We Are Okay :)

Yes, last night, we had an earthquake here in San Jose.  You can read all about it here: 

http://origin.mercurynews.com/news/ci_7326249

It was 15 seconds long, and it was a bit scary.  It's been the biggest since the Loma Prieta Quake, of  1989 (that was in Santa Cruz--my hometown, and yes I was there when that happened).  That quake happened on October 17.  Something about the month of October for some reason.  The weather has been a little odd.  We had thunder and lightning on Monday, and then a sunny, mild day yesterday. 

I was sitting at my computer last night, and, I will say that I screamed.  My husband went out to get a gallon of milk and was on the road, Lizzy was at work, and I was alone with the 3 boys.  Things shook a bit, and Andrew and Nicholas took cover under a desk.  A few pictures fell, but nothing major.  My husband didn't even feel it, of course.  It was scary, and I hate earthquakes, but it wasn't that bad.  I finished making the mashed potatoes, and we had meatloaf for dinner, and the rest of the night was pretty uneventful, although I did finish some baking I wanted to accomplish..

I've been getting a few emails from worried friends and family.  Thank you!  :)  Thank you for checking up on us.  But, I'm afraid the media has been overly dramatizing.  They have a way of doing that. 

 In 1981, when there were flood problems over here, I was out of the country and heard about it in the news. From what the media was saying, the entire state was under water and floating on boats. They kept on showing and re-showing the man on a row boat, over and over again.  And that was CNN, mind you.  I was in Portugal at the time with my mom and sister, and each time I saw that sad man on the row boat, I thought of my dad and brother who were in California, rowing up and down on our street. 

  In 1989, when we had the big earthquake, we all slept in my mother's living room with our battery run radio.  From what the media was saying, you got the impression that northern California was completely wiped out.  It was really surreal, and it really got us scared, not to mention the hysteria it gave to all the relatives overseas that weren't able to reach us by phone at the time. 

It was scary.  We had our Halloween scare a little early..  It makes life exciting, I guess. 

                             

Trick Or Treat Thru Jland

 

I imagine I'm going to be very busy tomorrow, so here it is.. My Trick Or Treat Thru Jland! 

              

Come and snag a treat, and visit with others..  :) 

Tonight, I'll be busy making cupcakes and cookies and cake for my son's Halloween party, and I was just informed that there is going to be even more Halloween goodies at the Ghetto (my office).  The fillings in my teeth are already getting jumpity..they can feel the sugar already! 

    Not a day to start a diet, that is for sure!

Have a fun and safe Halloween! 

   Things I like About Halloween:

1.  The cute costumes  

2.  The anticipation of trick or treating on the faces of children.

3.  The nice walk outside.

4.  The sound of children's laughter outside.  (Or are they screams?)

5.  A great excuse to light candles.

6.  Great excuse to dress strange.

Things I hate about Halloween:   

    

1.  The raw, sugary roughness that is left in your mouth after consuming too much candy.

2.  The candy wrappers I always seem to find all over the house afterwards, and throughout the next year..

3.  Piling all my Halloween decorations in boxes and putting them in the attic.

4.  The dread I feel that it's time to shop for Christmas already.

5.  Irritable, sugar induced children, with tummy aches. 

6.  "Do I have to go to school tomorrow?"  I just know I'm going to hear that tomorrow morning. 

 

 

7.  Obnoxious teenagers and their stupid parents who allow them to buy eggs.

 

 

Just Me Being a Portagee :)

More Than Words, By Extreme. 

One of my favorite bands from the 90's...  I have my reasons.  The guy sitting on the left is Nuno Bettancourt--yeah he is Portuguese.  If you look closely at the video, you'll see the Portuguese flag draped on a speaker in the background.  When I first saw this video, it was a big deal.  You NEVER saw the Portuguese flag on MTV.  It was a proud moment to all Portuguese everywere.  Nelly Furtado did the same with her first video as well.  Anyway, after seeing the video for the first time, I just had to know about this band..naturally.  Don't ask why--it's just a Portuguese thing. 

Of course his family comes from the Azores-same island as my family is from.  And of course, being a small island, he is quite the celebrity.  He lives in the states now, and plays for another band: Mourning Widows.  Anyways, I have a funny story to share. 

One summer, I was in the Azores vacationing--years ago, I believe it was 1993 to be exact.  I was in the city, and I just happened to be wearing my Extreme concert T-shirt I got at their concert.  This T-shirt was one of my prize possessions at the time.  You see, I had this secret crush on Nuno (my ex-husband did not like that), and there I was walking down the same city streets from which Nuno was born.  Anyway, I was with my sister, and my mom and the kids, when out of no where a man, who just was leaving the bank stopped and looked at me.  He looked at my shirt, and then smiled, and said:

"You know, that's my brother!"

Let's just say I was a little excited.  I don't exactly know what I said, but I did ask him if he would take a picture with me, and here it is: 

Poor guy is still holding his checkbook.  See how little my daughter, Lizzy is?  Well, it wasn't until later that day that I was told that Luis (the guy in purple) taught Nuno how to play guitar.  I was thrilled--my husband at the time, (the ex) wasn't that thrilled; he actually thought I had lunch with the guy or something. 

A few years later, Nuno was performing on the island, and my cousin, Adelaide went up to the stage and got Nuno to sign his autograph on a piece of paper.  It reads: "Hi, Julie".  Yes, it's a prized possession of mine.  It's pinned to my wall at work near Nuno's picture.  Only I know it's significance.  Well, not now I guess.

Anyway, ironically, remember that movie, "Love Actually?"  You know Colin Firth's character--the one who falls in love in Paris with the Portuguese housekeeper?  Well, the woman who played the housekeeper, her name is:  Lucia Moniz.  She is married to Nuno's other brother, Donovan.  They have a little girl named, Julia.  I saw them this summer while on vacation.  Unfortunately, Nuno or Colin were no where in sight.  Small world, huh? 

(Why must all Portuguese women be betrayed as housekeepers on the big screen?)

Anyways, I'm sure my cousins were grateful that I didn't ask for a photo with Lucia. 

 

I hate Mondays

Waaaa

I feel like I've been cheated from a weekend..  It all went by so fast!

I went to the dentist Saturday to replace a temporary crown for a permanent one.  Don't you hate it when your teeth don't hurt UNTIL after you go to the dentist?!  It's Monday, and my jaw still feels sore, and my head is still throbbing from that drilling, and other construction work that was done in the back of my mouth...  URrrrgg.. 

Well, Saturday night most of the children were gone, so I was able to spend some quality, uninterrupted time with hubby.  That was nice anyway. 

Sunday was just a whirlwind of activity.  I almost got run over by the shopping cart my mom was pushing, and just barely fell off a curb, but I'm okay.  I took two migraine headache pills that later made me nauseous to my stomach.  Errr.. 

I've also been playing tag with the insurance accounts receivable people again.  The stupid woman that I spoke to last week, who told me to fax my father's death certificate lied.  That is not what they needed, and it wasn't my father's bill after all.  I got another call from this equally idiotic woman (I'm sorry, but I'm not in a good mood..excuse my language for a moment) who told me that what they needed was my mother's new insurance card.  Well, I faxed it early this morning, only to get another call from the same lady saying that she needed her "old" insurance card.  Ai ai ai ai..  You know, it's old, and it's probably thrown away by now lady!  Urrg..  Why the hospital didn't bill my mother's correct insurance is beyond me.  They warned me that this may happen..  You would think they would be extra careful that it didn't, right..  But, I guess that would be just too easy. 

What I'm craving for right now is a nice long nap, a pound of chocolate, and a strong margarita. 

It's almost Halloween..  Time to get my journal festive for trick or treat through Jland!  Perhaps when I feel better, I will attempt to be creative.  I have cookies and a Jack O'Latern cake for a Halloween party to make.  May be that will get more in the festive mood.  It is currently raining, outside, and very gloomy and Halloweenish.  Thunder and lightning to boot!!  I wish I was home!! 

Is this scary or what?!

 

TGIF

                                      

                                                 

Finally...

It's pretty much a NOTHING day.  Work is caught up, and I'm just waiting for the clock to read the 5 o'clock hour. 

Yesterday the clouds/fog just hung closely to the ocean, and it was just too cold to venture out with the little guy.  He was still all dressed up in his picture clothes and I was told that he did well.  I can't wait to see the photos.  Instead of the beach I attempted to do a little shopping, but Nicholas was more interested in hiding in between the clothes, and took great delight watching me chase him down with a cart.  After trying to run out into the parking lot again, I just gave up and took him to the pet store where he got to see the fish, the parakets, the mice, the hamsters and the little kittens. 

Something very funny happened last night.  My daughter was looking for a particular picture for her Myspace.  She was looking for a picture of Nelly Furtado, and when she did a google, whose picture appeared on the first page?  It was mine.  She kind of freaked. 

"Mom, come here quick.  You are going to pee your pants!"

She showed me the Google page, and sure enough there is my picture, the small one on the sidebar.  It gave me a good laugh, but I didn't pee my pants, Teresa.  HA HA HA..

"See, Lizzy, I'm EVERYWHERE.." 

She was in an instant message with her boyfriend at the time she discovered my picture, and her boyfriend was a little surprized.  I saw his IM saying:  "Is that your mom?!" 

This is proof, that whenever you post a picture on your website, it might turn up just about everywhere.  Do a Google on Coelha, and you might get some very naughty pictures of women dressed in rabbit costume right next to mine..  Lovely, huh?

Well it's Friday.  Today my daughter is taking the bus down here so she can spend the weekend with her grandmother.  Of course Mom is delighted.  If Grandma is happy, EVERYONE is happy.  I got ten packets of Avon brochures I'm sending out today--I discovered 10 more addresses of more people I can send.  I must do that today.

I have a question.  Please answer honestly.  At Halloween I was thinking about passing out brochures in plastic bags with candy inside for any mothers that may come to my door.  What do you think?  Is that too much?  If someone offered one, would you be annoyed?  I'm thinking about doing it, but I don't want anyone offended by it.  I mean, I don't know of anything that Avon sells that would offend anyone but...you never know.  Give me your honest opinion. 

Have a great Friday! 

 

Thankful Thursday

Hello!

The weather here is slightly overcast at the moment, but the sun is supposed to show it's face later today.  I just finished reading about the fires still raging down in southern California.  It's such a tragedy.  So many people displaced with homes burned to the ground.  I need to get in touch with my friend who lives in Temecula, California-I hope she and her family are okay.  My daughter was going to a  Quincinera (sorry if I spell it wrong) with her best friend and her family.  The family throwing the party had it postponed due to the fires.  My boss lady's husband is out there right now still trying to fight the fire.  She told me that when she last spoke to him on the phone, he sounded tired and "defeated".  She had never heard him speak that way.  Of course, she is very worried.  If you get a chance today, please send out a little prayer for California, please. 

I'm working only a half day today, and if the weather doesn't get warmer, I may just do some grocery shopping with the little guy.  He promised to smile for his picture day, and surprisingly he didn't fuss when I got him dressed up in his corduroys and new clothes.  This kid lives in pull up shorts and t-shirts, but I want him to look nice for his picture today.  I can still control what Nicholas wears, and I only wish I can do the same for my middle school aged child, who insists on sporting the "I just rolled out of bed look.."  I know he isn't the only kid who likes this "look"--I've noticed that most of his friends, and the majority of the boys in his school like looking that way, but..still.  Hopefully by the time he is a freshman in high school (next year) he'll want to look more presentable. 

I am still thinking about taking that walk on the beach, but Nicholas has a cough that I can't ignore.  Tis the season for the flu.  At preschool, it is ever persistent in the air.  We never got sick until our child went to preschool.  Oh well, what can you do? 

Speaking of sick, the receptionist is out again.  (She's been out all week.)  I must go and break the reception desk now.  I just can't wait to see what is in store for me today.  wish me luck. 

Thankful list:

1.  I live far away from the fires down south.

2.  My son did not throw up in car today.

3.  I work only until noon today.

4.  I can do some grocery shopping.  Our kids eat like hungry bears--we are always running out. 

5.  I got my son to school on time today.

6.  My health

7.  My kids, and wonderful husband who got me out of bed in time to wake up and take a shower.  I love you. 

Have a great Thursday everyone!   

Another Day At The Ghetto

Hello people!  How is your Wednesday going so far? 

Here at the ghetto it is never a dull moment.

I'm looking for "lost files."  It's amazing how these files can just grow legs and "disappear" from where they are suppossed to be.  There is an entry in the system here "file sent to" that almost no one uses (except me of course).  If people working here would just take the time and use that chrono, life would be so much easier.  Anyways, I am in search of a client's file who just got another probation grant.  This person has 5 volumes of files of criminal history, and I can only find two of them.  She is working on her 6th volume.  It's a sad thing, I know. 

A probation officer just came in here looking for yet another file she can't find.  I mentioned the file I was looking for, and she recalled how that particular client had insulted her and called her a "fat ass."  Ironically, after saying this, she noticed a bag of Halloween candy that I had sitting there near my feet, and without further to do, she proceeded to take a few candies.  I didn't know what to say to that-it caught be a little off guard to tell you the truth.  I mean, it didn't get me mad or anything after she did that but, lady--let me put it in a basket on my desk before you grab candy from my grocery bag.  I would be embarrassed to just do that without asking, wouldn't you?  Oh well...what can you say?  Poor thing has been getting pretty chunky lately, and she has been trying to get pregnant.  May be a little chocolate is what she needs, and perhaps it's that special time of the month where there just isn't enough chocolate on Earth.  I brought the bags of candy into the office in fear that my bags of candy would melt in my car.  Now I have to hide them from the hungry, chocolate deprived probation officers. 

Anyways, the search continues..

Meanwhile, the receptionist is "sick" again this week.  I had to cover the desk in the morning again, and apparently there is sign floating over my head that reads "office psychic".  A client came in this morning asking to see his probation officer.  I told him that his probation officer called in sick today, and he would not be able to see her today. 

"When will she be better so I can see her?"

I just stared at him at first.  Okay, this guy thinks I'm her personal physician, or thinks I'm psychic. 

"If she feels better tomorrow, you may be able to see her tomorrow." 

He seemed to understand that answer. 

Later there was another client who requested the garbage can.  The annoying woman I can't stand in the office brought it to him.  Thank God that she did, because immediately afterwards the guy threw up in it.  Oh joy. 

I got yet another call from that recruiting agency that called in yesterday.  I finally got a fax this morning, and when I did, I couldn't stop laughing.  The recruiting office is from Hollywood, California.  It had a picture of a Hall of Fame star on the fax cover letter..how Hollywood!  Is this suppossed to impress people?  The guy calling from the recruiting station sure was excited to claim his recruiters fee.  He sounded more like a client on the mental health caseload to tell you the truth.  Sad, I know.  I did not know that recruiters make money with each recruitment, until someone here told me about the process. 

After my daughter graduated from high school, one kept calling the house until I told them to "never call this house again."  This recruiter started his conversation with:  "Hey, word, what's up baby girl?"  I guess he thought I was my daughter. I was not impressed at the least.  When I asked him who he was, he got all serious.  That's when I told him to never call my daughter again.  If my daughter had a boyfriend who spoke that way to her, I would tell him to stop calling.  "Baby girl?"  Recruiters will go to great lengths to get the young recruits.  Recruiters will go to high schools and give out free ice cream for names and numbers, then when May and June comes around, they make their calls.   

It's another beautiful day here outside.  High 70's, low 80's.  Tomorrow my youngest is going to get his picture taken in the morning at his preschool, and I'm taking the afternoon off.  I'm hoping to take the little guy to the beach tomorrow so he can play in the sand for a bit before his brother gets out of school.  I've been longing for a nice walk again, and Nicholas seems to like the idea.  May be I'll remember to bring my camera. 

 I still have pictures from my daughter's birthday I haven't posted.  Sorry.  I would post some from my daughter's high school dance she went to, but, she is so over high school homecomings at this point.  She ran out of the house before I could grab a camera so no pictures were taken this year.  Oh well..  She did graduate already..the thrill is gone at this point.  She is also currently mad with boyfriend at the moment.  Oh..teen drama..  Is there anything worse?  Wait, yes there is----having an open bag of Halloween candy within a foot away from you--this is worse.  I need to hide this chocolate before the entire bag is consumed!!