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Gimmicks
Sunday, March 31, 2002
Speaking of conspiracy theories...yet another Catholic diocese protecting itself with lies, this time in Michigan. Rev. Vincent DeLorenzo, a Burton priest, resigned in January after the allegations came up and he admitted the sexual abuse in a letter he wrote to his former church, which was read yesterday. Yet, Bishop Carl F. Mengeling, head of the Diocese of Lansing, released a carefully-worded letter just days ago stating, "...no one who has had a substantiated claim of sexual abuse of a minor brought against him/her is actively working in the Diocese of Lansing." Bishop Mengeling did admit there had been sexual abusers in the diocese "in the past."
The "past" was January 2002, when Rev. DeLorenzo resigned. Is the Bishop trying to pull the wool over everyone's eyes? Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
3/31/2002 06:17:00 PM
Great article on the Oscar voting system...their "vote distribution" and "point systems" seems ripe for adjusting to me! hmmmm...
Was eBay hacked? I went onto the main page just a moment ago and the eBay logo and top nav bar are BACKWARDS. Not just placed wrong, the letters are literally BACKWARDS, like a Tshirt iron-on transfer. And, just on those two things, not the rest of the page!
It makes me wonder if they were hacked and is that the silly way for the hackers to show off?
My heart and condolences go out to all of England, the Queen Mum passed away in her sleep this morning. How very, very sad to lose such an awesome woman! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
3/31/2002 10:06:00 AM
Saturday, March 30, 2002
This morning, I have been online looking up stuff to help build our deck and patio. It is sooooo amazing what is available online FREE! Rick knows how to build a deck, he has done it before, but it is good to have a few reminders. I don't want anything too fancy, we only have a ranch, but it would be great to have a classy-looking deck!
Time to print and show Rick, then head off to Home Depot to price the lumber! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
3/30/2002 10:45:00 AM
Friday, March 29, 2002
Remember the huge rumor last summer about Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake getting into a car accident and dying? The radio duo who concocted the story, Kramer and Twitch, were fired by their station in San Jose and almost immediately picked up by WKRK, the talk radio station that I love. I cannot tolerate Kramer and Twitch, they are too idiotic for anyone with an IQ higher than tree bark.
Kramer and Twitch were allegedly fired today for an unauthorized stunt they pulled. Would K&T really get a guy drunk and let him shoot off his toe with his own gun in the radio station's parking lot? Kramer and Twitch are morons, but I admit, they are also pretty devious. The firing was the hot topic on D&D, who devoted more than an hour on it. Their Program Director, Terry Lieberman, even put a statement on their Web site defending his decision. And that is all you get when you click on their link.
But...plenty of regs are calling it an April Fool's Hoax, not believing them after a New Year's prank they pulled earlier this year. (Something about the radio station changing from their Talk format to a Classic Rock format.)
I'm crossing my fingers that it is NOT a joke, but all considering, wouldn't be surprised if it was a publicity stunt.
On another note, I thought of a few more "celebrities" I have actually spoken with face-to-face:
Mateen Cleaves, former Detroit Piston, currently with the Sacramento Kings;
Ed Tyll, nationally syndicated radio talkshow host;
Bill Doyle & "Beaver" (sticking tongue out at Tally), local-but-top-rated radio talk show hosts (Deminiski was out of town);
James Blanchard, former Michigan Governor and U.S. Ambassador to Canada;
Frank Turner and Robbie Timmons, TV news anchors in Detroit.
The ONE person I would love to meet, but never have, is former WXYZ-TV news anchor Bill Bonds. I had the biggest crush on the guy for YEARS (so what if he IS 40 years older?), and idolized the man. I watched him every single night and he taught me the value of playing "devil's advocate." Many poeple hate debating with me because I can passionately and intelligently argue both sides of an issue.
Dayam, he was SEXY...even when he was trying to get Mayor Coleman Young to get in a boxing match with him. teehee Granted, Bill had a drinking problem, but when he was HOT, HE WAS HOT!!!
Can't forget to mention that Bill had a bit part in the original "Planet of the Apes" movie. Not impressed? Don't blame ya. His co-anchor for many years was Diana Lewis, who was the reporter in Rocky and Rocky V, among other guest spots on TV shows.
Bill is pretty much off the air, except for an occasional Art Van Furniture TV commercial or the radio spots for Better Made potato chips. How sad! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
3/29/2002 10:17:00 PM
Friday Five 1. If you could eat dinner with and "get to know" one famous person (living or dead), who would you choose? Michael J. Fox, in a heartbeat. He never fit the Hollywood role of "hunky, egotistical star." He has been happily married for nearly 15 years, has kids and has a LIFE away from Hollywood. His revelation of Parkinson's disease and still being a public figure, not going into hiding, is truly inspiring. I had never known anyone with Parkinson's, so it has been enlightening to me. Honestly, he looks like the same ol' Alex Keaton/Marty McFly to me! teehee
2. Has the death of a famous person ever had an effect on you? Who was it and how did you feel? Besides Jim Henson? Not to sound lame, but Princess Diana's death hit me hard as a mother. I heard Saturday evening that "she had been in a car accident, but was OK," but I *knew* she was dead (and told my inlaws), even though it was not announced until the next morning (which freaked out my inlaws.) I ached for the pain her children must have been going through losing their mother, knowing she had been killed because some idiot wanted a picture. And, to make matters worse, her death was such a public spectacle, not a private affair. There was so much PUBLIC tension between Diana's family and the Royals...the poor boys. Also, the day she was buried, we buried Rick's cousin who had been killed in a truck accident.
3. If you could BE a famous person for 24 hours, who would you choose? I would not want to BE anyone else...I'd have to adopt their nasty habits/addictions or put up with papparazzi! My luck, I would choose a person who had a hidden cocaine habit or having an affair with someone N-A-S-T-Y! I would perfer to be famous for 24 hours being MYSELF, then again...so many skeletons, so few closets!
4. Do people ever tell you that you look like someone famous? Who? Nope, not really.
5. Have you ever met anyone famous? Bethany and I met and had our picture taken with then-President Clinton. The picture made it into a few newspapers, too! I met David Toma ("Tough Love") when I was in junior high. I have spoken with Geoffrey Feiger and Jack Kevorkian on the phone, and Bill Lambeer, who were clients at my old job. I met "Eminem" at a grad party. He was friends with my high school boyfriend's cousin. Wasn't impressed with him then, either. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
3/29/2002 08:50:00 AM
Thursday, March 28, 2002
I really hate dishonesty.
I hate when someone is asked a straightforward question, and they answer with a prepared speech that means nothing. It sounds much more stupid to talk in circles, than to just admit, "Gee, I don't know."
We hear/read it all the time on the news. We hear/read it all the time with our politicians. We hear it all the time in real life, too. How many times have you walked away from your boss 20 minutes later thinking, "That lunkhead didn't even get close to answering my question!"
I remember when I was in the corporate world and had to deal with this type of situation on nearly a daily basis. After my bosses would finish their harangue, I would smile and say, "Thank you for that info," and repeat my question much s-l-o-w-e-r. At my last job, the biz had three owners who I had to do their appointment scheduling. I had to know when they would be taking days off and going on vacation, and it was often like pulling teeth from a T-Rex! I would get their family history, how much time they worked, how many years it had been since they had had a "real vacation," etc. When they finished, I would just ask again, "OK...so, exactly what dates are you going to be gone next week? Monday through Friday?"
I have very little respect for those who try to insult my intelligence with their loop-de-loop talk. Please, I know a shyster response from a real answer. I also know honesty from dishonesty. It is difficult to respect or believe someone who can look you in the eye and completely evade a simple question.
Ahhhhhh...I am sooooooo glad to be out of the corporate world! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
3/28/2002 06:03:00 AM
Wednesday, March 27, 2002
I know I will probably get flamed via e-mail, but I have to be totally honest.
I smell something fishy in the Oscar wins for Halle Berry and Denzel Washington. A scandal about ballots would not surprise me in the least.
It is much too perfect. Too coincidental AFTER the uproar of black actors not being "properly represented" in the last few weeks, AFTER the ballots had to be in. Then, suddenly, black actors take the top Leading Actor/Actress categories. WOW!!!
I know it is a feel-good kind of story and one that many people do not want to acknowledge could have been rigged. I am NOT saying Halle and Denzel did not deserve to win, either. I am extremely suspicious of "perfectly gift-wrapped presents," and this definitely falls into that category.
As a Mexican, I do not feel like Hispanics have been "overlooked" by Hollywood. I don't like the quota system, to me, it is unfair and feeds racism and discrimination more. If John Grisham did not want Will Smith in his new movie, "The Runaway Jury," then so be it. Maybe Grisham is prejudiced, but remember, Denzel was the lead in, "The Pelican Brief."
Sure, they did not go by the book and put him and Julia Roberts into a romance, but I liked it better that way. I thought the book was a bit trivial on Julia's character--her lover was murdered and in a few weeks time, she falls in love again and runs away with her newest knight in shining armor.
If you ever get the chance, check out Fourth Avenue, a truly amazing, five-man vocal band. We had the opportunity to catch them in a free concert last summer and bought their CD. Karina and her friend DeAnn thought they were a lot cuter than N*SYNC and MUCH cooler, too.
That is an A Cappella group, no instruments, no flashy lights. I have heard a few radio commercials lately that have made me do a double-take...is it them?!!? I hope they make "the big time."
Then again, I would have to pay to attend their concerts. Oh well, I would shell out the bucks...they ARE worth it! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
3/26/2002 09:24:00 PM
I am sooooooooo sick and tired of hearing about smokers crying that their "cigarettes are killing" them. DUH!!!
I have NO pity. I hear people say, "it is an addiction." You know what, it is a VOLUNTARY addiction. People smoke because they want to! Those warning labels have been on packs for years. There are news stories on the cancer rates almost every single day. "Oh, but I didn't know! I was misled!" Total BS...because these same people know to SUE.
Of course, I have been told that I don't understand how powerful the addiction to nicotine is because I don't smoke. I know that many people who smoke have very addictive personalities...they tend to replace one addiction with another.
I grew up with both of my parents smoking, my father closely resembling a chimney. Us kids were allowed to smoke when we were 9 years old. Only rules were: it had to be a nonfilter cigarette (like Camel, which my father smoked for years) and no smoking at school or in bed. NO KIDDING! I was pressured to smoke by my family; my parents and 3 siblings all smoke. I always resisted. I knew it could cause cancer when I was in middle school in the 80s.
I was 18 when I bought my first pack of Virginia Slims Ultra Light Menthols. I tried 3 cigarettes (maybe a puff off each), but found it totally disgusting and gave the rest to my friend, Wendy. Blech! (Not to mention, a total waste of money. Quite literally, you are burning your own money away!)
I don't hate smokers or even hate cigarette smoke. I just have no tolerance for idiots who sue others for their OWN CHOICES.
Maybe I should just find a lawyer who will sue every single smoker I *ever* sat near in a restaurant or bar or mall! Don't forget, second-hand smoke can be just as deadly!
Side note: I sure as heck ain't gonna ever sue Kodiak or Skoal for Rick's chew-addiction! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
3/26/2002 04:01:00 PM
Instead of today being my day off to get errands done and lots of cleaning out of the way for the week, while everyone is gone, my main role today is Mom. My little girl is not feeling well.
Last night, we all felt fine, but about 1 a.m., Karina came in our room crying that her belly hurt. Oh man, I had the SAME thing the night before, but never mentioned it to her! So, for the next hour, I was up with her, while she was sick. I cocooned her on the couch in a bundle of soft blankets and her favorite quilt, and talked sweetly to her. Finally, she slept, probably because I caressed her head and hair, which always relaxes her. When I finally went back to bed, just around the corner, she was breathing with a baby's peacefulness.
I got up at 4:30 like usual. When Rick got up a bit later, I told him Karina was sick during the night and I probably would not be accomplishing much, since I doubted she would be attending school. He said, "Yeah, I know, I heard her last night." Then, he started in with how he had felt sick yesterday, yada yada yada. Geez-o-petey! He did the SAME thing yesterday morning when *I* had been sick the night before! Funny, but he never complained about feeling ill the last two nights, while he played Sony and watched movies.
I swear, the man is a hypochondriac-wannabee. If he was not so hilariously ridiculous, I would be furious. As it is, I just take his complaints with a grain of salt and chalk them up to him being a "drama king." Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
3/26/2002 08:21:00 AM
Monday, March 25, 2002
I am humbled by realizing my own ignorance.
I try to learn new things. I read CNN.com and many other online news sites, I subscribe to "Word of the Day" at Dictionary.com and I have paid a year's subscription to Britannica.com. Still, I never know enough, and am always hungry for more knowledge.
Until a few weeks ago, I had never heard of "Sharia." I did not know that Nigeria had 36 states, 12 which practice Sharia.
Five quick facts about Nigeria: (in case you ever get on Jeopardy!)
1. Official name: Federal Republic of Nigeria;
2. Size: larger than the state of Texas, on the west coast of Africa (bordered by the Atlantic Ocean);
3. Official language: English;
4. Population in 1998: 110,532,000 (nearly 50/50 male/female breakdown);
5. Roads: approx. 20,000 miles of roads, more than four-fifths are paved. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
3/25/2002 08:05:00 PM
Anyone else find something EXTREMELY tacky during the Oscars last night?
I have to wonder about the people who decide on the Academy Award speakers...exactly which drugs were they sharing during the decision-making process? I would hate to think they are just cruel and heartless bastards.
I am referring to their decision to have a disheveled-looking Tom Cruise on stage at all, especially for something as ridiculous as presenting a short on, "Which movies mean something to me." Oh, please! It's not like Tom prepared his own monologue, it could have recited done by ANYONE.
C'mon, Nicole Kidman was a "Best Actress in a Leading Role" candidate! It was VERY low-class to bring him on. What were they hoping for, a Springer episode? This should have been Nicole's night to shine, AWAY from her X, but maybe Tom could not take it? He could have been a gentleman and declined the onstage invite, right?
I seriously doubt that Mimi Rogers was asked to be onstage during the 1997 Academy Awards, when her former husband, Tom Cruise, was nominated for Best Actor for his role in, "Jerry Maguire."
Geez, how come Tom didn't show up as a presenter at the Razzie Awards on Saturday night, where his current girliefriend was, deservedly, nominated for "Worst Actress"? Irony at its finest.
Well, with his new look, 3-day shadow and teenage boy fluff-hairdo, maybe he can be a Backstreet Boy next? Then again, I doubt Tom Cruise is the type of real man who can laugh at himself. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
3/25/2002 06:17:00 AM
Sunday, March 24, 2002
Roll out the red carpet!
iCan has lots of great Oscar coverage...articles that are NOT in the mainstream media hype. There is not even a mention of Russell Crowe's poem furor. Gosh, how many times do we have to hear THAT story? Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
3/24/2002 10:28:00 AM
I adore accents: British, Southern, continental European, Latin, etc.
Rick has "Driven" in right now, which I have never really watched, but today I actually LISTENED to part of it. And, I heard a sexy, heavily-accented voice that sounded identical to Jean-Claude Van Damme. YEOWZA! Interestingly enough, when I rushed to see if it was, in fact, Jean-Claude, I did a double take...the guy LOOKED amazingly similar to a young Jean-Claude!!! Bloodsport, Kickboxer, Timecop...the movies in his prime.
His name is Cristián de la Fuente and he is from Chile. He hasn't been in anything else major here, some show called, "Family Law," but dayam! I would REALLY love to hear this guy more.
Side note: I miss the GOOD Jean Claude, too. He is always welcome back, just without the drugs and physical abuse. Words of advice: CLEAN UP!!! You still have a shot at a respectable career. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
3/24/2002 10:17:00 AM
Saturday, March 23, 2002
Don't kid yourself believing their promises, the Catholic church is going to protect itself, first and foremost, but I am sure they will designate a few of their priests and bishops as "sacrificial lambs" to curtail deeper investigations and more "embarrassment," in regards to the many sexual abuse cases, especially involving children, that are breaking news each day.
The Catholic Church has always believed that they are above reproach and teaches their members to believe the same about themselves. I am not saying this out of ignorance or hatred, I was raised Catholic and went to catechism and church regularly. They teach that you ONLY learn about God and Jesus by going to church and catechism, not by reading the Bible, unless it is the Catholic Bible, which has been edited severely. Prayers are changed so members mention the Catholic Church BY NAME. Interpretations include the Catholic Church BY NAME. In catechism, sins were blamed on the person being Lutheran or Baptist.
In 2000, the Catholic Church released a paper that blatantly claimed other churches are defective because they do not recognize the primacy of the Pope. Non-Christian religions are supposedly at a "disadvantage regarding salvation."
This just backs up what we were taught in church: the priests and nuns always told us that only Catholics go to heaven. No matter how good anyone else may be, if they were not Catholic, they would be condemned to Purgatory, at best, but usually, Hell. My father was Lutheran and when a nun found out, she told us we HAD to make him convert, or "he would go to Hell."
I think the Catholic Church needs to realize and pursue correcting, NOT HIDING, their own defects and realize their own "disadvantage regarding salvation." If there is, in fact, eternal salvation, I seriously doubt that many Catholic priests, maybe all the way up to the Pope, will attain it. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
3/23/2002 10:09:00 AM
Friday, March 22, 2002
Friday Five 1. What is your favorite time of year? Summer, no doubt about it!
2. What is it about your favorite season that, well, makes it your favorite season? I am home with my kids all. Also, last year I developed a passion for gardening and yard work, including mowing.
3. What is your least favorite time of year? Why? Fall. I hate seeing the beautiful greenery go and the chilly days set in.
4. Do you do anything to celebrate or recognize the changing of seasons? I get out / put away the appropriate clothes for the season.
5. What's your favorite thing to do outside? Plant and watch my flowers grow each day. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
3/22/2002 06:21:00 AM
Not that I ever liked her to begin with, but Pamela Anderson (Lee) is a real bitch. She has sunk lower than I ever thought she could.
She used a press conference to inform the world she has contracted Hepatitis C, before it hit The Star tabloid on Friday.
Pamela stated that she contracted it via a shared tattoo needle with her X, Tommy Lee. WOW! It is stunning that, after all the other risk factors she has been engaged in, she is able to pinpoint it to a specific event. It is even more amazing that SHE was told by a doctor that Tommy Lee had it, also, while they were married, but he never told her. Sorry, but I do not believe her for several reasons.
1. She is embroiled in a bitter custody suit against Tommy Lee and was quick to blame him.
2. Pamela has had SEVERAL tattoos and PLENTY of surgeries, especially with her breast implants, which were later removed, then a smaller pair inserted.
3. She did not state whether or not any of her sexual partners, before or after Tommy Lee, had been tested for Hep. C, and whether or not they had tested positive or negative. Granted, intercourse is not a MAJOR risk factor, but it IS a risk factor.
4. Is she trying to admit how STUPID she is that her husband could undergo treatment for a disease and she would NEVER know?
If it was a man who did something like that, his female partner(s), from past and present, would be The Poor Victims. Yuck all the way around. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
3/22/2002 06:15:00 AM
I hate paying more at the pump, but I know that if I do several things, the hit will not be as hard and/or as frequent on my pocket.
1. Drive slower. This also is good to keep from getting speeding tickets, which bring on higher insurance premiums.
2. Maintenance. Get my oil, oil filter and air filter changed every 3000 miles and use the pure synthetic oil.
3. Cost compare. Use my Sam's Club gas station and pay about 7 cents less per gallon with my club card.
4. Leave earlier. It is nice to not have to drive fast to make up the late time.
5. Combine errands. I live too far from a store to just run out for a gallon of milk, so I always have a list going in my purse of little things I need. If I have to take Karina to school or pick her up, I will just combine that trip with an errand in town.
It is really quite interesting since I drive through 3 counties on my way to work and the gas prices will usually fluctuate by 10-20 cents.
I listen to people gripe about the price on the radio, while watching cars and trucks speed past me on the freeway. Hey, STUPID! Maybe if you slowed down, you wouldn't use as much gas?
I am rarely in a hurry, because I leave early, and tend to drive 65 mph, instead of the posted 70. My Jeep (luv my Jeep!) has a nifty gadget to guage my immediate gas mileage and I watch it occasionally. I get about 20 mpg when I go 65, and it reduces to 17.7 when I get up to 70. Pretty significant, if you ask me!
Rick and I argue that his Ford conversion van gets better mileage going 70+. I am notorious for keeping track and always disprove his "SPEED IS GOOD" theory. He estimates that he is getting 17 mpg, but when I do the math, it is more like 13-14. HELLO! I don't see the logic in wasting gas, which is really wasting MONEY, to get to his parents 3 freakin' minutes faster. Mind you, I am not a nag about the speed/gas he gets in his Subaru, which is more than 30 mpg and he regularly drives to/from work. It is a heck of a lot better than if he drives the van, so I just zip the lip. Van is bad, Subaru is good.
I cringe when he talks about getting an extended cab, duelly 4x4 pickup. YIKES! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
3/21/2002 05:34:00 PM
Update: It finally started snowing in my area about 7:15 a.m. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
3/21/2002 04:52:00 PM
Our weatherman has been saying it is snowing and icky outside right for the last hour because that is what his RADAR is telling him.
My advice: Look out the damn window! There is NO SNOW, you moron! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
3/21/2002 06:56:00 AM
Wednesday, March 20, 2002
I believe there are two kinds of people in this world, those who play being sick (cold and flu) for all they can and those who see being sick as a waste of time and energy.
I fall into the latter category. My patience for the former is paper-thin, and unfortunately, Rick falls dead-center into that section. YIKES!
My life rarely even slows down to accommodate a nasty cold or flu bug. I do NOT miss work. I do NOT lay in bed all day and get meals delivered. I do NOT run to the DR right away for a prescription. I have always been like that, even as a child, I hated to miss school and take medicine.
When Rick gets sick, he lays around and does NOTHING (not unlike most evenings or weekends, teehee.) He WILL take off work. He goes to the DR and gets prescriptions. He wants room service and constant coddling and movies changed in the DVD player. Yep, I am a cranky bwitch after the first day.
Right before we moved in 2000, both of us were REALLY sick. He missed several days of work and went to our family doctor one morning, where he received a shot and a script. I got into the same DR that afternoon after work and ended up with the same shot, but TWO scripts (I had a nasty sinus infection.) Whatever...I still went to Bethany's the next day.
It is especially hilarious when I confide in Rick that I think I might be coming down with something. Granted, he IS concerned, all-the-while, telling me how HE has been sick with the same thing for the last (fill in the blank) days and how miserable he has been.
I love him and married him knowing he was taking LITERALLY our vows, "In sickness and in health." He's "sickness," I'm "health." Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
3/20/2002 06:55:00 AM
Goodwill shopping online?
I will admit, Goodwill online auctioning makes me uneasy. It just seems so tacky and greedy. I use Ebay quite often, so it is not that I am against all online auctioning, but to me, Goodwill is about "first come, first serve," NOT being the highest bidder.
Pot calling the kettle? Is party line voting ONLY a bad thing when it is against your party? The Democratic-controlled Senate Judiciary Committee voted along party lines Thursday to kill the appeals court nomination of Judge Charles Pickering, and Republicans were equally united in their support of Pickering. President Bush said, "(Pickering) deserves better than to be blocked by a party-line vote of 10 senators on one committee."
Tipper goes to Washington Are bookies taking bets yet on who will make it to the White House first...Tipper or Hillary? Hey, if they lose, there is always Celebrity Boxing on Fox, right?
Even though we did not watch, "Celebrity Boxing," (we don't get Fox), Karina and I heard enough about it on the radio to come up with a few of our own matches.
1. Jan vs. Marcia Brady
2. Tom Brokaw vs. Peter Jennings
3. Brittany vs. Pink
4. Prince vs. Michael Jackson
5. Jackie Chan vs. Jean Claude VanDamme
Hey, it passes the time on the drive to pick up Cody! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
3/17/2002 04:41:00 PM
Mall of Georgia sounds like fun, but it is starting to look like I need to stay a few more days! I am already brushing up on Georgia and Atlanta events/history/news, thanks to the AJC (especially The Vent.)
Still, y'all know I will stick out like the Yank I am.
If this helps, part of the rules is that I have to get a shotglass from any MAJOR place we go (remember Planet Hollywood and Hard Rock?) Think they have some at the Capitol building or CNN?
You know, I bet we don't do much sleeping...y'all are gonna to be soooooooo glad when I hit the tarmac that Sunday! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
3/17/2002 12:15:00 PM
1. What's your favorite animal? I've always loved the looks of koalas, but I've read they aren't all sweet and loving.
2. What pets have you had in your lifetime? Horse, cats, dogs, iguana, fish, rabbits, hamsters.
3. Is there any specific pet that you've wanted but never had? Why? If I answer this one, Rick will probably find one at work and bring it home, so...NO! teehee
4. Are you allergic to any animals? Nope.
5. Do you have any 'pet' pet peeves (your pets or others')? People who let their dog/cat roam the neighborhood, especially when they won't let them in their house! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
3/15/2002 05:53:00 PM
Waaaaaah! There is NO Friday Five this week!!! Stupid hosting problems...sigh, BTDT.
Must be creative, must be creative...UGH! My poor brain is already near smoking overload stage! It's only 5:30 a.m.! Wait...the clouds are clearing!
1. How often do you cook meals at home? Almost every day. Eating out is a rarity in our home now, so that treat amounts to about once or twice a month.
2. What was the last dish you prepared using a recipe? Wednesday evening I made Impossibly Easy Cheeseburger Pie. It is quick and easy (I use left over meatloaf or taco burger) and a family favorite.
3. What concoction have you tasted in a restaurant and tried to imitate at home? Did it come out well? I have perfected a delicious strawberry pie from a Shoney's recipe.
4. What recipe has been the most difficult for you to prepare successfully? Believe it or not, meatloaf. It seems like I make it on a whim and do not have some ingredient on hand, like A1 Sauce or onions. (Acutally, my meatloaf is no longer done by recipe, I actually just throw a bunch of stuff in the pan.)
5. What are you doing this weekend? It's a busy one! We get Cody tonight. I want to attend the SAMD meeting being held at the Detroit Kennel Club show in Cobo Hall. Karina has been pestering me all week to take her to Great Lakes Crossing and as soon as Cody hears that idea, it will be double-trouble! (Sorry, Tal, I'm not going to be able to do the D&D party! Waaaaaaaaah!)
I believe that Andrea Yates is mentally ill, but should be given the death penalty because she DEFINITELY knew what she was doing. Just because someone is mentally ill, does NOT justify murder. The death penalty is available and I hope it is used.
I think Yates knew exactly what she was doing...she had reportedly attempted suicide several times before, but this time, she killed her kids and called the police. HUH? So, she went from suicidal to homicidal, and she probably should just face life in prison? NO WAY! Life in prison is MUCH too good for her and I vote for the death penalty.
It infuriates me to know that Yates murdered 5 children and could just end up in prison, where she will receive free medication, free lodging and have more rights to good healthcare than most law-abiding Americans. UGH!!! (Not to mention, probably earn a law degree, courtesy of us taxpayers, and get herself freed.)
Rick's grandfather has been a good, lawabiding man all his life. He has paid his taxes, he has 10 great kids and he has been a productive American. Now, he is very ill and is going broke from having to spend his social security checks and savings on his medications, which cost several hundred dollars each month. His insurance will only pay so much for him to be in a nursing home. He has hospital bills, doctor bills and cost of living expenses.
He hasn't killed anyone (or ever been arrested), so HE is responsible for paying his own bills. Does this mean that crime pays?
It must suck to be a defense attorney here, but the moron didn't abide by the gag order! Not only that, but the women on trial in Salem were accused of PRACTICING witchcraft, not committing murder. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
3/14/2002 09:30:00 AM
Wednesday, March 13, 2002
Welcome AGAIN to my blog: Lynnie, 'Chele, Gen and Kat! (Hey, at least you bothered to open the e-mail this time! teehee) Side note: Tally, I might go to the D&D party Friday afternoon! woohoo!!!
Come, read! Read my rambles, my rants, my ridiculous writings. Laugh, cry, roll your eyes. Find out about the TRUE Rick. So much for my image! Oh well...now, we will have plenty to gossip about, right?
And, just remember...make those faces and they will freeze that way!
Ethnicity almost always plays a huge part in the cost of adopting a baby. Even adoption officials admit the discrepancy is due to "supply and demand." "White" babies are difficult to come by and generally have the highest price tag, whereas nonwhite infants are considerably cheaper.
Adoption laws are on a state-by-state basis, not federally governed. Only 4 states prohibit private adoptions, but 3 of states do allow waivers. In some states, prospective parents may have to pay the living expenses and/or medical expenses for the pregnant mother. Gay couples and transracial infant adoptions are routinely discriminated against.
In Washington, the Antioch Bible Church has started its own adoption agency, with the exception of a paid director, is run by volunteers. The Reverend Ken Hutcherson wants uniformity by way of adoption laws and hopefully, will be able to pull out his billboard campaign to get people thinking.
White baby: $35,000
Latino baby: $10,000
Black baby: $4,000
I think it is time the laws changed. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
3/13/2002 06:49:00 AM
It was, undeniably, the most emotionally and mentally painful movie experience of my life. It hit so close to home, that even today, I am exhausted. Thankfully, I went alone.
I have read how "unrealistic" "I Am Sam" supposedly is, but as a single parent who has been in the court system and came VERY close to losing her daughter, I know better.
IT IS REAL!
IT IS UGLY!
IT IS PAINFUL!
IT HAPPENS EVERY DAY!
One day soon, I will share our story. I was coerced into entering a limited guardianship to try to protect my daughter, in case something ever happened to me, so she would not end up in the State's care. There was NO abuse, NO neglect, NO abandonment. I was NOT on drugs, NOT an alcoholic, NOT a prostitute, NOT in trouble with the law and NOT mentally unstable. I did nothing wrong, but I was made out to be an evil and unfit mother. Initially, I am sure it helped that my parents had money and used it, and NOT just on their attorney.
Despite it being a limited guardianship (my parental rights were not terminated), I had to fight the Court and my parents to get Karina back. Thankfully, I had the total support of my many friends and Rick. I also found an ethical lawyer, who truly BELIEVED in me and wouldn't be bought, which further astounds most people.
This stuff DOES happen. It just rarely makes it into the media.
I hope Sean Penn gets "Best Actor." He deserves it. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
3/12/2002 10:36:00 AM
Monday, March 11, 2002
Today is an anniversary that I never celebrate, but instead, remember tearfully.
Five years later, Nina's death is still very raw. I think of her every single day, and often ball my eyes out that she died so young and so early into our friendship. Maybe she is especially painful since I had never really experienced death before, and always thought of my friends as immortal, too.
Nina was supposed to walk me down the aisle, since my father refused the job. We knew that she would likely be in a wheelchair, but the church was completely accessible with a ramp leading up to the worship area. Rick adored Nina and would have happily carried her down the aisle with us, if it would have come down to it. We remembered Nina in a small, but poignant way at our wedding, and it was especially hard for her parents and sister, who was also my bridesmaid.
The day after Nina died, I received a card from her. Lisa, my matron of honor who no longer lived near us, said she had gotten a letter from her asking about my wedding shower, Nina wanted to help out, but not step on toes, of course.
I still visit her grave often. Some of the items left there are almost 5 years old, things that we know Nina would love.
Every Bon Jovi song I hear, no matter what the date, is dedicated in my heart to Nina.
Rest in peace, my friend. You will always be "Aunt Nina." Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
3/11/2002 06:33:00 AM
Sunday, March 10, 2002
Rick bought his Sony Surround-Sound speaker set today. He reminds me of a little boy on Christmas morning...didn't even take off his shoes when he walked in the door and immediately opened the box, plastic and foam thrown all over the floor.
It's all set up now and, of course, the FIRST movie in the DVD player is "Top Gun." Rick LOVES the first scenes with the jets firing up and the fighters. He is replaying yet again. Volume is permanently set on "Piss Sheila Off."
Next movie, I know, will be "Days of Thunder." Nothing like listening to the cars on the speedways in surround sound!
Karina was heartbroken that we didn't go to Great Lakes Crossing this weekend, but such is life. The errands that weren't done yesterday had to be taken care of today, so we ran out of time, considering the mall closes early on Sundays. I want to have time for us to have a tasty lunch at Rainforest Cafe, walk around in the shops and hit Gameworks for a bit of arcade fun. Before we leave, of course, hit Cinnabon for a warm and heavenlysweet rolle for me and a huge Edy's chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream waffle cone for Karina.
Anybody see a blue plastic garbage can fly by this afternoon?
These high winds have been causing A LOT of trouble in Michigan today, the least of which is our lost can, which is probably in OZ by now! The new roof on our backyard neighbor's house (that was put on this past September) is flapping away, bit by bit. Howling winds have been in the 40-50 mph range for more than 12 hours, and will probably continue another 12.
1. I saw a FOR SALE sign laying in our backyard and there aren't any house on the market for 3 blocks!
2. Right now, about 125,000 Michigan residents are without power. We are VERY lucky to not be among those numbers.
3. It was warm and raining buckets this afternoon, then the cold front pushed in and an hour later, the temps had fallen by double digits. We now have SNOW!
4. Interstate-75 has been closed for the last few hours near Flint due to terrible road conditions.
Today was a good day to spend at home! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
3/09/2002 10:29:00 PM
It's official, I have watched more ofthe 2002 Winter Paralympicsthan any other Olympics, including this year!
Coooooool! Karina and I just caught the last half of the Paralympic Opening Ceremonies. I had completely forgotten all about them while I was reorganizing my closet this afternoon, but took a TV break while Karina ate a bowl of ice cream. Just by chance, she flipped on NBC.
I loved the commercials I saw that depicted athletes with disabilities. I was surprised to see Home Depot ran an ad that listed how many Olympic athletes they have employed and their medal count. It also stated that they are proud sponsors of the Olympic and Paralympic games. I wonder if that was the same ad they ran during the Olympics?
I looked for fellow blogging buddy,iCan's Karen, in the stadium shots, but didn't see her amid the multitude of faces. Didn't expect to, but hey, I had hope!
The Ceremony was truly awesome, Wynonna (Judd) continues to have one of the strongest and best voices I have ever heard!
I have to admit, I don't do my shopping at The Gap, Abercrombie or American Eagle. I won't pay $25 for a cheap Tshirt with a stupid logo. I rarely clothes shop at KMart or WalMart, except for Karina, but I prefer JCPenney's quality, anyway. I have a pair of purple RIO jeans from 1993 that are still in excellent condition.
Nope, I much prefer my thrift store, where I can get a pair of Levis in perfect condition for less than $5 and Liz Claibourne shirts and dress slacks for less than $3, often with the tags still on them! A few weeks ago, I managed to find 2 pair of fashionable, Arizona shorts for Cody, which were $2.95 each. Rick got an Eddie Bauer golf-type shirt for $1.45. For $1.95, a pair of beige, "bell bottom" jeans with embroidered blue flowers up both sides has earned Karina quite a few envious comments from her schoolmates, who want similar pants. ***snicker*** Oh yes, and everything is in MINT condition.
Even though we now live more than an hour away from the shop, an occasional afternoon-long jaunt is still well-worth the extra gas money and side trip to our guilty lunch pleasure, White Castle for "gut grenades" and mozzarella sticks.
Going to the mall is NEVER so much fun! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
3/09/2002 11:32:00 AM
Friday, March 08, 2002
Got my Atlanta tickets today! Woohoo!!! ~~I'm gonna see Liiiiiiiiiisa! I'm gonna see Liiiiiiiiiiisa!~~
Put in a countdown to the days on my left nav bar to the date, too.
I wonder if Liiiiiiiiisa feels special yet? teehee She is the ONLY person who I have gotten on a plane to visit. She is the ONLY person who has ever gotten on a plane to visit me.
I can honestly say that even with us not living in the same state for more than 6 years, our friendship has not suffered. It's bizarre to know that now we can communicate at almost any time of the day or night, and we do. Phone calls are almost nonexistant, but that is OK. We supported Ameritech for several years. Now, Lisa reads my Blog.
We are in-the-know. Lisa can keep up on the news from our old stompin' ground and I regularly read the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and, more importantly, since Lisa pointed it out, The Vent. She and I take almost daily turns sending the funniest to each other. I may not understand some of them, but damn, they are STILL funny!
I love the Internet, but more importantly, I LOVE LIIIIIIIIIIISA! Watch out Atlanta, I'm coooooooming! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
3/08/2002 01:50:00 PM
Friday Five 1. What makes you homesick? Spending more than an overnight away from my house with my kitties left ALL alone. Or going to Sam's Club on a Saturday afternoon, YIKES! Makes me wonder if I will ever get home again.
2. Where is "home" for you? Is it where you are living now, or somewhere else (ie: Mom & Dad's house, particular state/city)? Home is wherever Rick and I live, but I prefer our house as "home," to our old apt.
3. What makes it home for you? People? Things? Home is my attitude and just being away from other people.
4. Where is the furthest you've been from home, miles-wise? I lived in Michigan, but we went on vacation out West back in 1991. Destinations were the Grand Canyon and Vegas, but we drove into California one day, too. As a crow flies, it was 1793 miles.
5. What are your plans for this weekend? Besides look up Atlanta stuff for my visit in May? teehee Hopefully, play a bit with my blog and the Samoyed site, and not waste a day driving to/from my inlaws for a bday party. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
3/08/2002 01:10:00 PM
Thursday, March 07, 2002
IsConnie Rushford of Wyandotte only interested in knowing whether or not Curtis Fields was her bio father because he was a millionaire? I feel sorry for her, but have to wonder if she would be so quick on the DNA results if Fields had not won the lottery? Would she be so willing to establish his paternity if, upon his death, he had been heavily in debt or had no estate?
I realize Rushford did not find out about him until after his death, but this isn't just about her knowing her roots, it's also about collecting a sizeable share of his winnings. That really leaves a sour taste in my mouth. I pray that Karina will handle the situation with her bio father with a bit more class.
Maybe I'm stupid, but I am glad to have been written out of my parents will years ago. In all honesty, they owe me NOTHING! Bonus: I am free from kissing their asses and playing their games. PLUS, they have NOTHING to use to try to keep me in line, unlike my siblings.
When my parents die, I know my siblings will probably be too busy cleaning out their house and hocking their possessions and/or consulting sleazy lawyers to attend the funeral(s). My sister was already making her list when she was 14. My brothers and sister always argued over who would get what collections. Remember, MY PARENTS ARE NOT DEAD!!!
In the last few months, there has been so much death in my life. I have written letters to some of the people in my life, in case I die.
My project this week is to write my mother a letter requesting a few items that I would like now...I want my report cards, memento box and diaries (which she stole in 1995.) I have totally given up on my childhood coin collection that she always "held on to," but I tried to get it a few years ago and she told me it was combined with her collection and she couldn't differentiate the two, despite the fact that I had many unique pieces. She even refused to hand over my ancient Roman/Greek coin (long story) worth, 20 years ago, more than $10,000!
Oh well. Yes, you saw right. OH WELL. Dems da brakes.
I really want my report cards from school. I want the story I wrote and illustrated in 2nd grade that won First Prize for my grade. I want my memento box. I will ask, but not push the issue in court.
Oh, and I won't be contesting any wills for "my fair share" of their property/belongings, either. Nothing is more than plenty for me!
It's TOTALLY official, I am going to Atlanta the first weekend in May for Lisa's birthday! YIPPEEE!!! We are both VERY excited, but honestly, it hasn't fully hit me yet.
I bought my airline tickets yesterday from Orbitz, saving a ton of $$$ in the process. I could have saved more by making my flight originate and end out of Detroit Metro Airport, but I paid the extra to use the smaller airport which is just 20 minutes from my house. I refuse to check baggage, too, so either everything will fit into a small bag or I will send my clothes the week before.
Lisa wants to have a great party with her friends, and it seems that the weekend *I* could make it was the top priority. I'm arriving a day early, so hopefully, she will have the day off work and can show me around Atlanta more (especially since she lives there and not in Phenix City, like before!) Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
3/07/2002 06:36:00 AM
Wednesday, March 06, 2002
Great trivia facts aboutFrancis Ford Coppola:
1. Born in Detroit,
2. Persevered through a bout of polio at age 9,
3. Family ties: brother of Talia Shire ("Yo, Adrian!" in the "Rocky" films), uncle to Nicholas Cage and Jason Schwartzman. His son, Gio, died in 1986 in a boating accident.
4. Multiple Oscar winner for "The Godfather" series.
5. Produced and/or directed, "American Graffiti," "Apocalypse Now," "Bram Stoker's Dracula" and "The Secret Garden," among a slew of other movies. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
3/06/2002 08:31:00 AM
Tuesday, March 05, 2002
Simba is still pretty groggy from his surgery today, but we knew he would be much better at home, than staying overnight at the Vet's office. Poor guy, he had 2 small "tumors" (warts) removed from his head and ear this morning and now looks terrible. His head is all shaved and you can see his sutures.
Dalton and Princess were spayed and Dalton was also declawed, since she was always scratching ANYTHING. Poor kitties! At least now, we won't have to worry about MORE kittens. Evidently, Princess had enlarged ovaries, too, which explains her going into heat quite a bit, yet not allowing the boys near her (and her "bitchiness," per our Vet.) The little dear is so much smaller than the other cats, just over 3 lbs., that she had a reaction to the anesthetic and had to stay overnight. Poor thing! I am going to pick her up in the morning and settle her in Karina's room with Dalton, then head to Bethany's.
It is funny that every time I go to our Vet, someone there HAS to ask if I am related to the family who used to live across the street. Yeppers, that was Rick's Gramma and Dad. Our Vet actually graduated high school with Dad, too, at the same high school Karina will attend (just a cool tidbit.) It's great, earns us a bit of a discount, not to mention...all the pets we have! lol We are lucky to have such a good DR for our furry family members.
If only they'd neuter Rick...teehee. I'd even be willing to pay out-of-pocket! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
3/05/2002 10:01:00 PM
The Screen Actors Guild (SAG) election drama hasn't been resolved yet? Hmmm...I'm just dumbfounded that Melissa Gilbert is even a member, let alone PRESIDENT, when she financed and starred in a non-union movie, the very thing other members have been fined or kicked out for doing. I just wonder how long it will take for them to get the Supreme Court involved.
Tell me this is a shock...Roseanne is getting divorced! Too bad she and Ben didn't have mentoring...lol. Interesting points to make, Roseanne was married to her first husband, Bill Pentland, for nearly 16 years, Tom Arnold for 4 years and this current guy, Ben Thomas, for more than 7 years. Just FYI.
Anybody else hazily remember Tiffany, the single-name teen who made it big in the 80s doing shopping mall concerts? Here she is now!
George Michael is making waves with yet another sexy video for his new single, "Freeek." No surprise, he has always pushed the letter...anyone remember the videos for, "I Want Your Sex" and "Freedom 90"? Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
3/05/2002 01:09:00 PM
I think President Bush's "marriage as welfare reform" plan sucks. It reminds me so much of my parents' teaching us girls to get married ASAP and start having babies (tax deductions.) My first REAL engagement was when I was 18 and lasted barely 2 months before I called it off. My parents were devastated, I honestly believe my mother is still not over it, either.
Honestly, I think the gov't should NOT be involved in promoting/demoting or reducing/increasing marriage. Will it get people off welfare? MAYBE, but it will NOT promote HEALTHY marriages. In the end, all it is is a piece of paper and a tax reduction. Mentoring and counseling actually do little but delay the process until the kids are older or gone.
Mentoring is rather wishy-washy for me because what makes a couple worthy of being appointed "mentors" by a group? Is it just that they aren't divorced? That doesn't mean they are a happy and healthy couple. Do they have to be married for X amount of years? Do they have to have certain experiences to make the cut? Is it just that they completed the required course? It is such a grey area, I honestly believe our govt should not support these religious mentoring groups.
I am not even an advocate of premarital counseling. Been there, done that. I really like Rick's pastor, but let's be honest, he was there to promote Christianity and marriage. This was the same pastor who had married Rick's X-wife and her first husband when she was 18! Granted, he did not perform the ceremony for her and Rick, but I honestly thought there would be a bit more counseling for us since this was my first marriage. Wrong-O!
Sure, we got to chitchat and take (hilarious) "personality tests," but NOTHING prepares people for REAL situations like disability or illness or career change. What is important NOW, will change LATER. I live by the motto, "Those are cute quirks now, but grounds for marital strife and divorce later."
Rick and I ended up in non-religious marriage counseling the year after we were married and our shrink flat-out blamed Rick for all of our problems and recommended I leave Rick, because Rick could not change his job or working hours, which meant "he was not fully committed to (me)." That's when *I* told Rick we were NEVER going back to that quack. Things improved dramatically, too. Later this month will be our 7-year anniversary of meeting, May will be our 5-year wedding anniversary.
Michigan is looking at changing the laws so that the person NOT filing for divorce receives MORE (property) in the divorce. What kind of logic is THAT?!!? Rick's X did not want their divorce, but she did not want to be a wife to Rick, either...she had a live-in boyfriend. Rick had to file for the divorce and she FOUGHT it! No kidding, RIGHT OFF, he gave her the house, her car and didn't contest her having primary custody of Cody, but she dragged it out nearly 3 years. She said she wanted to reconcile, so the court ordered joint marital counseling, and she would go...ONCE. But that would delay things 3-6 months. She did it 3 times, before the jig was up, incurring lawyer and shrink fees for Rick to pay each time, too.
What DID she want? Every cent of every paycheck of his and all of his tax returns, PLUS her own live-in boyfriend, PLUS her back alimony from her first X-husband. Sounds like a real Cinderella-type marriage fantasy! That could have put her into "happily-ever-after land!"
Maybe President Bush should put that $300 million toward education? Studies have proven that the better the education, the better the wage later on.
Hooooooooray! Rick just gave me back MY puter! It's all clean and fresh and MINE ALL MINE!!! Honestly, he's had it for nearly two months, he kept putting off erasing/reloading the thing because he was hoping I'd fall in love with his "screamin'" 1100 AMD-got-all-da-goodies, but I didn't even develop a teenage crush...So, he doesn't get to build a new system. Gimme back my damn simple 400 Pentium II and GO AWAY! His puter was so full of JUNK (kids games, his games, etc.) that it annoyed me to no end. Many an evening, I'd go stomping out of my retreat hurling expletives at his computer or letting loose an occasional screamed "UGGGGGGGGGGGGGGH!" and when Rick would come running in to see what his puter was doing, THEN I'd let loose the list of expletives.
I know, I'm an ingrate!
I know Rick is frustrated, he was REALLY looking forward to a new laptop or building another system, but too bad. What we have now works GREAT, no complaints, PERIOD. I don't see any reason to spend several thousand dollars, yet again, when we don't have to (his system is barely a year old.)
Tomorrow, btwn vet visits and Karina's conferences, I will be downloading all my stored info onto my zips and reloading my Word docs, Printmaster projects and scanned images back into MY puter. YIPPEE!!! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
3/04/2002 08:13:00 PM
Feeling a bit better today.
Used my new toothbrush today, a Crest Triple Effect Medium (bristles.) Mine is grey and seriously looks like something used by NASA! lol I feel like an astronaut! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
3/04/2002 06:56:00 AM
Sunday, March 03, 2002
I am seriously depressed.
The atmosphere around my house today could be called "walking on eggshells." It's ALL my fault, too. I'm not proud, but dammit, I am in a state of terrible shock. I am so freakin' emotional that Rick is at a total loss of how to comfort me.
I finally saw the tape of the TV show I was on in January. Jim let us view it during our visit yesterday, before bringing it home. Besides my wedding video (which is still lost at my inlaws), I had never seen myself on TV, nor heard a quality taping of my speech.
I cringed as my segment rolled and my every "S"-sound was lisped. I have a terrible lisp that I had NEVER heard before.
During the quiet trip home, I remembered how, when I was in 4th grade, my elementary school tried to put me into speech classes because of my lisp. My parents adamently REFUSED. No way, there was NOTHING wrong with me that I needed a "special class." OMG, they were pissed!
I believed my parents, of course, and didn't think anything of it again. They never worked with me on my speech either. I heard some teasing growing up about it, but being the littlest sister and hanging around little boys, I know that some teasing IS a part of growing up.
Twenty-one years later, I desperately want to strangle my parents for their ignorance and selfishness. Back then, I had a good chance for change, the odds are nowhere near that now.
I really LOVE to talk, but even today, I find myself eerily silent. When I have to speak, like when I called Rick's X to tell her I received an e-mail cancelling school tomorrow, I avoid words with an *S*-sound.
The black clouds of depression are hanging low over my head. I know it has not impeded my life, I have always had plenty of great friends and, shallow as it sounds, I never lacked for boyfriends, either. I have worked in customer service and worked as a manager numerous times.
For crying out loud, I met Rick working at a telephone answering service!
I keep trying to make myself feel better, and it works for a few moments. I hate pity, ESPECIALLY self-pity, but I feel like I have been punched in the gut and I never saw it coming.
Maybe I will look into speech therapy more and see if our insurance, haha, will cover it, because I am just not ready to pursue American sign language as my major form of communication. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
3/03/2002 06:08:00 PM
1. Will "Wheaties" have a Paralympian gracing a box cover?
2. What is with the Salt Lake City Olympic Committee dropping the ball on transportation for visitors of the Paralympics?
3. I wonder if the mainstream press will print any stories (not scandals) about the Games?
Hmmm...maybe the Paralympics needs figure skating to make it into "The Big Time"?
Nah, Paralympians are true ATHLETES! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
3/03/2002 05:02:00 PM
Friday, March 01, 2002
Lunch with Rob was great! He seemed in good spirits, especially when I let him pick our lunch spot, which ended up being Damon's. It's weird, I'd never been to that restaurant before a month ago, and now I have 3 visits under my belt...at 3 DIFFERENT Damons across the state. No kidding, Midland, Lansing and Port Huron!
I have to say I enjoy their dishes, too. Personal faves are the chicken fettucini alfredo and the crock of onion soup. Next time I go, I vow to get the Damon's Cut Prime Rib. Rick had it Sunday night and it looked delicious!
Oh, yeah...about Rob. Whoops!
He and I are hoping he is going to use his mom's death as the catalyst to make some substantial life changes: college, getting his license back, saving some money, finding love and happiness. Projects are being broken down into manageable steps.
Since he is no longer on the Net, I offered to research the driver's license issues. I honestly believe that if he has his license back, he will recover even more self-esteem. Without it, he feels like a total loser. Let's face it, he lost it because he WAS a danger to society. Seven years later, he is a changed man. I'm proud.
Just gotta keep infecting my positive attitude upon him! Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
3/01/2002 07:56:00 PM
Friday Five 1. What's your favorite vacation spot? Lisa's home, which is now near Atlanta. Good food, great atmosphere and cheap on the wallet. I really need to visit her soon!
2. Where do you consider to be the biggest hell-hole on earth? Any place where my parents are.
3. What would be your dream vacation? Either London, Paris and Spain or Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro.
4. If you could go on a road-trip with anyone, who would it be and why? Gotta go with Lisa, since she and I are quite similar and would have a great time meeting new people and being adventureous! (Not to mention, we both LOVE junk traveling food and singing in the car.)
5. What are your plans for this weekend? Watch DVDs, I just bought "The Three Musketeers" and "Terminator 2," and go take pics of the new Recue Sammies for the MSR Web site. Sunshine - Walking on Sunshine -
3/01/2002 07:47:00 PM
ATTENTION ALL GEOCITIES BLOG MEMBERS! This is NOT Spam or a joke. I received it in my box tonight. UGH! Yahoo! Geocities have already updated their pages, too.
Yahoo! GeoCities Change In FTP Service
Your FTP Service Beginning April 2, 2002, we will no longer provide FTP access as part of our free home page service.
Please note that Premium Members will not be affected by this change in service. Free members interested in continuing their FTP service are encouraged to consider our premium packages. All packages include FTP access, remote loading of images, ad-free pages, and much more. Packages start at just $4.95/month (plus a one-time setup fee).
If you decide not to upgrade your GeoCities web site, you can still upload files using the Easy Upload tool which is accessible within File Manager.
For additional help and information about GeoCities, visit our help pages at http://help.yahoo.com/help/us/geo/.
