Prelude to a great week

The memorial and the following dinner turned out really nice for Brother Haskell on Saturday. We were entertained by John's antics on "open-air food." He has his points, but come on.

Yesterday, I kept using the term "Dick-wad." I really shouldn't. It is not nice, to say the least. It just feels nice to call someone that.

Work went by great. I had a great laugh first thing Monday morning when I received by paycheck and saw that it was written out for $42.67. I laughed, then I cried. I am glad I am not a person that pays bill at the last minute, because I would have been screwed. It was a computer error and Mck will write me a new check on for Wed.

We went over to the Vigil's house for football last night. I am not always up for going over people's houses during the week, after work, for that, but we had such a good time. I love it when other people make tacos. When you make them for yourself, it just isn't the same. The same is true with spaghetti. Why is that?

We are going to Vero Beach this Friday for the weekend. It will be nice to get away. I think Dave and Robin are picking me up so we can hang out while Jason is in the poker tournament with Flood. I'll be happy to get away from that, thank goodness. It will be nice to see Mike from Seattle.

I guess the economy is officially in the toilet. I really just care about how it affects me personally. I already have a house and a car loan. I don't rack up credit card debt. So I can't say I will have trouble getting a loan. Then there is the rising gas and food prices. How will by 401k do? What about job security? I am not going to panic just yet. It would be stupid. Trusting in men is what lays a snare. I think that is in the Bible. If not, I'm in trouble.

I Heart Diamond Dave

I was 8 when I first saw this video. I never realized how gay some of David Lee Roth's outfits were back then. The rainbow striped unitard or leotard is quite reminiscent of my 1st grade tap costume. Somewhere in my mom's house, there is a picture of me in a similar outfit striking a pose.

Sorry if the quality of the video isn't that great. I had to put it up for nostalgia.

Death of a Legend

I just found out that Paul Newman passed away. I have always loved Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Love the salad dressing. He just seemed like an all over nice guy. I just attended a funeral for someone today that I had a conversation with just last week. Life is so quick and fleeting.

Peace out, Cool Hand Luke.

I'm all out of fresh words

It's early in the morning for me, oh, around 7'ish. I am ready for the service day. All the kitties are fed and taken care of. Work yesterday blew by very quickly. I must have been having fun. Very unusual for me.

I am making Jason read Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller. I know it is suppose to be underlined, as it is a book title, but for some weird reason my puter won't let me do control "u" right now. Weird. I thought he would gain some insight. In addition, it is a great play. I read it when I was a senior in high school. I liked it so much, I kept the school's copy. I know, I am notorious for stealing books. Don't lend me a book. I will take it. Do you know I have library cards for 3 counties? And warrants in every city but Houston.

The weather is really cooling off for a change. it was below 80 degrees in the middle of the day. I know that sounds strange for someone who may live up north, but for us Florida people, that is a big deal. There is nothing in the world like not sweating your brains off at 7 or 8 am. It was even alright at around 2 pm. The wind was nice. I wanted to go to the beach and fly a kite.

I have to type J's talk for this evening. Bible highlights. He is really turned out to be a great speaker. I know I'm a tad partial, but he really is. No lie. I know Haskell used to give him pointers. "There is a line, a demarcation, that you need to cross." Boy, I am so going to miss that brother.

He will be sadly missed.

I found out yesterday that a beloved elder in my hall passed away early Monday morning from a massive heart attack. He was in his eighties. He was an elder who you loved to hear give a talk. He was so insightful and had a mind sharper than a tack. I learned something in every single one of his talks. He and his wife moved to our hall about a year and a half ago. I knew his health wasn't good, but he didn't let anything like bad health stop him. He was quite active and always had a twinkle in his eye. I used to joke, we all did, that he reminded us of Dr. Evil. (Unknowing to him, he really was dead on) He was so endearing. I am sad that I did not get to know him better as a person.



If it is any consolation, he died shortly after doing what he loved most, next to the truth.

I know he will be sadly missed by his family and the whole congregation. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Life can be so short and fleeting. Never take your loved ones for granted. Always hug them and tell them how much you care for them. You may never have the chance if you wait.

Celebrating The House that Ruth Built

Today marks the last game in the old Yankee Stadium. Not to worry kids. A new stadium is popping up next door.

My husband, 2 of his childhood friends, and I went to see the Yankees play the Detroit Tigers in the summer of 2006. This was my first Major League baseball game and my first trip to Yankee stadium in the Bronx. What a lovely time we had. Free beers at the Yankee club across the street. Chicken parm pizza, seeing the green green field of the stadium for the first time. John Corneck once said that feeling must be the closest thing to seeing heaven. It is greener than any green you will ever see. It may be a little over the top to say that, but he is right. I really enjoyed myself, even if the Bronx Bombers didn't win. The Tigers had the best record in the league. It was a great game.

Growing up, I wasn't interested in Baseball. But I always said that if I was, I'd like the Yankees. (Vise A Vi the connection with Seinfeld.) Then, I was introduced to Derek Jeter after his fling with Mariah Carey. I was a sort of un-baseball fan of the Yankees at this time. Then, I learned that the Yankees were my dad's team when he was a kid. He doesn't watch any sports that don't involve rednecks and vehicles. (cough, you know, Nascar.) Then, I married a Yankees fan. Now, I am a fan.

Even though there season is over.(It was a stinker. Too many injuries.) Today, we are celebrating the stadium in all it's glory. No matter the score, Yankee stadium goes down in history.

Geico Add Stirs the Pot

My boss and I were discussing this ad. I love the Cavemen, it really doesn't make me want to get Geiko.

More Dramz at the work place.......

sooooooooo, do you really want to know what happens when a lot of cranky underpaid women work together? You end up with a little thing called drama. Most people who know me know that I am very easygoing. I pretty much go with the flow and do what is asked of me. The only time I get annoyed is when people but their nose into my business or try to run the show when it is not their concern. Not everyone I work with is as laid back as I am. There is the rub. NOW, there is tension. I am not naming names. I just wish I could just go to work and be done with it.

I don't want to act like nothing bothers me or that I am a perfect employee. I have my own idiosyncratic mayhem that I do inflict on people. That could really drive someone up the wall. I do tend to talk a lot when I should shut up. I do stick my foot in my mouth. I do tend to be lazy every once in a while. Sue me. At least I don't make it a habit. I come to work and get what I am suppose to do done. I guess I view it as a means to an end and it doesn't control me. I can't say the same thing for others. I really can't say what makes other people tick. I really don't care, either.

I am just going to enjoy this weekend and have another glass of the San Sebastian Vintner's white.

Happy "Talk Like a Pirate Day"

Read Wil Wheaton's blog... It truly is funny.


listening to: The Hours- Narcissus Road

Happy Thursday!!!!

Today will be a great day in service. I am just going out on a limb and making myself be positive for a change. I think I'll be back on the healthy eating wagon again. Do you know I've have like 4 hamburgers in the last 2 weeks? I don't what the deal is with me and red meat lately. I am just craving hamburgers and greasy fries. And coffee drinks. It is driving me bonkers, but I haven't been drinking water, eating fruits and veggies, or working out as often. Maybe this is the ending of my "Summer of George."

In another direction, we are going to visit Flood and Jaime at the beginning of October. I don't mind visiting them. I just hate poker fest. I really dislike poker and everyone plays for hours on end. They really get into it. And if you are one of the rare few that doesn't like it, tough crap. You are stuck on your own. It really makes me cringe at the thought of going right now. I just wish I had money or the desire to shop and I would just spend the day at the mall. I guess the lack of desire is brought on by the lack of money. It's a vicious cycle.

Work has been pretty dull lately. Sadly, my office manager's mother died Sunday. Complications of COPD.

I do have a few things to look forward to. I am suppose to go to Savannah and DC next month to visit Charles and Nate. I miss my brother. I haven't seen him in 4 months. I haven't seen my grandfather in almost a year. We are going to see Coldplay in November, and we are going to stay a weekend by Disney to go to Animal Kingdom and the Food and Vino festival at Epcot. How I love the Cerveza Garden. I guess I could stand to let J play a few measly hours of poker. I could bring all my scrapbooking stuff and have a ball. Yeah, that will never happen.

Cute classic

This reminds me of the cat food I fed Fluffy today. True fish heads.....Enjoy

Sad news

Just got the news that legendary Pink Floyd member Richard Wright died today of a heart condition.

Where will I find an extra $16,500?

That is an estimate of how much a newborn child will cost you the first year of their life. Crazy, huh? I just read this article in the new issue of Elle magazine. The article was written by a woman plagued with the decision to have or not to have kids. It was a strictly secular view, but she made some really good points. Having a kid is really also a financial decision. Most women, many I know personally, only view having children as filling emotional or physical need. Not that there is anything wrong with having children for that reason. The article brought out that most people don't look at the decision with dollars and cents (or sense) $16,500 the first year. I am thinking seriously about just getting another cat.

People with children are twice as likely as their childless counterparts to file for bankruptcy or have a foreclosure on their house. The writer also talked about the option of moving in with her parents. They even did an experimental "baby fund" to curve spending to see if they were serious about sacrificing the luxuries in life to have a child. They totally caved.

I think the writer is in the same boat I find myself in. I love children. I would love to be a mother. I just don't see it being financially possible with what my husband and I make. It wouldn't be fair to us or a child. Thats surpasses any desire I may have. In addition, where would I have time to raise a child? I just don't think I could do it. There are a lot of people who say, "If you wait until you have the perfect circumstances to have a baby (or to get married) it will never happen." Hey, that is fine with me. I don't have to have a child to feel completed, fulfilled or satisfied as a woman. That may sound a little selfish, but it is really not. Who says that children are naturally the next step. I believe that not everyone is cut out to be a parent. Just as I feel that marriage isn't for everyone. I think it takes a lot of courage to go against the grain and do different from the crowd.

I know my anti-baby rant has gone on long enough.

On the lighter note, The Affair of the Necklace was a great jewel of a movie.

Murder, Death and Mystery in Fern Park Fl

I have recently realized that a lot of crime happens in the little corridor of Casselberry/Fern Park. In the last year, we've had a woman (she happens to be a client and a Mary Kay lady, too) who stole a possible 1 1/2 million from the huge Catholic church in the area. We had a suicide of another client in the parking lot across the street. Another client had almost a half a million in jewels stolen from her car. We had the car thief in our parking lot last yea r. And just this week, a man was gunned down in front of his apartment building.

Fern Park isn't just for boobie bars any more. It's full of carnage.

I found a Southeastern Crowned snake on my patio this week. I'll have to post a pick. It is more yard work this am. I have to start posting a live journal like Elisha so I'll actually track my progress. Everyday, I think of the big task I have with this yard. It seems never ending.

A Day to Reflect....

This day marks the 7th anniversary of the tragedy that took place in New York, PA, and in Washington DC. It was such a dark day that changed the lives of so many people. I sometimes question the governments foreknowledge of events. I sometimes am a little skeptical of what the government claims they did or did not know beforehand. I am not going to focus on my own conspiracy theory. I think of all the victims and their families at this time. It is so wonderful to know what the truth is sometimes. It gives me the light in this dark world.

Not Dark Yet, But it's Gettin' There

I have a lot on my mind as of late. I'll start with the non-essential stuff. I watched three movies this weekend, all having to do with real people. First, Becoming Jane, a bio-pic on the life of Jane Austen. I like Anne Hathaway and I adore J.A. but the movie turned out to be a little on the boring side. James Mcavoy is a cutie.

I also watched The Notorious Betty Page, a movie about the rise of the most famous pin-up. I have always been intrigued by her pictures. It is amazing that she is such an icon, who is still alive for that fact, but wants to remain out of reach of people. I do love the use of antique cameras and black and white in the film that gives it that nostalgic feel. It makes me wish I was in Miami Beach circa 1954.

Last, but definitely not least, I'm Not There. It is a movie that is suppose to be about Bob Dylan. Other than a soundtrack of Bob Dylan songs and cover, I don't know how all the characters (6 in all) have to do with Bob Dylan. I guess I'll have to do some research and read some Bob Dylan poetry to get this movie. Great soundtrack and great performances by Heath Ledger and Cate Blanchet. You almost forget you are seeing a woman portray a man.

I've not written about this whole Caylee Anthony fiasco. Only because it has been so annoying. The mother, Casey Anthony has been a real thorn in my side. How could you let your child go missing for over a month, if you say you didn't kill her, and not tell anyone? And the grandparents, Cindy and George Anthony, How could you not report your own child, the mother and your grandchild missing for over a month, if you had no idea what was going on? My own mother would not let even 2 or 3 days go by if she hadn't heard from me. And I am 30 years old. And a child is not even involved. I think there has been a lot of neglect and a lot of covering up going on. I am not saying that this woman, Casey, deliberately killed her child. I think the child is dead, fault of the mother, and she has buried her somewhere, and the grandparents are now trying to save their daughter. I think it is sad. I think she needs to fess up and tell what she knows. I think the grandparents need to get out of the cloud of denial that they put themselves in. But I also think people need to quit parking in front of their house and protesting. That is not going to help bring that little girl home.

Thirdly, I just found out yesterday that some man is suing my place of employment for a slip and fall. He claims that he fell and broke his hip in our parking lot on April 7th. I remember the day. This man, whom we have never seen before, limped into our office to buy dog food. Shelley helped him with the food out to his car. He was having a hard time walking. Dr. Mck and Mr. Kirk were in the parking lot, some random chance, and helped him to his car. We asked if he could drive and he said he could because it was his LEFT FOOT that was hurt. He never mentioned, "Hey I fell in your parking lot. I need an ambulance." He just limped in and said he had a hurt foot. This happened like 5 months ago and we just got a letter from the guy's attorney. What a wacky thing. I don't think he has a case. I almost wonder if he purposely came to the office to establish a place where he could in turn sue someone for money. That is my gut feeling. Anyway, I hope we win.

I love this commercial

2008 VMA dream

I had the craziest dream last night. I have been watching promos for the new vma's and I had no idea who the host was. Who is Russell Brand? Why is he hosting? so, my dream consisted of me being asked to be a dancer in one of the numbers, ala Mike Myers a couple years ago. I was at some kind of rehersal. It was some kind of pirate number. All the pirates were women. Kim Kardasian was also in the show. What a weird dream. On stage, there was this oversized pirate ship, but it was like one of those playskool toys from when you were a kid. On the pirate ship were all these weird fake animals. They reminded me of the claymation animals in the old Sinbad movies. Really freaky. I just had to get this all down so I wouldn't forget it. I don't know why I want to remember it. Just crazy, i guess.

Happy Day off work, Ya'll

I know it is the first day of the service year. I always celebrate my labor day off by being off. I know that can sound pathetic. It is the lack of good quality sleep that is influencing me.

I so enjoyed Moske's visit this time. I now realize that I have been spelling his name wrong. Shame on me. His talk on Sunday was so cute. All the different kinds of dogs and how they can represent our actions. That talk wouldn't be the same if you used cats in the illustration. You have Siamese cats and calico cats, ragdolls, persians, Cornish Rex, Scottish folds. Nevermind........

I am working in the yard today. All of Moske's dog talk made me realize, yes, during the talk, that I need to tend to the front flower bed. It is empty. I think I'll be moving the mondo and the purple queen and finally cut down the dead azalea bush. I replace it with the decorative rock and the vine.

I love paying bills on line. Save a stamp. More for letter writing service.

We went to Chili's last night with Lindsay and Johnathan. I am so glad they came to our hall. I really like them both. I have to get my little mixer going in a few weeks for all the girls. You see, I have the bucket o mojito that needs to be cracked into. I really can't wait.

My cousin had the baby. William Jackson. 7 pounds, 14 oz. 20 inches long. With dark hair. That's all i know now. I need to go see him this week. if i put it off to long, he'll be leaving for college. It's a sad lot how fast little ones grow up.

I'll post a pic as soon as i can. I need to post a pic of my new babies. The new car and kitty Brooklyn.