. I made the detective turn it over right away. I started to shake as soon as I saw it. Then after seeing the photos of the clothes they were wearing and the merchandise, I had to look at the photos of them. It didn't take more then a nano-second to recognize them.

If this goes to trial, and if I have to testify, I am going to have an attack of some sort, will probably vomit and lose other bodily fluids as soon as I see them. The detective told me he didn't think it would come to that, since they were on parole already, they had some of the jewelry on them, they were on a high-speed chase, they evaded a police officer, they caused a car crash, they had criminal tools on them, this was a felony robbery and I am sure they can find more charges to add to the list. I hope they do. They were sent to County Jail and were probably already on the way to state prison when I was at the P.D. Keep praying they are locked up until they are too old to walk any longer.

I also found out an interesting tidbit. The store across the way from us, watches out for us. The guy there noticed the 2 scary men walking back and forth in front of the store. He was watching us from his doorway, phone in hand, so if they actually came in and it looked wrong, he was going to call the police. Well, just before they walked in, his back door buzzer rang with a delivery. He was at his back door when he saw them run past and was able to get a description of the get-away car.

I also learned that the first name of one of the robbers is Uranus. Just proves what an asshole he is.

I hope I can get past all of this. I still have to work there. I am going to try and take next week off. I need to try and get my head together. I have not been able to sleep, so I am soooo tired. I keep seeing that face and the eye starring at me and the shiny thing coming towards me. I keep thinking that if it was a gun, I would have been shot in the back. If I hadn't seen it coming, and ran, I would have been sprayed with glass. I am thankful it wasn't worse. It could have been. But, it was bad enough.

I think I have had enough tsoris. I think it is time that things start working out in my favor. Don't you?

Until next time...goodnight

NO HA-HA'S TODAY

2007-03-28T16:22:00.000-07:00

I had a HORRIBLE day today, to cap off a pretty crappy week. An even scarier thought it that the week isn't even over yet. What next?

At around 11:30 this morning the men I was waiting on, robbed the store. I was never so scared in my entire life. It was a "smash and grab", where they smashed the case and grabbed the jewelry. Thank god, I or the others were not hurt physically. Emotionally, I am pretty F'D up right now. I had a bad feeling about them, and trusted my instincts. My employee had the same feeling and positioned herself by the phone. As soon as she saw something going down, she called 911.
I was behind the glass case and they were in front of the case, as is usual. I saw one reach in his pocket and pull something out. It was shiny and I thought it was a gun, and I turned and RAN into the back room and slammed the door. I saw Mary Ann was already on the phone calling 9-1-1. In reality it was an awl and they were smashing the case and grabbing the stuff.

I was rather hysterical - shaking and crying. I couldn't stop shaking. I admit, now 8+ hours later, I am still shaky. I feel like I have had the wind knocked out of me.
The Aurora PD was on it really quick and they caught the "suspects". Please pray they plead guilty. The last thing I want to do is testify in a trial and have to look them in the face ever again. They tossed some of the jewelry before getting caught, but they had some on them when caught, they are on video-tape and they left blood on some glass in the case. There were also a lot of people that saw them run out of the store and our UPS driver almost ran them over. Too bad almost only counts in horseshoes.

I am tired. Really, really tired. When does all the insanity end. When do things start to go my way? This has been a crappy year - the fire, Pfaltzgraff, the closing of this store and now this. Anyone wanna take a couple of punches?

Until next time...goodnight

!!!! TIME FOR SOME LAUGHS !!!!!

2007-03-26T19:34:00.000-07:00

Thanks to my friend Linda in L.A. I copied these from an email she sent and I laughed until my side hurt!! No offense intended to any of you lawyers out there!!

These quotes are from a book called Disorder in the American Courts, and are things people actually said in court, word for word, taken down and now published by court reporters that had the torment of staying calm while these exchanges were actually taking place.
ATTORNEY: What is your date of birth?
WITNESS: July 18th.
ATTORNEY: What year?
WITNESS: Every year.

ATTORNEY: What gear were you in at the moment of the impact?
WITNESS: Gucci sweats and Reeboks.

ATTORNEY: This myasthenia gravis, does it affect your memory at all?
WITNESS: Yes.
ATTORNEY: And in what ways does it affect your memory?
WITNESS: I forget.
ATTORNEY: You forget? Can you give us an example of something you forgot?

ATTORNEY: How old is your son, the one living with you?
WITNESS: Thirty-eight or thirty-five, I can't remember which.
ATTORNEY: How long has he lived with you?
WITNESS: Forty-five years.

ATTORNEY: What was the first thing your husband said to you that morning?
WITNESS: He said, "Where am I, Cathy?"
ATTORNEY: And why did that upset you?
WITNESS: My name is Susan!

ATTORNEY: Do you know if your daughter has ever been involved in voodoo?
WITNESS: We both do.
ATTORNEY: Voodoo?
WITNESS: We do.
ATTORNEY: You do?
WITNESS: Yes, voodoo.

ATTORNEY: Now doctor, isn't it true that when a person dies in his sleep, he doesn't know about it until the next morning?
WITNESS: Did you actually pass the bar exam?

ATTORNEY: The youngest son, the twenty year old, how old is he?
WITNESS: Uh, he's twenty

ATTORNEY: Were you present when your picture was taken?
WITNESS: Would you repeat the question?

ATTORNEY: So the date of conception (of the baby) was August 8th?
WITNESS: Yes.
ATTORNEY: And what were you doing at that time?
WITNESS: Uh....

ATTORNEY: She had three children, right?
WITNESS: Yes.
ATTORNEY: How many were boys?
WITNESS: None.
ATTORNEY: Were there any girls?

ATTORNEY: How was your first marriage terminated?
WITNESS: By death.
ATTORNEY: And by whose death was terminated?

ATTORNEY: Can you describe the individual?
WITNESS: He was about medium height and had a beard.
ATTORNEY: Was this a male or a female?

ATTORNEY: Is your appearance here this morning pursuant to a deposition notice which I sent to your attorney?
WITNESS: No, this is how I dress when I go to work.

ATTORNEY: Doctor, how many of your autopsies have you performed on dead people? WITNESS: All my autopsies are performed on dead people.

ATTORNEY: ALL your responses MUST be oral, OK? What school did you go to?
WITNESS: Oral.

ATTORNEY: Do you recall the time that you examined the body?
WITNESS: The autopsy started around 8:30 p.m.
ATTORNEY: And Mr. Denton was dead at the time?
WITNESS: No, he was sitting on the table wondering why I was doing an autopsy on him!

ATTORNEY: Are you qualified to give a urine sample?
WITNESS: Huh?

And the best for last...

ATTORNEY: Doctor, before you performed the autopsy, did you check for a pulse?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: Did you check for blood pressure?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: Did you check for breathing?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: So, then it is possible that the patient was alive when you began the autopsy?WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: How can you be so sure, Doctor?
WITNESS: Because his brain was sitting on my desk in a jar.
ATTORNEY: But could the patient have still been alive, nevertheless?
WITNESS: Yes, it is possible that he could have been alive and practicing law!

They made me laugh out loud and I hope they made you laugh as well.

Until next time...goodnight!!

THE JIG IS UP

2007-03-25T16:57:00.000-07:00

You have probably heard the expression "the jig is up". Have you heard the expression "the gig is up?"

Well my friends, my gig is up. I just found out today that I am losing my job. Yep, it's true, I will again be unemployed. I am still kind of in shock, but not totally. The writing has been on the wall and I am not stupid, but, it is still hard to accept and digest. It came so fast - I found out today and liquidation starts tomorrow. I have until the end of July.

Irony is ironic!! I lost my job at Pfaltzgraff the end of July last year. I had lots of plans for this spring / summer. Stuff I didn't do last year because I knew I was losing my job. I guess I have to wait again. I never re-painted after my fire, since I didn't want to use that money in case I didn't find a job. I have been looking at scorch marks for a year. I guess I will have to look at them for another year. I am kind of used to them by now. They are modern art by this point.

Oh well, life goes on. At least I learned some new things and got some new jewels along the way. I am going to try and put a concerted effort into not stressing out too much. I will count on my blog buddies to let me vent when I need to.

Until next time...goodnight!

HO HUM

2007-03-19T21:45:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to sleep and it has been evading me, so what else is there to do? Blog, of course.

I can't believe I can't sleep, I am so darn tired. Maybe too tired. I think I may even resort to an Advil PM for some aide. My doctor had prescribed some Ambien CR when my back blew our, but with all the stories in the news, I am afraid to take it. Who knows what moronic things I may end up doing in my sleep!..... I do enough moronic things when I am awake.

I have a lot of things going through my head that are troubling me, maybe that is what is making me so tired and unable to sleep. I wish I could write about all of them here, but I can't. I have to censor myself here. They always say to be careful what goes on your blog, because your employers may find out the truth about you!!! I guess that same philosophy goes for employees!

I am having a hard time being a Weight Watcher. I don't think I am really "off the wagon" but I am having "stick to it" issues. It is not the program itself I have issues with. It is a great program and I am a huge (no pun intended) fan of it. The issue I am wrestling with is my disdain over the fact that I have a food illness. When I eat the foods I like and want, I get fat. I want to be able to eat whatever I want and not get fat. I want to eat whatever I want and not have to worry about getting fat affecting my back. I want to eat whatever I want and not have to worry about the fatness increasing my blood pressure. I am craving things I haven't allowed myself to have in a very, very long time. ONION RINGS...RIBS...FRIED CHICKEN...MAC n CHEESE...HOT FUDGE SUNDAE...CHEESEBURGER ON A REAL BUN...FRIES.
Yes, I can have them, in an appropriate portion and account for it with my points allocation, but I want a bigger portion and not have to think about it or the after-effects. oy

I am also wrestling with myself over a wedding this summer. I know it is a long way off, but it is out of town and I have to think of making arrangements soon. I really want to go. It is going to be in San Fran and it will be a beautiful event. I will get to see my friends again and that is the best part. Being asked to share in the event is very special. I will also get to spend some time with my cousins that live in the Bay area. The problem I am having is the expense involved. The wedding is at the Fairmont hotel. I am looking at $200+ a night times at least 2 nights. Plus the airfare, ground transportation, dress (and acoutrements) and gift. I am looking at over $1000 dollars for what will be a few days. OY. I also have another wedding in Sept., also out of town. I can drive to that one, but there is still hotel, dress (although I plan on wearing the same dress as the other wedding), gas, wedding gift and shower gift. This is going to be close to $400. OY, OY.

In a couple of weeks, is the anniversary of my fire. I am kinda freaking out about that one, too. I don't want to be here on that night. I know that nothing will happen again, but I still have a fear about being here that night. I have a certificate for a night at a hotel and I may use it that night. That is the same week last year that I found out I was losing my job with Pfaltzgraff. It was a wonderful week.

Wasn't this a pleasant blog entry to read? Thanks for letting me vent.

Until next time...goodnight!

MARCH 17

2007-03-16T21:13:00.000-07:00

Wishing all my Irish and wanna-be Irish friends a HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!
We are all Irish at this time!

If you party - - party safely. Don't drink and drive.

If you pig out on corned beed and cabbage, remember, there is a lot of sodium in corned beef, so drink lots of water before getting on a scale!

Have a fun day (and night).

Until next time...goodnight!

HUH??????

2007-03-14T21:09:00.000-07:00

HUH? I don't get it. I was a fervent American Idol watcher this season, but I did start again the last couple of weeks. Last week, I think it was, the viewers sent home Sundance and kept Sinjaya (sp?) on. I was confused. Tuesday night, Sinjaya was worse then awful. Brandon was not impressive and he did forget his lyrics, but he has way more talent. Then tonight comes around with the results show and who is left standing???? SINJAYA. Ok, he's a cute kid, in a 70's kind of way. He can probably be good with time and training, but he is wasting the space of someone that is more talented and could possibly actually win the show (even though we know it is going to be Melinda!) My friend Joni must have been right when she said that the 877 number to call in to vote is still free from India!

My favorites so far this year are Melinda, LeKisha, Blake and Chris Sligh.

The other thing that irks me are the judges. They are so frickin contradictory. They always use the same worn out line that they need to "make it their own", yet Tuesday, when Chris and Blake had the songs re-arranged to "make it their own" they were told to leave the songs as the classics they were! What the F is up with that. I am sick of the lines that they use and they need to come up with some new tag lines. And ones that actually make sense.

On a pleasant note, we have had interesting weather the last 2 days. Yesterday it was close to, if not, 70 degrees. It was awesome. We left the doors open at work. I even left and forgot to take my jacket with me! Today it was in the 60's. We started the day with some heavy rains. It ended by noon-ish, then by about 5, it actually got sunny. By 9:30, it started raining, then lightening and then pouring! We are expecting snow by tomorrow or Friday! We are experiencing all 4 seasons in 2 days!! Welcome to Cleveland!

All for now.

Until next time...goodnight!

DREAMING OF ITALY

2007-03-11T21:57:00.000-07:00

I have been obsessing over Italy these last few days. I so want to go back again. Oh, like tomorrow would be soon enough! I always knew I wanted to go again, and I am hoping to go in a year and half from now, but lately, I can't stop thinking about it. Last night, I was bored (as if I couldn't find 18 other things to do) so I started playing on Google. By the way, I think Google is the coolest thing there is! I digress. I started looking at all kind of things relating to Bugnara and Sulmona and the surrounding areas. (I even looked at the surnames of the residents of Bugnara!!)

Sulmona and Bugnara are two of the areas we visited, where Mary's family is from. They are in the L'Aquila area of Italy, in the Abbruzi mountain region. Sulmona is a city and Bugnara is a village. According to the 2000 census, Bugnara has 1200 residents. We stayed in Sulmona. Sulmona is famous for it's Cumbets (candy coated almonds that you may know as jordan almonds) and we got them at the factory. They definitely tasted better then any bag of jordan almonds I ever had. Sulmona also is known for it's goldsmiths. Yes, even then I liked jewelry! If, no WHEN , I go back, I am not going to buy a bunch of junk souveniers, just a whole lot of gold jewelry! The prices are phenomenal. I got some awesome things last time, but not enough! Sulmona also has great Italian donuts!

I also looked up the hotel we stayed at. Now, I use the term hotel very loosely! It was an ancient house turned into a hotel. I think the owner said it was built in the 16th century. Very old and I suppose some would call it quaint. Well my friends, it was confirmed on a website via Google that it was indeed a 1 STAR hotel!! I believe that was a generous rating!

Bugnara is a picturesque village. There is piazza and churches and hills and of course the requisite small town bars! Everyone knows everyone. We were famous in the town - The Americana's. All the elders knew Mary's parents from when they were kids and it was really kind of cool. As we entered the town, a few people saw us and came to see who the strangers were. They, of course, knew Mary's parents and by the time we got up the hill to the "main" streets, everyone knew we were there!!
Bugnara is not spoiled. Sure, the younger generation have the modern conveniences, like cell phones and computers and the internet, but the town itself is not at all spoiled. We walked around and picked figs off the trees. And almonds. There were no pesticides to worry about, since they were just hanging out - growing wild and free.
Mary's Aunt and Uncle are farmers / shepards. Yes, shepards still exist!! Everything that they prepared for us was fresh. I mean FRESH. (I had to laugh, because everywhere we went, they offered us Mayonnaise!) I won't get too graphic and tell you about the roast lamb! The fruits and veggies were right out of the garden. The prosciutto was home made, the cheese was home made as was the olive oil and the wine. WHEN I go back, I want to go up the mountain and see the sheep and watch Mary's cousin make the Pecorino (YUMMO) cheese he makes! And the hospitality was just as un-spoiled. Even though I spoke no Italian and they spoke no English, we had no problem communicating. There was a universal language of smiles, hugs and kisses on both cheeks! Even to this day, the family always asks Mary or her parents how "Marina" is and when I am coming back! Thanks to the World Wide Web (and Google language tools) we can communicate via emails!

Everywhere we went in Italy, we found the people to be very gracious. (except for one bitchy lady on the eurorail from Florence to Rome, and the fake Gladiators that rip you off for photos on the way to the Colessium!) I read some things in travel books that were sort of scary, but we walked everywhere, at all hours of the day and night, and never felt threatened or scared. We asked multitudes of people for directions and they happily obliged. We made "friends" with lots of other American tourists throughout (except Sulmona and Bugnara, since they are not tourist areas) and it was just a pleasant experience all the way around. Even the cab drivers we did use were nice! Not surly, like the New York cabbies I have experienced!

I think I should probably consider going to bed, since it is almost 2 am, but I think I will send an email to Italy! Another time I will tell you about the out-house and other bathroom related stories (they are not gross!) and Venice (not only famous for it's canals and Murano glass, but pesky mosquitos!) and Florence and of course Roma!

ciao for now!

Until next time...goodnight!

HA HA HA!!!

2007-03-07T20:09:00.000-08:00

Five tips for a woman....
1. It is important that a man helps you around the house and has a job.
2. It is important that a man makes you laugh.
3. It is important to find a man you can count on & doesn't lie to you.
4. It is important that a man loves you and spoils you.
5. It is important that these four men don't know each other.

Foot Note:
One saggy boob said to the other saggy boob:
"If we don't get some support soon, people will think we're nuts."

Thanks to my friend Lindas, in CT. for the above laughs. There is a third laugh, but I am saving it for another post.

Had a delightful lunch yesterday with the cousins and "adopted" cousins Ralph and Janice. We went to Cameron Mitchell's Fish Market. I had the garlic shrimp and a 1/2 of cup of lobster bisque. It was yumm-o! When it came time for dessert, I was so damn good, it shocked even me. There was banana bread pudding and key lime pie floating around and I didn't even have a taste! I did indulge in a cappuccino (they didn't have fat-free milk, but it was still better then the desserts!) and I didn't even feel deprived! You know me and java - can't say no.

Was back to work today. Woke up to a whole bunch of snow and a list of school closings. Is spring ever going to get here? The weatherman has threatened us by saying we may get close to 50 somewhere at the end of the weekend. I think he is a big fat liar!

Cher, how is Amy doing? Have you talked to Abby lately? Off on Monday and Thurs. next week, maybe we can do coffee?
Yaakova, did you get back to Florida ok? How is Nina doing?
Julie, I hope you are feeling better soon. Pink is a pretty color, but not for your eyes!
Danielle, where are you?
Sharon, I am getting to leave at 5 on the 17th, so I can go to Elaine's for St. Paddy's! YAY!

Until next time...goodnight!

ALMOST AWAKE!

2007-03-04T08:32:00.000-08:00

ZZZZZZ. I suppose it is time to wake up. I have been back for a couple of days, and even back to work, yet I feel like I have been sleepwalking, sleeptalking, sleepworking, etc... In order to try and overcome the sleepiness, I am playing yuppie and sitting here in the Arabica Coffee house. I have my yuppie props decorating the set - ginormous java juice, lappy and cell phone. The only thing missing is an ashtray, but it is a non-smoking in public state. I think I should move.

How was Chi-town? Thanks for asking. It was a whirlwind. Yes, it was windy and due to that very wind, I returned to the comfort of my home waaaaaay later then expected. More on that later. I will give a BRIEF day - by - day. Aren't you glad you asked?!!!!

TUESDAY - Got up in the middle of the night (5 am) got to the airport, checked in and WAITED. My flight was delayed an hour. We had snow here and in Chicago. Had to be de-iced again on the runway. (Deep sigh) Got to O'Hare. Shlepped to United's terminal, about 1/2 - 3/4 miles to find Linda. Shlepped to the train. Got downtown. Shlepped 6 blocks to the office. Looked like Dorothy after the tornado. Got to the office almost an hour late. OH WELL. After meetings, shlepped 2 1/2 blocks to hotel to check in (6:30 pm Central time). Shlepped 4 blocks to dinner. Shlepped 4 blocks back to hotel. Did I mention I did a boat load of shlepping today? Did I mention it was fricking freezing? Did I mention most of the shlepping included luggage? Did I mention that it was wicked windy? Night-night - 1:15 am (central time)

WEDNESDAY - Get up 6:10 am when Linda's husband called. (growl at this time!!) Meet a bus at the hotel door at 8:30 to go to Kenosha, Wisconsin. Shlepped a block for coffee, since there wasn't going to be any on the bus. Not too bad. After lunch (pizza) we were told to put on our coats, we were going to do a recruiting exercise. We then had to walk around the mall for 1.5 hours. Did I mention it was BITTER COLD and we were not made aware of this in advance. No scarf, no gloves, no hat. What a lovely day. GRRRRRRRR. Leave Kenosha around 6 for a great, no GREAT dinner. They out did themselves on this one. I even ordered a Cosmopolitan! Had a melt in your mouth filet mignon, mashed taters, green beans, broccoli, shrooms, rice, cheesecake, fruit crisp, coffee, wine...oh my god...dinner was decadent. What is Weight Watcher's? I guess all the shlepping and shivering was worth it, since according to my scale, I didn't gain anything!!

THURSDAY - 6:00 wake up call. GRRRRR. Freezing still. Raining / snowing. Shower time. NO HOT WATER. BIGGER GRRRRRR.Called engineering. Reply - "It is really cold outside." DUH. Just when a hot shower would do the trick, I get to take a frezzing shower. I love to shiver in the shower!! Meetings till 2:30 pm. Shlep back to the hotel to claim our luggage. On the way, finally get to shop (actually only look) at the State Street Ultra store. How gorgeous. Change into jeans and sweatshirt and tennis shoes and shlep to the EL and off to O'Hare (in the rain). Arrive at O'Hare at about 5 pm. Shlep (with luggage) to United and say good-bye to Linda and continue on to the Continental terminal. WAIT IN LINE. Guess what? FLIGHT CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER. no No NO NO. I just wanna go home. They can re-book me on Friday at 3:55 pm. I don't think so. Then I think of Linda, if her flight is cancelled, she will be totally panicked and ready for a straight-jacket. I call her. Her flight is still flying to Cleveland - delayed - but still going. Back to Continental. Wait in line. Ask if I can change to United. They are RUDE, but print off my ticket and send me shlepping back to the United terminal. Get back to United. WAIT IN ANOTHER LINE longer then Pippi's stockings. YIPPEE. I can get on stand-by for Linda's flight, now scheduled for 7:55 pm (it is now almost 7 pm) The ticket agent says I have time to go outside and have a smoke-a-roonie! She is my new best friend in the whole wide world. So, off I shlep to gate C-17, but first I have to go thru security................
....I now have a 1-way ticket....SPECIAL SCREENING!!! I get pulled out of line. The screener chick asks me if I had to wait in a long line. I told her how many different long lines and she goes "Oh, dear lord, you're ok, just go!" So I gather my stuff, put my shoes back on and off to C-17 again. YAY, I am there - but the flight crew isn't. Still not. Still not. Still not. Flight delayed until 9:20 pm for a flight crew to arrive.
FINALLY get to Cleveland at 11:47 EST. BIG SIGH. However, my stand-by luggage is somewhere in baggage and takes its good ol' time getting on the belt. I don't get luggage until , oh around 12:30 am. HOME SWEET HOME. 1 AM.

Was the trip worth it? Yeah, I learned a few new things. I ate some spectacular food, I made some new friends and I passed out a lot of business cards at the airport!
I am glad to be home, and even gladder (that IS a word, because I said so) to be off today, tomorrow and Tuesday!

Cher, I hope Amy is feeling better. Give her a huggy for me.
Sharon, I still have us penned for Tuesday. Talked to Elaine. I told her to bring Anthony along!
Julie, I am glad you are voyeuring here!
Yaakova, just sending you a hello
Danielle, sending you a g'day, too!
Sara, congrats.

Until next time...good afternoon!

LEAVING ON A JET PLANE

2007-02-26T13:06:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow I leave for my much awaited training in Chicago. It is going to be a frightfully long day, and I am not eagerly anticipating it. I will have to leave my house before 7 am. If you know me at all, that is the middle of the night for me! Then when I get to Chi-town, we start classes almost immediately. That goes on for the next day and a half. On Thurs., we have classes till mid-day, then off to the airport, where I get to sit and wait until my 8 pm flight. What a thrill. And then back to work on Friday. Phew, I am exhausted already.

Have I packed yet? Three guesses. Nope. I guess it just shows I am not thrilled about the trip. I did however clean my room. I sorted laundry, went to Weight Watcher's (UGLY) and wasted time. Now I am blogging! I have about 5 loads of wash to do, so I think I will head to the laundromat so I can be done in 1.5 hours and not have to run up and down the stairs 10 times and take 5 hours to complete. I suppose it won't take too long to pack, since it is only a short trip and there will only be school and no time for other fun, so limited clothes will be needed.

I guess I should try and get something productive done. I will not be blogging for a few days. I don't think I will take Lappy with me.

Until next time...goodnight!

DIAMONDS R A GIRLS BEST FRIEND?

2007-02-23T19:16:00.000-08:00

I couldn't wait anymore. In the midst of our very busy day (do you detect my note of sarcasm here?)I called the Diamond Council Of America. I PASSED my final exam. I am a Certified Diamontologist. Whoop-de-doo. That and a $1.39 will get me a cup of coffee at my corner donut shop! Actually, for my efforts and as a congratulations, I am supposed to get a $50 gift card from my company. That and a whole bunch of my own money will get me something at my store! In about 8 - 12 weeks, a lovely placque will be sent to the store. The placque, however, does not belong to me. Should I leave, the hunk of wood stays! But the certification is still mine, for all eternity. I want to take my pin (if I ever get it), my loupe and my wallet and go to the diamond district in NYC and get me something dazzling. That is not a statement of sarcasm, but one of fiction!

Have I mentioned lately my mixed emotions over this laptop I bought? I have become a total bed potato! I lay in bed and play on it. I forget to go to sleep,I forget to clean, I forget to make cards, sometimes I even forget to eat (not complaining there). My typing is getting better, though!

Sara, my friend told me tonight that she read somewhere that they are killing off another character on Grey's, but she didn't know who. Bummer dudette. Who do you think it is? I would guess it is Callie, then George would leave, since I read somewhere he wants out. All supposition here.

YAAKOVA, WHERE R U? You haven't updated your blog in FOREVER, nor have you been here. You are making me worry about you again. Please leave a comment somewhere letting me (and Bagel) know you are o.k. I miss you.

Danielle, where have you been, too? I miss your wit and humor. How are the girls?

The 25th is my cousin Kathy's birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Kathy!

I just got home from work, and of course, computing (and blogging) was my first order of business! Now I must get something to nosh on (Weight Watcher's appropriate, of course).

Until next time...goodnight!

SHADES OF GREY

2007-02-22T19:00:00.000-08:00

The trilogy came to an end tonight on Grey's Anatomy. It was a pretty good run, if I must say so myself. Since this is my blog, I CAN say so myself!
It was somewhat predictable and Meredith didn't die. Of course she couldn't, since the show is named after her character. I was kind of surprised that her mom died, since that provided some good storylines.
There were some highlights, like seeing the softer side of Christina Yang. But the best parts were the "heaven" scenes. Yep, there was the paramedic that got blown up last season AND Denny! Denny is still a hunka-hunka sexyliscious dude. It was nice to see him walking around. It gave a new meaning to the phrase "dead man walking". In the after-life, he still loves Izzie. AWWWW.
It was a bit hokie that after being clinically dead for so long, Mer woke up, with no apparent brain damage or other signs of any physical damage. She was able to speak pretty well right away. I stumble on words after a nap! I guess that is what makes this a work of fiction, not TLC's Real Stories of the ER!
Didn't catch any scenes for next week, but I won't be able to watch anyhow since I will get home to late from Chi-town to watch.
I broke down and started to watch American Idol. From what I saw, the girls are far better then the boys this year. lakisha is the one to watch.
We are back to winter here, after a short respite and spring-like teaser. We are having an Arctic Blast. High winds, cold and snow. It sux.
Anyone have a guess who is Anna Nicole's baby daddy?! That poor little girl. Stuck in the middle of such a horrible and bizarre situation. Someone needs to force a paternity test and get her to the right person, once and for all. What a legacy she has to live with. It would be quite a turn if ANS had frozen Marshall's sperm and she is the sole heir to his millions! What a battle that would cause. Is it me, or does everyone think Howard K. Stern is a whack job?
I guess that is it for tonight.
Until next time...goodnight!

THIS AND THAT

2007-02-19T22:25:00.000-08:00

Random thoughts.

Grey's Anatomy has been really good these last few weeks. I can't believe that they will kill off Meredith, since the show is named after her. Maybe she will arise from the dead as a new and improved Mer or maybe she will stay dead, but a long lost sibling will appear from out of the blue. That would not be a good thing. I think she should decide she doesn't want to be dead, and spring back to life. Maybe she could be physically and mentally compromised (temporarily) and we can see a new side of McDreamy. Her dad could become a regular on the show, too. He can finally be there to take care of her. Christina can finally let some of her guard down and nurture her and we can see a softer Yang and Burke will finally really get her.

ER is still good. I hope Abby and Luka get married. They deserve a happy ending. I bet that Nela and the one doctor finally get together (I can't remember his name, but he has been hot for her since last year) and then he leaves her, since I read he got his own show coming out either as a mid-season or for next year.

Haven't really gotten into American Idol this year. Trying not to become an addict again this year as I was in the past 5 years. Wish me luck on that front! I bought the Chris Daughtry cd and it is awesome. He should have gone further then he did, but it seems to have not hurt his career.

Why is it we take the most important things for granted? Last week my Aunt Faye passed away. I am ashamed to say that I had not seen her in too many years. I have only one Aunt left. My Aunt Rose that lives in Milwaukee. She is probably over 100 and I haven't seen her in probably 30 years. I would imagine she has no clue who I am. Both of these Aunts were married to my dad's brothers. I am, and have always been, very close to my family on my mom's side, but I have not had that same relationship with the family on my Dad's side. Maybe because my dad died when I was so young and my mom was always close to her sisters, that it was natural that we all stayed so close. I have said it before, but my cousins are like sisters to me, and we are not only cousins, but friends. It is certainly special. Anyhow, when I found out about my Aunt Faye, I went to this website called Legacy.com and they publish obits and corresponding guest books. I signed the guest book. Lo and behold, my cousin Julie emailed me. I have not seen Julie in a billion years and sadly, I wouldn't be able to pick her out of a line-up. However, Aunt Faye (Julie's Grandma) always told me we could pass for sisters. So, we have been emailing back and forth and learning about each other. It is really cool. I saw her mom once when I lived in L.A and she did as well, and spoke to her once in New Mexico, but that was many years ago. I digress. Julie's emails are very enlightening regarding family. They are non-judgemental, as family should be. They are supportive as family should be, regardless of the fact that the family members hadn't been in contact for most of their lives.
So, now I have a new mission. I want to contact all my extended family members and at least say hello to them, and find out what is going on with them. Maybe even organize some sort of really big family reunion or at the least a family on-line chat. I have to figure this out and see where I can take this.

Winter sux. The cold and snow finally seems to be diminishing. Now I have to deal with the constant THUD of icicles falling around me. I hope there are no flooding issues when all this infernal snow melts. We are supposed to hit the high 40's later this week.

As much as I LOVE this lappy, I HATE this lappy! I lay in bed and compute for way too long. I should be doing other things, but this is wayyy too easy. If only I had a microwave, fridge, coffee maker and port-a-potty in my room, I would never have to leave it! I should be thankful I don't have any of the above mentioned items in my room, at least I get some exercise going downstairs to feed my piehole! I also make sure to use the downstairs loo, so I have to walk the steps!

I am off for 2 days in a row and I intend for them to be glorious. I am taking myself on a coffee date tomorrow morning. I am going to go to Weight Watcher's in the morning instead of at night, then I am going to sit at Arabica and drink a GINORMOUS coffee.I may have a bagel, since I would have already weighed in!! I am going to take my lappy with me, so I can look like a yuppy and they are wi-fi'd! I know that term!

Well, it is 2 am and I should go to bed, so I can get up early for my solo coffee date and weigh in.

Until next time...goodnight!

CHANGE IS THE ONLY THING THAT STAYS THE SAME!

2007-02-14T17:46:00.000-08:00

They say the there are only a few things in life that are certain - death and taxes. There is definitely a third - - change. I am not so sure that I like change. Most times it is good, but I guess getting to the final outcome of the change is what is hard. I don't neccessarily like boring stagnation either. I suppose it is just my nature to complain!!!

So, what is changing?

Blogging is changing. I tried to simply log in to do a post and I had to go through the process of creating a Google account! What was wrong with the old way? It worked fine for me. Nature of change - ok.

Work is changing. I loved my job in the beginning. It is not anything like it was presented to me in the interviews. I am not enamoured with it. There is a lot that I can say about it, but I really have to hold back, since one of my employees reads this blog and it would not very professional to go into to much detail here for that reason. Nature of change - NOT ok.

On a positive note, I completed my studies for my Diamontology certificate and mailed it today. As long as I passed, I am a Certified Diamontologist! Nature of change - GOOD.

I am still following my Weight Watcher's plan. However, due to the great blizzard of 2007, this week, I was not able to go to my weigh - in or meeting yet. Maybe I can go tomorrow or Saturday. As of last week, my total loss to date was 14.4 pounds. I hope to continue on the 2 pound per week losses. But, that generally changes as well as you get further into the program. Nature of change - VERY GOOD!

I was supposed to have the day off today. Due to the storm, I had to go in for a few hours. Nature of change - SUX.

I imagine I am just in an ever changing mood tonight. Maybe it is a stormy mood to match the stormy weather. Hopefully, that will change, too.

Until next time...goodnight!

ME AGAIN!

2007-02-07T22:15:00.000-08:00

Imagine this, I am posting again! I love being part of the 21st century. I am laying in bed and playing on the computer. Maybe I will even trade in my clunky old cell phone I have had for like 6 years and get a modern new fangled one! I am becoming so cosmopolitan. I had 2 days off in a row and it was great! Yesterday (Tuesday) I set some stuff up on the new toy. Then I went to my Weight Watcher's meeting. I lost another 2.2 pounds, so I am down 14.4 pounds. I ran into someone there that I used to know about 10 years ago. That was kind of cool. Today I got my haircut, ran a bunch of errands and went to the laundromat. At 9:30 tonight I decided to make stuffed green peppers. I used extra lean ground turkey. I will let you know tomorrow how they turned out. I never made them before and I didn't think it would take that long to cook!! Tomorrow I have a 12 hour day, so I should be asleep, since it is already almost 1:30 am. We seem to be having a heat wave going on here on the Northcoast. It made it into double digits today - the teens! It might even make it to 20 on Saturday. I guess that is it for now. Until next time...goodnight!

GUESS WHO IS BACK???

2007-02-05T20:06:00.000-08:00

Hello my blogger friends, if I still have any of you left! I had encountered a fork in the road on my path to Blogsville, but I have found my way again! On my way home from work tonight, I went to Staples and impulsively bought a new computer. I bought a new laptop. It is taking some getting used to, but, the first thing I did was install my internet connection and here I am! I am sitting on my couch (nothing unusual about that!) watching tv, and BLOGGING. WOO HOO!
I have really missed you guys.

I hope I can finally get to catch up with Baleboosteh. I couldn't even open up your blog from my old lap top. Danielle, how is Amber doing? And Ruby and Jade? have you had any rain?

Yaakova, I have been able to read yours, but commenting has been futile. How is little Shayna? Is Monaco doing better? I want to hear all about your Italian feast. I hope business is picking up for you a bit.

Cher, I haven't been on your blog, but it has been better seeing you instead! Maybe we can continue our coffee tradition next week. It is fun having Abby join us, too. Maybe we can get Diane next time.

Sharon, you don't have a blog, so I don't have to feel guilty about not reading yours! I do miss seeing you, though. I hope we will be able to get the cousins together for your birthday.

I have been up to about the same old stuff, just on a different day. Aside from my new computer, not much else is happening. I have been sticking to my Weight Watcher's program. On my last weigh in (last Tuesday, during a blizzard) I was down 12.2 pounds. I am hoping for another 2 pounds down tomorrow night. Dropped a size in pants. YAHOO!!!!!!!!

The weather here has gone from the sublime to the rediculous. We had been having an incedible winter - mild, virtually no snow, and even downright warm. Then BAM, winter has hit with a vengancee. It is like 5 degrees and way below zero with the wind chill factor. We have had a ton of snow, prior to this arctic cold spell. It is hard to get warm, even with the heat cranked up. as I sit here and type, I have on two pair of wool socks, wool slacks, a turtleneck, a turtleneck sweater AND a polar tek fleece jacket on. The heat is also on 70 and I am comfortable!

Work is work. It has been extremely slow, except for this past weekend. It was actually kind of fun! If it would stay this way, it would be cool, but the days are soooo long when nobody comes in. I did finish all of my chapters towards my Diamontology certificate. I am waiting for them to send me the final exam, then within a couple of weeks after that, I will have my certificate. (as long as I pass!)

I have to go to Chicago again in a couple of weeks. I am FINALLY going to be trained. 5 months after being hired. Go figure.

Well my friends, I guess that is it for now. I will be able to do more regular updates and not have to do these ginormous posts anymore!

Until next time...goodnight!

BAH HUMBUG!!

2006-12-19T09:52:00.000-08:00

Guess who's back in the blogoshpere! I have been working a bazillion hours and my trusty (yes, you do detect a note of sarcasm here) computer at home is retired. My back-up laptop only does so much, and posting on the blog doesn't seem to be in it's job description, so, here I am on my one day off at the library. I checked one of my email accounts and I had 213 pieces of junk mail in it!
Before I continue on, a little bit of business to take care of...

Yaakova - how are you doing? Did you have an uneventful flight to the V.I's? How did Truffle behave on the plane? Please entertain us with a recap of the things you carried on with you! How happy was Mom to have her Truffle home?
Danielle - How is Amber? I trust her surgery went well. Please say it did. Give the girls a hug. Were you able to celebrate Hanukkah at all yet?
Cheryl Ann - Thanks for having coffee this morning. I needed it! No, I NEEDED it! It is always fun getting together. I am so glad you are having a relaxed holiday season. Can't wait for our next ginormous cups in 2007.
Sharon - Hope you all had fun in Dayton. Sunday night was yet again a great Hanukkah party. The kids are a blast. I LOVE my oinking, light-up piggy. oink, oink!!
Eleanor - I finally mailed out the package today, priority mail, so it should get there before Hanukkah is over! Typical of me. Didn't make the card I had designed in my head, but you will get it next year!

I am not going to bitch and moan. Afterall, it is the holiday seasoon. I am just going to wish everyone a
HAPPY HANUKKAH
MERRY CHRISTMAS
GOOD KWANZA
HAPPY FESTIVUS
HAPPY NEW YEAR
HAPPY WAHTEVER YOU CELEBRATE.

May 2007 bring all of us peace, good health, joy, laughter, happiness, prosperity, realization of our dreams, good friends and the wisdom to recognize all the wonderful things we do have in our lives already.

Until next time...good afternoon!!!

'TIS THE SEASON...

2006-11-29T15:23:00.000-08:00

Well folks, the season is in full swing and I can feel it in every bone and muscle! I am working too many hours and unfortunately, the days seem to drag on and on. Today was my only day off and I wasted most of it napping and hibernating.
I hope you all had a nice Thanksgiving. I had a great time at my cousins Don and Sandy's house. As expected the food was abundant and delicious. The weather was glorious, so the drive was pleasant, unlike some past years. I was supposed to take rolls. Par for my course, I timed it perfectly. I bought cookie cutters and cut out the rolls in fall shapes. I guess by pressing the dough down to cut it out, I lost too much fat out of the rolls and they stuck to the cookie sheet. I couldn't get them off! In the 11th hour I had to go to the grocery store and scramble to find rolls to take. That was not an easy task, on Thanksgiving day. I finally found rolls in the deli dept. All was saved. They weren't customized, but they were rolls.

Cher, I did you have an awesome time in Jersey? I want to hear all about it and also about your date with the Who. I saw the photo you posted. COOL!

Y, I am sorry that your friend was a goober to you. That was uncalled for, being a friend, after all you did and being a holiday on top of it. At least you whupped her in Pictionary!

Sharon, screw work! I scheduled myself to leave at 3:30 on the 17th so I CAN come to Hanukkah! Just pray we don't have a blizzard or something. See you then.

BB, if you are still checking in, are you off to Sydney soon? I will be keeping Amber in my prayers that everything goes well

I guess that is it for now.

Until next time...goodnight!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

2006-11-19T19:35:00.000-08:00

I would like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. I hope you are able to spend a lovely day with loved ones, eating until you have to unbuckle your belts, and sharing old and new memories together.
Gobble Gobble Gobble!
Until next time...goodnight!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU...

2006-11-15T20:32:00.000-08:00

Happy birthday Mike! I hope you have a great one.
I love you, brother!

I ADMIT I AM SPOILED!

2006-11-11T19:10:00.000-08:00

I haven't posted in a long time because my computer is on strike. I am currently using a laptop that is actually older then the desktop computer! It is quite prehistoric as computers go. It has AOL 4.0 on it! I can not open many things and I have a hard time doing many other things with it. I can not print anything, either. I realize how spoiled I have become. I complained about my computer, and now I am using something less sophisticated and I see how good I actually did have it. The nice thing about the laptop is that I am lounging on the couch, watching TV as I post this!
I guess life is a trade-off!
I have been reading some blogs while I was on typing hiatus, and Yaakova, what's going on with you?
Cher, your photos are awesome.
BB, I haven't been to your blog in a while, and I apologize. I will try and catch up on your site as soon as I can.
I will try and do an actual post soon, but this is it for now!
Until next time...goodnight!

L.A CONFIDENTIAL!

2006-10-31T20:51:00.000-08:00

I can't believe that THE Bar Mitzvah is now just a memory. After looking forward to it for so long, it has come and gone. It was very sad getting on the plane yesterday. It was a whirlwind of events that led up to it and now it is just a memory. A beautiful memory, but a memory that I will hold near and dear forever. Since it is my blog, I can take all the liberties I want and if that bores you, oh well!!!!!
THURSDAY, 10/26 I left Chicago. Getting out of the hotel and to the airport was not an easy task. The hotel was supposed to have all of our luggage waiting for us at a luggage hold area. There were 150 of us leaving at the same time and we were to leave our baggage in the rooms and they would gather it while we were in our meetings. We got downstairs at about 2:45 and guess what? I (and about 25 others) had no luggage! Of course I started to panick. I had to catch the 5:30 flight out of Midway. It was raining and the Orange line was not working. I would have had to take the Red a few stops and transfer to the Orange to the Airport. OY (The reason the Orange El wasn't working was due to a fire in the Loop area. The fire started on Tuesday as we were arriving. We were kicked off the El and 5 of us decided we could walk to the hotel. Yeah right! We walked and shlepped our suitcases for 45 minutes through the streets of downtown Chicago. I needed 3 Advil as soon as I checked in.)Finally, around 3:30 another Manager and I got our bags. We decided to take a cab to the airport. I made sure there was a later flight that was open in case we didn't get there in time. As we were waiting for a cab, a limo driver approached and said he could get us to Midway in plenty of time! This dude became my hero of the day. He zigged and zagged and we made it in under 30 minutes! We beat the others that left by cab a half hour before us!! YAY!
The plane left about 40 minutes late, but still managed to arrive at LAX on time. As I got to the luggage claim, there he was - - BEN! All 5'10" of smiles from ear to ear. I couldn't get over how tall he got. He was here in April and he got a couple of inches taller since then. We finally got home about 9:30 ish and I got to see Shoosher! That is my nickname for Josh. He is 16 and a half and such a nice young man. He was doing homework so he couldn't come to the airport. He takes 3 A.P classes and he showed me his homework. OMG, I am way older then him and I couldn't do that stuff! Time for bed, it has been a long day. Oh yeah, we did have to play with the slingshot monkeys I brought the boys! And we also had to watch the dog go nutso over the said monkeys!!
FRIDAY 10/27 - Ben wanted me to go with him to be dropped off at school, so I got up at 7 to take him to school. Then Eleanor and I went out for breakfast. We went to the remodeled Topanga Plaza and rode the Carousel! We shopped and at noon we picked Ben up from school. He got to play hooky a half day in order to get ready for his big event. We hung out in the afternoon. In the evening there was a lovely dinner for family at Maggiano's. Chuck's brother, sister-in-law, nephew, niece, her fiance, Gramma Gloria, Elliot and Todd Carb were all at dinner. It goes without saying the food was superb. There was a cake for Ben. It was so fun to see Ron, Sheryl, Erika and Jeremy (Chuck's family) again. I hadn't seen them in 2.5 years since I was at their house in Sacramento for a surprise for Chuck's 50th birthday. It felt like we hadn't missed a day. His family is very warm and inviting. I always felt like part of the family, ever since Eleanor had started dating Chuck so many years ago. I also got to sit next to Todd Carb at dinner, so that was like icing on the cake. Todd is my hero in life. I will forever be grateful to Todd, as will so many people and he is so humble. We talked about that and he knows what he does, but he just does it because he does. What a mensch and all around great guy. Off to temple.
SATURDAY 10/28 - Oops, that damn breaks! We go to temple early, before everyone else. I see Ben walk up to the bimah. Boo-hoo'ing commences. I go outside for air. Eleanor asks if I want to hear her speech and like an idiot I say ok. Boo-hoo'ing continues and services are still half an hour away! I go outside for air! Finally services begin and we take our seats. I have a major wad of tissues handy, and they do not go un-used! I am teary eyed most of the time. When Ben gives his speech, I really lose it. Then I have to say an Aliyah with Todd Carb. I was really nervous. I don't speak Hebrew (even though I gave the same one 3 years ago for Josh) and I have the worst voice in the universe, but Todd was nice and loud! Guess what? I cried when I kissed Ben! I get to return to my seat, and couldn't find my wad of tissues! Eleanor was using it!!!!Then comes the major bawl-fest. Eleanor gave her speech. Oh my g-d. I was like a blubbering fool. The mentioning of the shooting just sent the whole congregation into a tearfilled stupor. She was crying and Ben was saying don't cry mom. We all made it through. Kinehora. Finally, after many more beautiful moments it was over and off to the luncheon. Then home before the party.
PARTY TIME - WOWWWWWW. What a party. The room was fabulous. Ben wanted a dog theme. He had as his mitzvah Pups for Peace (www.pupsforpeace.com) an organization that trains dogs to sniff for bombs in Israel. The centerpieces were a different dog. Each one was airbrushed and set on a pillow with bowls and bones and surrounded by wheatgrass. It was really cool. There was an hor's dourves hour with the most incredible food. Sushi, a mushroom station, brisket, potato knishes, hot dogs, fruit, stuffed cabbages, bastillas, teriyaki skewers and of course booze! I had a chance to catch up with friends I hadn't seen in years. How fun. Our friend Allan was there. He couldn't attend Josh's because he had litterally run into a tree and was hospitalized. Thank g-d he has recovered and is walking and was able to attend. The last time I saw him was in the hospital and in a wheelchair. I had emailed him a week before and told him to stay away from all tree's! I caught up with Gary and Claudia, friends from here that live there, that I haven't seen in 3 years. They brought 2 of the kids - Brandon and Gabriela. My how they have changed in 3 years. We are always in touch, but it is not the same. There was a friend Steve, that I hadn't seen in 12 years, since I left California and he hasn't changed a bit! I also got to officially meet Dr. Clarence Sutton. Ben's trauma surgeon. There began the tears for the evening! It was kind of funny, because I was with Todd at the time and both were som humble and basically giving each other the credit and denying their own part! What great men. During the cocktail hour, there was a guy that was taking pictures then morphing them like caricatures onto mousepads. I got a really cute picture of me with Josh and Ben. A great souvnier! On to dinner. Yes, there is more food! We proceeded to the main room. But we can't eat just yet. We have to cry some more first! Time for the Video Montage of Ben. There was plenty to ooh and aah over, but just as much to bawl about. We laughed at years 1 - 5 and cried at 5 and 6 then we laughed some more. Eleanor had to embarass me and put in a couple of pictures we took last April when they were here! That's ok. Time to eat. Salad, prime rib (or salmon or chicken)taters and veggies, more booze. I discovered Cosmopolitans. I also discovered I liked them! Then there was the kids scavanger hunt. I happened to be sitting at the head table, right at the dance floor, where the kids were for the hunt. So, I was chosen to be picked on by Ben's friend Dylan for items for the hunt. Took my napkin, took my driver's license (to which he was excited to see I was from Cleveland as is his dad) and then he wanted my watch. Of course we couldn't get it off my wrist so he dragged me onto the floor, onto his little 13 year old lap on top of some other little 13 year old girl!!!!!!! The next item was a business a jacket, but I wasn't wearing one, so by the time he got one, he was out. Next came a business card, but I didn't have any in my evening bag, so that kid that asked for one was out. Next came a ladies shoe. I had turned around to try and take a bite of my prime rib and the next thing I know, some kid is taking my shoe off! Then he says, ma'am, amy I help you put it back on? He put my shoe back on!!! Enough laughter, time to cry again. It is candle lighting time. I was candle #4. Ben said beautiful things and something like "even though you live in Cleveland and I live in L.A, I love you more then words can say" He read it to the music of Queen's "You're My Best Friend" I lost it. Todd was next and then the doctors (and Todd again) and so on. It was a beautiful ceremony. Time for more funand the Vienese table (major desserts) and the tears are done for tonight! Promise.
SUNDAY 10/29 - Wake up early again. Oh man am I tired. Eleanor and Chuck are hosting a brunch for family and near family. It was very lovely. Eleanor has always been like my sister. We have been best friends for 36 years. Chuck is like my brother and his family has always treated me like part of the family as my family has considered them as family. I stayed with his brother's family when I surprised Chuck a couple years ago for his 50th. It was nice just hanging with them for the morning. His nephew wants to go to med school and is applying to O.U and that would be very cool if he indeed came to Ohio for school. Poor Eleanor was exhausted and by the time everyone left, she couldn't even hold herself up. We watched the video montage again (no, I didn't cry this time) and she took a nap. Chuck and I cleaned up and I just hung out with Chuck and the boys. We went for a ride and had some dinner. I went with Ben to Best Buy. He HAD to spend some of his Bar Mitzvah money! When we got back, El was feeling better, so we sat around. We watched Josh's video montage from 3 years ago. We laughed and made stupid Star Trek jokes! We were just a bunch of overtired goofs! Time to pack and go to sleep.
MONDAY 10/30 -Got up early so I could see Ben before he left for school. I missed Shoosher, since he leaves at 6:15. It was hard saying goodbye to Ben. El and I had coffee while Chuck took Ben to school. Then it was off to the airport. Guess what? We cried at the Airport! It is always hard leaving. By the time I got home Ben had called and left a message! So did El! But, I had called them already from LAX before I even left, then from Chicago and again when I got in my car!
TUESFAY 10/31 - Back to work and reality!
There you have it. TMI? Too bad! It's my blog!
Until next time...goodnight!

READY, SET, GO

2006-10-23T18:34:00.000-07:00

It is almost time to go. I am almost ready, and instead of finishing up, here I am blogging! Talk about priorities!
I still have the final packing to do, a pair of pants to hem and the legs to give a good shave! I also need to run the dishwasher and clean out my car. And of course Monday night is trash night. OY.
I don't know for sure if I will be able to catch the blog scene while I am gone, but I will surely try. I may stop home tomorrow before I head to the airport for one final look-see, if I leave in enough time. I have to go to work for a couple of hours in the morning, but I may just go straight to the airport from work.
I am kind of nervous about the meetings. My boss called today and said everyone in corporate wants to meet me. I need to know all my numbers inside and out, and frankly, numbers flee my head in stressful situations. I can know a entire catagory of 8 digit sku numbers by heart, but as soon as my boss would ask for one, it is like - DUH! We got a hand written note from the president of the company last week congratulating us on September results, so that was really appreciated and I know he will want to talk to me. OY! I am also tentative about the days of meetings. Being a retailer, I am not used to sitting for hours and hours on end. And my end hurts after sitting so long, since I hurt my back. Oh well, I guess after all the bitching I do about standing for 12 hours, I shouldn't complain about that!
Then comes Thursday! YAY! Off to L.A for the big event. I am so totally excited for that. I can't wait to see some friends I haven't seen in way too long. Of course it is all about Ben, but there are extra benefits as well! One big benny is going to be the weather! In case you are wondering, it is freezing here! Snowing, raining, windy and brrrrrrrrr, cold. It is actually supposed to be warmer in Chicago! And way warmer in L.A. Packed me some shorts!
Well my friends, I better get going and finish my tasks.
A couple of personal notes -
Sharon & Joanne - hope you had fun in Michigan & Canada. I will try and call you before I leave.
Yaakova - I am glad you are back and all is well. I read your blog and things sound really good.
Cher - When I get home, I NEED some coffee! Are you up for it? How about a week from Thursday?
Until next time...goodnight!

YAAKOVA, WHERE R U?

2006-10-22T16:56:00.000-07:00

Yaakova, I am getting worried about you. You haven't been here or Danielle's blog or even your own in a long time. Please try and leave even a short comment to let me know you are ok.
I will be checking in looking for you, so please try and comment.
Your blog friend has a wild imagination, so put my imagination to rest!
Did you run off with the gardener?
Until next time...goodnight!

ONE WEEK AND COUNTING!

2006-10-19T20:20:00.000-07:00

It is now Thursday, at about 11:10 pm and one week from now I will be getting my luggage from the carousel at LAX! After all the anticipation and planning (13 years worth!!!!) Ben's Bar Mitzvah is right around the corner (even though that corner is about 3000 miles away!) I am so excited. I know it is going to be an emotional weekend, and tiring, but all in a good way. I better be sure to pack lots of tissues.

Speaking of packing, we got an email at work today with some reminders for our meeting next week. Some things not to forget to pack. ( We have our fall kick off meeting in Chicago Tues - Thurs and I fly to L.A from Chicago) When I read the list, I didn't know if it was a joke or what.
We were reminded to bring ID, for the airport, heavy coat and gloves (it is pretty cold in Chi-town and some managers are coming from warm climates - I not being one of them!), spending money and some other items. The kicker was they listed clothes and shoes!!!!! Like we would forget to pack clothes and shoes!! How stupid do they think we are. They trust us to run their stores, trust us with hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of jewelry, yet they don't trust us to pack clothes! Ya, like I contemplated wearing the same clothes for the entire trip or better yet just going naked to the meetings! I'm sure!

It is late and I better think about hitting the hay for tonight. I have a 12 hour day tomorrow.

Until next time...goodnight!

OCTOBER 16,19??

2006-10-16T13:09:00.000-07:00

Today is my ?th or ?nd birthday! I pretty much did nothing so far. I think I got sick from freezing my tush off at the clam bake on Saturday, so I tried to nap a bit. I did manage to have a veggie burger and some of the Birthday cake they had for me at the clam bake. I am going to head over to the laundry mat and then meet some friends for dinner. At least part of the day will be fun.
Thanks to all of you that called and emailed and wrote on Fran's blog! I enjoyed that.
Until next time...goodnight!

FRIDAY THE 13TH!

2006-10-13T20:28:00.000-07:00

Today is Friday the 13th, and it wasn't a scary day at all.

I had a fun lunch with my cousins. I didn't have the Lobster Ravioli, but I had the Farfale w/ Chicken, Asparagus and Sundried Tomatoes in a Parmesan Broth. It was yummo and the left overs were just as good for dinner! We always have fun together when we are out and today was no exception. As I have said before, my cousins are more like sisters and friends then cousins. Many times, another cousin Sandy joins us, but she is in Milwaukee visiting her son, daughter-in-law and grandson (and dogs!!), so we will be forced to schedule another "girls luncheon" again!

I also decided that the dress I previously purchased for the Bar Mitzvah isn't going to cut it, so I went on a power shopping trip and found a really pretty dress. It is not a long dress, but it is fancy enough. With the right jewels, it will be great! I know where to find those! Elaine is altering it for me P.D.Q! I can wear the shoes I already had, so that is a plus.

I found out that our great day yesterday was indeed a GREAT day. We placed 4th in the entire company! WOO HOO YIPPEE! We were number 1 in the region and Anrea was the number 4 highest seller in the company! We were also #1 in pct. to goal for the region for the month as of yesterday. It may have changed by today, but it is still damn good.

BTW, to those of you in sunshine states, we had our first snow yesterday! BAH HUMBUG. It is frickin-frackin cold now. I am going to a clam bake (I HATE clams!!) tomorrow night and I am going to freeze my tushie off. At least it is padded well! I plan to wear many layers. So many I may end up like the little brother in the Christmas Story that was so bundled he couldn't get up when he fell!

Well, I am going to get my loads of clothes together for tomorrow.

Until next time...goodnight!

WHAT A DAY!

2006-10-12T20:21:00.000-07:00

Today was an interesting day. I worked a 12 hour shift, and it really wasn't too bad. I had a lot to keep me busy. I did some reading for my Diamontology certification, so I had a chance to sit a spell. Sara and I read to each other!! We also had a record setting day. YAY! To put the icing on the cake, my boss came in and got to celebrate the great day with us. DOUBLE YAY!

So, I had been on the phone talking to a co-hort from another store. I got off the phone and was leaning on the counter (quite professional!!!!!!!!) when all of a sudden the overhead light fixture fell apart and came crashing down at me. It missed my head my inches! I freaked out. At first I thought my co-worker was throwing stuff at me, silly girl she is. After I got over the shock of it, I looked down at the counter and GROSS ME OUT, a gaggle of dead flies had been calling the light fixture their final resting place and now they were laying all over the counter. GROSS. I am going to wear a helmet to work soon! I swear there are some disgusting creatures lurking in that building. If only they would buy jewelry, it wouldn't be so bad!

I am off tomorrow (Friday) and that is a TRIPLE YAY! I am going to lunch with my cousins Elaine, Sharon and Joanne. We are going to Maggiano's Italian. I am hoping to try the Lobster Ravioli. Sounds yummo.

Until next time...goodnight!

STAY STRONG NYC

2006-10-11T21:31:00.000-07:00

What sad day for the city of New York. I watched the TV with a sick lump in my throat as the images of another high-rise engulfed with flames aired this afternoon, the result of a plane crashing into it. I worried, as I am sure the rest of the world did, that this was yet another act of terrorism. For a moment I was relieved that it was not. Then back to the pain I felt for the victims of this horrible accident. Cory Lidel (sp?), a New York Yankee pitcher died a tragic death by plane crash, like another famed Yankee, Thurman Munson. My sympathy goes out to his family and also to the family of his co-pilot, also reportedly killed in the crash. By the last account I heard, there were no victims in the building or on the street. What a miracle that is. Such a gargantuan accident, in such a highly populated area, and no other fatalities is truely a miracle. I hope the injuries incurred by the firefighters and others are not life-threatening and they have a full and speedy recovery.
I can not imagine the emotional injuries incurred by the residents of NYC over this event. I for one, have no intention of ever living in a high-rise, nor do I ever intend to work in one. I wasn't thrilled with that idea prior to 9/11 and certainly not since then, Milan in 2002 or today.
I heart NY and I will be back to assist your economy! Stay strong and the fighter you are.
I will keep you NYC, and your amazingly resilient populace, in my thoughts and prayers.
Until next time...goodnight.

THIS IS A TEST!

2006-10-11T06:39:00.000-07:00

This is a test! I tried to check the old blog this morning and it was blank! Arrrgh!

WED. OCT. 11, 2006

2006-10-10T19:52:00.000-07:00

Eleanor, in the whole wide world you're my bestest friend.
On our friendship and sisterhood, we can always depend.
Since you live so very, very far away,
I am sending you BIRTHDAY greetings on my blog today.

We have known each other since junior high school,
and in front of each other we don't have to be afraid to act the fool!
We sang the songs of Journey and Barry White,
and we are even close enough to get into, then out of, a fight.
Together we have laughed and cried and laughed some more,
our friendship is the greatest of treasures, one that I adore.

I hope your BIRTHDAY is a cut above,
filled with joy and laughter and TONS OF LOVE!

Happy Birthday Smell - A - Nor!!
LOVE YA, GURL-FREYND!
See you in 2 weeks!