Weekend Assignment #105: Poetry in Motion

Weekend Assignment #105: Poetry in Motion :

One of my favorite poets would have to be Emily Dickinson.  I think her writings were written simply, and purely from the heart:

I Never Saw

I never saw a moor,
I never saw the sea;
Yet know I how the heather looks,
And what a wave must be.

I never spoke with God,
Nor visited in heaven;
Yet certain am I of the spot
As if the chart were given.

I myself used to write many a poem when I was younger--they were for the most part, just plain silly.  Here is one about one of my favorite fruits:

Ode To A Banana 

By:  Julie Costa, Nov. 5th, 1983 ---(Little did I know at the time I had written this poem, it would be the birthday of my 3rd child, 19 years later...)  

There you are!

I see you!

Lying there with your bunch of friends

On my kitchen table

So yellow

So fair

I hope you don't mind my stare

I came inside to grab a pear

But, you look so much more tempting

And, I couldn't help noticing you from afar

I do not remember you

What brings you and your brothers here?

Oh dear, I see you have an awful bruise!

Excuse me, but it does ruin your fine, yellow complexion

Did you have a nasty fall? Or did you get bumped by that apple?

All and all, you must be a brave little thing

Sitting on my kitchen table

Why, I think it be a sin

If I should have you for a munchin'

Now I know-you need not tell

How you came through my very front door

When mother came from shoppin'

How I know how you must feel

How you wish to be there still

With your bunch of friends

Out at Albertsons

Poor Banana!

I pity you so!

How you wish to be in your native Mexico

Under the sweet green leaves of mother

And the warm sun you will not see ever

They yanked you and your brother

How the memory must make you shudder!

Then they threw you in a burlap sack--so squished together!

They sent you to a factory, packed and marked with a Chiquitta seal

Which ruined the outside of your peel

Bruised, and abused, they flew you here

To be stacked in a neighborhood store in fear

"A banana without a country!"  the oranges did say.

But, they too likewise did pay..

And so they did

And there you are are thinking the worst of me and afar

You must think that this is the end

I pity you poor banana for you are right

How I long for a bite!

My stomach is growling, and I feel so weak

And you do look so tempting to eat..

But, before I do, I will tell you this -

It has been a pleasure to talk to you

And you I will surely miss

It saddens me to say my adieu

but I cannot let you suffer anymore from within

What else could you expect from a friend?

THE END  (of the banana) 

Chicken Pox

My mother called me late this afternoon and asked me if my son Andrew ever had the Measles.  Not a good question...  He spent the night at my mom's last night, and I knew he wasn't feeling well, so he stayed home from school.  Apparently he acquired numerous little spots all over his body by late this afternoon. 

Chicken Pox! 

Yes, it didn't take long for the doctor to diagnosis.  Lovely.  No school for at least a week. 

I could have sworn he had a shot for this.  Sometimes, those shots don't work. 

I am now wondering if my two year old is now going to catch it.

He can't be around my mother either. 

Oh well. Sure, I was planning to take advantage of my 5 day weekend.. I took Monday and Tuesday off for my birthday.  Oh well...  These things happen!!!

 

 

It Stopped RAINING!!!

I cannot believe it, but it actually stopped raining!  Hurrah!  Hopefully I can have a dry ride home tonight! 

I'm just surfing on the net at lunch and found this...  I can so relate with this rabbit..  (The one eating the carrot)  I'm eating my veggie salad as we speak---now don't get jealous!

"She's such a bitch." "Those girls in the background are sooo saying that! You know I'm right. Look! The girl in the front, she's like, totally getting all the carrot! Look at her!" 

I saw this, and had to cut and paste.  I found it at:  http://mfrost.typepad.com/cute_overload/bunnies/index.html   On Cute Overload. 

Rain, Rain...GO AWAY!!

Hey, today marks the 23rd day of rain for the month of March in area where I live in.

I am sooo sick of rain!!  I especially don't like to drive in it either!!

Yesterday, my car overheated.  I discovered it while driving my mother to her doctor's appointment.  At first I thought the smoke was the exhaust coming from the car in front of me, but then I looked at my dashboard, and noticed that my coolant monitor was at the big thick line before the H for HOT!!! 

You know, there just isn't enough full service gas stations around.  After dropping off my mother at the clinic, I went searching for one, but without luck.  I went back into the clinic's parking lot and let the car cool down.  I discovered that AAA will not and cannot put any type of liquids in my car except gasoline.  Lovely.  They offered to send a tow truck to tow it to a place that could fill my water gasket.  Yeah right..  I'm going to stick my mother in a tow truck, with the baby to get water!

By the grace of God, I made my way as far as the parking lot to my work downtown, making all the green lights.  My car was smoking, and smelling like rubber, and the gauge was already past H!  Husband met me at work, with a jug of water, and with the help of a nice neighbor that happened to be walking past, he was able to tighten water hose with a borrowed screw driver.  My husband is sooo wonderful--he can fix almost anything!! 

I was also lucky  to get one of my son's friend's parent to drop off my son to me at the parking lot.  He had promised to call me of course, but my son "forgot", so for about 1 hour I didn't know where my son was.  He was either at school at the library with his friend, or waiting for me to pick him under the pouring rain. 

All that time waiting in the car to be rescued by husband, gave me and my mother some time to chat about our summer plans.  With much thought and consideration, we have come to the conclusion that we will be postponing our summer trip to the Azores until next year.  We are both happy with this decision, and although I may be going on a "guilt trip" this summer, I do have WITNESSES that my mother is totally against going this summer.  End of that story!  I feel like a great weight has been lifted from my shoulders.  Although I had mixed feelings of really wanting to go this summer, the way things are going, everything is going against us.  Being wait listed, having conflicting schedules--it's all saying, "No, don't go this year." 

Things or good..  Life is good...

I've also had to block this blog from afew people--to remain unknown.  Seems like I have some noisy people, who have been reading and reporting to a 3rd party of my comings and goings...  Crazy, huh?  This person won't talk to me, but has no problem reading my blogs and telling everyone about my life.  Weird, huh?  Maybe I should watch what I write in here, but at the same time---why?  What's the point of having a journal if I can't express myself the way I want to? 

Oh well...  Life is good...  I hope it stops raining very soon. 

 

 

Going Insane

I obviously cannot read a calendar correctly! 

I cannot plan a vacation for people other than myself!!

I am driving my travel agent insane as well.  I joked with him and wrote:  "you are probably at this point, ready to ring my neck by now.."  He called me back and asked for a noose.  Of course, he was said he was just kidding... At least, I hope he was.

Anyways...  I'm frustrated.  I cannot take the responsibility of making reservations for people other than myself at this point.  Mom can't go alone, and mom can't leave alone.  She has to leave with me, and come back with my niece, but of course, niece doesn't want to go until October..  OCTOBER?!  This is just insane.  I'm just ready to throw in the towel, and take my kids to Hawaii or somewhere...  Shheeeesh... 

I've had my coffee, and I feel a little better. 

Well, good news is, we AREN'T going to strike.  Our union approved a contract offered by the Board of Supervisors for county workers in Santa Cruz.  Part of the deal is a NEW paid holiday, which happens to fall this Friday, March 31st-Cesar Chavez Day---Hurrah!  I just don't understand county government at all.  Oh well, I got a job---this is good.  I am not going to complain about it today.  Friday is a holiday, and I took a few days off next week for my birthday, so I'm having a 5 day holiday...  I really NEED a 5 day HOLIDAY!!

Don't get my started with the new Immigration Laws that are happening...  I know a young man who may fall victim to it, and it's heart breaking. 

 

 

 

 

Let's Get Snotty

The following comes from Teresa's Blog (Teeisme57)--I've copied and pasted---  I hope you don't mind Teresa, but I feel lazy, and I'm really pissed off (long story--not really, but I don't really want to write about it at the moment)...

The Smoking Gun has gotten it's hands on a list of Dick Cheney's suite demands and posted it on their website. So, just for fun, make believe you're special ( I think you are) and make up a list of demands that you would want 'your people' to send to a hotel prior to your arrival. Remember you are famous, rich and spoiled as a five year old Easter egg, so go for it...

Leave a link to your demands if it's lengthy, or have 'your people' do it for you!

   Treat me like the QUEEN I am, DAMMIT!

Okay, this is assuming that I'm alone, with no children in tow...  Here is my list!

1.  A large jacuzzi bath tub, surrounded with vanilla scented candles, with a box of Mr. Bubble, the cheesiest romance novel paperback, and a box of imported chocolates at arm's reach.

2.  Roses, I want white and pink roses--however, I don't' want it overpowering--I don't want a suite that smells like a funeral home.

3.  Large screen T.V. with a collection of DVD's mostly romance comedy--none with Tom Cruise in them.  Give me Johnny Depp, Nicolas Cage, and Robert Redford please.. Hey, Casablance--never saw it yet---I want to see that! 

4.  In the kitchen:  A good supply of diet coke, Avian water, and fruit salad with pineapple, strawberries...watermelon, cantaloupe...cherries, whipped cream, ice cream, salsa, tortilla chips.  I also would like candy dishes filled with M&M--only green and yellow M&Ms--chocolate kind--no peanuts. 

5.  A LapTop near my bedside.

6.  600 thread Egyptian Cotton sheets, with 100% cotton feather down comforter...  Oh and I want Egyptian Cotton towels as well...

7.  A personal chauffeur to escort me around the city to every destination I find interesting.  I'm not doing ANY driving. 

8.  Personal male maid--preferably gay.  Nice to look at, but nothing is going to happen...you know what I mean?  I'll take him with me shopping. 

9.  Personal hair stylist/makeup artist/manicurists--to arrive each morning after my bath.  (I really do need a make over!)

10.  A wake up service to wake me up each morning at 9:30...(that is really considered "sleeping in" for me).

 

This Woman Carries No Cash!

Today I must have a sign floating over my head that reads:  Hit Her For Cash.  Reality is, I rarely have cash on me--I have kids!  I use my ATM for everything!! 

For the 3rd time today, I've been approached by 4 different men asking for money.  The first man was at the gas station.  Apparently, according to my friend, Maria, this is a very popular method of obtaining cash in the state of Texas:

  "Ma'm I just found out that my gas tank is empty, can you spare me some cash?" 

I had to turn him down.  I had approximately 3 bucks in my wallet--$2 for my son's lunch, and $1 for my coffee.  Hell, if I was going to let him borrow my ATM card for gas!  I was already running late as it was already!  Sorry Charlie.  Still, I did feel guilty. 

Guilt is a terrible thing...

Later in the morning, I was informed that the women's bathroom was flooded.  Lovely.  To make matters worse, I really needed to use the darn thing.  So, I decided, hey, I will take a break, go to the drugs store, buy diapers, etc..and may be stop somewhere and use the bathroom. 

As I approached the McDonald's parking lot, I could see them already.  There was a panhandler to the left of me, to the right, and up near the entrance.  As I parked my car my first instinct was to just drive away and go somewhere else, but I went against my better judgement, and went on my way towards the McD's.  Like hungry seagulls, they came at me at every direction.  I couldn't believe it.  I am so sure--I'm going to like open my purse and dispense money to all of you today.  I raised my hands up, and told them out loud, "Sorry, I have no cash!"  They all slowly squirmed away, and one actually told me to have a nice day.  Why thank you.  I just felt like I was going to be attacked by 3 men...thank you very much for that kind sentiment.  Of course, I didn't say it, but that is what I was thinking. 

I couldn't just use the toilet, without buying something, so I got a apple pie, which I immediately hid away in my purse, so I couldn't be accused later of having cash when I did.  It's that guilt thing again.  I then went into the unisex bathroom...(eeeww), and finally got to pee.  It was disgusting.  I couldn't even sit on the toilet!  I should have just walked across to the main county buildingfrom my work, but instead, there I was... 

As I made my way back to my car, with my apple pie in my purse, I noticed the panhandlers had assumed different positions in the parking lot.  Sure, they saw me walking towards my car, but they were more interested in the new victim, sorry, man who was leaving his car.  Did either one of the approach HIM?.  Suprisingly, no, they didn't!  They didn't dare ask him.  Why?  Possibly because he was a man?  Was it the car he was driving?  He drove in with a BMW; I drive a Nissan Altima...  Hmm...  Makes you wonder, doesn't it?  Do people look at me and immediately assume I carry cash?  Do I have some sort of "come hither" aura that attracts people "in need" of a drink?  Scary, hey..

All Flights Booked!!

I got the following email this morning: 

Dear Sir or Madam,

  Thank you for contacting Azores Express and for showing interest in flying
with us.

OUR OAK/TER FLIGHT IS COMPLETELY SOLD OUT FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE, JULY UNTILL
MID AUGUST.

  If you have any other questions, please contact our office. Our toll free
number is 1-800-762-9995.

Thank you,
Reservations/ Azores Express

I'm feeling a little bummed right now...  :(  Oh well, I guess I can try TAP Airlines next! 

 

 

Blah, blah, blah

Ever have a BLAH day, when you don't want to do anything in particular?

 

I'm having a blah day.

 

I'm at work, and I just feel .. BLAH..  I wish I wasn't here...just, blah, blah, blah.....  My head is just spinning over these "summer plans" of mine.  I know I just do it to myself, and I only have myself to blame, but I hate planning vacations all by myself.  That travel agent who was suppossed to "help me", never called back, no one is picking up at the reservation line at Azores Express, and now my mother is like, "I don't know if I want to go anymore" frame of mind.  She is stressing over all the animals that might have to stay at her home while someone's elses house is being remodeled (long story).  I just got a call from her about 10 minutes ago complaining that my son wouldn't let her change his diaper...  I think she needs a vacation...  But, If I go on this vacation, I may need a vacation away from the vacation to recover.  It's just stressing me out too much already.... 

Blah, blah, blah......  

Want to learn more about the Azores, click here---->  http://www.azores-express.com/NewsLetter09-13-05.pdf

Let's be Spontaneous.....

I saw this following article online, and it gave me a good laugh.  For some reason it reminded me of the older Asian couple I saw riding their bicycles without abandon..  They looked more like little kids as they raced pass me, yelling as they passed under the bridge.  Yes, it scared me a little, and for a moment I thought would be run off the bath with the baby stroller into the river, but, I thought it was pretty cute.  We should only hope we keep that spirit when we get old! 

The following story is TRUE!

Couple Nailed in Naked Joyride

reuters

ROME (March 17) - The zig-zagging car gave them away.

When Italian police pulled over the vehicle, they found a completely naked 70-year-old woman who had been trying to have sex with the driver -- 11 years her junior.

After demanding the joy-riding couple get dressed, the police tested the semi-nude male motorist for drunk driving.

"He was three times over the legal (blood-alcohol) limit," said police commander Angelo D'Anardo in the city of Cologno al Serio, northeast of Milan.

"We assume they must have been drinking at lunch and then things got out of control."

Asked if the couple were married, D'Anardo said he wasn't sure -- but somehow doubted it.

"Married people wouldn't probably do anything like this."

Copyright 2006 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. All active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.

 

1st Day of Spring

Hello! 

It's the first day of Spring!  Wow!  It's pouring rain today!  Yippee!! 

I'm really tierd of the rain, I really am.  Yesterday however, was pretty nice.  The sun was out, and I was able to take a nice LONG walk around Almaden Lake with my little guy in the stroller.  Nicholas fell asleep withing minutes of going out on my walk, and it gave me some good quality time to think, and soak in some sun.  Damn though, did the back of my legs get sore.  I haven't been able to walk like I used to (mostly because this damn weather), and I was feeling it as I was walking on the sloapy little bike/walk back.  I need to take more walks to get out of this rainy, cold slump! 

My newest dilemna now is wondering what flight to take this summer to the Azores.  My mother is saying to me:  "It's up to you..." if we go or not.  That is just lovely.  I hate being in this position---it's almost a "LOSE, LOSE" situation no matter what I decide. 

Sure, it's going to cost me money.  I almost fainted when I found out how much the airfare went up.  They say it's because of the cost of airline fuel, but I think it's just another conspiracy against the immigrants of the Azores.  They know that about 90% of the visitors they get this summer will be coming from the states and Canada.  These people will be putting in long hours, counting their nickels and dimes, just so they can afford to take a flight to their homeland to see the relatives, bearing gifts in their zipper strained suitcases! 

<----Azores Express---Non-stop, roundtrip from Oakland to Terceira...  Price: $1,562!!

If I decide not to go to the Azores, I know I won't hear the end of it either.  Sure, my mother is denying it now, but I know she will do either one of two things later (or both):  1.  Complain how much she needs a vacation, and a break away from watching the baby, and remind me how much energy it takes for her, and how he is just sucking all her energy, and how she provides free day-care for him, and how much money she's saving me (which is absolutely true), and the least I can do is go on a trip with her...  or/and  2.  She'll start talking about how old she is getting, and go on and on complaining how she may never see her sister/relatives, and country again; because I would not go with her... 

I don't know if I can live with all that guilt.  My mother refuses to travel alone, especially now that my dad is no longer with us.  My brother, and sister traveled with her a few years ago, so I guess it's my turn.  If something should happen, I know all fingers will be pointing at me for denying her a pleasant summer..  Sigh..  I was looking at the end of August, but, that will mean my daughter will miss her first Fall semester at Jr. College.  Hmm...  I mean, she'll be 3 weeks late...  SIGH... 

 

Happy St. Patty's Day :)

Tis a beautiful, rainy and soggy day!  Yes, I am a wearin' the green this morning.  I have just been informed by the Union Rep, that county workers are to walk off the job at 10:30 and unite at the county building to take part in still another Board of Supervisors meeting.  We still don't have a contract.  Damn them! 

Wish us luck....  I might have to go strike later this month!!

I learned something interesting this morning on the radio in regards to the flag of Ireland.  The green band represents the Catholic faith of the country, the orange band represents the Protestant faith, and the white band in between represents PEACE for them both.  Let's pray this peace will someday be a reality. 

Anyways, I'm about 0% Irish, but I have cousins who are, and a whole much of good Irish friends...  Top of the Morning to you all, and enjoy your green beer, cabbage--no corn beef today--it's Friday, and it's Lent, but drink all you want!  :) 

P.S.  Beware of the Leprechaun.  They are mean little wee people who have a foot fetish--they will attempt to steal your shoes!

Pictures from:  www.susannasloft.com/ stpatricks.html

Weekend Assignment #103: Music to Get the Party Started

Weekend Assignment #103: Music to Get the Party Started :

Weekend Assignment #103: List the songs you'd play to kick a party into gear. You can choose up to five. And if you want to explain why those five, that's good too. It can of course, be any kind of music from any era -- and it can be any kind of party, too. Hey, it's your party. You're in charge of the jukebox, my friend.

Extra Credit: Name the song to play to start winding down the party.

Okay, my top 5 songs would be the following:

1.  Moni, Moni, Billy Idol.  Billy has a special way of making people dance without abandon..

2.  Pour Some Sugar On Me, Def Leppard 

It's a naughty song, but it rocks!

3.  Let's Get It Started, Black Eyed Peas

This even makes my mother tap her foot.

4.  Back in Black, AC/DC

If you can resist dancing to this...you may have serious problems..

5.  Love Shack, B52's

Everyone likes fun, boppy, silly dancing.....It's one of my favorites!

I may be shocking a few people by my list.  Nope, no Abba or Culture Club--not for the start---that all gets intermingled in the middle of the party.  I couldn't pass up from playing Tumble 4 Ya or Dancing Queen... 

Extra Credit:  A song to wind down a party:  Closing Time, by Semisonic 

Closing time
- time for you to go out, go out into the world.
Closing time - turn the
lights up over every boy and every girl.
Closing time - one last call for
alcohol, so finish your whiskey or beer.
Closing time - you don't have to go
home but you canÂ’t stay here.

I know who I want to take me home.
I
know who I want to take me home.
I know who I want to take me home.
Take
me home...

Closing time - time for you to go back to the places you will
be from.
Closing time - this room won't be open Â’til your brothers or you
sisters come.
So gather up your jackets, and move it to the exits - I hope
you have found a
Friend.
Closing time - every new beginning comes from
some other beginning's end.

Yeah, I know who I want to take me home.
I know who I want to take me home.
I know who I want to take me home.
Take me home...

This song takes me back when I was 17 years old when my cousin, and her friend, and their boyfriends left me alone at a Portuguese nightclub.  Nice of them, huh?  The place was closing, and I was alone, barely speaking the language, but it was okay; I had a great view of the cute DJ where I was sitting.  The owner of the place ended up helping me find my cousin, her friend and the boyfriends making out in the parking lot.  We ended up re-opening the club and had a private dance party.  I shocked my cousin and her friend both, when they saw me kissing the DJ on the dance floor.  :) 

 

Old Songs...

I'm here at work, alone again, naturally...  Now, that is just fine with me, believe me, I'd rather have it this way.  Boss lady is gone for the day!  Yippee! 

I do admit though, it sometimes gets lonely here at work with no one to talk to.  I can hear my other co-workers in the next room chatting away, and laughing...and I sometimes feel out of the loop, but that is okay, because I got my little cassette player on my radio to work, and I'm listening to an old cassette tape that I haven't heard in YEARS...  I'm not kidding!  I thought the thing was broken, but with a little determination I got the little sucker to work.  I don't remember what songs I had on this tape, and now it's all coming back to me..  I am enjoying these forgotten tunes of my past.  They are a reflection of what my life was at, and my frame of mind during that time.  I recorded these tunes, at least 6 years ago; during a very emotional, changing and hard, unsettled, desheveled, but at the same time, exciting time in my life.  It was a time of lots of hopes of a new beginnings; being single, dating again, and trying to raise two kids as best as I can without the help of their father who flew away to New Jersey to be a woman he met on the internet...  But, don't feel sorry for me.  He did me a favor in a major way; he is someone elses misery now.. (Poor stupid woman)

The following song is one on my old cassette.  I considered it  MY song at the time I heard it for it pretty much explains how my life was going at the time, and I could so know what she was saying in this song.   Thought I'd share. 

Me,  By Paula Cole  

i am not the person who is singing
i am the silent one inside
i am not the one who laughs at people's jokes
ijust pacify their egos
i am not my house or my car or my songs
they are only just stops along my way
i am like winter
i'm a dark cold female
with a golden ring of wisdom in my cave
CHORUS:
and it is me who is my enemy
me who beats me up
me who makes the monsters
me who strips my confidence
i am carrying my voice
i am carrying my heart
i am carrying my rhythm
i am carrying my prayers
but you can't kill my spirit
it's soaring and it's strong
like a mountain
i go on and on
but when my wings are folded
the brightly colored moth
blends into the dirt into the ground
chorus
and it's me who's too weak
and it's me who's too shy
to ask for the thing i love
and it's me who's too weak
and it's me who's too shy
to ask for the thing i love
that i love (6 times)
i am walking on the bridge
i am over the water
and i'm scared as hell
but i know there's something better
yes i know there's something
yes i know, i know, yes i know
that i love (5 times overlapping chorus)
but it's me
and it's me
but it's me (4 times)

Weekends go too fast...

Weekend just whizzed by again...  Friday, I did leave early, but I took a different path--good thing too.  Hwy 17 was a total mess!  Cars were sliding into eachother in the snow, and the highway was closed for hours.  One of my co-workers thought she would be the clever one and leave at noon before everyone else...  BAD IDEA..  She got trapped up there for hours. 

As I was slowly approaching the mountains, around 3pm, Maria called me on my cell phone to let me know it was closed, so instead of turning back to go through Watsonville/Gilroy route, I decided to be the adventurous one and proceed through Scotts Valley on to Hwy 9.  I cautiously made my way, ready to turn around for a closure, but there was none!  It was actually a pretty smooth drive despite the 15 mph curves on the slick and wet roadway.  Baby slept through the whole ordeal, and I let Andrew play his favorite CD over and over again.... The School Of Rock CD was ringing in my head all afternoon.  Sure, I got home a little later, but I still beat sitting in the snow for two hours.  :) 

Weekend was pretty uneventful..just sitting around by the fireplace, and going up and down  the hill again to drop of Liz at my moms, and bring her back home.  Oh yes, my mother has changed her mind; she NOW wants to go to the Azores...  Okay, now I have to be in "I may go to the Azores frame of mind again..."  I just wish she would stick to one decision.  Before, it was never a hard decision for me to go there.  I mean, money to get there is important, but I always managed to scramble the cash to go.  It's just I'm going to miss husband because he can't go...(it makes me sad...)  I'm torn..I really am.. 

Sunday I went out shopping with Liz to buy something for her father for his birthday.  He called Saturday wanting to speak to her and Andrew, but they weren't around.  He wanted to know the date of Lizzy's graduation, and then he asked if she was graduating high school.  DUH...Hello...don't you know how old your daughter is?  I just told him the date.  When he calls, I don't go off in conversation.  The less I say to him, the quicker it goes, and the faster I can hang up.   I guess he plans to be there at Lizzy's graduation.  Lovely, another awkard moment to look forward to...I can't wait.  Another happy moment to be spoiled my his presence...  His birthday is this week, so I'm not surprised that he called.  He tends to only call his kids around the holidays, their birthdays (which I email to remind him), and around his birthday.  I guess he wants to make sure they don't forget him.  Yeah, good idea bud. 

It's Monday and I'm back at work.  We are suppossed to have a "strike day" this week.  Our union is still fighting with the Board of Supervisors for a decent contract.  While over-hearing the boss lady who works in the next office-----my desk is located in a very stratigic area---a real long strike may occur after the 27th of this month.  Seems like the Board is not nudging for more pay for us; damn them.  I'm sure they got there cost of living increase like months ago.  It's such a joke.  Oh well...I'll strike a day this week..but for the long haul, if it's going to be for a long time--I just don't think so!!

 

Snow in there mountains...

Well, wouldn't you know it, there is actual snow on them mountains!.  No snow was falling when I was driving up Hwy 17, but only a light blanket of snow on the summit and on the trees--very pretty.  They actually reported that there may have snowfall at the beach!?  Um....that hasn't happened yet!  Will it?  I seriously doubt it however, I do remember one winter in particular where there was enough snow in my backyard to actually make a snow ball.  I grew up a few miles away from the beach.  We wrapped our precious snowball with aluminum foil and kept in in the freezer for months until our mother threw it out. 

On the way to work this morning there was a news crew van out there on the summit waiting for the "major snow" to come in.  This is big news apparently.  It always aggravates me when I pass the summit to see a news crew van up there when the weather is especially horrid.  It's like they are just waiting for one us to bang into the cement divider wall, or go down an embankment.  Instead of news crews, why don't you just have some paramedic vans out there with you too!  Well, the big ole' news guy had his story for the day---I saw him film this little family building a snow man.  I think the snow man was approximately, a foot tall if that. 

Apparently, it is REALLY snowing in places up here.  I even heard that they declared it a SNOW DAY in Bonny Doon!  Whoohooo!  I guess the ground hog was right--we are definately having a longer winter this year.  It suppossed to fall snow up in the mountains tonight, so I'm leaving early from work today.  If it's going to snow, I want to see it!  I don't want to be driving in the dark with it! 

Life Out There---Assignment #102

Weekend Assignment #102: Do you honestly think there is life out there in the universe? And if so, what kind of life do you think it is?

Extra Credit: Name your favorite (fictional) alien creature.

Am I the only one that was a little disappointed after they put out that camera on the planet Mars, and it didn't show any aliens walking around, just rock? 

Seriously though, I really don't know if there are any other life forms out there in our universe or for that matter in the other billion solar systems that are out there.  These intelligent beings may be friendly, they may not be.  They may one day neglect their world, and look for another place to stay--they might like our planet instead, and they might not like to share.  Do I want to be around when this happens?  NO.  I really do think however, that there are somethings we are better off not knowing..(ignorance is bliss) or in other words, I think we just spend a little too much time/money on the "unknown" instead of the concerns of our own planet.  We have some serious problems on this big blue marble we call home.  I really don't want my grandchildren to be forced to live in a different universe if we destroy ours. 

I'm not a science fiction kind of person; so sorry if I burst some bubbles---but let's try to wipe out starvation and proverty on this planet before we start looking for new "life forms".  IF however we find another planet out there, I just hope those beings are friendly.

Extra Credit:  My favorite fictional science fiction person would have to be Han Solo.  He was a rebel, he had a cute sidekick (Chewie) and he was a handsome dude--even when he was frozen. 

Emails from the Azores...

I got a few emails this morning from my cousins in the Azores...  One from my cousin Adelaide, who is like a sister to me, and the one from the Sugar Daddy Fireman, who sent me photos of his family.  The girl with the brown hair is his niece, Francisca, and the blonde is his daughter, Rita.  This picture is so adorable, I just had to to paste it somewhere!

So happens my cousin Adelaide has also been feeling under the weather.  She must home sick, bored to death because it is very rare she has time to email me because she is soooo busy all the time.  She's an elementary teacher and also has two kids.  I am always so happy to get emails from her, but it kind of saddens me too this time.  In the letter she goes on say how excited she was that I would be going there this summer, and how she was planning on doing all these activities together with me and the kids.  I found out this weekend, that I may not actually go afterall.  My mom reported that she needs to repair her roof, and this year might not be a good time for her.  I won't be going if my mom doesn't go, so it might not be until next year.  I really hate putting off things until "next year"...  I haven't been to the Azores, I just realized for a total of SEVEN YEARS already.  That seems like a very long time, doesn't it?   

Still, if I wait until next summer; it may be better off for all concerned.  The baby will be almost 4 by that time, and maybe hubby could actually go with us.  That would be nice.  Maybe this year me and hubby can actually take a REAL vacation-----we never had a honeymoon afterall.  Yes, I've checked Hawaiian cruises already, and they do look like a lot of fun.  But, after getting that email from my cousin---I just feel a little sad and homesick---even though California has always been my HOME, home can be other places that you love, and are loved as well. 

Tierd of feeling SICK

I don't get sick often, but when I do, I really hate the feeling. 

When I'm sick, I'm basically turn into a hunchback, old woman in sweats, roaming back and forth in the house clutching a coffee mug, or I plant myself in front of the couch with a blanket and watch T.V.  There is just so much of Tyra Banks and Oprah that I can really stand.  How do people stand watching T.V. all day?  Judge Judy is mean, and everyone on Jerry Springer is just plain nasty.  Where do they find these people?!  And who gave Flava Flav permission to do a re-cap of the Flavor of Love this past weekend?  I want to know which fool was picked this week!!  Hoops or New York.  Lord have mercy, there are some really stupid people on T.V., and here am I just sucking it all in...  I just feel YUCKY. 

 I first felt sick Saturday evening.  Me and hubby were watching Wedding Crashers.  (Not a movie for kids---you have been warned.)  It had some funny parts, but all the same, I found it a bore.  Hubby fell asleep during the end.  That should tell you something.  Anyways, as I made my way up the stairs to bed; I suddenly found myself so tierd and so dizzy.  I feel asleep like a log, but woke up with plugged ears, dizziness, and nausea.  Lovely.  Good thing I had done the grocery store shopping and cleaned the house earlier Saturday, because Sunday, I felt like the bloated, old woman in the bathrobe.  I watched a lot of T.V., and sat through the Oscars...all of it...  Let me tell you--it was VERY BORING.  I don't know how I sat through it but I did; but it felt like torture at times.  I just couldn't bring myself off the couch--no energy, and frankly, I thought I would throw up if I did.  Oh what a feeling...

Yesterday, wasn't much better.  My poor son turned into my personal slave boy.  "Honey, can you give me a can of 7-Up?"  "Can you throw me that blanket?"  "Can you run upstairs and get me a pillow?"  Poor thing must of wished he went to school afterall.  I stayed home from work, and my son didn't go to school.  My work is close to my son's school, however, work and school is about 20 miles away from where we live.  It involves commuting from San Jose to Santa Cruz, and frankly, I don't think I could have made the drive; over the hill that day.

As I sit here at work, I don't know how I did it this morning; but I did.  If it wasn't for my son's school, I would have probably stayed home, although being sick with a baby, you really can't be sick.  I do not suggest ever emptying a Diaper Genie when you are sick.  I almost fainted.  So, I dropped off Andrew at school, and the baby at my moms, so I could have a "break" at work.  I just hope nobody actually saw me coming in to the building, holding a coffee cup, a liter of 7-Up, and a package of white saltine crackers.  I'm wearing overalls to work.  Sure, I made some people do a double take, but I don't give a rat's ass today.  (Oh dear, I said the A word---how so unlike me.  Suprisingly, I did a lot of work this morning with few interuptions--this is good, but my ears are killing me.  I'm going to make it an early day. 

Assignment 101--Very Hidden Talents

You're up: Share your story of the talent you wish you had (or wish you had more of). Write it up in your journal or blog, and then come back here to leave a link. I'm looking forward to learning more about what talents we all don't have.

Of course, it would be nice to be able to sing, write well, and.... DANCE..  I would love to be a dancer of Carnival!  I think it would make my grandfather so proud up in heaven!! 

Extra Credit Useless Real hidden talent:  I can touch my nose with my tongue.  Something to brag about, I know.  

I just learned something about Carnival, and I'm embarrassed to say that I didn't know it.  The reason being is because my grandfather was an carnival icon of some sort in the Azores, and you would think that his grand-daughter would know a little bit more history on the subject.  This is what I learned today:

I got this from online @ ipanema.com:

"The first records of Carnival festivites in Rio de Janiero date back to 1723.  Immigrants from the Portuguese islands of Azores, Madeira and Cabo Verde introduced here the Entrudo. 

"The idea was basically getting everybody soaked wet.  People would go out in the streets with buckets of water and limes, and everybody would be a potential victim.  Even Emperors took part in the fun.  There's a curious record of a woman being arrested in 1855 for throwing a lime at Dom Pedro I's escorts." 

Leave to the Portuguese to think of this one, hey? 

My mother did mention to me about the water thing, and also of throwing powder at eachother--no mention of limes however.  Another tradition, is dressing up in costumes, and jumping over little camp fires they make on streets.  Yes, I come from a wild crowd. 

Carnival is a little different in the Azores.  It consists of many theatrical plays done to music, usually done with a dramatic and comical twist, with bright and fancy costumes. Unfortunately, my grandfather died when my mother was an infant and could not see her perform.   My mother to this day, can still remember every dress she ever wore on stage.  Being a daughter of the village icon, it was almost expected of her to participate.  Unlike myself, my mom knows how to sing.  I can't.  Nope, I've never been in anything Carnival.  But through this entry, I feellike I am, somehow. 

 Carnival is a tradition that still goes on in the Azores and in the states.  I just got an email from my cousin Rute who informed me that she had been watching dances for 3 days straight.  Of course everyone has a week off during the week before Lent over there.  It is also a time to eat.  EAT and EAT and EAT...  Particulary lots of fattening, sweet things, like homemade donuts, custards, sweet bread...etc.....etc. 

Above is a picture of Carnival in my mom's village of Vila Nova.  Feel free to check out my friend, Mr. Ormond's website. This picture is one found by my cousin Carlos Enes.  I'm guessing this was taken in the late 1920's.  The man in the middle is, Carlos Enes' grandfather and of  my great uncle Tio Janeiro, and the man close behind him in the woman's hat (yes all female characters were played by men at one time) that's Jose Machado de Gloria, my great-uncle's brother-inlaw, and later my step-grandfather.  Above him, in the dark suit, with the dark hat titled to the side, is Jose Machado de Gloria's best friend--my grandfather, Francisco Borges De Melo--aka; "Chico Roico". 

Verses

Dança da Ana. First dança written by Chico Roico. 1917:

          Mestre
Boa tarde queremos dar
É o ponto principal
A todos os presentes
Gozando o carnaval

          O Mestre faz o namoro
Ó Ana pede ao pai
Pode ele não gostar
Irmos nós os dois
Num instante passear

          Filha ao pai
Ó papai dai-me licênça
Eu nada me demoro
Eu faço a vontade ao Mestre
Coração a que adoro

          Pai
Vai lá passear pequena
Maldades nunca deixes
Olha se houver novidades
Tu no resto não te queixes

          Dançarino
O pai queria que a gente
A trata-se a mil geitos
Agora de braço dado
Já não apanha defeitos

          Ana
Eu ando aqui passeando
É pela vontade de três
É do papai, mestre, e minha
Não se encomodem vocês

          Dançarino
Tanto o pai como a filha
A vista de tanto povo
Não juizo que enxa
A casca dum fraco ovo

          Pai
Pequena tira o bracinho
Fica o braço espendente
Não te faças muito tola
Não me arreganhes o dente

          Mestre
Ao patifos se repetem
As palavras agora ouvi
Termina-se a dança já
Cada um cuida de si

          Dançarinos
Não pensamos que o nosso mestre
Fica-se tão irado
Pedimos todos com geito
Deveras ser perdoado

          Mestre
Já qie me pedem perdão
Tudo se perdoará
Mas se tornar a repetir
Eu não sei o que será

Vila Nova, (Terceira) 1917.

I knew about the Azoreans bringing Carnival here to the states.  That is what my grandfather did, but to Brazil too?  Gosh, you learn something everyday, I just don't remember any festivals of carnival where the women and men were half naked in the streets.  That would cause quite a stir with the older crowd villagers, although I will say, those old ladies sure enjoy watching those raunchy novela soap operas from Brasil... 

QUE LEGAL!!!!   OI OI OI!!!! 

Phones & Misplaced Calls---Sometimes...

I remember, years and years ago, I was on date with some idiot.  He wanted to make me dinner.  A  neighbor suddenly came by and needed his help with something or another next door.  I waited in his kitchen until he came back.  While I was there, snooping around his dirty kitchen,  the phone rings.  I didn't feel comfortable answering the phone, so I let the answsering machine pick up the call.  Suddenly I heard a girl leave a message, asking if this guy had changed his mind and decided to go to Tahoe with her this weekend.  Interesting, I thought.  So, the idiot soon comes back, and I tell him that he got this call.  He listens to the message, laughs and simply laughs it off, with no explanation or anything.  I didn't ask either, so I make the mental note and I keep to myself.  I didn't know him that well, so why get upset, right?  This was before I knew that his  home was also refuge for  displaced, on the verge of criminal women  haven. I think I was the only female he ever dated who didn't have a jail record of some sort.  What could he have possibly seen in me anyway? 

 I  remember calling him one day, only to have one of these displaced women answer the phone.  I asked for him, and she asked me to call again and leave a message on the machine.  Which I did.  I made another mental note.  I should have known that he was already a two-timing idiot after the time I got that call from his cell phone.  I get a call at 11:30 pm at night from his cell.  Apparently, he had my number on speed dial, and he had mistakenly hit the button on his phone while he was at some mountain bar with this other chick.  It was a sign from God that I should have paid closer attention to.  I sat there on my couch, patiently listening.  I could hear  the music coming out of a juke box (Smooth by Rob Thomas...yeah I remember it like yesterday) and over  the music I could also barely hear him talk.  The other voice was obviously a drunk giggling woman.  Hmm...    I felt  a little better, (a little) after he informed me that his new "girlfriend" hit him on the head with a phone, and  of course after the 2 large pineapple and ham pizza delivery to his house. 

While I was dating my husband, I somehow mistakenlymisdialed a number and may have almost got someone in trouble.  A woman answered the phone.  Hmmm, I thought. 

"Is Rich there?" I ask. 

Silence

"Yes... (pregnant pause), Um, who is this?" the woman asks.

Silence

"This is Julie."

Silence

Okay, this feels really awkward right now, so I repeat the phone number to her.  "Did I dial the right number?"

Suddenly I hear laughter.  I had dialed the wrong number.  Wheeww...  That was a bit scary.  Richard is a very common name. 

Just the other day my husband's cell phone rang.  I went to answer it. 

"Hello!" It was an older sounding  woman.  She seemed to recognize my voice.  She asks:  "Do you think Rich could drive me to work tomorrow?"

Pregnant pause, on my part.

"Is this Ashley?" she asks.

"Um, no, I think you have the wrong number." 

Nope, my name isn't Ashley, or Maureen for that matter.  Is there anything worse than getting mail addressed to your husband's ex-wife?