Dawn's Two Word Meme & More

The following is Dawn's Two Word Meme, from Carpe Diem...  Thanks Dawn--I'm too tired to think!  :)

Answer with 2 words only...

1. Where is your mobile phone?: in purse

2. Your boyfriend/girlfriend?: husband Rich.

3. Your hair?: long heavy.

4. Where is your father?: in heaven.

5. Why do this meme?:  tierd restless.

6. Your favorite thing to do?:  ocean walk.

7. Your dream last night?: can't remember.

8. Your favorite drink?  kahlua creme.

9. Your dream car?: red jaguar

10. The room you're in?:  living room.

12. Your fears?: sickness accidents.

14. Who did you hang out with last night? hubby kids.

15. What you're not good at?:  hiding emotions.

16. Muffins?:  blueberry, banana.

17. One of your wish list items?:dining hutch.

18. Where did you grow up?: Santa Cruz.

19. The last thing you did before this survey: Big Brother.

20. What are you wearing? shorts, t-shirt.

23. Your computer:? all mine.

24. Your life?: steady, secure.

25. Your mood?  anxious, worried.

26. Missing?: teenage daughter.

27. What are you thinking about right now?: L.A. trip.

28. Your car? all paid.

29. Your work?: easy, boring.

30. Your summer? big trip.

31. Your relationship status? married, children.

32. Your favorite color(s): red, green.

33. When is the last time you laughed?: hour ago.

34. Last time you cried?: this morning.

Weekend Update on my "Exciting Life" :

I've been cleaning carpets, and doing laundry all day--keeps my mind off things; and I have a lot on my mind...

My daughter is at a concert festival, and afterwards going to a road trip:  Destination-Burbank, CA.  They are going to be part of the studio audience of the Carson Daly Show.   Sounds fun, but of course I'm worried.  I don't like the idea of her driving with friends at late hours . 

"But I'm 18, mom!"  

Still doesn't set well with me.  She could be 82 and I'd still worry.  Being a mom sucks sometimes, don't it?!  I worry--it's part of being a mother, I guess. 

 I called the passport place, and I hope to those damn passports this week!  I made an appointment Friday morning in San Francisco already-just in case. 

My cousin Tania will be arriving Wednesday.. :)

Tania last summer, in San Franciso, met some interesting people.  Did you know that Forrest knows Portuguese?  "A vida a uma caixa de chocolats."  Who would have guessed?!

Called my mom today..  Seems like the dress I got my aunt is 4 sizes too big; this means I have more shopping to do at Sears. My mom discovered that the pharmacist "shorted" her 12 pills of her prescription.  She went to the pharmacy there in Portugal and got it re-filled-no problem.  Good to know..  (Meds are cheaper there than the U.S.)  I'm picking up her meds this week--one less thing to mark off my list!

 Oh, that housecoat I lost..well, I magically found it the other day.  It, like magically "appeared" after I went through my closet for the 100th time.  I've started packing, and I guess now that the closet is less filled with vacation clothes, it was easier to spot?!  I have no idea.  I think there is a ghost in the house who is purposively trying to make me crazy.  I could have sworn that darn housecoat was NOT there.   Anyways, I went back to Mervyns today and returned 3 housecoats that I previously bought.  So happens no one there is in need of housecoats. 

I still haven't heard news about my ex-sister-inlaw, Otilia.  In the last email I sent my other ex-sister-inlaw, she did not answer my question of her whereabouts, which I find it strange, since I've already asked her twice.  It seems like she is avoiding my questions?  I asked my mother if she has seen anyone from my ex-husband's family, and she hasn't seen any of them.  There is a popular restaurant very close to the home of my former deceased in-laws.  From what my mom can tell, it looks as though no one lives there anymore.  Hmm..  I'm wondering if Otilia is back in that mental asylum.  I hope not, but it wouldn't be the first time. 

Don't you hate it when this happens?  Well, Saturday morning I was not in a good mood.  I left the house with my shirt tucked into my sweat pants, and I so happened to be wearing my granny underwear.  It wasn't until I was in the grocery store, did I realize that my shirt was tucked in one side of my pants, and my underwear was showing.  Thank God it was only 8 a.m. and the story was pretty empty.  I was still pretty embarrassed. 

Tomorrow is Monday, and it's going to be the classic ugly Monday.  My friend/co-worker won't be there, and I'll more than likely be training, the "new girl" whose name just happens to be "Maria" but is nothing like my friend, Maria...  I'm sad.  Oh well.  I have two more weeks of work, and I'm gone on vacation.  I swear though, the way things have been going, by the time it's time for my trip, I will be passed out on the plane. 

No, I won't be packing a bikini this summer..

 

An Interview With God

I got this an email from my friend, Angela (thank you!)..  Whether you believe in God or not, the message is the same--it's a good one.  Have a great day!

An INTERVIEW with GOD

I dreamed I had an interview with God.

"Come in," God said to me, "So, you would like to interview Me?"

"If you have the time," I said.

God smiled and said:  "My time is called eternity and is enough to do everything; what questions do you have in mind to ask me?"

"None that are new to you.  What's the one thing that surprises you most about mankind?"

God answered:  "That they get bored of being children, are in a rush to grow up, and then long to be children again.  That they lose their health to make money and then  lose their money to restore their health.

That by thinking anxiously about the future, they forget the present, such
that they live neither for the present nor the future.

That they live as if they will never die, and they die as if they had never lived..."

God's hands took mine and we were silent.

After a long period, I said,  "May I ask you another question?"

"As a Parent, what would you ask  your children to do?"

God replied with a smile:

"To learn that they cannot make anyone love them. What they can do is to let themselves be loved.

 To learn that it takes years to build trust, and a few seconds to destroy it.

 To learn that what is most valuable is not what they have in their lives, but who they have in their lives.

To learn that it is not good to compare themselves to others.

There will be others better or worse than they are.

To learn that a rich person is not one who has the most, but is one who needs the least.

To learn that they should control their attitudes, otherwise their attitudes will control them.

To learn that it only takes a few seconds to open profound wounds in persons we love, and that it takes many years to heal them.

To learn to forgive by practicing forgiveness.

To learn that there are persons that love them dearly, but simply do not know how to show their feelings.

To learn that money can buy everything but happiness.

To learn that while at times they may be entitled to be upset, that does not give them the right to upset those around them.

To learn that great dreams do not require great wings, but a landing gear to achieve.

To learn that true friends are scarce, he/she who has found one has found a true treasure.

To learn that it is not always enough that they be forgiven by others, but that they forgive themselves.

To learn that they are masters of what they keep to themselves and slaves of what they say.

To learn that they shall reap what they plant; if they plant gossip they will harvest intrigues, if they plant love they will harvest happiness.

To learn that true happiness is not to achieve their goals but to learn to be satisfied with what they already achieved.

To learn that happiness is a decision.   They decide to be happy with what they are and have, or die from envy and jealousy of what they lack.

To learn that two people can look at the same thing and see something totally different.

To learn that those who are honest with themselves without considering the consequences go far in life.

To learn that even though they may think they have nothing to give, when a friend cries with them, they find the strength to appease the pain.

To learn that by trying to hold on to loved ones, they very quickly push them away; and by letting go of those they love, they will be side by side forever.

To learn that even though the word "love" has many different meanings, it loses its value when it is overstated.

Anonymous

Passport Woes & Dawn's Meme...

Yes, I'm in a "whine" state of mind this morning.  It all started last night when I got home from the pizza party.  I came back home earlier than I had expected, and started feeling anxious about my trip, so I called in to inquire about my passports, AGAIN.

I'm leaving for overseas in 17 days.  I still haven't received my passports.

I'm a little stressed.

I was on the phone for a good 1/2 hour with a young woman that didn't sound a year over 16 years of age.  It was discovered that the zip code addresses for my two sons were entered incorrectly.  My daughter's street address was written incorrectly as well.  Mine, however was perfect.  Good thing I called in to correct these mistakes, huh?  Why oh why didn't someone check the addresses on the phone with me when I've called in before?  I am soooo frustrated and stressed over this trip.  I have to wait until the 29th to ask them to overnight my passports, but there is no guarantee it will happen.  If I don't receive my passports 72 hours before my flight, I will have to drive down to San Francisco and pick them up myself.  Oh joy.  Well, at least I live fairly close.  I will not be excited about this trip until I have all 4 passports in my hands. 

The party last night was great--a lot of love was shown to my friend Maria-and deservingly so.  It was a Jimmy Stewart moment when everyone started singing for "She's A Jolly Good Fellow..."  (Corny, I know..)  She was just in here a few minutes ago, and I told her I was surprised she didn't start crying last night.  She started to tell me how she did start crying last night at home after the party, and then she starting crying in front of me, which prompted me to cry...  Oh gee..  This is what happens when you get two Portuguese women in the same room--the waterworks just immediately start..  There were so many people that showed up, we missed the first show of Hairspray, so we postponed our date. 

Well, the following Meme was taken from Queen of the Meme, Dawn.  Feel free to snag it and play along!!!   She nicked it from the WWW.  (I don't know where that is, so don't ask!  :) 

If I were a doll, the accessories packaged with me would be:

A mini van, with attached baby seat,  a gas card, frying pan, vacuum cleaner, a bottle of aspirin, large purse-like Mary Poppins, and baby wipes, andcell phone....  The deluxe accessorie package would include a toddler figure with 3 hungry teenagers, and a trunk full of groceries of frozen pizzas and Gatorade.

What type of food do you eat at your grandparents house?

Oh gosh..  It's been years since I've had dinner with my grandparents-they all in that big kitchen in the sky!  What I remember most is my grandmother's Sunday ham and mashed potatoes, with Lawrence Welk on the T.V. in the other room.  I also remember my grandmother's fried eggs.  She always made them for me in the morning when I would spend the night.  

At night I remember being in bed in the next room, listening to her praying on her rosary.  She would come in later and tuck me in, and kiss my forehead with her beads still in her hands.   

I still remember how her doorbell sounded.  I miss her and that house very much. 

Do you have food rules?

Eat with a fork, and don't gulp it down like it's going to run from your plate.  I used to work with someone who used to inhale her food.  It totally usedto gross me out.  Co-workers would avoid being in the break room if they knew she was in there eating. 

Do you know how to cook?

Surprisingly, yes. 

I am annoyed with:

The government's new policy on passports; that's a given.  Don't change laws if you don't know if you can handle them.  This new law about passports for travel in Mexico, the Caribbean, Canada is insane.  NOW they are saying all you need is proof of an application to go to those places.  Great for them...  Who cares about the people who are traveling to the other parts of the world; they can stress out worrying about losing their vacations due to our naive idea that we could get this new law run smoothly and effectively...  Urrr.. 

What child-related smell do you not like?

Well, obviously the poop and vomit--but nothing is worse than dried milk or formula in lost baby bottles you discover under the seat of a car.  "What is that smell?" It smells like something is dead in your car. 

What sea creature scares you?

Sea creatures?  I'm not too crazy about jelly fish or sharks... 

What was the last thing to make you cry?

Oh, when my co-worker came in a few minutes ago with tears in her eyes... 

What serial killer do you find most disturbing?

Oh gosh..  I find them all disturbing!!  They are all sickos!! 

Who knows a secret or two about you?

Oh gee..  I'm a woman with very few secrets; believe me.  My life is an open book-but if anyone knows a secret it would probably be hubby or my oldest.   

Have you ever burned yourself?

Yes.. I've burned myself when taking things out of the oven. 

Who is/are your hero[s]?

My dad and my husband--they always seem to be able to fix anything; they've always made me feel secure.

Do you believe in things that last?

Yes, I do.  Like anything in life, it involves mutual work and dedication and love.  Anything you neglect in life-whether it be a relationship or object will not last--but it takes TWO to tango! 

Does anyone regularly tell you they love you?

Yes--my husband and children do. 

Does anything confuse you? 

Why yes!  Why does it take 14 weeks for a passport to be processed??? 

Have you ever wanted to be a teacher?

When I was 7 or 8 I used to play teacher to a boy who lived down the street.  He was mentally disabled, and there was a while there when I thought it was my calling in life.

What is one thing you've learned about life?

You have choices in life.  You can view life in two ways.  You can live your life miserable, or choose to be happy.  Life is too short to feel unhappy-but don't expect others to make you happy.  God wants you to love and be loved.  It's all in your hands-your choice.

Wednesday's Tuesday 12!

It's a day late, but better late than never!  This is from Dawn--feel free to copy and paste! 

I say ___________  and you say ___________!

Deputy  -  Dog.  Remember him? 

 

Name -  Julie Anne.. 

Arrested  -  Development!  My husband and I used to love watching that show.  We were upset when it got cancelled--how did that happen?!

 

Trade  -  Trading Spaces.. 

Old  -  I know an Old Lady who swallowed a fly...  My son for some reason is fascinated over that story.  When I pick him up from preschool, he sometimes won't leave until I read him this book about the old lady who swallowed the fly.  It's a bit morbid; but it's the one of the very few songs I remember from my childhood.  I learned to never swallow flies, spiders, birds, cats, dogs, cows-and especially horses.  May be this is why I prefer eating vegetarian?  

  DNA  -  CSI..  They are always looking for it on that show. 

Dwarf  -  Bunnies!  The cutest things I've ever seen.   

Newspaper  -  The Sentinel.  It's a local paper from my hometown.  I used to work there as the "Hotline Girl."  The paper carriers would call me to report the times the finished their paper routes.  I used to get love notes and sometimes flowers from some of the 8 year old paper delivery boys. 

Michael  -  My nephew. 

Certificate  -  Gift certificate---as in shopping.  I've been doing far too much of that lately. 

Daisy  -  Duke!

Cell  -  Phone.  My daughter got a new fancy cell phone; she got her bill the other day.  I'm so glad it's not mine! 

Well, last night I went out and shopped for the black girdle and high heels.  Got them, but weren't happy with them.  I couldn't find the correct sized girdle, and I'm second guessing the shoes.  I went online this morning and found precisely what I wanted however, so I'm going back to SEARS to return the items. 

Tonight is my co-worker's going away party-pizza and beer.  I hope the people who attend will leave before 7 because I wanted to take my friend to see Hairspray.  It's playing right across from the pizza joint.  We shall see... 

Have a great Wednesday! 

 

 

The Long Meme

I've seen this Meme EVERYWHERE---I think first time at Brit's Blog (Waving...hello!!)  I've been postponing on doing it myself because of my busy schedule as of yet, so now that I have a moment and the boss lady is away, here I go... 

I Live: in San Jose, California--yes, the very same town that Dionne Warwick was from and sang about.  I do know the Way To San Jose...

I Work: "over the hill" in Santa Cruz, California in a ghetto looking building with non-working toilets, criminals in the hallways, above the IRS, and Norwegian rats that roam the parking lot.

I Talk: to myself sometimes, and I'm a very good listener.

I Wish: for the impossible, and hope for the best.   

I Enjoy: spending time with my children. 

I Look: over-worked and tired.

I Find: life is easier if you avoid negative people.

I Smell: like brown sugar and vanilla--my favorite scent at Bath & Body. 

I Listen: to alternative/80's music because it reminds me of c'est la vie, relaxed and carefree youth.

I Hide: shopping bags in the trunk of my car.  (hee..hee..hee) 

I Pray: for a better world for my children to live in.   

I Write: in my blog almost on a daily basis. 

I See:  dumb people on an everyday basis. 

I Sing: in the car, very badly and loudly as I ignore the stares and giggles from passing cars.  It's not like I'm picking my nose for God's sake. 

I Laugh: over the silliest things. 

I Can: make a perfect omelette if I set my mind to it.

I Watch: very little T.V. 

I Yearn: to travel the world. 

I Daydream: a little too much.

I Fall: in love easily.

I Want: a swimming pool.

I Cry: very easily.

I Burn: candles in churches. 

I Read: not as often as I should.

I Love: my life and the people I share my life with.

I Rode:  a roller coaster for the first time the day I met my husband.   

I Sometimes: to just stay in bed all morning, and not go to work!   

I Hurt: when I see people being treated unfairly-especially children or the elderly.

I Fear: not being able to protect my family from sickness or all the dangers in the world.

I Hope: to dance at my grandchild's wedding.

I Break: bread with family everyday. 

I Eat: bean burritos and vegetarian foods, not much meat. 

I Bathe: in bubbles, but usually shower instead.

I Drink: too much caffeine; not enough wine.

I Stop: at Stop signs, and all red lights.

I Save: all letters and cards written to me.  I never throw away any correspondence from friends and loved ones-except for my 1st husband's love letters-they were burned.

I Hug: my husband and everything suddenly feels okay. 

I Meditate: and fall asleep.

I Play: not as often as I should.

I Miss: my father everyday since he has passed on.

I Hold: my youngest son's head under my arm until he falls asleep at night.

I Forgive: people, even though they refuse to forgive me. 

I Drive: in the Car Pool Lane every day.

I Learned: life is too short to waste on stupid men, tight underwear, and old shoes.

I Have: a plane to catch in August.

I Don't: wear a size 6 in anything.

I Made: some yummy cookies the other day.    

I Believe: in the Father, in the Son, and the Holy Ghost. 

I Wait: "patiently" on hold with my mother's health insurance company for long periods of time. 

I Need: a vacation and a margarita.

I Owe: money on my credit card. 

I Hate: it when I bite into a bean burrito and find lettuce inside-at least I think it was lettuce!

I Feel: pretty content at the moment.

I Know: I will miss my husband while I'm on my trip this summer.

I Wonder: if he'll miss me and the kids as much.. (ha ha hah)

I Applaud: people who follow through with the dreams no matter what obstacles fall in their way. 

I Love: eating ice cream in the rain. 

                        

2 Inch Heels Just Won't Do!

                              

Yesterday afternoon, I tried calling my mom.  For some reason, I had a feeling that she needed to speak to me.  May be she was just lonely..  I do worry sometimes about her every now and then.  Sure enough, I get this email from my cousin Manny this morning, telling me that my mom "needed to speak to me"--yes, I think I do think I possess the "psychic" gene from my family. 

Well, naturally, I stress out about it, and think of 1 million things that could be wrong.  Did she lose her meds?  Did she fall?  Etc..  Of course I immediately think of all the bad things that could have happened.  As soon as I get the email at work, I rush off and tell my supervisor that I have to go to my mom's and make a phone call.  Naturally, when I get to the phone, and dial the number--I get voicemail and she isn't picking up.  I call my aunt's house hoping I can reach her there, but I'm told by my uncle Manuel that she is at home and she must be upstairs away from the phone.  I'm glad I spoke with him--at least I knew basically that everything was okay; but I send an email to my cousins so they know they can relay the message that I had been trying to reach her all morning. 

Well, word gets around fast on the island.  Apparently, my cousins rushed over to my mom's house to check on her, and wouldn't you know, the phone was off the hook and it wasn't ringing.  So, my cousin sends me an email to let me know it.  Okay, I know that nothing BAD has happened, and I'm relieved, but I have Lizzy call from home to see what is going on. 

Well Lizzy finally got a hold of her, and this is why my mom wanted me to call her:

She needs her one piece black girdle.

She needs a shawl for one of her dresses--she forgot to pack that.

Oh..and she needs ANOTHER PAIR OF SHOES!! 

(Apparently, the ones she brought for my cousin's wedding will not do.  The heel is to short.  She needs a 3 inch heel at least, otherwise the dress is just too long on her.)

I'm on my way back to JCPenny's...  Wish me well!

 

                     

 

                                              

                                         Got to love it.  John Travolta in drag. 

I have to see this movie this summer!! 

I know my daughter Lizzy, Miss Theatre Major will go with me because she LOVES musicals.  I'm hoping I can convince Rich to go--he does like John Travolta; but may be not that much..ha ha ha..  Each time I see commercial previews of John Travolta in a dress I just want to pee my pants.  This is a must movie see!  I just have to remember to not consume too many large amounts of liquids before viewing.  I may just have an accident. 

In other news...  There is a new flood mishap at the ghetto.  I just got the following email in my mailbox from our Department Manager, Dick:

"It happened again! More flooding in hall area outside restrooms. PLEASE BE CAUTIOUS WHEN ENTERING RESTROOMS. The Men's restroom tile floor is very slippery, and the urinal has been overflowing this morning, when flushed. It appears the flushing valve sticks on open position when pressed.

Men - Please do not use or flush urinal."

I saw him on his way to the bathrooms holding a sign he was hanging up on the bathroom door.  Poor man is in his early 60's and he is going in for a hip replacement next month, and he has to deal with this.  I told him not to even think about using the plunger--not good for the hips you know. 

Aww...  Another day at the ghetto, but alas, it's FRIDAY!!! 

I didn't even bother getting on the computer last night; just too much to do!  No, I didn't clean carpets if that is what your wondering.  I actually went grocery shopping.  These kids in the summer just eat non-stop, and I was out of milk and orange juice..etc.  My sister-inlaw and her son are driving down tonight to spend the night.  Lizzy, my sister-inlaw and myself are going to a bridal shower for my brother-inlaw's soon to be wife.  It shall be fun. 

No walk to the ocean today-but I plan on taking a nice walk downtown.  I have wrapping paper for a bridal shower gift to buy, and I am planning doing a "Jared" and stop at Subways to get a Veggie Delite sandwich! 

No, this isn't a overweight John Travolta, it's Jared the Subway guy, before he consumed 3 subway sandwiches a day.

 Here he is after holding his enormous pair of pants.  I'm inspired, but he's no John Travolta!