Thursday Thank You's

Late yesterday evening, and early this morning I got two "thank you" emails, one from Ruben, and one from Tania's father--my cousin Manny.  Both of them went on and on thanking me for letting Tania stay at my house.  All I can say, is, I was touched and flattered, but family is family!! Of course I wanted her to stay at my home!  That goes without saying--that is what family is for, right?  Well, it was nice to get the emails, and I was really touched when my cousin, Manny told me that Tania started crying on the phone when she read my email...  Poor Tania...  We are such an emotional lot of folks, aren't we?  Yesterday I got a little teary eyed myself when I was unloading the dishes from the dishwasher.  All I could think about was, "Gee, last night we were all eating from these dishes, and now she is gone.."  Then I see the thank you note Tania left in my kitchen.."Thanks for everything!  I love you guys!  Love, Tania." It's weird how one can be at one place at one time, and then suddenly thousands of miles away the next..  Tania arrived at 3:15 am in Lisbon, my time this morning.  It's bizarre--like, Star Trek bizarre---"beam me up, Scotty" bizarre. 

Anyway, I snagged the following survey from : 

Emily.

I'm just feeling lazy---nothing really to report, and I'm busy with work and writing up lists of what I need for my daughter's birthday party Saturday.  Enjoy, and consider yourself TAGGED! 

1. A month before it happens,you're told you're going to lose your memory so how do you prepare for it and do you attempt to regain what you've lost?

OH damn...  I would write in my journal my life story---and of course include photos.  Hopefully, I would try to approach this in a positive way-and let it be a chance to re-think  where my life has taken me so far, and hopefully inspire me to do other things in my life.  However, the thought of losing my memory is a scary thought!

2. How do you describe your out look on life?

I live my life optimistically.  I'm always looking for the good  in all situations, and people.  I try to stay away from negative people.  I don't understand rude/obnoxious/jealous people---they are a sad lot, and it's best for me to stay clear away.  Positive things happen to positive people, and I've realized that negative people don't like me very much. 

3. You fall in love with your soulmate,decide to get married and then find out that person is going to die soon,do you marry them anyway?

Yes!  True love is hard to find.  Love is a gift to be cherished, even if it's only for a short time.  I'm a romantic, yes. 

4. What are three of your favorite ice cream toppings?

Hot fudge, peanuts and hot caramel...it's like Snickers Bar..yummy!

5. Is there one article of clothing you love to wear no matter how out of style it is?

Pajama pants!!!  I don't think they will never go out of style, but I don't wear them out to public--just around the house.

6. Is there one color you wish would go away in fashion? 

I love the color red--but please, the world can go on without RED PANTS!! 

7. What's the first department you head to when you go shopping in a department store?

It depends who I'm with.  If I'm with my daughter, it's the Junior's clothing section.  If I'm with my son, it's the electronic department.  If I'm alone---hmmm...good thought..  Gee, I don't remember shopping alone!

8. How far away do you live from your parents?

It's a 40 minute drive from my house to my mom's...but, I work only 10 minutes away, so I see my mom almost everyday.  If I don't call her on the weekends, she gets mad. 

 9. Growing up who was your favorite cartoon character? 

Gee, I don't know.. Bugs Bunny? Casper the Friendly Ghost..  I liked Rocky Squirrel and Bullwinkle too.. 

10. You plan a romantic evening and everything goes wrong,including the fancy dinner you made burning,what do you do?  

Tell hubby, "Let's go out!" 

11. What's the last thing you bought at the store?

Paper Chinese lanterns, and long toothpicks with cute colorful pin wheels at the ends---for my daughter's birthday Saturday.

12. Have you ever walked out in the middle of a movie?

Yes, when my son Andrew started crying in the  middle of 102 Dalmations---years ago.  I haven't attempted to take my 2 yr old to a movie yet. 

13. What celebrity do most people say you look like?

Oh gee..  This is funny..when I was younger, Valerie Bertinelli.  I've also had people say I look like Christina Ricci?!  and, my kids think I look like Kristie Alley?!  Most people say I look like my mom.  She isn't a celebrity though, but people say she looked like Jackie O...so that is good. :) 

14. Is there any piece of jewelry you always wear?

My wedding ring!

15. Have you ever tried to pick someone up?

At a bar?  You mean, like, a date?  Fortunately, I never had to do that.   I've seen girlfriends do it, and it sometimes is painful to watch.

16. What's the one thing you always manage to lose on your way out the door?

Sunglasses, or my keys...or I forget to put diapers in the diaper bag---I hate that. 

17. Out of these creatures which one are you most afraid of:

A.) Snakes

B.) Spiders

C.) Rodents

Snakes!  Rodents a close 2nd.  I'm not afraid of spiders.  I'm the official "Spider Smoosher" of the house. 

18. What's the last gift you bought for a friend?

Ooh..a picture frame with a picture of my cousin and her boyfriend inside--which causes a burst of tears, a fairy print, Pina Colada & Strawberry Margarita moisturizer from Bath and Body, CD with pictures, and a whole tube of Sweet & Light lemonade.

19. Do you ever buy people things for no reason?

Usually I have a reason, but if there is sale on baby clothes, I'm there. 

20. What's your favorite way to spend a lazy summer afternoon?

On the beach with the kids---a nice long walk at the ocean, or just laying there on the sand watching the kids play in the waves..

Goodbye, Cuz'

Today, my teary eyed cousin, Tania is leaving on a jet plane back to Lisbon.  I can't believe that she has been here a month already...time flies when you have fun, and she did have a fun time.  It's hard not to feel sad right now...  I gave her a gift bag of "lembrancas" (translated--souviners--memories) of her visit.  The one thing I spent the less money on she loved the most--a hot pink picture frame with a picture of her and her boyfriend, Ruben inside.  When she saw it she burst into tears, which caused me and my daughter to get teary eyed.

 

It really is hard when the people you love live so faraway! 

 

It doesn't help when you have James Blunt on the radio singing, "Beautiful", and "Goodbye Lover....Goodbye."  His voice went on twice on the radio this weekend while I was driving her home from my mother's house. 

 

"Please, Julie, change the channel before I start crying!"  Tania exclaimed, half jokingly, and have serious. 

 

I just hope those songs don't come up again on the radio when Ruben drives her up SFO Int'l. Airport.  I am so glad I'm not there right now.  If I see them say goodbye, I will start balling again!  It's like watching a very sad movie...  Blame it on our over emotional Portuguese sentimental make-up; I don't know what it is, but it can be pretty intense sometimes... 

 

Anyways, we'll miss her little dainty feet, her gelled up hair, and her eyeliner eyes; but most of all, her beautiful heart and spirit--it will be surely missed.  Ruben won't be hanging around here as often, but I have a feeling we will see more of him in the future. 

I can almost hear wedding bells... 

 

Have a safe trip back home Tania!  May angels follow you through the friendly skies, and may you trip be safe.  We miss you already! 

 

 

Santa Cruz, My Weird Hometown

                                      

I live in San Jose, California, a city known for many things, but perhaps best known as the Silicon Valley.  It's the city Dionne Warwick made famous when she sang that 70's hit:  "Do You Know The Way To San Jose?"  I've fairly new to this town, so I'm going to devote this entry this time to my hometown, of Santa Cruz, California. 

Santa Cruz is a very interesting place.  It's about a 40 minute drive from San Jose, and I do the commute there almost everyday on windy Hwy 17 for work each morning.  I guess you can say that I still live half of my life there.  Santa Cruz is a beautiful beachtown surrounded by majestic redwoods.  It's not only known for it's pretty coastline and beaches and famous Santa Cruz Boardwalk, but also for it's liberal political, anti-commericalism, socially conscious views, and it's street performers. 

Yes, above is a real saying:  KEEP SANTA CRUZ WEIRD.... 

Growing up, I remember my father driving us to downtown Santa Cruz every Sunday after church.  "Let's take a drive down Hippyville!"  he would say.  There we would see many street performers, often dressed in bright colors, with flowers in their hair, singing and dancing in front of the very famous Cooper House with tamborines.  There was also a weird thing to see out there, and whenever a out of town guest would visit, my father would make a point of taking them downtown so they could see the "Hippies."  Our guests always left impressed, surprised, and shocked at times of what they saw. 

  <---Cooper House

Today, Santa Cruz hasn't changed much.  The Cooper House was a victim of the 1989 quake, and it no longer is standing there, but the energy of the place is still there.  I recently took my cousin Tania (who is here visiting from Portugal) and I took her on a stroll through the open air mall so she could experience the REAL Santa Cruz--that and a big ice cream sundae at the famous Marini's.  Let's just say she saw some weird people, but left very impressed.  "You are right, Julie.  This place is weird, but I love it!"

Me too, Tania, me too! 

San Francisco

Okay, it's a quarter to 11pm, and I finally got these pictures onto the computer... 

Damn...I'm tierd..  Well anyways, last Saturday was an adventure...

After getting a little lost following the instructions I had printed out the night previous from Mapquest, I finally made my way to Pier 39, where I parked the van in a very low ceiling parking structure.  It was a Saturday, and of course, I ended up on the very top floor of the structure.  I really didn't mind.  I much prefer parking on top, then parking in those really low ceiling clastrophoic, and dark parking places.  I always feel like the walls are going to tumble down on me in there, and being in San Francisco in itself, and constantly reminding myself of all all the predictions of the next "BIG ONE"  (earthquake) I was quite content parking at the very top, which had a beautiful view of the city's skyline. 

It was a very busy day at Pier 39...  Lots of people, walking on the Pier, speaking an many different languages..  I love being in places like those.  I don't know why.  May be that is why I love being in airports..  I don't know.  Of course, it's always fun to be with people who has never experienced being in a certain area, and you get to share the whole experience, and learn to see things differently, in other way.  Tania was thrilled.  She had always heard about, and dreamed of being in San Francisco one day, and there she was!  

We decided to go to Bubba Gumps for lunch.  I have this thing for Forrest Gump.  It really is a long story, and I'm not going to go into it right now.  There was a long wait for a table of course.  I don't know how I did it, but I somehow got us all a table in a matter of minutes...and I wasn't even being annoying or obnoxious.  I guess I was just at the right place at the right time.  We were greeted by who else, Forrest as we got to our booth.  Wow, I thought...  It just doesn't get better than this...  But, it does..  I got to actually sit on the bench with the guy.  Of course, this guy was no Tom Hanks, but he was better than nothing...

One place that Tania really wanted to go was Chinatown.  I had the idea of taking a cablecar to the place, but after seeing a hour long wait to get into a packed cablecar, the thought of getting in one of them with a stroller and a 2 yr old after a 1 hour wait, did not sound appealing, so we walked from Ghiridelli Square all the way to Chinatown. 

Do you know there are TWO Chinatowns?

Yeah, there is.  And the cablecar man was wrong.  It wasn't 8 blocks from Fisherman's Wharf..more like 16 blocks.  We found the REAL Chinatown first.  The sidewalks were packed, and busy, full of activity....perhaps too much for all of us.  We nearly had to plow ourselves through with the stroller to walk by.  I'm not a fan of Chinese food, and regretably, I hate to say it, but the smell of dried sea horses, mushrooms, and dried fish heads have not made more of a fan of Chinese cuisine. 

We then walked through a tunnel that must have been 1/4 of a mile long (a little scary with the cars whizzing by only a few feet away from our feet).  This tunnel took us to the financial/shopping district, but making a left we found the "touristy" Chinatown.  By the time we got there, the "thrill" was gone.  Yes, there were some really pretty stores full of large, oversized chandeliers, and greek statues...  Lost of souviner shops, and brass "crickets"... 

Once we got out of Chinatown, we ran into the Italian side of town.  I wish we weren't so tierd, because that side of town, was full of cute and chic, trendy little Italian restaurants, with a lot of tall (yes, tall) Italian men speaking all gangster..  I felt like I was on the street set of the Sopranos...  Very cool..  I want to go back there one day. 

I think by the time we reached our car, we must have each walked at least 5 miles that day.  The only one not complaining of the wind and tierd feet, was of course Nicholas who enjoyed being in the stroller, being carted by Ruben.  I was worried about how he was going to be on this adventure, and he of course, acted like the perfect angel.  Two year olds are so unpreditable.  Poor thing was overdue for a diaper change, but after a new change of diaper and clothes, he was ready for another adventure.  I was thrilled that I only had to pay $18 for parking! 

So, off we went out to the Golden Bridge.  Once the grand structure came into sight, Tania was in complete awe.  It was cute to see how excited she was to be on this bridge, and once we got out of the car, despite the freezing cold, we had a lot of fun taking pictures out there on the observation point.  Afterwards we drove down to Sausalito----(beautiful city, right at the water......I wish I had taken pictures of the coastline....beautiful city....did I say that already?  We finally found a parking space near a small coffee shop, so we stopped there where Ruben treated us all with hot chocolate and crumb cake and brownies.  The girl behind the counter boasted that the crumb cake was voted best "crumb cake of the west coast" so we had to try it.  It was okay..nothing special...though. 

We made our way out of the city around 8pm...  It was a truly a nice day of adventure.

I'm really tierd now..it's a quarter past 11...  I'm beat...

I WAS CALLER 9!!!!!!!!!!

                                                    

As previously written...  I'm trying to win a cruise here at work by listening to this easy listening radio station (it's the only one I can get that isn't Spanish in this crappy building). 

Guess what??  I made it to caller 9!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

YIPPPEEE!!!!  (If you sent me luck, and didn't tell me---thank you, and I love you.) 

So, Rich...  If I win this cruise to Mexico, it's you and me..NO ONE ELSE!!!   We'll hire a nanny if we need to!!!  YIPPPPEEE!!! 

         

 

-----#9 is a magic number

Wednesday Funney

It's Wednesday--yeah!!  (It's my Friday today--whoohhooooo!!!)  Anyway, I hope to accomplish a few things tomorrow, like for instance wash my car.  There is so much bird poop on it, I'm embarrassed to drive it around.  Of course, I couldn't find my sunglasses, so I can really drive in disguise.  I found my old Sheryl Crowe Cd's, and I find it harder to sing in the car without them too.  Is it just me, or do you feel "protected" when you have your sunglasses on like I do?  I just love looking like Jackie O, driving down the highway, singing out loud with the radio turned up high.  Of course, I only do this when the baby is in the car.  Nicholas never complains, and he sings along with me.  Sure, he must think I'm crazy, but I'm hoping in a few years he will forget about it. 

 

At the moment I'm listening to the radio.  I'm trying to win a 11 day cruise to Mexico--wish me luck.  After two songs sung consecutively by the same artist, you have to be caller 9.  I have the radio station phone number on speed dial.  Yesterday I was caller #5..  Please send me luck people!!  Hubby and I DESPERATELY need a REAL vacation!!!  :)  Thanks in advance.. 

 

Well, back to work....  I got the following story in an email from my good friend Sharon---ENJOY!! 

 

Here is a GOOD LAUGH ~!~~!

 Dear Husband:
 
I'm writing you this letter to tell you that I'm leaving you for good. I've been a good woman to you for seven years and I have nothing to show for it. These last two weeks have been hell. Your boss called to tell me that you  had quit your job today and that was the last straw.

 Last week, you came  home and didn't notice that I had gotten my hair and nails done, cooked your favorite meal and even wore a brand new negligee. You came home and ate in  two minutes, and went straight to sleep after watching the game. You don't tell me you love me anymore, you don't touch me or anything.  Either you're cheating, or you don't love me anymore. Whatever the case is, I'm gone!
 
P.S. If you're trying to find me, don't. Your BROTHER and I are moving away to West Virginia together!
 
Have a great life!
 
Your EX-Wife
 
________________________________________________________________________
 
Dear Ex-Wife,
 
Nothing has made my day more than receiving your letter. It's true that you and I have been married for seven years, although a good woman is a far cry from what you've been. I watch sports so much to try to drown out your constant nagging. Too bad that doesn't work. I did notice when you cut off all of your hair last week, the first thing that came to mind was, "You look just like a man!"  My mother raised me to not say anything if you can't say anything nice.
 
When you cooked my favorite meal, you must have gotten me confused with MY BROTHER, because I stopped eating pork seven years ago. I went to sleep on you when you had on that new negligee because the price tag was still on it. I prayed that it was a coincidence that my brother had just borrowed fifty dollars from me that morning and your negligee was $49.99. After all of this, I still loved you and felt that we could work it out.
 
So when I discovered that I had hit the  lotto for ten million dollars, I quit my job and bought us two tickets to Jamaica . But when I got home you were gone. Everything happens for a reason I guess. I hope you have the fulfilling life you always wanted. My lawyer said with your letter that you wrote, you won't get a dime from me. So take care.

 Signed:
 Rich As Hell and Free!

 P.S.  I don't know if I ever told you this, but my brother Carl was born Carla. I hope that's not a problem.

 

                                                           

Hello...

Ha..  I hope I don't offend anyone with this picture...  But, I couldn't resist.  Speaking of underwear, or lack of there, this afternoon in the restroom, I noticed something odd.  The Vanity Fair label on my underwear has a #800 phone number on it!  Wha?  This struck me rather funney.  I now wonder how many calls have been made to that number.  What an awful job position to have... "I answer phones for underwear complaints.."  Lovely. 

Anyways, I've been off a few days, and I'm back to work, and it's been more busy than usual, because I'm still catching up with the work from last Thursday and Friday when I wasn't here.  I'm glad to be busy, but I'm looking forward to this Thursday and Friday because I'm taking those days off too!  It's the last weekend before my son Andrew starts middle school, so I hope to do some more fun things with the kids and with Tania who is still visiting.  Poor thing is leaving next Wednesday..  It will be sad to see her go, and I am already feeling sorry for her because I know she is going to have to say goodbye to her boyfriend...  Oh well..  C'est la vie...

I've had fun showing her around..  We had a fun day San Francisco the other day, and we have been pretty much taken a lot of of silly pictures with her and the kids and Ruben, her boyfriend.  I hope to share them on here, as soon as I can find the time..  There just doesn't seem any right now, and of course, I'm at work and my camera is at home...  I hate that.  Oh well..  

Oh, my daughter is working!!  YIPPPEE!!  She finally got a job!!  She is now working for my  hubby's business as the receptionist.  She'll be starting school full time at the end of September, so at least she can make some good money before that time.  She is not quite 18 yet, and she has been having trouble finding a place that will hire a 17 year old.  It will be a good experience for her, even if she can only work for a short time.  I'm just glad she is making her own spending money!!  Now, I've got to get her driver's permit.  She'll be turning 18 at the beginning of September, so shewon't have to deal with driving school..saved me over $350 bucks anyway... 

OH well, back to work...  I owe, I owe...  Hope to share with  you the pictures of our "wild" adventures.  I met Forrest at Bubba Gumps..  It was so exciting..can't wait to show you those... 

 

 

Oh Boy!

I promised myself I wasn't going to plaster poor Boy George's humble picture of him sweeping New York City, but here I go.  I was such a devoted fan back in the 80's too....  BAD JULIE... BAD...  Well, Boy, this is what  you get for not accepting my invitation for tea in that fan letter I sent you.  If you had met me, you would have said "NO" to drugs, and we could have written so many good songs together, you and I... 

Oh well, the dream is gone...  (so sad..) 

Julie

Please forgive me, George O'Dowd.  No, I really don't want to hurt you, or see you cry..   Time is time, and time won't give me time, but I'll tumble for ya' because my dreams are red, blue and green, and yes, war is stupid..

 

Elvis Has Left The Building...

Today marks the 29th anniversary of Elvis Presley's death..

                                                           

Do you remember where you were or what you were doing when you heard about his passing? 

I was only 11, so I don't remember where I was or what I was doing, however, I do remember that my paternal grandmother was laid to rest that same month, in that same year.  I used to think that she and Elvis somehow met on their way to heaven. 

                                                           

I also remember listening to my Elvis record (I only had one) over and over again as a teenager at night.  His voice used to put me to sleep--yes, Elvis sang me to sleep almost every night.  My parents didn't mind listening either, and never complained about it being too loud.  My mother confessed to me that she too was an Elvis fan, way back in the 50's when she first came to America.  She preferred him much more than the Beatles. 

                                               

Sure, a lot of things have been written about the guy--a lot of negative, as much positive, but one fact you can never argue against is that this guy had a voice compared to no other.  Unlike my mother-inlaw, I've never seen Elvis perform, nor have I ever been to Graceland, but, I met a guy who claimed to be him in Vegas, and I've seen almost all of his movies.  I also did get a phone call from him..  (Long story..it happened right after I got a phone call from Jesus--I'll write an entry about that later..) 

What was your favorite Elvis song? 

Mine is "Are You Lonesome Tonight?"  I love that song especially when he talks in the song with that sweet, southern, tender, drawl... Awww...  I'm a sucker for accents..

What era did you like Elvis best, the early years; the mid-year movie flops, or the heavy years? 

I like the early ones...I must admit.  His Jailhouse Rock movie debut moves were copied by his ex-son-in law, Michael Jackson--I'm truly convinced. 

 

                                  

pictures courtesy of Google

 

Which Movie Star Are You?

                     

I got this in an email today, and it's kind of fun!  I had no idea I was a Debbie Reynolds kind of gal, but I found this really cute bunny basket picture of her surrounded by rabbits (coelhos), so I figured, "Gee, may be I really am?!" 

Okay, Ladies, (sorry men, this is for the ladies, but if you are curious, go ahead and do it too--I won't tell)  Answer the following questions, tally them up, and tell me which starlet you are in my comments!  It would be interesting to know who you all REALLY ARE!  

There are only 10 questions so it doesn't take long. Number your paper from 1 to 10, then Answer each question with the choice that most describes you at this point in your life, and then add up the points that correspond with your answers.

Don't look ahead or you will ruin the fun!

1. Which describes your perfect date?
a) Candlelight dinner for two
b) Amusement Park
c) Rollerblading in the park
d) Rock Concert
e) Have dinner & see a movie
f) Dinner at home with a loved one

2. What is your favorite type of music?
a) Rock and Roll
b) Alternative
c) Soft Rock
d) Classical
e) Christian
f) Jazz

3. What is your favorite type of movie?
a) Comedy
b) Horror
c) Musical
d) Romance
e) Documentary
f) Mystery

4. Which of the following jobs would you choose if you were given only these
choices?
a) Waiter/Waitress
b) Sports Player
c) Teacher
d) Policeman
e) Bartender
f) Business person

5. Which would you rather do if you had an hour to waste?
a) Work out
b) Make out
c) Watch TV
d) Listen to the radio
e) Sleep
f) Read

6. Of the following colors, which do you like best?
a) Yellow
b) White
c) Sky blue
d) Teal
e) Gold
f) Red

7. Which one of the following would you like to eat right now?
a) Ice cream
b) Pizza
c) Sushi
d) Pasta
e) Salad
f) Lobster Tail

8. Which is your favorite holiday?
a) Halloween
b) Christmas
c) New Year's
d) Valentine's Day
e) Thanksgiving
f) Fourth of July

9. If you could go to any of the following places which would it be?
a) Reno
b) Spain
c) Las Vegas
d) Hawaii
e) Hollywood
f) British Columbia

10. Of the following, who would you rather spend time with?
a) Someone who is smart
b) Someone with good looks
c) Someone who is a party animal
d) Someone who has fun all the time
e) Someone who is very emotional
f) Someone who is fun to be with

Now total up your points on each question:

1. a-4 b-2 c-5 d-1 e-3 f-6
2.. a-2 b-1 c-4 d-5 e-3 f-6
3. a-2 b-1 c-3 d-4 e-5 f-6
4. a-4 b-5 c-3 d-2 e-1 f-6
5. a-5 b-4 c-2 d-1 e-3 f-6
6. a-1 b-5 c-3 d-2 e-4 f-6
7. a-3 b-2 c-1 d-4 e-5 f-6
8. a-1 b-3 c-2 d-4 e-5 f-6
9. a-4 b-5 c-1 d-4 e-3 f-6
10. a-5 b-2 c-1 d-3 e-4 f-6

NOW, take your total and find out which Movie Star you are:

(10-17 points) You are MADONNA:

You are wild and crazy and you know it. You know how to have fun, but you
may take it to extremes. You know what you are doing though, and are much in
control of your own life. People don't always see things your way, but that
doesn't mean that you should do away with your beliefs. Try to remember that
your wild spirit can lead to hurting yourself and others.

18-26 points) You are DORIS DAY:
You are fun, friendly, and popular! Youare a real crowd pleaser. You have
probably been out on the town your share of times, yet you come home with
the values that your mother taught you. Marriage and children are very important to you, but only after you have fun. Don't let the people you please influence you to stray.

 
(27-34 points) You are DEBBIE REYNOLDS:
You are cute, and everyone loves you. You are a best friend that no one
takes the chance of losing. You never hurt feelings and seldom have your own
feelings hurt. Life is a breeze. You are witty, and calm most of the time. You must keep clear of back stabbers, and you are worry-free.

(35-42 points) You are GRACE KELLY:
You are a lover. Romance, flowers, and wine are all you need to enjoy
yourself. You are serious about all commitments and are a family person.
You call your Mom every Sunday, and never forget a Birthday. Don't let your
passion for romance get confused with the real thing.

(43-50 points) You are KATHERINE HEPBURN:
You are smart, a real thinker. Every situation is approached with a plan.
You are very healthy in mind and body. You don't take crap from anyone. You
have only a couple of individuals that you consider "real friends". You
teach strong family values. Keep your feet planted in them, but don't
overlook a bad situation when it does happen.

(51-60 points) You are ELIZABETH TAYLOR:
Everyone is in awe of you. You know what you want and how to get it. You
have more friends than you know what to do with. Your word is your bond.
Everyone knows when you say something it is money in the bank. You attract
the opposite sex. Your intelligence overwhelms most. Your memory is the next
thing to photographic. Everyone admires you because you are so considerate
and lovable. You know how to enjoy life and treat people right.

Now starlets--leave your comment, and tell me WHO YOU ARE!!...    Feel free to copy and paste.. 

 I'm Debbie Reynolds, with 32 points...!!  I'm "worry free" and I don't have a care in the world!!  (I wish!)                            

         

photos courtesy of Google

History Lesson - Portuguese Government

I've been able to write in a few entries this week...  Can you tell that I'm back at work, and that work has been coming in slow?..

 

Anyways, with my cousin Tania visiting, I've learned a few things about Portuguese government that I did not know previous.  Tania is studying law in Lisbon, so of course she knows a lot of history.  I don't know how the discussion started, but we started talking about the former reign of Antonio Salazar, and the Portuguese Revolution of April 25, 1974.  Of course I felt quite stupid and uninformed when Tania went on to explain what happened on that day; I could tell by the expression on her face that she was surprised that I didn't know much about it.  How embarrassing..but I confess to you that I'm not all up to date with history at all.  I did know that April 25th was the start of the end of a dictatorship that was started by former ruler, Salazar, and it was called the "Carnation Revolution."  Here is some more history, if you are interested: 

 

(Pasted and copied from :  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnation_Revolution  )

 

                                            

The Carnation Revolution (Portuguese, Revolução dos Cravos) was an almost bloodless, left-leaning, military-led coup d'état, started on April 25, 1974, in Lisbon, Portugal, that effectively changed the Portuguese regime from an authoritarian dictatorship to a liberal democracy after a two-year process of a Left-wing semi-military administration. Although government forces killed four people before surrendering, the revolution was unusual in that the revolutionaries did not use direct violence to achieve their goals. The population, holding red carnations, convinced the regime soldiers not to resist. The soldiers readily swapped their bullets for flowers. It was the end of the Estado Novo, the longest authoritarian regime in Western Europe (but not the last to fall; Francisco Franco ruled Spain until 1975). The revolution is often simply referred to, as its celebratory holiday, 25 de Abril (the 25th of April).

 

                                               

 

The revolution in Portugal initiated the process which political scientist Samuel P. Huntington called the "third wave of democratisation;" a process of democratisation which then spread to Greece, Spain and Latin America. Soon after the 25th, all of the hundreds of political prisoners were liberated from prison. Exiled opposition political leaders, like Álvaro Cunhal and Mário Soares returned to the country in the following days and were received in apotheosis. One week later, May 1st was legally celebrated in the streets for the first time in many years. In Lisbon, about 1,000,000 people from all the country joined this occasion and listened to the speeches of Cunhal and Soares.

Portugal went through a turbulent period, commonly called the Ongoing Revolutionary Process (Portuguese: Processo Revolucionário em Curso, or PREC) that lasted until November 25, 1975, marked by constant friction between liberal democratic forces and communist ones. After a year, the first free election was carried out on April 25, 1975 in order to write a new Constitution that would replace the Constitution of 1933 that ruled the country for the reign of the Estado Novo. In 1976, another election was carried out and the first Constitutional government, led by Mário Soares, entered office. Meanwhile, the colonial war ended and the African colonies gained independence (The granting on independence to Mozambique was one of the major factors that led to the fall of Rhodesia four years later). The colony of East Timor also proclaimed its independence, but was invaded by Indonesia in 1975.

The decolonisation process, whose guidelines were approved with the Alvor Agreement, was generally marked by the handover of power, without free elections, to liberation movements (some supported by the Soviet Union) and by the general disregard for the interests and property of the Portuguese-born or Portuguese-origin population.

Freedom Day

Freedom Day on April 25 is a national holiday in Portugal, with official and some popular commemorations, though some right-wing sectors of the population still regard the developments after the coup d'état as pernicious for the country. On the other hand, some of the military leaders lament that the leftist inspiration of the uprising has since been abandoned. The carnation is the symbol of this revolution, since soldiers put these flowers in their guns, in what came to symbolise the absence of violence in changing the regime in Portugal — a regime that had been one of the longest single right-wing party regimes of the 20th century.

It's good to know that some revolutions can end peacefully with little blood shed. 

photos courtesy of Google

Weekend Assignment #124: Learning to Drive

Weekend Assignment #124: Learning to Drive :

Fasten your seatbelts because this week's Weekend Assignment (suggested by BeYankee) puts you behind the wheel:

Your Weekend Assignment #124: How did you learn how to drive? How many tries did it take?  What was the first car that you bought?

Extra credit: Got a picture of that first car?

Driving!  Thank you Daddy for teaching me to drive!  Everyone should know how to drive.  I say this, even though I am scared as hell to know that my step-son and daughter will soon be new drivers on the road.  One child just can't wait to get behind my car, and the other would rather take the bus, or the light rail, or my taxi services...  I don't know what is worse.  I do know however, that driving is a form of FREEDOM that I will be forever grateful for.  I think half of my life is spent behind the wheel.  No, I'm not a trucker, I am a mom with a commute, kids, and a mom who doesn't drive.  (Yes, Daddy tried to teach Mom, but let's just say it "didn't work out.")

Ohhh...it seems like yesterday when my father took me out to teach me to drive in his automatic, 1978 Chevy Nova..  He would take me to the streets behind the Wrigley Gum and Lipton Tea Factory to practice my driving.  The factories have been long since closed, but that long stretch of road is still there for 1st time drivers..in fact, most of the people I grew up with went there to learn how to drive, and it's still a popular teaching ground today.  I loved that Chevy Nova.  Although it was never made officially "mine," we share many moments--some special, and some not too special. 

I used to drive that Chevy everyday to school from Santa Cruz to San Jose on "scary" Hwy 17.  That car seemed to "fly" over that hill each morning.  It also was big enough to fit a lot of my friends, who informed me later that the car did actually fly from where they were sitting.  I don't remember driving recklessly; at least I never got into an accident or let alone a traffic ticket with that car.  I also remember having to drive my mother to the hospital to meet my father.  He had been transported to the hospital by ambulance, and I only had my learning permit.  I was not only emotionally upset over my father, but I was as scared as hell driving on the highway for the first time without my him by at my side.  

I remember failing the first driving test, and then passing the 2nd.  I called in sick to work the day I got my license.  I was 16!  My employer, however was less thrilled and called me the next day to tell me I was "let go".  It was a shock because I knew I just got fired, but I got my license, and I didn't like working at the place anyway. 

"My" first car that I actually owned I bought together with my "then" husband.  It was red, small, two door, it was new, and it was a Ford.  I think it was an Escort, but I could be wrong.  It was a cute car, until a kid ran into it with his bike.  His handle bars struck the hood, and although we got it repaired, my "then" husband took it to a place to get it repainted, and the it was done really poorly.  The paint on the hood faded into a dull red.  The car was traded in a few years later for a used, white Ford Tempo when I was expecting my daughter.  After the thrill of buying "new cars" we learned our lesson, and it took me years to be persuaded to buy NEW again. 

I consider my first car to be my 99 Altima.  Nope, it isn't new, and I bought it a few years ago, but it was the first car I ever purchased on my own.  No co-signer, no hubby...no one, just my name on the pink slip.  I bought it after my divorce from hubby #1.  That car represented a new start..a new life for me and my kids. 

Today, I drive that Nissan Altima, and a Nissan Quest (bought new--soon after the birth of my youngest), both automatic.  Hubby drives the Mustang and his Ford truck.  My step-son,  Matthew is eyeing my Altima...  Eeek.. I'm getting scared.  I confess to you, when I'm out there on the long, and sometimes dark, highway often times I invite my father to join me.  Although I know he can't be there, I know he is riding shot gun with me in spirit.  

What If?

The other day I took my two boys to the beach.  It was a beautiful Tuesday afternoon; the weather was nice, warm and sunny, and there I was driving my van down towards the ocean, when suddenly up ahead I saw a man struggling with his bicycle on the sidewalk. 

Lucky for him, I saw him.  And, lucky for me there was minimal traffic for a Tuesday afternoon.  Seconds away, as I looked at him struggling up ahead, I wondered to myself:  "Okay, is he going to get back on  his bike, or is the bicycle going to send him over the curb?"  I swerved away just before he fell head first over the curb and onto the street.  Lovely..just lovely. 

Frightened, catching my breath after a yelp of fear, I saw the guy getting up from the street in my rearview mirror.  Apparently, it is very difficult to get on a bike while holding a bottle of whiskey at the same time.  It was a miracle however that his paper bag wasn't soaked with alcohol after this fall.  (Nope, it wasn't Mel.) 

For the rest of the afternoon I was haunted with the thought of me actually running over the guy.  If I hadn't noticed him as quickly as I had, that may have happened.  Walking later on the beach that afternoon, I was able to forget the whole incident for a little while, but afterwards, the thought came back again, and it made me feel just a little angry...it still does in fact.  The guy on the bike, probably didn't think twice about it.  He probably just went on his merry way, wondering why he had a new bruise on his knee..  And here I am wondering "what if?" 

Grrrrr...  This reminds me of another situation I found myself in. 

On another beautiful, summer day, I was taking a nice long walk on my favorite walking path on East Cliff, Santa Cruz near the ocean cliffs.  On the walking path, a older woman waved towards me from her wheelchair.  Thinking that she needed some sort of asistance, I walked up to her and asked her if she needed help. 

<---painting of East Cliff, Santa Cruz

"Yes, young lady, could you take me out nearer to the cliffs so I can see the ocean?"

My first gut feeling, was NOOOO!!!  Don't wheel this old woman near the cliffs!  She'll fall off!!  But, there was a large walking area in front of the cliffs, and I felt it would be okay, so I obliged, and slowly wheeled her closer to the cliffs.  She was now right in front of the ice plants, and a good 12 feet away from any danger. 

"Oh thank you dear, but can you bring me a little closer?"

"Are you sure?" I asked with concern in my voice.

"Oh yes, don't worry, I have been that close before."

"But how will you get out?" I asked with even more concern in my voice.

"Oh, I always find someone to help me out."

Okay, by now my gut is screaming at me:  CRAZY!!!  This woman is CRAZY!!  Don't do it!!!  But, against my better judgement, I found myself taking this old woman's wheelchair and wheeling her to the middle of the iceplants to only 6 feet away from the cliff's edge.  As I'm doing this, I am well aware of what passing traffic may be thinking:  "Oh my God, that lady is wheeling that old woman off the edge of the cliffs!" 

        <---ice plants near East Cliff, Santa Cruz

After many thank yous from the elderly woman, I left her there in the middle of the ice plants, just as she had requested, and went on my way walk path.  Now, instead of just thinking of my day, I was left with the responsibility of knowing, that I just left a defenseless old woman in a wheelchair in the middle of a huge ice plant near a ocean cliff.  Lovely.  Would she ever flag someone down to rescue her?  Would she accidently turn off the brake, and skid down the cliffs to a rocky and watery grave?! 

Eventually, when I passed her again, I saw her still there, smiling and enjoying the view, but, I still today, years after am still haunted by "what if"....  

Family Visit

Lately I haven't been putting many entries in because I've been taking time off from work, and spending time with my family.  In reality, I simply just don't have time to do entries when I'm at home--I'm too busy!  There is either a meal to cook, a mouth to feed, a diaper to change, or dish to wash, or an errand to do with the kids.  Work is funney.  Sometimes I'm working non-stop like I was yesterday, and on other days, work comes to a hault.  So, today is another one of those slow days.  It's almost like my 8 hour break from life.

Yes, my REAL job is at home. 

My cousin's daughter, Tania has finally arrived from Lisbon, and I'm enjoying her visit very much.  I haven't really seen too much of her because the majority of the time she is with her boyfriend, but its almost having another daughter in the house, only this one is 22.  She and her boyfriend, Ruben are such a cute couple, and I think her boyfriend is so nice.  If he is trying his best to impress me, he has.  We all went to a little outing to the ocean, and we had a good time.  It is apparent that they have a real admiration for eachother--like already an old couple, and they both love kids.  My youngest adores his cousin Tania already, and as I watched Ruben carry him off to the beach with Tania on his arm, it was as if I was seeing a picture of their future together--corny as it may seem...  Aw....young love..  I don't think there is anything that tops that feeling, do you? 

So, as for me, I'm off on Friday, doing a family barbecue on Saturday, and then I'm off again on Monday and Tuesday.  Tania is going to off to Las Vegas with Ruben and his family, and I'm expecting my inlaws next week as well.  I have a feeling we are going to have a few more barbecues this month--lots of family and new friends...  But in there somewhere, hopefully, hubby and I will be able to go out on the town ourselves..  We have to see Talladega Nights--it looks really funney.  Anything with Will Ferrell running in his big white underpants has got to be funney! 

 

  Anyone want to babysit?!  

After spending a few weeks with Nicholas, my daughter Elizabeth has decided that she is never going to have kids.  I know that Nick is quite a handful, and I know my daughter's feelings will change one day, but she is not quite 18 yet, and I'm okay with her not having kids right now.  I'm not ready to be a grandma anytime soon; I have a 2 year old at home for God sakes! 

Well, the receptionist is out sick again, but luckily for me I'm not the only clerical today.  Ms. Know It All left a huge mess at someone elses desk which consisted of a lot of unrelated work paperwork.  She not only was on the phone with the phone company trying to hook up service to her new apartment, but using our business fax, with our cover sheet to insurance companies.  Man, for a woman, who claims to "know it all", she sure is clueless! 

Okay, I just finished my cinnamon scone, and I'm almost done with my coffee..  I guess it's time to work, at least pretend to anyway.  I need some files to shuffle... 

Ate logo--until next time..