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..