Happy Leap Year!

Happy Leap Year, ladies!  Hey, if you are single, today is your day to find that man you have been lusting over, and ask him to marry you!  It's an old Irish tradition; and no-you don't have to be Irish.

This morning on the way to work, there was a truck in front of me with writing and hearts drawn all over the windows.  It said:  Happy Leap Year!  On the side window, this is what was written:  "I'm off to ask my boyfriend Mike to marry me!  Wish me luck!"  Whoohoo..  You go girl!  I wonder if Mike said "yes" or not.  I don't know who Mike is, or who was driving the car, but it would be nice to see the same truck pass by again reading if he said yes or no.. 

It's Friday...  Here is a Meme from Princess Aurora (Dawn):

Here is a meme called the Friday Fill-In!

1. I'm looking forward to going to San Francisco with Lizzy next week.

2. I don't handle unattended cookies very well.

3. Chocolate is something I could eat every day.

4.  Shopping trips to the mall have been missing from my life since December!  (And it's wonderful.)

5. Monterey, California, here I come! (for our anniversary in April)

6. I have no desire to get a tattoo(s).

Thank God I'm married, and I'm no longer searching for a man. 

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Sometimes Wearing Pink Can Be Dangerous..

Above is a picture that was taken in August, 2006 with the ever famous "Pink Lady" man I wrote about in yesterday's entry.  I've posted this picture before, but I decided to post it again because per your request.  I'm there on his left with Nicholas in the stroller, and that is my cousin Tania to Pinky's right.  I can't believe this picture is almost a few years old, but believe me, he hasn't changed a bit.  He was wearing the same outfit a few months ago when I was waiting in line to see a movie. 

No one really knows why he does this, but I heard someone say that he is actually a retired engineer who used to work in the Silicon Valley (Santa Clara, California).  He is working on a book on human behavior.  I'm sure he is experiencing a lot of interesting data during his time baby stepping up and down the mall.  I can only imagine. 

It's really sad how easy we can judge someone by the way they dress.  I really don't want to be descriptive here, but I know of a younger fellow who constantly gets beat up because he chooses to dress a certain way.  He is an artistic kid.  He creates his own style of t-shirts, and artisically paints his shoes with portraits of famous people a la Andy Warhol.  Because of this, however, this guy is a constant target.  He got beat up the other day by three stupid teenagers because of  of his pink painted tennis shoes. 

 Sometimes it's dangerous to wear pink. 

Oh yeah, it's Thankful Thursday...

1.  No recent tantrum attacks from my precious four year old.  He has been willingly going to pre-school all this week. 

2.  I'm thankful for the spring like weather with no rain! 

3.  I'm thankful for the longer days of sunshine.  It's not dark by the time I get home from work.  

4.  My daughter's desire to drive.  We are going to take her on the highway this weekend.  Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. 

5.  Healthy kids..family..etc...and the dirty dishes. 

Pretty In Pink

Well, it's certainly "Spring-like" outside, and the men folk here at the ghetto are already sporting their "pink" attire.  I'm not kidding.  Today, 3 of my male co-workers are wearing matching long sleeved pink shirts.  The boss guy, the munchkin, and another fellow-they must have called each other the night before to plan this, hey?  They didn't call me--I'm wearing black.  

Pink, apparently  is the new navy.   I went downtown for a walk and I counted 3 more men dressed in pink.  Well, perhaps I shouldn't count the guy who was dressed in the pink dress and matching boa--he ALWAYS wears pink.  He puts on a ton of makeup and walks very slowly up and down the open mall area with little baby steps, holding a pink and aluminum foil parasol.  I wrote about him once before here. He has almost achieved celebrity status for just being strange.  I've seen him without his makeup riding a bicycle, wearing no pink.  At least he stays out of trouble--he just annoys people when he takes his baby steps on the crosswalks and makes the people wait in their cars.  I was waiting in line for a movie once with my kids, and I thought he was in line.  Apparently, he wasn't--he was just taking little baby steps.  I wanted to hit him with my purse.  He did not smell very pretty either. 

I don't think my husband wouldn't be caught dead in pink, or orange, or purple... BUT...  You know, back in the 80's it was cool to wear pink--especially those pink polo shirts with the collars up.  Remember?  I think my brother wore a pink polo---along with his draw string OP pants that he used to wear all the time.  We called them his "Jesus pants" because they were beige, with a matching cloth belt.  He used to wear them all the time when he went skating.  Whoa...flashback.. 

My son (Nicholas) informed me that his favorite color now is pink.  Fortunately, they don't sell pink shirts in his size for little boys.  I'll let him decide to wear pink when he gets older.  

I am incredibly bored right now.  Can you tell? 

  

Credit Woes of Divorce

Sorry for the the subject of this entry, but hopefully it will help someone out there.

I've been through my own divorce, and I have no intention to go down that route ever again.  I would rather have someone shoot me dead and throw me over a cliff. 

Anyway, I could write a book about "what not to do" when going through a divorce.  I am still "paying" for my past mistakes.  Today in fact I am sending  another credit agency another letter to take off a negative entry on my credit report.  It's been paid years ago, but it is still showing popping up on one credit agency and it needs to be taken off once and for all.  I am proud to say my credit rating is pretty excellent right now (thanks to my darling husband with the near to perfect credit rating) but it could be better.

When I was married to my ex-husband, EVERYTHING was under my name--the electric bill, the American Express card, the garbage/water bill, the telephone bill..etc...etc...  Well, when I was going through my divorce I neglected to do some things because I wanted to be "nice".  I didn't shut off the electricity, the phone, the garbage/water..etc..etc..or get his name off my credit cards.  And of course, all those bills were under MY NAME, and because they were under my name, ex-husband didn't really feel he should pay for them.  As soon as he knew he was headed for the east coast, he decided to just leave all the bills in delinquent status-afterall, the bills were not under his name, so why should he? 

So, let it be a lesson learned to all of you.  You can't be "nice" with certain people.  I will say, however that when he didn't pay for his telephone bill, he really did me a favor.  I was able to get a copy of it.  After he left-without a forwarding address or phone number, I found his "hiding place" in NJ via an unpaid telephone bill.  This really freaked him out.  He thought I hired a private investigator.  Of course, it was just me..  After those weeks and months of searching for the ex-husband's whereabouts, I will confess to you that I quite enjoyed playing the "detective".  If I ever had to do it all over, I think it would be a field that I would have gotten in.  Now you know why I'm inspired by Angela Landsbury's character in "Murder She Wrote."  All that investigating, and she still had time to ride her bicycle around town... 

Anyways, I hope none of you ever find yourself in this predictiment, but if you know anyone who is, let them know that it's okay to shut off the utilities on your ex whoever.  It may save you time and money, as well as some of your own sanity later. 

 

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Tuesday

Yawn..  I'm tired..  It's only Tuesday...

I had a good weekend actually--just tiresome and rainy.  Saturday we took all the kids out for real Chinese food.  Nicholas was less than thrilled with Chinese cuisine, but kept relatively quiet.  The restaurant was decorated ornately with dragons with red light bulb eyes, and golden Buddhas.  We had to drive to McDonalds to get a happy meal later for him.  I confess, I did like the lemon chicken, but I helped Nicholas eat his fries. 

Sunday my daughter and I drove up to San Francisco, in the rain to my aunt's house for a baby shower for three of my cousins.  It was really nice to see the family.  Both of my aunts were there as well as most of my cousins--the girls, and my cousin's wives, and a lot of their children.  My cousin, Maureen, Rose Anne & Elaine enjoyed the Erik Estrada story--she still has memories of my Culture Club fan club days embedded in her mind however.  Gee..  I've really left funny impressions with a lot of my cousins.  I guess that is okay.  I got to sit most of the time near my cousin's wife, and my other cousin's mother in-law and sister--aka:  "The Painted Ladies" who were quite entertaining.  You see they are both entertainers from Las Vegas.  They are well into their late 60's/70's and they were are painted up to the hilt.  I couldn't help but take notice at their eye makeup--which was masterly and perfectly done.  I don't know how they do it!  I don't think I've ever applied so much eye shadow or mascara on my eye lids ever.  Sadly, I didn't have Avon brochures to pass out to them, but my Aunt Addie, who had purchased a bunch of Skin So Soft body lotion from me (great to keep the mosquitos away) gave out them all as party favors, each time saying "my niece, Julie sells Avon.."  A great spokes person---she could make me thousands. 

 Shameless plug:

http://julielangley.avonrepresentative.com/   

(Type in REPFS in coupon code slot at check out and get free shipping.  No minimum to buy.)

There were some games at the baby shower that were a little too intense for me.  Word scrambles...  Eeek.  Then there was the baby bag game where we had to think of items you'd find in a baby bag, using specific letters.  I loved the "Painted Ladies" answers:  "Drugs, Liquor, Cigarettes..."  May be not very appropriate, but very funny.  I also noticed my cousin's mother-in-law's hair color.  Oh my God.  It was so red her scalp was red.  I'm not kidding.  Oh well, at least her eyeliner was perfect, what can you say. 

I wish I  had pictures, but silly me brought a camera without checking to see if the battery was charged.  The flashing battery that was now red was all I got on the screen, and then it promptly closed by itself.  Oh well.  Sorry--no pictures to share. 

I don't know if I was just tired from driving, or if I caught a cold, but Monday I was so drained I didn't want to get out of bed and get dressed for work---so I didn't.  I stayed home.  I'm at work with a headache and a terrible desire for chocolate.  That only means one thing...  I'm just waiting for the cramps to start now.  Lovely. 

It's Tuesday, and I have this annoying person at work (a man that reminds me of one of the munchkins from the Wizard of Oz) who keeps on handing me stuff to copy to fill up these budget folders.  He keeps on giving me the wrong stuff to copy, and duplicate stuff of stuff that is already in the fricken binders, and it is soooo confusing.  I already told my supervisor last week that I was ready to throw one at him.  He said it was done last week, but he is still handing me stuff.  Errrr...  I'm not in the mood for Munchkin Man today. 

Thankful Thursday

You know, it's a short work week with Monday off, but, damn...this work week is going too fricken slow for some reason! 

Oh well, I'm adding this sparkly Thursday sign to brighten up the place..  A storm is supposedly moving in today.  It's cold and dreary outside.  I may leave work early today to avoid driving in the rain later tonight.  I hate driving at night in the rain.  I am so thankful I don't have to deal with snow. 

Here are other things I'm thankful for.  After all, it is Thankful Thursday!

1.  I'm thankful it's not snowing.  Although we hardly have snow up in these parts, and although I admire snow covered trees and snowmen..etc..etc..  I'm so thankful I don't have to deal with driving in it or shoveling it, walking in it, or scraping it off my window shields like a lot of people in the mid west and east coast.  I'm so sorry for these folks. 

2.  I'm thankful to hear news that the most annoying woman that works in this ghetto office may be moving to one of our other offices--far, far away from me.  This woman is supposedly the "computer whiz" who spends way too much on a computer to "fix it" and it never gets fixed.  She is a know it all, that enjoys speaking in computer gibberish that know one understands just to give off an impression that she does "know it all"---the fact is she doesn't.  She also thinks I know the comings and goings (I don't) of my supervisor who I happen to share an office with.  She also thinks I know where every file my supervisor uses is located.  I've told her time and time again that I am not my supervisor's personal secretary, but she just doesn't "get it"..  And another thing-for some odd reason, she seems to think I really want to know about her personal problems as well.  No, I don't really want to hear about your delinquent daughter who is dating a guy that wants to get her pregnant.  I sympathize with your dilemma, but please....  It is never appropriate to try to "entertain" co-workers with your personal life.  Some private things need not be told to co-workers--save it for family and personal friends.  If my mom was ragging on me with all these co-workers that hardly knew her, I would want to leave the house and get pregnant too. 

3.  I'm thankful I have nothing negative to disclose of my own daughter.  She  makes me nervous behind the wheel, but overall she is a good kid.  She is not into drinking or drugs, and she is happy with herself.  I don't care how many friends come over at night to do "photo shoots" of themselves in various poofy hairstyles and make up.  At least she is safe at home, and I can hear her giggle, I'm a happy mother hen. 

4.  I'm thankful for having dinner almost every night with my family.  Seeing ALL the kids at the table with hubby and I is a blessing and a gift; especially when there are no leftovers, and plenty of ketchup. 

5.  I'm thankful I have a safe and warm home.  It is easy to loose touch and not realize how many people go without.  There is a person sleeping outside on a bench here at the ghetto parking lot.  He has a blue blanket over  his head, but it's not big enough to cover his feet.  It's in the low 50's outside, and it's starting to sprinkle.  I wasn't sure of the guy was breathing until I just checked out the window and saw his blanket move.  He might get picked up anytime soon.  At least if he is locked up he will have a dry place to sleep at night with warm food.  Sad, huh? 

Well, I was going to add Erik to this entry, but sadly--his picture is at home in my digital camera.  Next time, kiddos..  Thank you Lisa Jo for the following graphic--you are wonderful!

Driving With Miss Lizzy

As I mentioned before, my daughter, Elizabeth is learning to drive.  She is driving the streets, and is still learning.  She is improving, but she still needs improvements in speed control and turns.  Yes, it's been a "fun" experience.  The whole experience is taking me back to the days when I sat behind the wheel for the first time.  My dad would take me out, and would teach me how to drive.  I can honestly say it was one of the few times we ever spent time alone together.  Even today, since my father has passed over, I still feel his presence with me sitting shot gun.  I still feel as if it is still our "special time."  

It feels as if Daddy is around more lately...   I wouldn't be surprised.  I still remember my dad standing outside of the house, worried that I was late from work-thinking I was in some sort of accident.  Or him staying up at night waiting for me to come home.  It's a worry I know of now. 

The other night, when Lizzy was behind the wheel, after a very wide right turn, the car made a strange noise.  It was a beeping, loud sound coming from what seemed to be from underneath my daughter's seat.  It was very strange, because my car never made this  noise before-and this sound wasn't a mechanical sound the car could make.  It was a little freaky.  The only noise my car ever makes is the clicking sound of my right and left blinkers..   

The next day, Lizzy took the wheel again, and low and behold, another strange noise came on, right after I told my daughter that she did not make a complete stop at the last stop sign.  It was kind of funny, because it sounded almost as if the car was scolding my daughter for not listening to me. 

Anyway, the day after, when I started my car, I noticed the pocket of the driver's door had my father's old hand poker game.  Interesting...  My father used to play with it, and he kept it in the pocket of his easy chair.  This hand held poker game has been in my car for the last two months.  Nicholas took it with him when he left my mom's house one day, and he had been playing with it in the car.  I put it away, and completely forgot about it.  WHY the poker game SUDDENLY started beeping is beyond me. 

Was Grandpa helping his granddaughter with driving lessons?  I took the poker game in my hands, and noticed it was turned off.  Later that night when I let Lizzy drive home from work, the poker game made another long whizzing sound.

"Okay, Grandpa,"  Lizzy said.  "I know I am drifting out of my lane.  Thanks for coming for the ride." 

Hello, Monday!

Thanks Lisa Jo for the above graphic.. 

Happy Monday! 

It's happy because I am off from work..  Working for a county office really has it's advantages--lots of government paid holidays!  YAY!!

Well, hubby and I had a great weekend away together.  Even if it really wasn't a full weekend, but we did manage to go to the movies twice, and we had a real nice dinner, and some quality alone time without hearing whining children..  I think we will be doing this more often. 

Nothing really happening today---I just need to do some shopping for new sports shoes for Andrew, and baby stuff for the baby shower next weekend.  I have three cousins who had/is going to have babies.  One was born in January, the other two are due in March.  It will be nice to see them again under happy circumstances.  The last time I saw them I think it was at a funeral. 

Anyway, I wish everyone a good week.  I know a lot of you already, are not having one.  :(  I'm sending out positive thoughts to all of you out there-----I wish I had a magic wand or something to cast upon you all. 

Thanks again Lisa Jo for the above graphic---sending you 1,000 good wishes to you especially...

Thank you Mary for your card--you are a Jland angel.  O:)

 

 

FRIDAY, AT LAST! YAY!!!!!!

I'm back, and no, I didn't win the lottery.  I just got only one fricken number!  Oh well, may be next time... 

                                   

It's FRIDAY!!!!  Hallelujah!!!!

I've been waiting for this week to get over with. 

Tomorrow my hubby and I will be taking a break from the kids...  We are so much looking forward to it.  We will go out to dinner, catch a movie, and spend the night at a nice hotel.  The hotel is the very same hotel we met eachother in front of 7 years ago.  It's not the anniversary of the day we met (that was in July, 2001) but it will be special just the same-an extended Valentines present for the both of us.  I would love to get a picture of the very spot we met.  We shall see. 

                   

Lisa Jo---I will do my best to get that picture of Erik on my journal tonight---with or without Lizzy--promise.  May be I will pose with it myself! 

We had a good Valentines yesterday--full of candy and cards--even Lizzy surprised us with chocolates--that was nice.  I was feeling sorry for her this Valentines thinking that she might be depressed since she just broke up with her boyfriend, but--that was silly of me because she was quick to tell me that  she was off to the movies with another boy last night with a few other friends to see a movie.  He met her a few days ago and thinks she is cute.  No...Lizzy doesn't stay single for long.  May be this guy will look like John Stamos.  I haven't seen him yet, but I was informed that he was the most "normal" guy she has ever dated.  Hmmm... 

Our other "heart breaker" was attacked by red balloons.  I don't know how he got into his truck in the morning. Someone filled the whole cab with red balloons.  Hmm..  For someone who claims he "doesn't have a girlfriend" it is very interesting-especially when there is a bouquet of flowers waiting in the kitchen for "his friend." 

Andrew spent his Valentines with his dear grandma who made sure he was fat and happy before I picked him up to school.  The chocolates I bought them were already gone this morning--just wrappers on my mother's coffee table.  I'm guessing they were eaten with grandma while watching late night Golden Girl episodes. 

Nicholas had a fun day at school yesterday.  It was very cute to see all of the preschoolers wearing pink crowns exchanging Valentines and eating cupcakes. 

Here is a Valentines Day meme I found at Dana's blog:

What did you do last year on Valentine’s Day?

Had a nice dinner with my family.

What are you planning to do on this Valentine’s Day?

Dinner with family---looking forward to Saturday alone time with hubby man.

Where would be the ideal location to spend a romantic Valentine’s Day?

Hmm..  Somewhere faraway, in a warm, beautiful place away from everyone. 

What is the most memorable Valentine’s Day gift you received?

The roses my husband sent me for our first Valentines as a couple-when we were still dating.  Before that, I never really got roses from anyone. 

What is your favorite romantic movie?

Oh gee..  I dunno-too many.  Love Actually is pretty nice...  (Anything with Colin Firth..thanks..)

Who is your favorite recording artist or type of romantic music?

Oh man..  Elvis, Enrique Iglesias...umm...Michael Buble....

Why is (or isn’t) Valentine’s Day important to you?

It's a fun holiday to express your love and appreciation to the ones you care most about.  It's fun, not really important-but a good opportunity to remember everyday should be Valentines.. 

I'm looking at a fun 3 day weekend....  I hope you all have a pleasant one!

                                   

Happy Valentines Day

 

I hope you all are having a great day so far...  :)  It's windy but sunny here.  I'm off to a Valentines party at my son's preschool, soon-that shall be fun.  I have 24 red-sprinkled cupcakes and 32 Valentines waiting in the car. 

Here is an old Valentines Day wives tale to ponder: 

                 VALENTINE'S DAY

If a woman sees a robin flying overhead on Valentine's Day, it means she will marry a sailor.
If she sees a sparrow, she will marry a poor man and be very happy.
If she sees a goldfinch, she will marry a millionaire.

I'm assuming that if a woman marrys a sailor or millionaire, she would be just as happy?  Or is it better to be poor and happy?  I don't know.  It's something to ponder.  I am due to go to the gas station at the corner and see if I won my millions.  If you don't see an entry for awhile from me, just assume that I won.  HA HA HA...  Yeah, whatever, huh? 

Here are some lyrics to enjoy.  It's a simple song, but it is what it is.  Have a great day! 

                                                       AllYou Need Is Love           

                                            The Beatles

        Love, love, love, love, love, love, love, love, love.
      There's nothing you can do that can't be done.
	Nothing you can sing that can't be sung.
	Nothing you can say but you can learn how to play the game
	It's easy.

 	There's nothing you can make that can't be made.
	No one you can save that can't be saved.
	Nothing you can do but you can learn how to be in time
	It's easy.

        All you need is love, 

      All you need is love,    

      All you need is love, love, love is all you  need. 

          Love, love, love, love,love, love,  

     Love, love, love, love, love.

     All you need is love, all you need is love,

            All you need is love, love, love is all you need.

                                 

There's nothing you can know that isn't known. Nothing you can see that isn't shown. Nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be.It's easy. All you need is love, all you need is love, All you need is love, love, love is all you need. All you need is love (all together now)All you need is love (everybody) All you need is love, love, love is all you need.

                          

Love Is In The Air

This morning I got a cute email from my cousin's daughter, Tania.  She will be flying down from Lisbon next month to visit her boyfriend, Ruben-who happens to live only like a mile from our house.  :)  They are so much in love, it is very sweet.  They saw eachother only last month, but can't wait until summer to see eachother again.  Hopefully, sometime next year these two will get hitched and not have to say goodbye all the time.  She is such a sweetheart, we are all looking forward to her visit. 

Yes, love seems to be in the air... 

I wish Gary and his new bride many years of loving bliss..  Please, Gary-don't do a newlywed reality show!   Why do I think this eventually will happen?  I tell you, mark my words, it will. 

Yesterday was a beautiful day in the neighborhood!  I took a break from the ghetto and took a pleasant walk to my favorite drug store, Longs to buy Valentines.  I crossed the street and took a nice walk through the park where I saw an array of interesting people.  There were the older people on the green playing bocci ball.  They all looked so cute in their long knee socks, and white sun hats.  I must take my camera along and take pictures of them one day.  A little more down the path, I saw a bunch of transient looking folk having a "picnic" under a tree exchanging cuss words, fighting over who ate someone's Doritos.  Then there were children feeding the ducks, and a crazy guy feeding seagulls.  The seagulls were going crazy, flying over the guy--rats with wings I tell you---they can get quite vicious.

  I made my way over the bridge, where I saw a gathering of young teen-age looking girls, standing together under the bridge.  There was another gathering of people looking down at them from the bridge.  Looks like one girl challenged the other to a fight, and both girls had their own set of friends standing on either side of them.  Lovely.  I guess they made plans to meet under the bridge for a fight.  Gee..  these walks are pretty interesting, never a dull moment...I look forward to taking another tomorrow. 

Tonight Nicholas and I will be making Valentine cupcakes and doing our Valentines.  My older children are not interested in that anymore, but I will have years and years of Valentine years still in store with the little guy.  Andrew won't admit to having a Valentine, although his step-brother did go shopping for Valentines, and did ask his father to stay out late...  Hmm..  Kinda makes us believe he has a Valentine, hey?  Lizzy broke up with her new boyfriend a few days ago.  It was kind of sad for me-I will miss that Erik Estrada smile.  She says she needs to be alone and out of a relationship for awhile-more power to her.  Tomorrow will mark the 22 years since I married her dad-yes, I was only 19.  Eeek.  Thank God she isn't going down that path any time soon.... 

Thanks to Missie for the cute tag! 

I'm Ready To Be A Millionaire

I've been listening to the Super Lotto commercials on the radio, and I must admit, I have been fantasying lately, more than usual the thought of winning large sums of money in the the California State Lottery.  As I'm driving on my regular commute, I think about what I would do with all the millions. 

 

I would of course quit my job at the ghetto.  No question about that.  Would I just quit or be nice and give two weeks notice?  Would I write a letter of resignation, or drive up in a limo and announce it in the parking lot through a bull horn:

"Attention everyone in this ghetto building!  Nice working with you all, but, I quit!!  Goodbye!!" 

Of course, I'd be nice and send everyone roses afterwards.  I do like most of the people I work with, don't get me wrong.   

I would then pick up my friend Maria from the across the street, and inform her that I planned on paying off the rest of her mortgage so she can pursue her career as a professional gardener.  She has a natural green thumb, and it is being wasted inside a large cement building across the street.  We need more green in the world, don't you agree?! 

Anyway, I've already made plans in my mind.  They involve a summer home near the ocean, and a boat for hubby to fish from, as well as college tuitions, vacations, family/friend expenses, and a whole lot of charity contributions.  Yes, God, I'm ready.  Bring it on! 

I went over to the gas station a few hours ago, and got my "gold" ticket.  Hey, someone has to win!  Why not me?!  It's not like I'm going to waste it on a 7 million insurance policy for chest hair, like some people...

                                           

Okay, well looks like someone else is going to throw their hat in the retirement ring this month.  This is great news, but not official yet.  I have no idea why boss lady doesn't close her door when she knows I'm sitting less than a  hundred yards away.  Of course I have said nothing or spoke of it.  I guess she trusts me enough not to blab it all over the office. 

You know one thing that I hate more than anything?  It's when changes to my own work are in the works and I'm the last one to know about it.  What pisses me off is these people that are looking for the changes have no idea what I do.  They want to give a portion of my work to someone else, and this someone else is less than thrilled.  I am less than thrilled knowing that I may have train someone.  Not only is this "change" ridiculous and unneeded, it was the "idea" of someone who thinks it would be easier for me--in reality it won't be any easier.  I'd like to wack someone with a wet noodle right now.  Oh well..more reason to leave the ghetto. 

 All the old timers are leaving and dropping like flies, and all the newbies have their "new" ideas that don't make much sense to me.  I guess after 20 years, (as of April) it's time for me to go and start anew somewhere else.  The thought of just leaving my post and quitting sounds more wonderful the more I think about it.  I spoke with an oldie who is retiring this month who told me how she wasn't looking forward to a big retirement party.  "You know Julie, they (management) only seem to want to celebrate someone when they leave, not when they are working hard, and doing a good job."  You said it, sister.  When I leave this place, I don't want a party.  She give me a card full of money-that is all I want.  HA HA HA... Am I sounding superficial?  I don't care.  :)

Nicholas didn't want to get out of his jammies this morning.  He informed my mother that it was "Pajama Day" at his preschool.  My mom called me to confirm if this was true.  Well, I didn't know for sure whether it was or not.  They will usually put a flyer out on the door informing the parents of such days.  I called the preschool just to make sure, and my answer was a roar of laughter.  No..it's not pajama day.  When did my little boy become such a good liar?! 

4 more days until weekend ALONE with hubby man!  YAY!

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Call Me, Doctor Julie.

Well, miracles do happen. 

It's a Monday, and the receptionist is here.  Hallelujah!  This means I don't have to break the on-call receptionist at 10 am, and I can take my morning walk.  The only problem is, this receptionist will transfer all calls to either me or the other records clerk.  She doesn't like like dealing with the public.  Perhaps, that is why she is hardly ever here, but WHY is she still hear?  That is the question.  Her birthday is this week.  She has been working here for 34 years.  Everyone is hoping for a retirement announcement--believe me, EVERYONE is. 

Anyway, I just got off the phone with a concerned parent.  Apparently, this person thought I was a probation officer.  I did not clue him in that I wasn't.  I just sat there and listened to him ramble away about his troubled son.  This isn't the first time I've gotten calls from distraught parents who just need someone to listen to.  I sometimes feel uncomfortable because they tell me more information than I need to know, but when you hear the desperation in someone's voice, of helplessness and worry, you know better not to cut them off.  You have to let them speak.  I was sympathetic to what he was saying.  If I was in the same situation I would want someone to listen too.  I imagine turning your son in to the authorities is not an easy thing to do.  If you know it's the only way you can help your child, it has to do be done.  Any responsible parent will tell you this.  Before I transferred the call to the probation officer, he thanked me for listening, saying that he hasn't found anyone yet that could do that for him.  Sad, isn't it?   I know I'm a good listener.  I've been told this many times.  I should have gone to college and studied to be a psychiatrist damn it.  I could have been discovered by Oprah and had my own T.V. show now.  Damn.  This phone call conversation is going to stay with me awhile.  At least I know I "helped" someone today, and that makes me happy. 

My left eye is crying.  It's been crying since last night.  Watching Extreme Makeover Home Edition on the T.V. did not help either.  The episode was about this returned Marine vet who lost a leg, and lived in a very old home, raising 4 children by himself ages 9 to 4.  Between that and switching the channel to the Grammys last night, I could not stop crying.  I didn't even recognize my girl, Nelly Furtado. 

OMG girl, PLEASE go back on being a brunette!  And what is going on with that blue thing you wore last night!!  I didn't recognize her--she looked old in that outfit.  I caught a glimpse of Tina Turner.  Oh gosh...  Tight silver pants was not a good fashion choice.  I cringed, it was hard to see.  It was great to see Ringo Starr however--of course he was wearing dark glasses, but he looked really good. 

Anyway, I woke up with my left eye half way shut with all this yellow gook.  Lovely.  It's red, and looks like I've been crying.  Waa waa...  My boss lady thinks that I may have pink eye.  Oh, well that is just lovely, huh?  I've had this before and never got full blown pink eye before, I think I just may have caught a cold in my eye or something when I went to the park Saturday, and yesterday afternoon.

This weekend was nice..  My sister-inlaw came down on Friday night, and we had a nice visit with her and her son.  She gave me more ideas on Avon selling.  By the way, the few people that have purchased that Anew dermoabrasion creme that Avon has been advertising on T.V. really like the stuff, and say it does work.  I sold my demo to a friend at work, and now I'm tempting to order one for myself. 

Okay...here is my shameless plug:  www.youravon.com/julielangley

We finally got Erik Estrada framed, but Lizzy didn't like the pictures we took, so they are not posted.  She has to be in the "mood" for it.  You may just get a picture of just the picture, sans Lizzy.  It will happen either way...  I know you have all been waiting with anticipation... LOL..  She wants me to get more autograph pictures from old sitcoms actors.  John Stamos is next.  She had a huge crush on him when she was younger.  What do you think my chances are on getting an autograph picture of Mr. Stamos?  I think he is a little too busy and still in that ER show---I think he plays a doctor?  He isn't selling timeshares yet, so he may not have the time. 

Have a pleasant Monday!

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First Reaction Quiz i/c of Lyn

I got this from Lyn at : Brits blog

It's Friday!  Play along!! 

This is called “FIRST REACTIONS QUIZ”. You have to type the 1st thing that comes to mind whenever you hear these 33 things. You can’t think and go back and change your answers.  (Erase my answers, and come back to it--that way my answers won't ruin you train of thought..)

Here we go

1. Beer: Yellow

2. McDonalds: Happy Meal

3. Relationships: Good

4. Purple: Dinosaur (Barney)

5. Power Rangers: Andrew  (When he was younger, he liked watching the T.V. show.  I told him that when I was younger, I was the Purple Power Ranger.  I explained that they "retired" my color after I got out of high school.  He believed me for a few days, and even told the neighbor boy next door, who told his dad.  His father got a good laugh.)  Oh how I miss those days when Andrew BELIEVED everything I said.  I think he was 5. 

6. Weed: Stoned

7. Steroids: Muscles

8. Cartoons: Bugs Bunny

9. The President: Bush

10. Tupperware: Party

11. Florida: Alligators

12. Santa Claus: Christmas

13. Halloween: Witches

14. Alcohol: Bars

16: Myspace: Teenagers

17. Clowns: Scary

18. Marriage:. Commitment

19. Paris: One day..one day..  I'll be there.

20. Redheads: Fiery

21. Blondes: Blondie (the singer)

22. Pass the: ketchup---it goes pretty quickly at my house.

23. One night stands: Waste of time.

24. Donald Trump: Money hungry

25. Neverland: Disneyland

26. Dixie: Dixie from All My Children.. LOL... Remember she was married to Tad?! 

27. Vanilla ice cream: Cone.

28. Hooters: Boobs.

29. High school: Drama--so sick of it I could scream!

30. Pajamas: Pink!

31. Woody: Wing Chan  (An actual person--a friend.)

32. Wet Socks: Yuck!

33. I love: life.

Happy Chinese New Year

I got this site from Lyn---Feel free to see what kind of "animal" you are... :)  Surprisingly, I think I'm very "horse" like.  Interesting. 

 

MAIN Chinese New Year Chinese Zodiac Year of the Horse

Years
1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026

Horse personality traits
Like Tigers with whom they are most compatible, Horse people can be a jumble of contradictions.

Cool but hot-blooded, hard-nosed but humble, impatient but extraordinarily tolerant, the Horse is above all defined by hard work and self-reliance.

Although Horses work well in groups, they prefer to work by themselves and exhibit extraordinary levels of energy and concentration. They are good with their hands, but can be seen happily losing themselves in accomplishing any given task.

In social settings, they are cheerful, charismatic and sometimes overly talkative as they clairvoyantly finish other's sentences in conversation. However, they are also often the first guest to depart, usually due to a feeling of becoming too "penned in". Conversely, Horses are happiest in large crowds in open spaces and enjoy the comradarie found in pressing the flesh at outdoor gatherings or concerts.

In romance, they have a tremendous need for intimacy and belonging. However, once domesticated they often feel pressured in fulfilling family obligations, as they remain at heart powerfully rebellious creatures who will not be made to feel cornered.

Travel is a favorite pasttime, and horses are known to race off to any far-flung destination at a moment's notice. As such, Horses are well suited to careers as adventurers, poets, travel writers or politicians.

Horses are most compatible with : Tiger, Dog, Sheep

Famous people born in the Year of the Horse: Clay Aiken, Davy Crockett, James Dean, Clint Eastwood, Ella Fitzgerald, Harrison Ford, Aretha Franklin, Janet Jackson, Sandra Day O'Connor, Teddy Roosevelt, Mike Tyson, Boris Yeltsin

Well, Tom Jones may perhaps re-think his hairy chest investment.  Not all women like "hairy men."  Thank you all for your imput.  :) 

It's Friday!  Yipppee!  Yay!! 

Today my sister-inlaw, Becky and her son Will will be coming over to visit.  She was coming next weekend, but other things came up.  I've stocked up on Diet Pepsi and popcorn Becky, so hurry on down.  I'll be making chocolate chip cookies too...just promise not to look at the dust.  :) 

It's Spring like outside, but still there is that cold nip in the air that catches you by surprise.  Now, did the ground hog see his shadow or what?  For some reason, I never got the news on that one. 

Speaking of news, there is so much bad news on the T.V. and around here locally--violent stuff/tragic/natural disasters going on.  I'm afraid what I will hear next.  Hopefully it won't be anything else on Britney.  That poor girl is not "there".  With the media attention she gets, you would think she was running for president or something.  Very sad. 

I had a disturbing dream the night before.  I had a dream of cars and rising water again.  I cannot tell you how I hate having dreams like those.  A phone was involved in it too--and of course I was unable to dial the number in the dream.  It all has to do with unneeded stress and anxiety-I know, but I hate having those dreams!  They make me wake up really freaked!  The have replaced my dreams of bulls chasing me however--that is good anyway. 

Next week is Valentines week..  I'm really looking forward to it.  :)  A day without the kids...  Thank God!  LOL..  Have a great Friday!! 

 

Chest Hair

I just read something a little disturbing. 

Tom Jones just insured his chest hair for 7 million. 

Wha?

Read all about it here:  http://news.aol.com/entertainment/music/music-news-story/ar/_a/singers-chest-hair-insured-for-millions/20080206104209990001

I don't get it.

Tom Jones must have some Portuguese in him.  That is all I'm going to say about this picture..  LOL

I don't get it.  With the rage of hair wax removal of chests, why is Tom insuring his chest hair?  Is he afraid someone will come and wax him unexpectedly while he sleeps?  7 million?!  Gee...  If I had 7 million to spare, I think I could think of better uses.  Ummm...  Perhaps feed and clothe the hungry?  Umm..donate some millions to orphan children?  I dunno... 

I'm taking a poll this morning.  Feel free to participate.  Some of you prefer hairy chests.  Hairy or Not Hairy, what do you prefer?  Chest hair doesn't bother me, but hairy butts do.  Leave a comment and let me know.  Thanks. 

Sugar and Spice and Everything "Nice"

It's official! 

Don't laugh, Lyn...

I'm nice too...  :)  Thank you Joann for including me in your list of nice people! 

Last night, during dinner, Lizzy and I were talking about Erik Estrada (who else?!).  She was in her pajamas and wasn't in the mood for pictures (she has to be in the mood, and she has to wear makeup for all pictures).  She wants to get the picture framed.  She is going to hang it up near her framed Elton John poster.  Apparently, her boyfriend, Daniel (the one I think looks like Estrada) told his mom about the whole story and thought the story was pretty hilarious.  She must think I'm nuts.  Oh well, she won't be the first to think that way.  I went online looking to see if I could find the Halloween episode of CHiPS where Ponch helps that woman with the delivery of the baby.  I did find one episode on Youtube, but I don't think it's the same one.  They do sell Season 1 & 2 of the entire CHiPS series at Amazon, but I'm not quite sure which season it was on.  Oh well, I may have to buy both, huh? 

   

Good news in the ghetto:  The mental health office that is downstairs lost it's lease!  Yay!  Apparently, the creepy people that work in the IRS Office were complaining about the mental health clients that leave their backbacks and sleeping bags in the hallways.  This is good news because now our office can take over that much needed space, and we get more parking, and less mental health patients sleeping in the parking lot.  Sad, I know. 

No word about the receptionist retiring yet, but we are keeping our fingers crossed on that one. 

Thanks Missie for the following tag! 

 

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