Happy Birthday, Simon

Well, Simon came into the lobby today with disappointment written all over his face...

The receptionist is at home with the hives again. 

"No wonder she didn't call to wish me a happy birthday," Simon exclaimed.

I felt horrible for him.  There he was wearing what looked to be a new blue Italian soccer jersey with matching blue flip flops!  (I won't use the word "thong" anymore---when I said pink thongs in the previous entry, I didn't been pink thong undergarments.  I don't know or want to know what Simon wears in between his jeans.) 

"Happy birthday!"  I called out to him as he slowly made his way out of the lobby. 

"Thanks." 

Simon wasn't very happy.  Oh well...what can you do? 

The receptionist called in this morning to say that she had an awful allergic reaction to her Chinese take-out, and now is covered in hives again.  She is going to have an alergic reaction test done next week.  Hopefuly they will discover the mystery.  She actually thinks she may be allergic to her car now.  She drives a used Jaguar.  It's pretty.  If she's allergic to it, I want it. 

I've got some good news today.  I was worried that I would be sharing a flight with one of my mother's crazy cousins-the one that lives in group homes that owned a gun.  I was told by another cousin that she is still living in Fall River.  Thank, God.  Flying with a 3 year old is going to be crazy as it is enough.  I just read the article about the woman and child that was kicked off the plane.  Great.  I was told to give the youngester children's Tyneol before the flight, and I intend to do it. 

I got some other news yesterday. My friend and partner in crime over here in the ghetto is transferring to another position across the street at the county building.  I'm happy for her because she is going to get a promotion, but sad she is going to be gone, and I'll be alone here at the ghetto without her... Sad..

                     

I'm sure Simon is just going to break down and cry now when he hears this news..

 

Tomorow's Simon's Birthday!

                         

Today is Wednesday, the receptionist’s normal “day off”.  Such a joke, I know.  I nearly fainted when I saw her car in the parking lot yesterday.  She was actually at her desk for two whole days in a row!  Unbelievable!  Well as I sat there covering the desk this morning, in walks in Simon! 

 

Simon isn’t his real name of course.  Simon is a former client of  the office, who only stops by to chat with the receptionist.  Although I’ve never seen them together chatting, apparently the two have quite a “friendship.”  Simon is a character—a person who don’t forget.  Usually he comes in wearing sandals or thongs, with a very distinctive walk.  Let’s just say his hips sway pretty well, and yes, he also has a very feminine sounding voice.  Okay, it’s obvious that Simon is gay.  In the words of my other male gay co-workers, he is “flamer.” 

 

This is the second time I’ve met with him at the front desk.  The first time he wrote a note to the receptionist stating,and I quote:  “I know why they make criminals in jail wear orange!  Who would be caught dead wearing orange?!”  I couldn't’t help read it.  I wasn't’t sure if he was a client, or a real friend of the receptionist, and I was curious.  He should have folded the note, but the whole office has seen it by now because the receptionist never bothered to throw the note a way.  Well, Simon is generally a very pleasant person to deal with, and today he was s a disappointed that his friend behind the window was not there today behind the glass. 

 

“Is SHE here today?”

 

“No, I’m sorry she isn’t.”

 

“Will she be here tomorrow?”

 

“We hope so.”

 

“Can I write a note?”

 

I hand Simon a note, before he hurriedly walked away in his pink thongs.  His note read: 

 

“Tomorrow is Simon’s birthday..” 

 

Either Simon is expecting a gift from the receptionist or he is going to be throwing a big ole’ party in his honor.  Don’t you wish you were invited too? 

 

Well, for a Wednesday, it’s been a pretty uneventful day.  It’s mid-week and not enough work seems to be coming in; in fact Simon was the highlight of my day so far…sad but true.  I did do some more shopping for the trip.  I got my youngest a few more outfits, and one that I think he will wear on the plane; shorts, and a Spiderman sweat-pant set just in case it’s cold when we arrive there.  It’s a month before our trip, and my passports have not arrived yet.  They are supposed to be arriving this week. 

 

I discovered today that there is no real “neat” way to eat white cheddar popcorn.  I found this out earlier today at lunch.  The white powder sticks to your fingers, and everywhere else; and if you happen to be wearing black, like I am, it’s not a pretty sight.  Luckily there was no one watching me licking my fingers at my desk.   

                              

Tuesday's 12

I'm sick feeling sad..  Time for Dawn's Tuesday's 12!

Girlfriends -  Single..  When I was single, I had more time to be with the "girlfriends"... I hated being single, but they made my single years bearable and for that I'll always be grateful.   

Here to stay  -  Me and my guy, forever and forever.. 

Call me  -  Oh yes, Dawn..  Richard Gere..  Umn.. Call Me Blondie.  I remember vividly the bedroom scene where he is near the window?!  My friend and Denise and I ran to the bathroom of the theatre because we were so embarrassed. .. ha ha

Frustrated  -  With the rude/stupid people that have been calling my phone.  I'm a county worker for God's sake, not a miracle worker!

Public school  -  I'm a product of Public School.  Shoot me. 

Glitch  -  There is always a glitch in the system.  I hate glitches!

Mystery  -  Mystery Spot--a tourist place here in Santa Cruz, California.  See a ball go up a hill!  Check it out!!  :  http://www.mysteryspot.com/

Cheese  -  I'm hungry!  Anything tastes good with cheese melted on it.   

Director  -  Of Affairs.  Who is it, and what is the affair?

Twist  -  And Shout!!  One of my favorite Beatles songs.

Exclusive  -  Club.  I never belonged to one.  Isn't it sad?

Ninja  -  Turtles!! 

Go ahead..copy and paste and feel free to play along. 

Well, yesterday evening I did get an email unexpectedly from one of my former inlaw's (the wife of my ex-brother inlaw (my ex-husband's brother).  At least I know they want to see us when we arrive this summer.  I was wondering for a moment there.  I sent my ex-brother-inlaw more than a few emails with no reply.  I was wondering what was going on.  She is all excited to see the kids and has already invited us over while we are there.  

Upon arriving to work this morning I noticed some new homes for sale near my work place.  There were realtor signs up everywhere reading:  Porno Realty.  HUH?  PORNO?!  Got me thinking..  What do these realtors wear as a uniform?  Do they have a uniform?  Do they wear anything at all??  You would think someone with half a brain could think of a better name to advertise a real estate office, huh? 

                                      

Tia Rosinha

     

Today I got word that my mother's last living aunt passed away last night.  She was in the hospital for weeks, and I'm not sure if my mother was even able to see her.  Tia Rosinha (Aunt Rosie) was my mother's youngest of aunts--a joyful ball of sweetness.  I'll never forget  her sweet, round face and pink chubby cheeks that she was always known for.  I'm going to miss not seeing her this summer.  I try not to think about it too much, but each time I go to visit the island, I always wonder if I'll ever see some of the older people again.  It's a sad thing.  When I last saw Tia Rosinha she was laughing and talking away with my mom in her kitchen.  A good memory; one that I will have to remember now that she is gone.  My faith tells me she is in a better place together with the ones she has loved and whom have crossed over.  So many there waiting for their little Rose. 

Sometimes, I hate getting email...

Yes, sometimes I get some really irritating email.  Sure, the emails from Classmates.com are annoying for sure.  Do I really care if someone from high school who I could care less about updated their profile?  Do I want to pay $21.00 a month so I can read them all?  No, thanks!  I have the addresses of the friends I care about already.  Then there are the emails like the following..  Please read my latest scam mail if you dare:

                                                        

Dear Friend
This mail may not be surprising to you if you have been following current
events in the international media with reference to the Middle East and
Palestine in particular.
I am HAJIA SUHA ARAFAT, the wife of YASSER ARAFAT, the Palestinian leader
who died recently in Paris.Since his death and even prior to the
announcement, I have been thrown into a state of antagonism,confusion,
humiliation, frustration and hopelessness by the present leadership of the
Palestinian Liberation Organization and physical and psychological
torture. As a widow that is so traumatized, I have lost confidence with
everybody in the country at the moment.
You must have heard over the media reports and the Internet on the
discovery of some fund in my husband secret bank account and companies and
the allegations of some huge sums of money deposited by my husband in my
name of which I have refuses to disclose or give up to the corrupt
Palestine Government. In fact the total sum allegedly discovered by the
Government so far is in the tune of about $6.5 Billion Dollars. And they
are not relenting on their effort to make me poor for life.
As you know, the Muslim community has no regards for woman, hence my
desire for a foreign assistance. You can visit the BBC news broadcast
below for better understanding of what I
am talking about;
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/3479937.stm
I have deposited the sum of 20 million dollars with a security firm abroad
whose name is withheld for now until we open communication. I shall be
grateful if you could receive this fund into your bank account for safe
keeping and any Investment opportunity. This arrangement is known to you
and my personal Attorney.He might be dealing with you directly for
security reasons as the case may be.contact me via
suha.arafat777@yahoo.com
In view of the above, if you are willing to assist for our mutual
benefits, we will have to negotiate on your Percentage share of the
$20,000,000 that will be kept in your position for a while and invested in
your name for my trust pending when my Daughter, Zahwa, will come off age
and take full responsibility of her Family estate/inheritance.
Note, if you are honest, I am going to entrust more funds in your care as
this is one of the legacy we keep for our children.In case you don't
accept please do not let me out to the security and international media as
I am giving you this information in total trust and confidence I will
greatly appreciate if you accept my proposal in good faith. I await your
urgent reply.
Please expedite action
Yours sincerely,
Hajia Suha Arafat                                     

Imagine that!  Mrs. Arafat needs MY help!!  How can I refuse her?!  She chose to contact ME!  Honey, come here quick!  Mrs. Arafat needs our help!!  Let's send her an email at her address at Yahoo.com!  We must help her save her daughter's fortune! 

I am so sure.  Sure, I replied.  I told "Mrs. Arafat" to jump in a lake.  I got a similar email from someone else who needed MY help to transfer money to another bank in Monaco.  It was to help Prince Ranier's love child?  I answered and told the sender that I didn't understand English.  Do you know what response I got?  "What language do you speak?  I can hire a translator!" 

In The Ghetto...

Well, here I am in the ghetto!

There is a transient man sitting in front of the building with his guitar singing "Go Tell It On The Mountain.."  Oh well, at least he is spiritual. 

The lobby is full of smelly, and strange clients.  Suprisingly, the receptionist IS HERE today, but I'm betting on that she won't be here tomorrow.  We are "lucky" if she is here once a week.  She is sitting in the office behind the glass with the lights turned off.  All you can see is her pale face and dark rimmed glasses.  It is kind of spooky even. 

It was announced that two employees have turned in their resignations, and now I understand why one employee has been so quiet lately.  You know when someone is overly friendly all the time, and then out of nowhere, they are like "distant" suddenly?  Almost as if saying:  "yeah I don't need to be friendly to you anymore because I'm not going to be here much longer" attitude?  It all makes sense now.  Oh well, more power to them--I'm glad they are making a clean break from the ghetto.  I need to make my own soon. 

I got an email from Manny's daughter, Tania today.  She sent me the following pictures from my mom's birthday party.  Doesn't she look great?  I don't know what it is--may be it's the island air, but she looks so nice.  Too bad you can't see her shoes in the pictures, huh? 

Little Miguel feeding the piegeons at the city park. 

Ice cream time!

Group Photo!  My mom surrounded by cousins, and their kids, Manny's inlaws, and my aunt and uncle!

At lunch: 

And the Birthday Girl! 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOMMY!

Is It Sunday, Already?

                                

Is it Sunday, ALREADY? 

It's been hot and lazy around these parts.  When it's hot like this, I don't feel like doing anything!  It's been a good weekend though..

Saturday, husband and I took the little guy to see his first movie at a theatre:  Ratatoulie!

                                                          

Nicholas, sat throughout the WHOLE movie, and it had his full attention the full duration of the movie, despite the MANY preview that were shown prior to the movie.. (we are talking a good 20 minutes).  I was very happy.  Now we know he is ready to go to the movies!!  Yeah!! 

                                                  

The movie was a cute and  entertaining.  It was a little long in parts, and I did squirm in my seat when I saw the entire rat clan running out of the old ladies roof, and in the kitchen preparing food--it made me cringe to tell you the truth.  (I hate rats/mice...all rodents..except the cartoon versions, like Mickey Mouse.)  It's a great movie if you love to cook; it may inspire the beginner cook.  I am curious about finding a good receipe for ratatoulie myself.  The graphics were excellent; I especially loved the Parisian city panaramic backgrounds...so beautiful.  All I could think of was wanting to visit Paris one day.. 

After the movie we were able to call my mother in the Azores to wish her a happy birthday.  She is having a great time there.  She is spending her birthday in the home she was born in, with her sister and nephews, nieces, neighbors from her childhood. My cousin Manny came to her house and presented her with a big flower bouquet of flowers.  I spoke to my aunt who informed me that they were going to take her out to lunch today.  They are looking forward to our arrival; me too.  I even bought some stuff to put in my carry on, and toothbrush containers!  Whoohoo..  I'm not packed yet, and my luggage is still in the garage.   

Today was a lazy day; I didn't do much of anything than go to Target and cart my daughter to work.  I hope to take a nice walk tonight like I did yesterday.  It's actually quite pleasant outside.  It's warmer inside than outside.  Hubby just put on the A/C now.  I don't even want to think about going upstairs right now--it's like a greenhouse!  Tomorrow it's back the grind at the "ghetto." 

Goodnight!