Real Life doesn't have spell check

too damn freaking long i think

2010-09-24T22:59:00.000-04:00

yeah yeah
i'm getting back to writing

=)
it's all good

Holy S*it

2010-03-26T21:31:00.001-04:00

Dec of 2007, huh?
wow
ok
so
HI
been busy
um...
you look good, what have you been up to?

Marcia! Marcia! Marcia!

2007-12-04T10:45:00.000-05:00

ok, so my name is Margaret (no secret)
M
A
R
G
A
R
E
T
I would really like to know why, why WHY people call me Marcia
Yes, Marcia.
A lovely MENSA candidate from UBS ,who already lacks skills in follow up and spelling, has, in an email that is also addressed to my bosses, called me Marcia instead of Margaret:
it's in my email address - MARGARET
it's in my email signature - MARGARET
it's in the end of the Email - MARGARET

She's not the only one.
This summer, during the process of refinancing, the gem of an admin who was assigned to assist with my paperwork put my name on all the documentation... you guessed it- Marcia
Marcia Garcia
and if you read it with Spanish pronunciations, you'll see that is rhymes.
Mar - SEE - ah Gar - SEE - ah

The phone call:
"Why on earth would my parents do that to me? They didn't - as you can see from all the documentation, tax forms, affidavits - it's Margaret."
"well... I'm sure it's a common mistake"
"Oh it is, when people aren't paying attention or providing the customer service that should be provided."
ALL of my documentation has Marcia Garcia.

I went with another mortgage company

Count down to Tucson!

2007-11-12T13:49:00.000-05:00

Less than 36 hours to go!!
And...
Drum roll.....
As of tonight, thanks to everyone, We've raised $5410
I KNOW!!!
HOW BRILLIANT IS THAT!!!!
I have so many people to thank and I don't have a clue how to best say it.
This charity and this event hold a dear part of my heart and soul and to be able to succeed for the Society and for myself and for you!
To be able to celebrate this charity and talk about this charity and just help bring visibility to this disease - I'm humbled and honored to represent The L&LS.

Thank you so very very much!

$920 to go!!!

2007-11-05T22:48:00.000-05:00

Wow - I can't believe how quickly and wonderfully folks ahve responded!
I'm so touched and the donations are still coming in!
I really want to reach my goal of $5000 by friday - SO CLOSE!!! =)

My Bike and I on a podcast!

2007-11-04T16:34:00.001-05:00

So one of my Pal's from Broken Sea Audio Production, David Sobkowiak has a little project and by little I mean HUGE. He is podcasting 30 days in a row and for 2 of those casts are about ride and the charity.
Upon listening, a few of my facts are off - so for that, I"M REALLY SORRY!

IT was fun to do and fun to talk about!

Thanks David!!!
You can listen to Part One by clicking here

So close!!! It's almost time!

2007-11-04T15:45:00.000-05:00

So thanks to the Strauss', I'm so FREAKIN' close =)
and very excited. $255 from my minimum of $4200 and $1055 from my goal of $5000!!

So yesterday was the official end of training - b/c in 12 days we'll be in Tucson!

Yesterday was a really tough day - it was slated for 93 miles.
The temperatures were slated from 45 to 65 degrees with winds keeping the temp in the 40's with a very low relative humidity.
For those of you with chronic asthma issues, you know...
ok, so cold air is not so great on the lungs.
Dry air also not a good.
the two coupled can cause some issues.

I got up yesterday know full well and I took my time and took great care, but with the wind cooling things of tremendously, exerting myself as I was, I felt like is was breathing ice fire. it was cold and made my chest tight, it was dry and burned with each inhale.
So, wafter 30 miles I had to stop and upon looking at my queue sheet (our directions for the ride) I saw that I had 8.3 miles of River Road in Maryland to ride before reaching our next Pit stop. River Road is rolling hills, in the car it's like a roller coaster. I knew I could do the miles, but trying to breathe and feed my body with O2 was going to hurt me. I was already feeling that burn in my chest and my ribs were tight. I was with 3 of my teammates and we called a support vehicle to pick me up. While waiting Binni suggested to take a break and skip the next 25 miles of serious hills and see if at White's Ferry, I'd be ok to get back on the bike. DINGDING - we have a winner - that was the bext suggestion and I though long an hard on that. Anne, our trusty support goddess and fellow cyclist picked me up and we followed along the route and stopped at the pits and cheered folks on.
When we reached White's Ferry - yes, a really ferry - I gave it one last hard thought. once crossing the ferry it would be 5 miles to the lovely trail that would take me straight home and I know the trail well enough that if I got into trouble, i'd be ok.
SO I mounted up, got on the ferry, which was a little anticlimatic but fun and started along.
About 4 miles in, the burn was back, so I slowed down significantly, took the hills very easy and gve myself mini goals "ok, just get to the turn on to Rt 15" "ok, just get over the bridge at Rt 7" "Just alittle bit more to the trail"
AND YES mother I was riding with people. the folks I was with are super fast but they were keeping an eye out for me - What a team!
Once I got to the turn on to the trail Rob (the dynamic duo Karen & Rob) stayed with me b/c it was getting harder and harder. So again, really easy on the up hills and on the down, I took advantage of gravity.
Once I reach Partlow's in Ashburn, I sat down and I was spent - i think 50% of my energy was spent trying to deal with this cold crappy air, So i did the smart thing and called it a day, but I stuck around and helped my fellow teammates and saw an old friend on the trail (Hi NICK!).

Turns out the cold took some other folks out but we knew, it's no biggie, we needed to be fresh and rocking for Tucson!

All in all , it was 47 miles of 93 - half =)
but with the asthma and temperatures Bridgett agreed I should get bonus miles and I can say I did 75 =)

MIL! M!

2007-11-02T16:59:00.000-04:00

1000 (one thousand) is the natural number following 999 and preceding 1001. The letter A does not appear in the English spelling of any number lower than "one thousand".

It is also the sum of the donation Alan and Virginia Strauss of Oakton, VA have shared with The L&LS!

I'm so excited!!!

Well, what a difference 2 days make

2007-10-25T11:47:00.001-04:00

Ok, in 48 hours a whole bunch of wonderful people have helped raise almost $1000!!!
WOW! I know, right!
Some folks are even linking me up to there blogs and websites! very exciting

The Folks @ BrokenSea Audio Productions have very graciously started spreading the word about the event and charity - AND they've even built me a page on their website!

Who are these guys - well, as someone you know, I've delved into the fun world of Audio Dramas and finally putting my voice and smart ass wit to some good constructive use. BrokenSea is one of the production groups I've have the pleasure of working with. They are a keen group of audio drama fanatics who create podcast and free download stories in audio format.Included in our line up is original fantasy, sci-fi, horror, drama, comedy and fan-works and audio versions of great films (like Planet of the Apes and Logans Run). You can hear me on Johnny Quest, Body Slam Alley and a soon to be released project.

Donation update $2040

2007-10-24T09:44:00.000-04:00

Yeah!
Yesterday I did something bold and decided to email everyone in my contact list about the event and the fund raising. I was on a mission.
And it succeeded - close to $800 in donations yesterday =)

It was a bitter sweet day though b/c while fund raising for a blood cancer charity, we lost our family pooch to blood cancer. (there is a post below about it).

SO - what path does that put me on?
The search to raise $2160 in 2 weeks and this weekend, to spend some time iwth the nephews who asking "where's clevie?"

Family's best friend

2007-10-23T23:37:00.000-04:00

Tonight, our family had to say good bye to our family's best friend Cleveland. He would have been 13 in a few weeks. This morning he was fine but by mid day he wouldn't drink or walk much and then he wouldn't move.

Turns out he had an acute hemangiosarcoma on his kidney and it was bleeding into his belly. At that point, even with treatment he wouldn't have much more than a month or so.

he was a really great pooch, and always hogged the bed and always pounced on you when you opened the front door and would just love on you to no end.

I'm gonna miss my moochie.

1001!

2007-10-15T10:47:00.000-04:00

I hit $1001 in donations on Saturday - HOORAY!

I also hit the nebulizer again - it was a rough morning.
It was cold and dry and we were up in the mountains again - so beautiful.
But for someone with asthma, cold and dry air can be like breathing sandpaper.
I was very careful, watched my breathing, kept hydrating like crazy, made sure my core was warm, i had a balaclava on, kept my head warm. But conditions were just right to set off a lovely attack. It took a while to recover and I had some great people around to help.

I still get really embarrassed when that happens - I'm pretty independent and stubborn, I know. So to be put in a position like that - i just don't want to be a bother, I don't want to disrupt anything or anyone's plans. It didn't help that I've hit a stress level that I'm not comfortable with, in life and in work - there is a lot going on and I worry: needing the new car, refinancing of the condo, taking on a little part time job for extra cash, 3 back to back weeks of big work events, raising the $5000, a very limited response to my 240 letters asking for donations, training for the ride. When the asthma attack hit - I was so mad that it happened, so mad I couldn't control it, so mad that it has to be this f***ing hard. This long laundry list of shit in my head of what I couldn't do just kept going through my head and fueling the anger, that really wasn't anger, it was more of a disappointment.
I had a moment, in short. A moment where i wish it wouldn't be so hard.
But if I didn't have to work for it - it wouldn't be worth it.
just like the quote i put on my donation letter:

There are too many people praying for mountains of difficulty to be removed, when what they really need is courage to climb them.

After a little lung treatment and a little rest at home, I got on my trainer that night and finished the last 40 miles - thank GOD i had a bunch of movies to watch.

I'll be back on the bike this week and next Saturday I'll do it again - I'll go and ride. I will keep asking friends, family, strangers to help support the L&LS. I'm not going to give up on the charity, on the event or myself.
I'm not giving up.
www.active.com/donate/tntnca04/Garcia
donate big
donate often
=)

officially flipping out

2007-10-12T09:41:00.000-04:00

So I have $825 in donations
min. I need to have $4200 by november 7
yeah
i'm flipping out
I sent 170 letter
120 emails
45 phone calls
825 dollars (which $135 i put in)

officially flipping out - it'll be ok, but I'm very worried

MERMANIA!!

2007-10-08T23:02:00.000-04:00

So, I've been having little bouts of insomnia (my refi is about to close, so I'm little nervous, it happens)
Tonight, I'm awake, writing donation letters and all I want to do is drink hot cocoa and play my Ethel Merman CD's
I really don't know why
I love Ethel - she was bright and fun and loud and a hoot.

Sometimes, when i don't want to clean the house, but I have to b/c my mom is coming over and I can't have a dusty house for Gema... Digressing - sorry.
Sometimes, when I don't want to clean the house, I put on my fav pair of shoes (platform ruby red patent leather 4 inch heels), a pretty Doris Day-like scarf my hair and play Ethel Merman at 11 on my stereo (11 is one louder than 10). I Sing at the top of my lungs and the house cleaning is so much more fun. Try it some time - it's great fun - but you have to get your own fabu shoes.

hmmmm... I wonder if I'm a drag queen trapped in a woman's body....oh well

YOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOUUUU'LL BEEEEEEEEEE SWELL!
YOOOOOOOOOOOUUUU"LL BE GREAT!
GONNA HAVE THE HOLD WORLD ON A PLATE!

$800!

2007-10-08T22:58:00.000-04:00

WOOHOO!
$4200 away from my goal
$3400 away from my minimum
=)

Oh, was that out loud?

2007-10-07T21:26:00.000-04:00

Have you ever had that dream where you are back in school and you get to say all the things you wish you had but didn't because either you feared the wrath of nuns or you were only 10 and not that clever?
This weekend as the 50th anniversary celebration of my church and it's elementary school. It's a cute school and a nice parish and my parents "highly encouraged" me to go and represent. A little back ground: I hated grade school, I hated catholic school, of my class of 40 student I only really liked 4 or 5 people. I was quiet and odd and picked on (not to mention puberty was oh so kind to me in the eighth grade). In retrospect, I was more afraid of speaking up than getting picked on.
The events:
At one of the festivities, I had a chance to see some old teachers who I loved and some classmates. Ok, I'll admit, I was hoping all the pretty people where fat and all the mean people had suffered teasing of their own. AND I made sure I looked fab - fab shoes, fab suit and with all the cycling lately, my curvy curves are brilliant and my legs are buff. The event was at the school, which was so fun to see. I was so happy to connect with one person, who I remember being really spirited and sunny - her whole family is lovely.
I bumped into one of the boys who'd cut the end of my ponytail off (aboutan inch, but still).
Hi, you're Soandso, right? We were in the same class.
"Hmm, I'm barely remembering you"
you um...cut my hair in the fifth grade and sprinkled it on my desk.
"oh... OH... oh... damn"
yeah, it grew back so that's good
"oh... man... I'm so sorry, I guess I was dick back then"
yeah...so, how's the family?
We actually had a really nice chat and a good laugh about it.

At the big family picnic the next day, I saw a few more folks and I realized the difference between nature and nurture. Nurture - a human learns from around them and grows; Nature - born rotten.
For 4 particular women I went to school with: Nature.
Seriously, after all these years to behave that way still - very cold, very snobby. Not sure why but I was polite and being social and chatting within this group of women. I had a church freind with me (who did not attend school with us). During this volley back and forth of their lives and how they were talking about people, I figured ok, they haven't changed, get over it and then....
"Oh, you're not married? you don't have kids? wow, you're missing out. Well... you never seemed the type to be married with children, you know."
(b/c that is so determinable at age 12)
[the Maternal Four all a giggle]
[sweet voice, big grin] Wow, you know, you have not changed at all.
"oh, thank you!"
[said quietly] Yeah...you're still kind of rude and mean - you'd think motherhood would soften folks, but I guess not everyone.
"Well, I'm just saying you're not lucky enough to enjoy kids at our age"
Yeah...I guess I am missing out... I actually can't have children so... I compensate with shopping benders at Tiffany's and trips to Latin America.... yeah... so, You look like you're about have another? That is so great! Boy or Girl?
[silence]
what?
[silence]
Church Friend [trying to keep her laughter locked in]"No Kids, huh, well at least your boobs won't be droopy and your ass won't hit the back of your knees, right?... ooo Beer Truck is here"

good times, good times I was thrilled to reconnect with one person who i really did like - she's great, I'm looking forward to getting to know her again. It was good weekend. OH yeah, and it was my birthday yesterday and I rode 65.8 miles in 5.5 hours A good day indeed

There are too many people praying for mountains of difficulty to be removed, when what they really need is courage to climb them.

2007-10-02T23:39:00.000-04:00

-- Unknown.

In 2004 and 2005 I put my body through, well, to be blunt and figurative, a wall – one day with 100 miles of mountains at high altitudes. I also raised over $10,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I had a lot of help with that part.
Together – that saved a life. I didn’t even need a cape or shiny tights to do it.

How? How does a bike ride save a life?
That $10,000 funded research, paid medical bills, housed a family, train nurses in patient care, trained doctors in emerging treatments for a specific blood cancer, taught a wellness class. By doing all that, it left someone unburdened so they could focus on one thing: survive cancer.

Why? Why do I care? Why is this important to me?
About 3 years ago, I was talking to my boss about a cycling friend who had been diagnosed with Leukemia, and mentioned another person I knew surviving uterine cancer. Then I remembered a former coworker also surviving Lymphoma. He paused and said, ‘Wow, you know a lot of people with cancer.” I said, “No I don’t, it’s that a LOT of people have some type of cancer.” One in Five people will develop some form of cancer – that is the national average. My asthma issues aside, I count myself very lucky – being in that group of four. I can’t get complacent about it – I am well and strong and I need to give back. I need to help.

Who? Who are these One in Five?
A cycling friend who in 2003 had her life turned over by cancer. A fun little boy who should be worrying about missing an episode of Sponge Bob Squarepants instead of losing his hair. A mother of a friend who was so beautiful in life and now in spirit. An odd sales associate at my local sporting goods store who embraces everyday with really strange jokes and a huge smile. A business man who is client of my mom’s, he battles every year and still puts up a mean fight over the price of dry cleaning. That’s who.

What? What can I do?
Well I tell you what I can’t do – I can’t go to the future and locate the formula for the cure. I can’t perform magic to make cancer disappear. I can’t develop an intergalactic faster‐than‐light‐warp‐wave communication device to locate medically advanced life forms and ask them for a cure. What I can do is ride a bicycle. I can put myself through a day of sore muscles, tired lungs, aching limbs – just one day. I can ask you for support. One day can save one Life. Yeah, I can do that.

When?
November 17, 2007, it will be me, my bike and 109 miles in Tucson, Arizona. That day my teammates and I will participate in a moving memorial and celebration, each of us raising $5000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. This will not be easy, this will not be a walk in the park ‐ this is what I can do. This is what I will do. Every mile ridden, every dollar raised...it’s all worth it if it saves a life. You can do this with me. When someone asks you, “What’d you do this weekend?” you can say, “I saved a life.”

Thanks so much for you time and your support!

Would you like miles with your donation? ask me how =)

http://www.active.com/donate/tntnca04/Garcia

$665!

2007-10-02T23:14:00.000-04:00

Not Bad - getting there =)
I'll have pictures up soon from training rides and of my fellow teammates =)
Only $3535 to reach my minimum
Only $4335 to read my goal!

The Shearing

2007-09-20T23:33:00.000-04:00

A long time ago...

In salon far far away...

I realized...I spend a great deal of money on my hair!

So I started growing it... and growing it...

With a promised to donate it

Then I really got to liking long long hair.

Then Karma recently nudged me a little and reminded me of a few of things:

Be grateful

Be kind

Be joyful

Be giving

I like giving, I'm pretty good at it. So along with giving my body to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to ride 109 miles in 1 day this November, I decided to give my hair. Almost all 2 1/2 years worth:

All 16 inches will be off to Locks of Love on Saturday (need to let the shearings dry out)

I'll never be a scientist, I won't be communing with medically advanced aliens anytime soon, but I do what I can. This is my commitment (and my hair) to helping the cancer community, however I can.

I hope Latinatude isn't something found in hair because Lord help the poor child that gets these locks.

Much love!

109 miles + 12 hours + 1 bicycle + YOU = End of Leukemia!

www.active.com/donate/tntnca04/Garcia

Help me raise $5000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society!

Donate BIG! Donate Often! =)

Time for catch up....

2007-09-08T21:53:00.000-04:00

How-do,

So I'm playing a little catch up here.
Let's see... what's new...

Oh, my mortgage company employs dimwitted twits with the IQ of a common dust bunny.
I'm in week three of training for the Team In Training Tour de Tucson event and I'm $250 into my fund raising - $3,950 to go
Need to buy a new car - have one pick out, but I'll share that when it happens
Saw, what I believe, is one of the funniest movies I've ever seen coming from the UK and I officially am quite enamored with on Mr. Simon Pegg
Jose and Gema bought a Honda - yes that's right, not just a foreign car for the Latino's but a Japanese one. Gema loves it but is afraid to drive it - it's a CRV, not a Tank.
Finally working on some fun projects at work - hoorah for moi.
Bought a new saddle for the bike last week and learned that the breaking in time is longer than expected. Let's just say my "girl" is a little uncomfortable at the moment.
The voice acting is going pretty well - so far the Batman Series is my fav - manly b/c my character is a bad ass cop with XX chromosomes, a smart ass retort and mad fire arm skills.

I have a few pics from the training rides - I'll post those soon.

Oh yeah, I learned that sometimes an oil change can just magically fix a car.

The hills are alive with the sound of bicycles....

2007-08-31T21:17:00.000-04:00

AH Ah ah aaaaaaaaaah
My fanny wants to cry for a thousand yeeeeeeeEEEEARSS!

Yes my friends I am embarking on a new adventure with benefits that far exceed my expectation. I have a little project I'm working on for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society - I will be participating in a 109 mile bike ride around Tucson Arizona on November 17 2007 and helping them raise $5000 to help with... well... everything - cancer research, family support, community outreach, medical bills, groceries... Yeah - a lot.

So to support my athletic endeavors, I am looking forathletic supporters...[pause for giggles]

What do I ask of my Athletic Supporters?
skip McDonald's this week
don't order out for chinese or pizza
make coffee at home and skip Starbucks - just for a day.

That's, what, $5? $10? Do you really need to see ANOTHER Will Ferrell movie where he's zanny and half naked (ew)?

I believe in the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, I believe in what they do - They gave my cycling buddy a chance at life, helped her pay the bills and fly her folks out to be with her when she had barely anything.

I've seen them in action and it's beautiful and special.

That's why.

So....
MY FAT FANNY (see photo) + a very nice bike + you + love + lots of pasta = gratitude + hope + love + a fight chance

This is the link to donate online: http://www.active.com/donate/tntnca04/Garcia
If you'd like to donate by check or cash - let me know - I'll send you the info =)
I'll keep updating on how things are going - I'll take pictures too =)

Much love to you!
M

tick tick tick tick tick

2007-08-06T17:10:00.001-04:00

chuh CHUNK!
that would be the sound of my wee mental time clock.
I've spent the day archiving - basically, I spend the next few weeks with a scanner, Adobe PDF and 38 boxes full of 6 years of financial and investor information. Why would I conceive of such a project? What was I thinking when I proposed such a task to the Higher Pay Grades? When did I begin smoking crack and pot all in the same pipe?
All good questions, no good answers.

What came to mind: I am not going to pack up, move, refile all this crap by myself next spring. If my calculations are correct: once complete a total of 68 bankers boxes will be reduced to two binders with 49 DVD's. And of the 68, only 14 will need to accompany me =)

Also, in my aspirations of being a greener person, we use WAY too much paper, such a waste. This is the beginning of my quest to encourage my group to go as paperless as possible. Why print something out to fax it if I can PDF the doc and email it? Why FedEx a 2 lb pack of information they will take 2 to 3 days to arrive when I have a 1.25 MG file with all the info right there and they can have it in seconds.

I'm rambling today - the semi-subtle hum of my desktop scanner has lulled me into a Bottom of the Ladder Coma.
wah... huh...[snort]...wait... what did I just say?

after 35 years....

2007-07-28T01:25:00.000-04:00

Finally!
A picture of myself I actually like and didn't need to Photoshop.
I know, crazy, right?
Well, that's me
Actually, this is me

2007-07-25T14:00:00.000-04:00

It is the heart that makes a man rich. He is rich according to what he is, not according to what he has.
- Henry Ward Beecher

No reason....

2007-07-13T13:43:00.001-04:00

Just so cute

Microphone? What? What's all this then?

2007-07-09T22:40:00.000-04:00

Ok, so a while back I mentioned something about find a cool fun podcast that does old timie radio style dramas of super heros and yadda, right? Well, I've been getting more and more into it and now, i don't just have a role "woman on street" or "elevator voice" - I've been cast in roles of characters with... yes, you guessed it... NAMES! and some of these characters are... wait for it... RECURRING! So Here is a little sampling of what I've been doing for a group called Pendant Audio =)

In Superman: The Last Son of Krypton:
#27 The Lexcorp Tower Model 53E Personal transportation system
#30 Bobbi Havner, Brassy Reporter (this one is recurring!)

In Batman: The Ace of Detectives:
#17 Renee Montoya, Tough Gotham Police detective (also recurring!)

I've just been cast a sassy saucey british turn coat in Dixie Stenberg and Brassy Battalion. Neve will make her debut in episode #15

I have a bit part of a mafioso monosyllabic moll, Major, in The Kingery in episode #2 and soon #7

I've also had the pleasure of playing a British Teen about to be over her boyfriend (#3) and a Cranky Latina (not type cast at all, no?) (#4) in Seminar: a series of short one act plays. I've even been interviewed on Pendant Productions "This Week in Pendant"

I've also begun to work with the folks from Darker Projects, a wonderful group of folks producing fan fiction and original works for radio style podcast dramas.

I love it! this is a very fun new hobby for me and who knows what may come =)

After 72 hours of labor, sweat and frustraton...

2007-07-09T22:38:00.000-04:00

I now have a bundle of joy that:
A. I understand how it functions
B. Actually plays nice with Mac
C. Actually plays nice with Audacity

That's right, after hours and hours of reading the web and frankly feeling ever the bonehead, I now have a microphone that does not suck.

Haazah and joy to all. May the blessing bestowed upon me on THIS day, be shared with you all ten-fold.

The saga of the microphone began with a little shopping spree at Micro Center. Now Micro Center's customer service on the showroom floor is akin to the hospitality one recieves when entering a morgue, they only talk to their own kind. And if you are Macker (as one salesman called me on Friday) you are remanded to the back of the store, walled in with a glass door, hoping, i guess, to keep the MacCooties in. Not only that, this sad little corner is manned normally by whom ever drew the short stick that morning.

So, there I am, the only double X chromosomer in the place and I'm thinking...

If I'm getting a mic, I'll get the stand too
Well, since I am getting something fun, I may as well get that wireless mouse I like so bad.
You knoooow, If I get a wireless mouse, a keyboard would be great too
come to think of it, I'll need a USB hub too.

I did some reading online, but thought perhaps, this one time, I would find SOMEONE with a pulse.
The following statement SHOULD answer the question, "Did she, oh did she find some help?"

Today, of the $300 I spent on Friday, i returned $250 of it - the mouse was the ONLY thing that worked. Nothing else worked right and I couldn't find the answers I needed b/c I am so not a Tech-savy person.

Today, however, manning - womanning, I should say - the Mac room was this gorgeous leggy blond, who I will admit, I prejudged, but the minute I said, "I'm recording for a podcast and I have an iMac G4" I knew I totally misjudged her. She was a the Fountain of all things Mac Knowledge AND had been in the recording industry and knew "exactly what you need, girlfriend!"

Not ONLY did I leave with a new mic, she called the manager and fought for a price match to what was listed on the Apple website. THEN she found the elusive 1GB memory I've been looking for (she came back dusty from the stock room) AND found me a fierce little hub AND some extra firewire cable for one of my hard drives. Tomorrow, she said to come in around 7 and She'll show me some fun stuff to do with Garage Band - Yes, even a free software lesson.

SO what did I learn today
A. Mac is next to Godliness
B. Mac Users are angels
C. Mac Brainiacs should rule the world
and D. if that MacChic was a guy, I would SO date him, pay for dinner and let him get lucky on the first date.

The End =)

hookie

2007-07-02T17:31:00.000-04:00

So I played hookie from work this morning - left the house at 7 and had the loveliest ride out to Leesburg. On the way back, I stopped by the office and efficiently did 4 ours worth of tasks in 2 hours and headed back out on the bike. Today was phenominal - the weather was perfect. I just love a morning where the temp is 70, but feels like 65

Between the 12 and 13 mile markers, on the way home, into Vienna, I had the trail to myself, there was a cool cool breeze.
I looked to my right and there stood a Doe. I stopped the bike and just stared at her. I've never been so close to a deer before, she stood eye to eye to me (she was huge). We just sat there, maybe 20 seconds - felt like 20 minutes - and just stared. She took a step closer and she was within arms reach. I'm sure I had a smile on my face the size of... well, I don't know what... =)
In my head I thought, "it's ok buddy, you'll be fine" and then, oddly enough, she stepped out all the way and crossed the path.

I love moments like that - totally make it worth the grilling I'll get for ditching early

They Made it!

2007-04-17T12:59:00.000-04:00

NYC couple complete 2,500-mile cab ride

By TERRY TANG, Associated Press WriterMon Apr 16, 11:43 PM ET

A retired New York couple who hailed a taxi for their 2,500-mile move to northern Arizona arrived with their two cats at their destination on Monday.

Neither Betty nor Bob Matas drive and they wanted to spare their cats, Pretty Face and Cleopatra, a trip on an airplane to their retirement home about 90 miles north of Phoenix.

They left the couple's Queens neighborhood April 10 in Douglas Guldeniz's canary-colored Ford SUV cab and traveled about 10 hours a day for a $3,000 flat rate plus gas, meals and lodging. The SUV is a hybrid-electric vehicle, which helped lessen the cost of fuel.

"It was pretty tiring, for my wife especially," said Bob Matas, 72, a former audio and video engineer for advertising agencies. "We're happy where we are. We're happy and that's it."

Matas said he was "flabbergasted" by the attention surrounding the couple's trip. Passers-by recognized them when they saw the New York cab, he said.

"Every state that we hit, people would say 'Are you the ones?' and we would say 'Yes, we are the ones,' " Matas said.

The Sedona mayor welcomed the couple at a noontime ceremony Monday, presenting them with a bag of Sedona souvenirs. Their real estate agent presented them with the keys to their new home in the Village of Oak Creek, a community just south of Sedona.

The couple will stay at a hotel for a few days until all their belongings can be moved into their house. A friend followed the cab in a rental truck carrying the couple's possessions.

Brat Brat Brat

2007-04-10T11:30:00.000-04:00

I am a shoe brat.
We begin a lovely afternoon; a well loved online store announces a new shoe store. I like shoes, I’m intrigued. Oh, BTW – for your first order will be over-nighted for free plus an additional $5 off. I’ve migrated from intrigued to surfing.
I love good shoes like Kenneth Cole and Nina – low and behold, so many great makers of shoes
I love heels – low and behold, they have lots of heels
I love Mary Janes – low and behold, do they have Mary Janes
I love black shoes – low and behold… you get it
I need size 10 – yadda…..
What do I find?
[insert angelic music here]

Yeah…
I know…
Charles David… I know!
So Gorgeous… I know!
Price is $35… HOLY POOP!
If you think I left $150 pair of Charles David’s for $35 plus $5 off plus free over night… well, you don’t know me very well, now, do you.

I am a brat b/c:

A: I’m not sharing the name of the store b/c if it gets out, I’ll never find my dream fabulous shoes that people might like to talk about b/c they are so fabulous and size 10 can be REALLY hard to find in shoes not designed for Phase 3 of Del Boca Vista Retirement Community.

B: Someone work @ said, “Oh, so-and-so has a pair like those” … um… no, she doesn’t… these are not from the Jacquelyn Smith Collection and she wouldn’t wear 4 inch stacks.

C: I got them today, at the office, ran downstairs and put them on. Yes, I have them on right now

BRAT
I try to be good; I try to think of the great good.
But these SHOES!!
brat

Round and Round it goes

2007-04-09T11:53:00.001-04:00

(this should have posted 2/9/2007 but silly me left it in Draft Mode)

There is a movie – Lucille Ball and Henry Fonda – Yours, Mine and Ours. A pair of widowers with large families meet and date and eventually marry (I’m not spoiling anything, did you expect there not to be a happy ending?). In the midst of dating portion of the movie, Henry brings Lucy home to meet is 8 children and have dinner. The kids want nothing to do with her “I don’t want another mother!” and proceed to sabotage the dinner. Before dinner Lucy’s cocktail is spiked to all holy heavens and by dinner she’s loaded and not on a good footing. They all sit at a round table with this HUGE Lazy Susan in the middle, piled high the entrees, side dishes, salt, pepper, milk and juice. The kids proceed to chow down and that lazy susan start spinning around and around at NASCAR speeds. Poor Snockered Lucy – her view of this is beyond dizzying and somewhat maddening.

On a regular basis, I find myself focusing on many things – bills, school, work projects, family, social life (albeit non existent). Everyday I review in my mind what I need to do, what I need to focus on and it changes depending on mood, day of the week, family events. Sometimes I don’t think I have a clear path or list of things I need to do b/c it just keeps changing.

Last night was conversing with Melly Mel about her dealings with a particular Male of Human Species (although, with the behavior of said Male, Final species identification is still to come). His lack of focus on one thing or another led me to conclude, “This guy is driven but it doesn’t sound like he has a priority list for himself, more of a Priority Lazy Susan”

[insert lit light bulb here]

Huh, it’s not that I don’t have a priority list, I have a Priority Lazy Susan. Meetings, phone calls, birthdays, events, appointments, homework, vacuuming – they just keep spinning by and as I recognize something I can slow the Susan and pick off what I need and take care of it, but the Susan picks right back up and still spins. Although…I find there is a reverse physical theory to it - It seems the more items I have on the Lazy Susan, weighing it down, the faster is spins. The more I take things off, it slows down. If I pause too long to see this spin, I become Poor Snockered Lucy.

What do I take care of next? Who do I need to call? Did I email in my paper?

I get it now, I can see it – I think… no… I know I have a better grasp on this now. And now that I get it a little better than before, I feel like the Priority Lazy Susan has slowed, as if she has seen that light bulb and now will work with me instead of against. Good Ole PLS!

Don’t think I can set a fixed numbered list (paying taxes, ok, THAT one? Yeah, top of the list.) But the rest, as long as Priority Lazy Susan and I can see eye to eye, I can take off items and TCB (Take Care ‘o’ Business) and not let life whoosh past.

Why not?

2007-04-09T11:53:00.000-04:00

Why not indeed.

I’m a huge proponent of using the word “adventure” as a verb. I signed up for one for this year, but since my innards are still not 100% from last years Gall Bladder Incident (stupid gall bladder), the idea of a possible colitis flair up while camping for 7 days with no porcelain in site is not appealing and thus I’m postponing until 2008. Trust me – California will still be there and I will still want to adventure.

In its stead, I am sure I will find another opportunity for people to say, “Oh dear lord, what is she doing now?”

I might cut off all my hair and donate it – it’s about 2 ft long right now.

I will take a trippy trip out to Cali to see friends.

I’m sure I’ll go and do something ridiculous on my bike – that is a given, a constant, like gravity.

What prompts me to get off my fanny and blog today?

Adventure - NYC couple hail cab for 2,400-mile ride

I don’t know who I admire more in this story – the couple or the cabbie =)

What comes around....

2007-02-06T15:49:00.000-05:00

…goes around.

Last year I had some work done on my Chevy – my baby. I do love that car – the first one I ever bought brand new all by myself. He’s 9 years old and needs some love but running pretty well and a still very shiny Metallic Cayenne.

So last year I had some work done on my Chevy at a great shop in the Vienna area – Schmidt’s Exxon. They’ve taken care of me and my baby for going on 7 years now.

So when I had the work done last year on my Chevy, one of the mechanics was a huge help - Jeremy – he squeezed my car into a busy work queue and Baby was back on the road in a couple of hours – this was much faster than I expected and Jeremy even cut me a little break on the price. I can’t remember exactly what we talked about (outside the car talk) but as a thank you, I gave him a gift card to Circuit City (right next door). He said he couldn’t take a tip but I remember telling him it was a thank you gift for him, not a tip.

And time goes on…

La la la….

In the last few months I’ve dealt with some financial set backs – not huge ones, just stuff you don’t really plan for (water heater, blown out tire, medical bill from the Gall bladder drama that insurance is deciding not to cover) so I’ve been very thrifty. Just this morning, I was tickled to find $347 in my mad money account (previously cleaned out for Christmas and bills). – funds saved from not going to Starbucks, or McD’s or using the vending machine or not ordering Chinese food or buying Ben and Jerry’s. This is stash has many purposes – currently it’s for some mad money to spend in Chicago next month and to finance my charity bike ride in California (plane tickets, hotel, shipping of the bike). $347 in 2 months is not bad at all.

Today Baby had to go in for his inspection and for a few minor upkeep things (his blinker was not blinking).

1:14 PM today - Baby is leaking brake fluid badly. POOR Baby! what a minute... poor mad money account...

“Uh oh, ok, how much, Jeremy?”

“ About $280 parts and labor, plus 16 for inspection and about $24 for 3 bulbs”

“Grand total of…”

“…$320”

UGH I said to myself

“ok, Baby needs it, thanks J!”

3:37 PM today - Jeremy called

“He's all done and the grand total is $238”

“WOW, Jeremy, that is so nice, you didn’t have to do that”

“I wanted to, I remember how nice you were and the gift card, so, this is a thank you gift for you”

[tear in my eye b/c I'm squishy and emotional like that]

And no, mom, he’s not single

I am brat

2007-01-18T11:26:00.000-05:00

Not in a Paula Abdul live action movie about dolls kind of way.
Just a brat.
To illuminate...
There is some construction work current in motion on our office building. With all my luck, it is on my side and just a floor above mine. It's been a clangy bangy morning. This coupled with a pretty busy day of three different sets of meetings on a couple different floors for my folks, it's been a bit crazy around here (which I'm cool with, crazy can be fun).
In the past 45 minutes I've grown very close to our elevators as I've been on them for 7 or 8 trips. We have three - two nice elevators and a freight. Each time I've climbed onto one of the nice ones, there is a construction person on it covered in dust/muck/dirt. It's not an easy gig, my dad was a stone mason for over 50 years - I think I saw him dusty more often than not.

My brattitude reared it's ugly head on the fifth trip as I stood in the elevator in my shiny Kenneth Cole Boots and Donna suit (I love eBay, but that is another topic) , in my head I seriously looked at the fellow and thought

"Aren't you supposed to be using the freight elevator?"

For that moment, I was every bratty girl in the movies that ends up not getting the guy b/c she's a brat.
BRAT!
I need to corral my Brattitude for the day.

Ok, I'll admit, sometimes it's fun to be bratty, but that situation usually involves Grey Goose, excellent munchies and the type of women described in Pink's song "Stupid Girls."

Woman on Steet

2007-01-15T00:22:00.000-05:00

My voice over debut! In a last minute request for a Spanish speaker a few months back for an old time radio style type show around Indiana Jones, I raised my hand, "Hey, pick me! pick me! I'm a Garcia - can't get more Spanish than that." So I sent in the lines (all 3 words) and didn't hear anything back. Time carried on and I won the roles of "Reporter" and the "Lexcorp Towers Model 53E personal transportation system" and the "Diggahs took my bay-bee" line and didn't put any more thought into the Indy show. Saturday the episode was released and I was listening... hey...wait a minute... and history was made. It was a nice surprise after a week that left me good and pooped. If you have some time, have a listen not just for my millisecond debut, the sound work and acting is pretty good. These folks work really hard and a lot of fun.

Cocoa Therapy Part III

2007-01-10T17:01:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I did not have a brave day – I was off my game, I recovered some but it’s hard. I found myself not myself – like I was bystander, observing, contemplating, taking in what was around me and processing it. The trigger was a 30 second diatribe by someone above my pay grade who spoke down to me in front of someone above their pay grade. I didn’t feel I deserved this especially not in front those who could have some impact on my future. I was disappointed – that’s the right word. I felt let down by someone I respected by behavior that was uncalled for. Knowing that person as I do, I know follow up comments were made about me to those around b/c that is their M/O. Again, disappointing – I guess I expected better behavior or a sense of decorum. A recognition that a verbal tear down should have been private, not recreation.

The tirade felt overcooked for the situation: I wasn’t at my desk to answer my phone immediately.

I know, I know – this is not a utopia of thoughtful, mature people.
If dark chocolate was free –there is a utopia I can get behind… yeah.

I sit, I sip, I ponder semi-deeply
I think, I wonder, I admire rather sleeply
I retract and detract, collect thoughts professionally
And reminded Higher Paid Grade, “You know... sometimes,... I have to pee”

corajoso, valeroso

2007-01-08T15:17:00.000-05:00

Every year I try to participate in a charity event -
I like to have a theme or driving word - something that guides me and reminds me to keep going when I'm afraid.

brave /breɪv/ adjective, brav·er, brav·est, noun, verb, braved, brav·ing.
–adjective
1. possessing or exhibiting courage or courageous endurance.
2. making a fine appearance.
3. Archaic. excellent; fine; admirable.
–noun
4. a brave person.
5. a warrior, esp. among North American Indian tribes.
–verb (used with object)
6. to meet or face courageously: to brave misfortunes.
7. to defy; challenge; dare.

To be brave in the face of adversity, of insurmountable odds - to be brave and survive and succeed.

LORD help me on those hills, but I'll be brave.More to come one this...

2007-01-05T16:54:00.000-05:00

I've been working steady today, getting things in order, trying to be less of a smarty (to the crankies). I find I need a rhythm, a beat, not to just walk to, but to type to, to read to, to function to - like my own personal soundtrack. In the movies, the characters seem to get so much done in so little time and all thanks to a good tune with a great beat.Today I'm in a smarty mood but my tasks have kept me typing, reading, searching. So I put in my earphone (just one so I can appear to be paying attention) and put on a playlist with a large selection of music from one particular artist. This artist and I have very little in common but I would have to say about 85% of their music is on heavy ipod rotation. Thoughtful lyrics, well marked melodies. If I had an office - four walls with a door, I would singing right along. I've found if I sing along in my cube, I get funny looks.

I typed, I tapped my toes, I tipped my coffee cup and copied copies all to a beat, a rhythm. iPod's should be issued at birth (random thought)

Thanks for todays soundtrack....

Cocoa Therapy, Part Deux

2007-01-04T23:34:00.000-05:00

You'd be amazed what a warm sweet beverage can do for the soul. I sat back at home with a PHC (see previous post) and my blog and read back.

2006 was a bit of a test for me. Karmicly, it kind of stunk. I look back at some of the hurdles and found a general imbalance. Through my hurdles and those of my family. I kept praying and wishing and working. In retrospect, I received a lot of hope and kindness and love and I don't think i gave it back - 2006, though an even number,was a year of imbalance.

So 2007 will be a year of atonement - a year to making up for the previous year of taking. I'm not sure how to explain. I just know I need to stand up, be brave and face the new challenges. To give of myself more.

If a challenge doesn't feel scary or insurmountable, it's not worth the facing and no lesson can be learned. If you think "hey, I can do that" - where is the challenge? what have you learned? I need to get the proverbial stick out of ... well... you know...

2007 - odd, but balanced... just need to be brave

Man, that is one good cup of cocoa.

Cocoa therapy

2007-01-04T14:38:00.000-05:00

It truly is the simple things in life that can brush away a stress moment, erase an awkward conversation or remind you that sometimes regressing back, even for just a moment, to being a 5 year old, is a must.
I am having such a moment.

I would like to thank my friend Lauren – she is the inspirer, inspirator, Inspiritress?

I am at the office (working hard as you can see) and I made myself a Peppermint Hot Cocoa.

Take one large mug – preferable one purchased at an airport or kiosk from a vacation – Mine is from San Francisco!
Place two small or one large peppermint stick, in pieces at the bottom of the mug.
Empty two packets of Sugar Free Hot Cocoa Mix – yes, sugar free, gotta watch the calories, no?
Added about ½ cup of really hot water and mix until the peppermint sticks are all nice and melty…mmmmmmm
Once all melty, add ¼ cup of non-dairy creamer – it adds to the creameriness of the instant cocoa and enough really hot water to fill the mug

Then craddle the mug in both hands, bring the mug up to your nose, close your eyes and imagine the last time you were excited about 3 feet of snow and take a long deep inhale. Hold it for a few seconds and then take a sip. And release…

Just a simple cup of cocoa and all it right with the world

DUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK!

2006-11-20T14:57:00.000-05:00

So "Latina Phone" has reaped GOLD

2006-11-15T11:38:00.000-05:00

So, I've been getting into doing voice-over work and found a fun group that produces "old time radio" type audio shows. They do Superman serials, Batman serials - yes the dorky comic book stuff I like and some original stuff too. It's fun - 99% of the work is self written and produced and has a huge listener-ship. They hold auditions every once and a while and my volumes of auditions have reaped me the following:

The role of "REPORTER # 8" for Superman #25 with one whole line

Two roles for a Mad Max serial with a bunch of lines one of which is "The Diggers took my baby!" ... Yeah, i know

BUT my years of answering the phone "Hello! and welcome to Latina Phone, if you know the name of the Latina you would like to speak with, please press one" has landed me the role of of a life time.... I will be... wait for it.... a building. YES, I am the voice of Lexcorp Industries Towers starting in Superman #27 and going forward. "Welcome to Lexcorp Industries, Please state your destination."
A building.
I'm so so very proud

Once these are download-able I'll let you know
but you can start listening to the stuff Pendant has already done BM (Before Maggi) you can find them on iTunes or you can go to their website http://www.pendantaudio.com/

Bottle of white wine, cheese that shouldn't be eaten and several hours later

2006-09-08T22:15:00.000-04:00

So I should retitle my blog "Mildy bitter, usually happy, saddly in need of a boyfriend to do heavy lifting around the house 34 year old"

First to all my lady friends out there - Ladies, do not allow PMS to drive your grocery shopping agenda or you will end up with cheese you know full well your body will NOT digest in a dignified manner, a $20 bottle of fabulous pinot grisio the name of whose maker you will not be able to pronounce but now that you've drunk the bottle of wine you feel as though not only CAN you but you can also speak the language of its home country AND a yen for all things French bread and homemade orange marmalade.

NOT TO Mention the last DVD in the Gilmore Girls Season Two set has arrived from netflix.

So here I am, a proud woman who owns her own home, is attempting to get in to grad school (whole nother story there), I look cute save the few (ok many) extra pounds, personality of a gem however the most introverted extrovert I know.

I'm cranky b/c I'm PMSing (stupid estrogen)
I'm cranky b/c some of my dearest friends have all moved away and begun amazing lives
I'm cranky b/c people I thought were my dearest friends have made every invitation I've extended a futile attempt at breathing life resusitating a corpse of a friendship.
I'm cranky b/c it's Friday, I've become such an introvert I'm drinking a bottle wine with cheese and chicken sausages (also not digestible in an Emily Post fashion) in my home watching the Gilmore Girls by myself
I'm cranky b/c as many times as I review Chapter Two in Marketing for the Masses, I can't seem to retain ANYTHING.
I'm cranky b/c I have to wake up for class tomorrow in the AM - 9:30 AM to be exact, on a Saturday no less, with an instructor I feel may have a more deep seeded PMS issues than I do and he's a man (yet a whole nother story that I've not yet crafted into something readable)

But...
I am happy
I have my own house
I have dear friends to visit in new places
I have space in my life for new friends who RSVP "A movie? Great! I'll meet you there"
I have until Monday to complete my review of Chapter Two
I get to sit in class tomorrow with another cranky Latina who will laugh at my whitfull and acerbic commentary of our instructors' "FREE FORM" style of teaching and then I'll invite her for coffee at Panera.
I'm home on a Friday night and I have full control of the remote and the ENTIRE bottle of super yummy Chateau du le Chat Avec le Pom de Terre Rouge chilled to perfection all to myself with melty Brie, butchy Manchego (Via ESPANA) and goatty garlicy cheese with a fresh baggette that was hot at the store (seriously, in the winter I would have put it under my pillow so I could sleep warm with dreams of buns (take that as you will) in my head) and fabu spinach and feta chicken sausage - ALL of which will leave me in a horrible position in another hour or so but I have plenty of magazines and a new Suduko book in the powder -SO all is well
I am hopeful to some day run my hand down the arm of a fella who's got that look in his eye and pull him close for a soft, sweet, drawn out kiss that feels endless and doesn't neccesarily lead to clothing strune across the floor, that at it's end, the longing for another is so great the moon is pulled off it's axis. (I used to be that good of a kisser, only time will tell)

AND after watching the Gilmore Girls, I am reminded that I am good at being funny and quick and acerbic - it's entertaining on so many levels and I love and miss 75 MPH whit and speech.

Ah the good life

I'm fine -I'm a PMSy woman of 34 years. Whose only mildly cranky now b/c of... well, have you seen "French Kiss" with Meg Ryan and Kevin Klein... the scene on the train... while 45 kinds of government approved cheese is delightful.... ugh... UUUUUUUUGHHHHH stop the rocking, stop the rocking!!!
I don't want to look at the cows...
I just ate that cow....

You don't know me well enough to say that...

2006-08-31T09:37:00.000-04:00

was my responce today when a male coworker began not only pointing out that I've lost wieght, but where exactly I've lost it.
Poodle, no - you do not get to comment on my arms and shoulders and hips and fanny.
No
I believe the orginial intent was to complement me on weight loss in general HOWEVER going in to details that you shouldn't be noticing is over the line.
Ass

ANYWAY
there has been a request for the gorey details on my surgery , since all 4 of my readers may not want to read that - email me sieiro@gmail.com and I'll give the details, maybe even some photos if the lab tech at the pathology lab calls me back =)

Much love and damn, your wrists look like they've lost weight!

Two weeks and 19 lbs later

2006-08-22T10:51:00.000-04:00

On a lovely Wednesday morning 2 weeks ago, I packed up my little sleep over bag and took off on my snip snip adventure. I first drove to my parents house to drop off my sleep over bag. Then Mom and I head off to the hospital and check me in.

The first nurse I met was not my favorite. She asked "Have you had anything to eat or drink since midnight?" and I replied, "Nothing except for the vodka shots I had about 2 hours ago." She just looked at me, sternly. "Uh-huh," she replied. No fun. =( So Nurse Nosenceofhumor escorted my mom and I to the prep area where I meet my new nurse, she was funny. I was trying to negotiate the hospital gown and all the little ties and the nurse said, "yeah, these are kind of tricky, but since Ralph Lauren isn't doing this kind of gown yet, we're stuck with them." DING DING - Winner! I love this nurse.

Please note - I've not eaten since 10 pm the night before and my surgery was scheduled for 2:15 PM. So, I was a wee more than peckish once settled in. While I sat in my ever so lovely gown and warm blankets (they have a warmer filled with nothing but blankets!), my mom was sitting with me reading her magazine, "Oh, Mah-gee, there is this recipe for chicken, it's low fat" "Oh, Mah-gee, look, Pizza Margarita - it's your pizza" "You know Mah-gee, your father and I went out for crabs last week, they were good" "Mah-gee, look, this is a good recipe for when your friends come over, look." Ma? I beg you, please stop talking about food. "What? But look, it's so easy and looks good" Ma. Please stop talking about food "You know this morning, I try the jam the neighbor made and it was very good, but sweet" Ma! I love you with all my heart... But PLEASE stop talking about FOOD! I BEG YOU! "oh, please, you are being a pain." I love my mother. I really do. Those of you that know her can totally empathize with me =)

As this tet-a-tet continues, in walks my surgeon. He's very nice and down to Earth. "Any questions this morning, Maggi? " Nope, thanks to the internet I'm over informed =). He runs through some questions and such and finishes with "So, you're doing ok? Not nervous at all?" Nope, what you about you Doctor Brenner? Did you get a good night sleep? Good hearty breakfast? Not too tired? "Had a beer with lunch but I'm ok." DING DING - Winner.

I'll spare the post op story - summation - several hours of "could I get a little something more for the pain?". We left around 8 pm-ish for home.

Upon my return to my parents place, GEMA - The Garcia Emergency Management Agency - leapt into action. In my room is everything I could need - bottle of water, bottle of gatorade, my 30 count bottle of Vicoden, tissues, extra pillows, 600 thread count sheets on the bed (she found them at TJ Maxx for pennies) and my very own wee pink hospital type basin for any possible it puking. Martha Stewart could not have done better.

Mom and dad were great and a huge help - I am ever grateful for them, even the crazy business.
Recovery is going well - turns out that my Gall Bladder has been in a bad way for months. What I thought were cases of heart burn were in reality gall bladder attacks. Had I thought of that stupid little organ before, I could have nipped this in the bud (no pun intended) months and months ago. But alas - live and learn =).
So, b/c my GB was a naughty little organ, it's neighbor the liver is not very happy at the moment. With time and some kindness to my liver, he'll be ship shape in a few months.
Food has been an interesting experiment as to what will stay in my body and what will not. I've returned to the Oatmeal, Cream of Wheat, rice and plain chicken diet - to Latin person, this is TORTURE, but I'll live. And since the attack 3 weeks ago I'm 19 lbs lighter - My clothes fit great! =)

So I've learned a few things:
Who knew the gall bladder could have such power - the little bastard
Activia yogurt and Colase are very helpful when on Vicoden
You use your abdominal muscles more than you think
TiVo is great when you are in and out of a sleepy haze - you don't miss a thing
Don't joke with nurses about having vodka shots
NEVER turn down an offer of Vicoden from your doctor

Oh, yeah, started a photo blog

2006-08-08T23:38:00.000-04:00

http://clickiblinked.blogspot.com/
Say cheese

Snip snip

2006-08-08T22:02:00.000-04:00

So my surgery was moved up - Tomorrow
Wish me luck!

Sum of my parts

2006-08-03T01:58:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow I get to see parts of my parts thanks to wicked cool technology.
I find it odd, funny - that stuff? That's what I'm made of? That's inside me? wow
Really?
cooooooooool
I'm hoping I don't geek out too much.
Think they'll let me keep copies?
=)

Word of the day... Cranky

2006-08-01T23:36:00.000-04:00

for no particular reason - just cranky for some general reasons, some specific

A little Cranky b/c I could have caught the GB incident two weeks ago when I was feeling funny, but you live and you learn =)
A little Cranky b/c I'm preoccupied more so than I'd like to be - I'll be better after my appointment on Thursday (p.s. the surgeon is a cutie)
A little Cranky b/c Project Runway isn't until tomorrow - Someone is getting pitched and I'm itchin' to see who
A little Cranky b/c as I sing along to my Pink playlist I find that my alto voice is really not up to par for choir this fall - opps, should have practiced =)
A little Cranky b/c it's crappy hot out but I just had the A/C unit serviced, so it's all good and 70 degrees in the condo

So I'm not really "cranky" per say - just human

I feel like I should have a hiaku prepared or something

Maybe next time

The least sexy of all the organs...

2006-07-31T14:53:00.000-04:00

When you hear that someone has gone to the emergency room, what enters your mind?
Car accident? Heart attack? Broken Bone? Blunt object protruding from a limb?
They sound serious and are serious
The Pancreas; The Liver; The Colon; The Femoral Artery, The cerebellum
Parts of the body with names that you know are powerful b/c they are powerful organs with powerful jobs.
Of all the things in the world that would send me to the ER in pain, my body decides it's the GALLBLADDER that will take me down. It has no street cred, no power, or so I thought

Early Saturday morning 2:30 AM - I am awakened (is that grammatically correct?) by what feels like fire under my ribs. After a small glass of milk and a Berry Flavored Tums and 30 minutes, the pain persisted and intensified, I was a little nervous. I had to wake Melly(my weekend guest and dear friend) b/c I was thinking me driving was not a good idea.
In Short, we learned in the 8 hours in the ER, that I have gallstones due to gallbladder disease.
Well, crap - ok, now what?
In Short, Goodbye super yummy spice ethic foods, Hello semi-cutie surgeon and a couple of days home.
All in all - this will help in my Nike+iPod self challenge and i now have some lovely pain killers.
Over the next few days we'll delve into the gastrointestinal world of the GB and it's removal.
oh joy

la la la la la la la

2006-07-28T11:04:00.000-04:00

That is the full extent of my mental capcity for today.
We've had a busy week at the office perparing for our quarterly financial release - things get a little stressed with late nights and late changes. All in all - worth the trouble.
However, this coupled with a cold, a paper due in each of my classes, an exam - I'm pooped, spent, not coherent.

Hence, if had a headphone jack in the back of my - that would be really helpful if we did, you know - you could plug in your favorite headset and listen and hear

lalalallalalala

well duh

2006-07-26T11:47:00.000-04:00

Quote of the Day
_____________________________

When more and more people are thrown out of work, unemployment results.

- Former U.S. President Calvin Coolidge

Learn to Listen... Listen to Learn

2006-07-26T09:17:00.000-04:00

In my accounting class there are 2 people who stand out.
Paris - a nick name - who seconds after the instructor gives us an answer, she will ask the question again. and then again.
[setting - sitting in a 4 hr accounting class after work, hour 3.5]
Instructor - so the formula for Working Capital is Currant Assets minus Currant Liabilities
Paris - So what's the formula for Working Capital
Instructor [pause] - it's Currant Assets minus Currant Liabilities
Paris - ok, but it's for Working Capital? right?
Instructor [pause with sigh] - yes, Working Capital is Currant Assets minus Currant Liabilities
Paris - Oh, ok then.... soooo that's FOR Working Capital but does it represent it? Working Capital that is?

Oye

Bill Gates - another nick name - bares a stiking resemblance to the younger computer operating system stealing mogel. Knows all the answers

It's been decided that should they breed, it will be some super power of evil or fashion

So far so good

2006-07-26T00:19:00.000-04:00

Well, With a little help from the Nano and a pumpin Nike mixxy mix from itunes and I believe I've developed some sort of pattern of going for a walk when I get home.
Having classes on Monday night AND Tuesday night AND Wednesday night - I'm pooped. I've got a week left of school then exams and the fall will be a bit easier on me.
Note: if you feel the need to A. take an accounting class and B. take it in an ecelerated fashion...
for the love of all that is good and right with the world, please don't... ever... trust me =)
I have a new found respect for CPA's. I feel no loss in my heart or soul int he knowing that I will never be an accountant... yeah... I'm ok it with... really =)

Nike + iPod Nano + Getting off my ass = (-50lbs)

2006-06-30T20:23:00.000-04:00

So, I've gained a bunch of weight and by a bunch I mean my favorite jeans are snuggy when once they were too big. Sad, really b/c they are SOOO cute.
Why oh why are my jeans so tight?
A few weeks of deep thought and I have no idea - it's definately a bunch of stuff. Stuff I need to noodle through. Noodling seems to work better when I'm on the bike (which I haven't been) or on a walk (which I haven't done in a while).

Gym? - $45 a month of a smelly meat market.... not so much
Personal trainer? - $100 a session, not unless I'm losing 4 to 7 lbs per session
Boot Camp? - not much for being part of the military...

I have an iPod, sneakers and a bike, my WW books - basically - like a free gym with a rockin' wee trainer and GEMA to remind me, "aren't those jeans tight?" Finding the little spot in my brain that holds the little "get off your ass" endorphines (I believe the techincal term is AssOffadriene) - work in progress
Nike has some interesting work out mixes on iTunes - so there is a little investment there.

SO - here is hoping that with a little will power, Nike and my Nano - let's see if I can drop 50 lbs.
Suggestions on music would be great, recipes too =)
Wish me luck

Letcherousness continues

2006-06-30T14:49:00.001-04:00

Wednesday evening, i walk into my accounting class and guess who is in the class with me...
yes, that's right, wee little intern.

I'm going to hell
Truly

Non-sequitor - sort of - I have this same type of "oh, is he not adorable" sentiment for Tom Welling of "SMALLVILLE" (i have a superman fixation)

Guess who WLI looks like....

I'm going to hell
the bad part of hell that is reserved for politians and people who talk at the theatre

Not just a Genius with Hair Gel...

2006-06-30T14:49:00.000-04:00

Quote of the Day
________________________________________________
The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary.

- Vidal Sassoon

I am an evil letcherous woman

2006-06-28T14:12:00.000-04:00

Truly - I am
all great horrible Mrs. Robinson stories must have a begining like this...
So we have an intern for the summer...
He's bright, ADORABLE and turns out we went to the same high school only 15 years appart.
Oh, i am so going to hell, he just so wee and sweet - very Clark Kent like.

I am a horrible woman with evil thoughts
so bad SO BAD!

I wish I had a little sister to match him up with

I should know better, but I don't

2006-03-22T12:56:00.000-05:00

I'm still, on a very reall level amazed by people. Especially in the work place.
I'm amazed at the time spent, spinning yarns and gossiping.
I have no interest in expressing my personal opinions about my coworkers b/c they are my thoughts, they are not meant for professional discussion.
But it's always interesting to me to walk into a room and find I am the topic of gossip.
My Shoes - I'm wearing cute dressy Burkenstocks b/c my back is bother me today and all of my team are traveling, so I can dress comfortably. I was labeled a hippy today - nothing could be further from the truth and I have my 17 year old Nordies Credit Card to prove it.
My knowledge - I read, I watch the news, I'm educated. I'm always asking questions, listening, wanting to learn more. I was called a know-it-all today b/c I knew to ask the caterer if they had a kosher kitchen.

Neither instance, to my face - I walked in on it.

To all those who feel they need to make commentary on anyone in a vain that is unproductive - enjoy. Yes, I care, I don't like to be spoken about like that behind my back - you don't like something I do - tell me, don't be a coward.

Maybe I'll use multi-sylable words today =)

Sass of the day

2006-03-10T13:56:00.000-05:00

It's Lent - for you non Catholics - it's the 40 days before the death and resurrection of Jesus.
If you need more info - google it, I'm not your mother.
In observance: Catholics don't eat meat on Fridays - fish only

The consultants catered in BBQ for themselves and the one I know invited me to join.
I remembered the Lent thing and said "oh, man, it's lent"
Consultant I Don't Know: "Oh, so don't eat it"
Me: "Yeah, it's a busy day, I need some protein"
CIDK: "you don't need meat for protein, vegetarians do it"
Me: "True but if God wanted me to be Vegetarian, he wouldn't have made cows taste so good"

New Verb - Shiver

2006-02-22T12:54:00.000-05:00

Thursday
Carol, Michele and I try to leave for Chicago to visit Melly Mel. Due to some interesting weather in the Greater Chicagoland Area, we were canceled. Oh joy - We were cool - we had a place to stay and apparently we were the only nice people in line at the United Counter. I think our jocularity and good spirits helped our United Shiney Headed Guy work harder to help us, which we higly approved of. "Screw them" we giggled of the mean folks. =)
As follows, a wee pictorial of our adventure

Friday =)
are we there yet? Mind you at this point we've been trying to get to Chicago for 24 hours and there was NOTHING to eat and the 15 minute cab ride was an hour. Poor Michele, Me and Carol

Can we eat yet? - Poor Michele

From 2707

Interesting Illumination

Saturday =)
Preparing to go outside - This was not the weather of my people

Hey, a robot, he's being all flurty

Hey, a robot makers fanny, now I'm being flurty

The ZarnChiCago chapter of MENSA meeting will now begin. President Girl Next Door, VP Surly and Secretary Queen of the EYE Ball
The Water Tower - a ghost lives there, right in front of a mall, so that's good realestate for him

Cab ride home

Sunday =)
Viewing of the bean - Carol and Michele

We're in the bean - Carol, Michelle and Me

Ah... Hey Carol, look at the skaters..

Yeah Michele, they're ass cold like we are

skaters in the bean - you can just make us out in the bean too, 3 little spots

waiting..... Carol & Michelle

Amazing Grace

From the L

The sign is so right

Home from 8F

Vacation: a photo essay of a verb

2006-02-13T23:24:00.000-05:00

FEMA? Red Cross? Meet Gema

2006-02-13T21:57:00.000-05:00

Every person you meet, they had a mom and a dad - parents. Whether they were merely biological donors or guiding mentors for life - we've all got them. I count myself very lucky. My dad will come over for an hour and I'll have new electrical outlets in a room or a new toilet or tile floors under my washer and dryer. My mom - well, you're read about Gema. She is ever the guider, the feeder, the dresser, the helper.

We had a pretty decent snow fall in the last few days and that put G.E.M.A. into action. The Garcia Emergancy Management Agency hit the kitchens and began to prepare MRE's for the 3 main locations:
Location: Homestead
Location: Grandpuppies
Location: Lone Striker

Homestead - Mission Control for all operations
Mission: MRE (Most Remarkable Eats) Drop - food for a week so no one has to worry about groceries

Grandpuppies - this location has a higher volume of Garcias, and largest age gap, so food prep is key for growing little monkeys and their parents. Wrench in the works: grandpuppies have been hit with colds - runny noses, flemmy breathing. Mission steps up and food prep become monumental in vitamin content and hearty tummy filling for optimal health and toothly little grins. Grandpuppies MRE Drop involved large scale containers and plenty of Grandparent Snuggling and Singing of Old MacDonald.

Lone Striker - That would be me, the sniper, Daddy's little girl armed with a Home Depot Credit Card and a sassy sense of sarcasm. Care and feeding require ease and compactablity. Drops are rare as schedules often don't align, so I did a drive by.

Below are images of my drop pack and my MRE's:

MRE DROP BAG: A mild mannered Starbucks bag with coffee treats...

Or is it? as you can see, it's camo'd for protection from looters

One Drop Pack contains 3-5 MRE's

One serving of KILLER G.E.M.A. pasta sauce and mini pene (she knows I love the mini pene)

One serving of Uber Hearty Homemade White Bean Soup. Totally worth the "toots of fire" about 2 hours after consumption - best consumed alone and at home

Two to Three servings of Beans and Rice Ala G.E.M.A. If you have a cold or the flu - this will cure it

"Ah, Mah-ghee - if you have a little salad at the house, here is some dressing, if you don't, well, no salad"

I just adore my mom =) she's is so funny
For those of you who've eaten G.E.M.A.'s MRE's - you know the eatin's good!
For those of you who haven't - As Gema would say, "Oh really? too bad, may be next time"

All that and no toaster?

2006-02-13T15:07:00.000-05:00

Back in the day, a Bank would give you a blender, a toaster, maybe even a commemorative bank calendar depicting great events in American History such as "The Crossing of the Potomac" - a gift from us to you, our loyal customer.
Now, some, just hijack your cash.

I bank a great deal with one particular Bank - mortgage, checking, savings, CD, credit card

A Busy Little Beaver at the main office of My Bank has decided I owe My Bank $293.00 USD.
Instead of informing me of this find, they choose to take my $293 from my checking account with out asking/informing.

I am single - my salary goes to my mortgage people, my credit cards, electric, cable, phone, yadda. I manage to put a little away for a little VayCay (vacation). $293 constitutes groceries, gas for the car, bills, maybe a movie or a book. It's not float for me - it's needed funds.

I called My Bank branch (they're nice, the old lady teller has a crush my on my dad =))- I got the Teller guy who I think secretly has a mohawk b/c of how his hair is styled -"That's not right, let me make a few calls" 10 minutes later, My Bank person calls me back and gives me the low down:
In 1997, I closed a checking account in Richmond VA and that account has accrued $293 in fees.
I beg your pardon?
History - In 1996, I had my car broken into, my back pack with wallet stolen
24 hours later, a 6ft Black man (which I am not) took my ID and one of my checks filled out and signed with my name spelled incorrectly (which I certainly know how to spell) to a bank teller (who I knew well and saw every week when I deposited my merger salary) and cleaned me out - not a penny left. The Result of which A. The teller revisited her procedure policies and her ability to read, B. I recovered every penny from the bank (as it was their poor procedures that allowed the cleaning out as determined by My Banks fraud department) and C. Closed the account ASAP.

My Bank person tracked down the phone number of the BLB for me and called to find out why BLB felt the need to take my money with out asking.

I did not find BLB but I did find the Supervising Beaver of this Money Taking Den.
He said "Huh, that's odd, let me check with the person who tagged this.... [on hold with no music] Well, we have it here that you owe $293 in fees."
"Really? Can you produce bank statements to this affect?" I ask inquisitively
"Well, let me check....[on hold, no music]...Well, we're looking for them" he says with authority
"well, until you find proof I owe this money, which I do not, I'd like my money back" I said with an wee tone
"Don't you have your records?" he asks like I'm an idiot
"Well sir - the burden of proof is yours, poodle, not mine. Your group has taken money from my account without my knowledge or permission - that's called 'stealing' in some places." said mildly annoyed with a pinch of 'don't f*** with me'
"one moment...[on hold, still no music, what's that about] we can't get those records b/c it was almost 10 years ago, so your funds will be back in your account by COB today" he says with a hint of 'oh crap, we f***ed up'
"And the over draft fees I've incurred b/c of all this?" I ask sweetly but with a forked tongue
"Oh, well, i don't hav--" he says trying to regain his authority
"And the over draft fees I've incurred b/c of all this? 'This' meaning your group stealing my money" I reply with balls the size of the Greater Washington DC area, emphasizing the 'stealing' part
"We'll take care of that right away" he says very politely
"Thanks so much! Seriously you guys have been awesome!" I reply like I'm made of honey, sugar cane and Barbie dolls

I called My Bank person to fill him in on the doin's - His words - That's f-ed up, man.. just wrong

Rock on My Bank Person - it is totally f-ed up

learning another language...might be a good idea

2006-02-09T14:09:00.000-05:00

http://www.zenadsl5692.zen.co.uk/WeAreSinking.swf

Verb for the weekend

2006-01-26T13:55:00.000-05:00

Chronicle: verb - record in chronological order; make a historical record
I love taking pictures, whether they suck or not, i like taking them. Video too
I've been thinking lately about my desire or need to chronicle. Some of it stems from not having many if any photos of my family prior to 1960. I take pictures of all sorts of stuff - people, puddles, frogs, cars, walls, train tracks. I have a fear of Alshemiers - maybe that's part of it. I just love to take pictures. I wonder it some of it stems from of a fear of being forgotten. Like my pictures are my legacy...

ANYWAY, this weekend I will adventure and I will chronicle as I will be going on a . I'll stay in and spend 3 's and 3 's goin to . I'll go ing for the first time.

Should be interesting =)

to sum up today...

2006-01-25T23:06:00.000-05:00

I am literally at the end of my Patience tape, and there is no rewind

For the love of all that is good and holy....

2006-01-25T14:34:00.000-05:00

For the love of all that is good and holy, before you come to me with a request, with a need, with a question, you need to travel somewhere - all of which you've done 37 times in the last hour

READ YOUR DAMN EMAILS
ANSWER YOUR DAMN PHONES
MAKE UP YOUR DAMN MINDS

I've researched, I've called, I've analyzed, I've dug, I've printed out and collated.
If you take the time and effort to use your skills (highly educated or not) to swiftly and promptly remove your cranium and all content there within from the other opening in you body (colloquially known as your ass) you will see the answers are there, the needs have been met

If I don't have the answer - I will tell you "I don't know"
If I need more detail - I will ask "May I Have more details?"

BUT you don't know what you want, don't spend what precious little time we have on this earth persickificating over flights and times. Hemming and Hawing over when you want to leave and from where you want to leave and what's cheapest.... CHRIST ALMIGHTY give me strength.

Inspired by Introspectre, I've written a haiku

Patience is a friend
A guest I welcome with love
Unless you're an ass

Patience is a gift
Given to everyone with joy
Unless you're an ass

Swimming pool in winter
Confidence in a white house
My patience for you

Ass Ass Ass Ass Ass
five times thrityfive thousand
You You You You You

So sleeeeeeeeeeeepy

2006-01-20T15:18:00.000-05:00

Since the lovely uber flu I've had to cut the caffeine in my diet b/c it really upset my tummy
but let me tell you something, dude, I'm so sleepy today and a little cup of Joe right now would be a nice pep up.
I've got the head bobble working, the half opened eyes
I find myself relating with my nephews, who, around lunch time are pooped.
They get up at 6:30 and don't nap until around 12:45. So when they get their noon bottle this happens:

they zonk the minute they get their bottles.
I think if I could have that caffy coffee, I just might do the same

I'm so freakin' sleepy today

naaaaaaaaaaaaaaaap
must have naaaaaaaaaaap

Smart Ass Remark of the Day

2006-01-19T13:10:00.000-05:00

So an outside colleague came in to visit today.
I've not seen him in about a year
"Margaret, great to see you, I'd forgotten how lovely you are"
"Oh, so-and-so, that's ok, I never forget"
[pause] Big laugh

I'm a charmer

Zooooom Zooooom Zoo--What?

2006-01-12T16:17:00.000-05:00

I speak spanish and english. I work in an environment that I get to use both plus portuguese. I'm pretty good at but I'm in America, I think in english most of the time. When I was little I used to speak only portuguese around the house. but now 34 years later, I think in english, I am in English mode (information needed to get the next bit of prose)

I was intently and intesively reviewing a document today, my nose to the screen, fingers typing at record pace. the mouse is flying. 120 mph baby! I faintly hear the phone ring, so autopilot: pick up the phone, "Good afternoon, this is Margaret"

"Buenos Dias Margarita, soy veronica de la ofecina de...." at high speed and pitch

What? who? when? where? MOTHER!

You know
I hate it when people catch me off guard and just start rattling off in spanish
without even a warning
SeRIOUSLY
you could hear
outside of my head
the crrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaattching of the gears grinding to a panicked halt
the despirate griiiiiiiiiiinding to shift from english to spanich
crrrrrrrrrch
ccrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrreeeeeeeeeeeeeeench
CreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACH

"Um, uh, que?"After about 60 seconds of "um's" and "Ok's" I had managed to pul outof neutral and into first again. My head is aching from the exercise of stopping mid thought, shaking out of my editing coma and start thinking and saying things in spanish. Like going from 4th to 1st gear in one shot.
ouch.

need tea and a Darviset
that's the good drugs, no?
or Demerol
Yeah..

Neurosis and a Faberware Pressure Cooker

2006-01-06T00:23:00.000-05:00

I forget, sometimes, how fun/neurotic it is to cook with my mother =)
I had so much fun cooking with her tonight - I'm still learning the fine tuning of cooking brasilian food, so it's nice to work with the expert.
If anything the more we work together, instead of learning more of the craft, I learn more of me. I see the "why's" of what I do, how I chop, how I clean, where things go, how things should be. I didn't get all of her ways, but each culinary adventure is a lesson in Humility (I do more dishes than cooking with Gema), Creativity (Hmmm, sure, let's try it with the pork instead of the chicken) and Quick Thinking (you'd better have that bowl, that knife, that utencil ready for her when she calls for it).
We talk when we cook about... well... what ever suits us, or more like what ever suits Gema =)

It's been such a crazy year, when mom is not tending to her tailoring gig 3 times a week, she's tending to her grandsons 3 other days of the week. Sundays are her days for tending home and my dad. We didn't have much of our outtings: Mom and I would spend a lazy Sunday with each other or I'd sneak out of work to meet her for an afternoon out. I've missed her. When she had to leave in December, I was sad - it's odd for us not to chit chat every day. She was home just in time to miss the Garcia Colon/Belly Virus (she brought me presents =))

So tonight - a stolen evening she shared
I cooked up more than black beans and rice, I cooked up another moment to reminisce on, to remember. She was cranky (Dad's vacuuming skills seem to be falling below standard) but she was fun tonight. Another Gema tale to tell. I'm selfish when it comes to Mom - I share her with freinds, but sometimes I just want Gema Time all to myself.

I'll leave you with a true Gema-ism: Cooking tonight is for a lunch tomorrow I'm sharing with a few coworkers (my bosses too). Mom was preparing one of the dishes on the stove and I was about to start preping the salsa/pico to go with meal. "Mom, I'll start that dicing up the green onions and tomato, I used the olive oil on it right?"
She smiles and says, "Oh, no Maggi, that's ok, I'll do it"
"Mom, I can do it"
[pause] Said with a sweet smile in the most perfect, non Brasilian accent, "No, they'll know I helped and I have a reputation to maintain"
Oh so Gema
She did end up letting me cook some of the meal

It's all shiney!

2006-01-05T10:27:00.000-05:00

it's a lovely new year
new air
new ideas
new adventures!
the last few weeks have been a bit of an adventure - a WHOLE lot of family, a WHOLE lot of food, a WHOLE lot of good news, a WHOLE lot of good friends.

To Recap: with mom traveling and crazy work schedule and a monster strain of stomach and colon affecting virus, none of us had time or energy to brave the malls and cataloges I felt bad that I didn't really get a chance to do some deep thinking or planning and gifts were very much of the practical nature.
But this was the best christmas we've had! What we did give and get were all things that we'll use a ton - I like gifts like that. We ended up spending a great deal of time together, which in the grand scheme, is better than any gift. We watched the boys do what they do, we had family from outside the country come in. it was very comfortable.

New Years was great - The second annual Happy Maggi New Years Party was a hoot IF i do say so myself. Friends that weren't able to make it were there in spirit. The Menu consisted of Shu's first attempt at frying a turkey - yes, FRYING a turkey. Hot Oil, Propane Tank, Fire, Beer and Testosterone - let's just say I demanded a fire extinguisher.

My favorite thing about this party: everyone came and relaxed, we drank, we laughed, took pictures, drank, everyone brought something to munch on (sooo yummy). Since we're all in a money crunch, this was our present to each other. It was the best present! Melly came from Chicago, Adam ventured all the way from Fredneck - I mean Frederick, MD to join us.
We rang in the new year and woke some of my neighbors
We threw pots of water out the door to symbolize throwing out the worries of the year past.
We drank more then went to bed =)
The next morning we had a super yummy breakfast - we all partook of Adam's sticky buns - so tasty. Everyone mildly hungover and in the jammies Santa had left for theam at my house. Shu and Hi live just a block away and they came back for waffles and buns. I was so tickled b/c they came in their jammies and robes - Hi brought her slippers =)

what a lovely end to 2005 and a lovely begining to 2006 =)
I'll have pictures up soon

I'm rambling a bunch today b/c I think so much happened that I really enjoyed I can't share it all =) I'm sure as the regularly scheduled work week returns and the holiday wares are packed away, waiting 11 months to see the sun again, my brain will return to its usual state and I'll have plenty to say! =)

2006 will bring a bunch of new adventures - I'm going on a cruise this month and snorkeling (I have a fear of drowning in open water, so this should be good), I'm going back to Chicago in February, March has not shown it's adventure yet... sneaky little March. I think the plan is to stay cool in the spring and go to Spain in the summer. If that is the case then dropping 50 lbs is foremost the plan for 2006. It's bad enough they see me over there as a spinster, but if I show up pudgy, OI!, i'll never hear the end. Plus, they might line up a few nice young men for me to meet [pause] [insert mad maniackle laughter here]

OH, I have a bet for 2006 - I must have a real date for my company holiday party in Dec of 2006. Not a guy friend, but a Date date - the kind that puts out and not random date that puts out, but a nice guy - boyfriend material. It just seems a waste to get all liquored up and not have a fella to nosh on in the coat closet, no?

ANYWAY - Happy New Adventure Year to all of you ( all 6 of you who read my blog)

Let's have some fun this year!

It's not what you think, dirty brains!

2005-12-25T10:58:00.000-05:00

My boss gave me a lovely pearl necklace for christmas this year
WOW, stunning, I love it.
Now for you dirty brains out there - EW! IT'S MY BOSS! sicko's

He was in China in the Spring and it was there that my strand of black pearls were purchased.
SO COOL
so in fashion for next year too

To top it off, my other boss - She gave me this FABU Kenneth Cole bag - DUDE!
I love me some Kenneth Cole! Black leather... mmmm... Brass Hardware... mmmm.... So much cooler then the purses the other gals in the office have... priceless!

We now return to the not so snotty, not so label lovely (expect for Kenneth Cole), not so materialistic maggi (expect for when it involves Kenneth Cole)

=)

I'm a sucker for a sweet story

2005-12-22T12:59:00.000-05:00

I love stories like this!!!!

Dallas Man Gives Away $5,000 to Servicemen

KILLEEN, Texas - A real-estate developer carrying a sign that read "grateful citizen" passed out $5,000 in $20 bills Wednesday to members of the military and their families.

"I just want to say thank you for your service," Jim Johnson, of Dallas, told the recipients as he shook their hands in a Wal-Mart store in Killeen. "We're safe and secure because of you."

Johnson said in a story in Thursday's Killeen Daily Herald that he and his son Matt drove from Dallas with the hope of meeting as many soldiers as possible. He said Killeen, which is home to Fort Hood, seemed like an obvious choice for finding soldiers and their families.

Killeen is about 130 miles southwest of Dallas.

Johnson held a sign that read, "Grateful citizen. You make my life possible."

Store owners gave him permission to come inside to hand out the money after he had to vacate his post on a corner near the shopping center. He handed out the money in about three hours.

At one point, he shook the hand of a timid military wife, reached into his pocket and found he was out of money, the newspaper reported. His son gave his father the last $20 bill.

Johnson said he was just trying to show some gratitude.

"We all have ways to give back to these families that don't complain and serve," Johnson said. "It's a tough life, and I'm so grateful for what they do."

He promised to come back next year and bring some friends along.

Uber fabu cookies from cookiefest 2005

2005-12-18T14:45:00.000-05:00

Shout out to Lauren H - New Addition to Cookiefest 2005 - this was sooo yummy!!

Pumpkin cookies with icing

Cookies:
1 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
1 cup reg pumkin pack (like Libby's)
1 egg
2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup golden raisins
Cream together shortening, sugar and pumpkin. Add egg and mix well. Mix together dry ingredients and blend with the wet ingredients. Stir in raisins with a spoon. Batter should be fluffy and WILL NOT TASTE GOOD. Bake on ungreased cookie sheet at 375 degrees. Bake 9-12 minutes. Use about 1 TBSP of batter per cookie. Cook until the edges turn brown. Cookies must be fully cooked.

Icing:
3/4 tsp vanilla
3 TBSP real butter
4 tsp milk
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup powdered sugar
Dissolve butter, milk and brown sugar in a saucepan on fairly low heat.Stir in vanilla and powdered sugar and keep warm on lowest heat. Drizzleon cookies while they are still hot on the cookie sheet.

Smokey, fuming, goin to hell

2005-12-12T19:07:00.000-05:00

Ok short history to my shitty past two weeks

Evil Relative spends life is United State with no savings - Evil being she's not really related to us and she hadn't called in 25 years.

2002 ER is having a tough go of it and then taps Only Other Relative in the US (my mom)

Mom bends over backwards to find ER a home, $$, doctors

ER has nice home, nice benies and family (who never offered to help her) back in the mother land, BUUUUUUT no.

ER choose to stay here.

FINALLY after years of monthly trips, hundreds of phones calls, ungrateful behavoir, ER Decides to return.

HOWEVER she needs help to get around so again Mom saves the day.

Mom pays for her ticket, Mom leaves her job and family on 7 days notices for the mother land.

ER - totally ungratefully says the day before the flight "I don't want to go now"

Mom -who for the last 3 years has shown kindness beyond love to ER sweetly says "ER, you have two choices, you can go in the seat next to mine or in the cargo hold"

Needless to say - they arrived, ER is with her family in the motherland and as of today Mom is free of ER.

NOW - the going to hell part: I know ER is older and ill and lives not in reality - I know she is not all the way right and needed help. But she never ever said thank you to my mom. for anything. She would drive my mom batty with crazy requests and calls at all hours of the day. Mom would bring her groceries, help find her a really great home, helped fix her social security. She'd smoke around my mom and dad know they have asthma. Er would critises how Mom was helping. ER knew she was in the shit but still wanted to live the fabu life she had inteh 60's and 70's when she turned a mans head and had anything she wanted. An hour with ER would have my mother fuming. Mom would spend hours with ER at the doctor's or the tax mans office or where ever.

In the last two weeks I helped make arrangements for mom, run errands, help mom get christmas ready (she's not coming back until the 21st), buy want ER needs to travel, make phone calls. Dealt the with Airlines. The whole time my Dad, who is so quiet, informed me of the history of ER and our family, all of it. And Mom and Dad still helped her.
ER had left so many bridges smoking, my mom was the last soul here that would help. ER had lied so much, mistreated so many. She really had no left here who cared about her.

I am hoping and praying on the flight something occured to ER to just say thank you. for a moment to appreciate what my folks did out of love and familial resposibility. Just for a moment. AND that ER will leave my mom that PHAT gold Rolex she refused to sell.

Voila - Me - Hell bound - I'm an evil child =)

I remember ER from when I was younger: she was stunning, had anything she wanted. I have three memories of her all good. I told dad, despite the history, I have to remember those three good days with her. I feel every memory you have and the people around you have of you are noted in your "Book of you" up there in St. Peter's library. I just feel like i need to remember the good things about ER so they'll stay in her book.

Mom will be home soon =) - and she will be free of this weight. ER will be somewhere warmer, where the US $ goes really far and will absolutely not call my mom for stupid stuff anymore b/c the call is too expensive.

Company Holiday Parties

2005-12-12T18:50:00.000-05:00

Ok, I'm not a huge fan, but for politics sake... I'll go.
What drives me batty is a Staff Memeber in our company who seems to not only know everyone who came and didn't come, but will then discuss your absense with your superiors. AND this Staff Memeber will point out the other times you've missed corporate events. THEN this Staff Memeber badger you about it on Monday morning and continue to discuss.

When I missed a dinner [b/c I had promise my choir director and famliy priest I would sing at Christmas mass and would not miss a rehersal,] it was made a huge point I was absent. Several times, so much so that people I don't regularly work with informed me it was a topic of conversation. That particular Staff Memeber brought it to my attention 3 times - on the third time, I said "So-and-so, you know I'm so lucky to be working with you. I've never had coworker care so much for me and my whereabouts. It's great that you think so highly and so much about me"
[deer in head lights] the only description I have for this Staff Memeber's reaction.

Anyway, think they'll miss me on Friday in this?

Even with a lack of sleep...

2005-12-08T10:47:00.000-05:00

I'm reminded of one of my favorite lines in "A Charlie Brown Christmas." I heard this particular bit on the radio this morning and my love for one Miss Lucy Van Pelt was brought to the fore front.

Yes, she's bossy and abrasive. She's opinionated and a little crabby.
I like her! She's got furvur and spunk.

From the 1965 Classic, Ms Van Pelt and Mr Brown are discussing his Christmas woes...

Lucy: I know how you feel about all this Christmas business, getting depressed and all that. It happens to me every year. I never get what I really want. I always get a lot of stupid toys or a bicycle or clothes or something like that.

Charlie: What is it you want?

Lucy: Real estate.

That's my girl

These are a few of my least favorite things...

2005-12-08T01:37:00.000-05:00

When I can't sleep
When I can eat, all i see in sight
I simply remember the things I can't fix
and then I can't SLEEEEEEEEEP AAAALL NIIIIIIIIIGHT.

It's a question that will not have answer: Why do people suck?

The relief is that sometimes, those People move away and you can help them do so. They'll just take what they can and then slap you for not having what they want. Why do People expect everything and do nothing in return. Why can I not just accept that some people are unkind and willingly or not, suck faith and kindness dry to the marrow. I'm an adult, I should have this skill. I'm usually not a downer - but I am a worrier. I want to see the good side, the brighter side

Soon, They'll be home soon and in return we'll have her back
I can't wait to pick her up at the airport and she'll finally be back

I'm sure my relief at sending them back will find me a particularly choice spot in Hell, but I'll have good company =)
And now I'll have that to worry about =) but not for too long.

Stretched

2005-12-05T22:42:00.000-05:00

Help mom with a friend
Help mom's friend with new future
Help dad with mom
Help mom with mom
Help Brother with camera
Help Little Buddies with babysitting
Help Sister-in-law with Brother
Help co-worker with co-worker
Help part time job with success
Help full time job with success
Help strangers with holidays
Help Mom with holidays
Help Church with holidays
Help New Nazi Choir director with Holidays
Help mortgage with payments
Help wallet with holidays
Help Uncle with computer
Help Aunt with Uncle

I'm feeling the bundle of bands, pulled to help, to hold.
I'm honored by those who ask me for help but i'm too stupid to say no
From their view - I'm single, mobile and easily can be where they need me.
From my view - I saw my little condo for 12 hours of the 48 hours that where this past weekend.
Each had to happen this weekend

This coming weekend - I'll sleep til noon, I'll sing the Pie Jesu in a beautiful choir, I'll bake 35000 cavities worth of cookies.
My bands will rest and eat cookies

2005-12-05T13:59:00.000-05:00

Current Mood/Disposition...

Desired Mood/Disposition...

Will explain more later...

Today, the role of blogger will be played by...

2005-11-29T10:57:00.000-05:00

I've been asked to "Guest Blog" - I am both honored and mortified
Honored - no one has ever asked me to do that before
Mortified - What am I going to write?!?!?!?

In my infinite mad skills of sassily writing, I was thankfully able to compose a sonnet of sorts for my friend, mr. mad munkey.

Random

2005-11-28T12:29:00.000-05:00

An engineer was crossing a road one day when a frog called out to him and said, "If you kiss me, I'll turn into a beautiful princess."
He bent over, picked up the frog and put it in his pocket.
The frog spoke up again and said, "If you kiss me and turn me back into a beautiful princess, I will stay with you for one week."
The engineer took the frog out of his pocket, smiled at it and returned it to the pocket.
The frog then cried out, "If you kiss me and turn me back into a princess, I'll stay with you and do ANYTHING you want."
Again the engineer took the frog out, smiled at it and put it back into his pocket.
Finally, the frog asked, "What is the matter? I've told you I'm a beautiful princess and that I'll stay with you for a week and do anything you want. Why won't you kiss me?"
The engineer said, "Look, I'm an engineer. I don't have time for a girlfriend, but a talking frog, now that's cool!"

delayed reaction

2005-11-27T00:36:00.000-05:00

I meant to post the pictures of the two lovelies, brothers, I spent a lovely sunday morning with

Hee hee - ain't they cute? My nephews =)

Oh, you're not talking about Christmas bells...

2005-11-22T14:24:00.000-05:00

As the holidays draw close and family draws near, so many time honored traditions come into mind…
Football filled hours and screams of joy and dislike
Packing up the car to head to the mall for a day of shopping
Tiptoeing through the memories and photo albums of years past
And my favorite…The analysis of my singlehood and general lack of grandchildren

I’ve done some reading today, sparked by an article I saw on MSN and decide to prepare with an arsenal of retorts.
I’ve done some research and I think I’ll keep these in the forefront. Perhaps after the 5th glass of wine, something wittier and family scarring may make it’s way out, but until then…
Join me if you will and please, share your thoughts and wisdom as well – it’s most welcome!

[said with spanish accent] "Ayi Magui, why have you not been married?"

[said with typical Maggi charm] ‘No one has been smart enough to ask me yet’
‘Thank you for recognizing how high my standards are,’
“I’m still hoping for a shot at Miss America”
“Ya know, God’s single”
“I guess it just goes to prove that you can’t trust those voodoo-doll rituals.’”
“One thing at a time. Let me get the sex change first.”
‘Because a couple of years ago I got a great deal on a 50 pound box of condoms, and I want to get my money’s worth.’

The funny thing is, there is no “why” about it, really.
Some folks are single b/c they are mean and suck. Some are single b/c they are too much fun to share with only one person.
I like the people around me, none of which I hold feelings so deep for or have the desire to throw them down and F’em blue.
One day, it’ll stick, if not, I maintain sole ownership and control of the TV remote and I don’t have to think ‘did he fold the bath towels the way I like them to be folded?”

Here is my statement: I'm cool, I'm happy. I'd like someone to canoodle with but I'm not going bargain shopping, you know. I love you all that care =) Thanks. If you would like, you could channel all that love and care into finding me a co-canoodler =)

What?

2005-11-21T14:14:00.000-05:00

I have not much to say today. Which in and of itself is a rare happenstance, tantamount to the frequency in which GW admits he's a jackass.
Really.... no opinions... Shocker, no?
Had a good weekend, got some quality silly time with the nephews (who really are the cutest children ever) well, there is an opinion there but... hung out the Goldeners, saw Harry Potter IV... good movie, Harry, Hermione and Ron are so grown up and cute ... yeah another opinion...
squished some Camelback crickets who have decided to move in with nary a penny for the mortgage... Found my favorite leopard print jammies... that was cool

OH, yeah, so I bought this wee set of 3 christmas tress (2ft, 3 ft, 4 ft) very cute. Last night I decide to go through the box of ornament my mom gave last January. Serious, the box has been in my closet and never a second thought b/c it was past christmas. So I open the box and on top I see the first christmas ornament I ever made, in kindergarten. It's no objet d'arte, but I love that sad little felt thing (picture to come). As I get deeper into the box, I see that my mom has carefully packed an assortment of the Hallmark ornaments we've collected through the years. From 1985, 1980, 1976... I just cried... so many fun memories and crazy christmas'. All of them flooding back. She even packed a few of her very favorite glass ornaments... she has little bells, so delicate, beautiful glass. She only has four of them (my brother got two when he got married). She gave me two of them. =)
This unpacking and remembering reminded me how amazing a year i've had. To me, the passing on of the ornaments is much bigger rite of passage then buying my first home. I don't know how to explain how much it meant to see my mother favorite tokens all wrapped with care, in there little appointed places in the blue box my mother gave me.

huh... I guess I did have something to say =)

It was a dark and creepy night

2005-11-15T23:14:00.000-05:00

OOOOOOo scaaarey fire...
...and our friends have new suits...
...and new facial hair
Oh my, what a suit! Dude where did you get that suit?
Adam is only going to tell us one more time - his mommy made it
Ward likes Adams suit but his is slime proof Tyvek
"But Ward, did you not see may fabulous shoes?"

(that his mommy made for him)
"Adam, that's some mighty fine foot wear..."
"... but look at what I can do!"
SO SCAREY!

Ward's Egyptologist Yalie Hairy Caveman
Raven may require some dental work
Raven shares a photo op. I'm Twister the Movie
Get it? Twister...

farm equipement and animals glued to my chest... never mind
Yeah, we get it =)
I don't think we've had enough to drink, do you?
Hmmmm? have we?
Nope, let's get some more
Michelle doesn't think this is enough to do the trick

I have been a wee tardy with post Halloween pictures - sorry!

Honey, I don't know where you parked the sofa...

2005-11-15T20:40:00.001-05:00

...is it by the automan?

Mr. Edd China is tinkerer of things not meant to be motorized...

"Fastest Furniture
The Casual Lofa, a motorized sofa built by Edd China and David Davenport, has a top speed of 140 km/h (87 mph). Powered by a Mini 1300 cc engine, it is licensed for use on UK roads and is steered by turning a medium pizza pan.
The car sofa started life as a three wheeler with a Mini 850cc as the rear with a Reliant front. The car sofa has now been modified with a Mini 1300 cc engine and four wheels.
The speedy sofa is operated with a medium pizza pan as a steering wheel, a cola can as the foot brake lever, and a chocolate bar to adjust the gears, with front indicators in flower pots and a speedometer attached to the coffee table. The in-car entertainment includes a working black and white television.
Incredibly, the car – which has seating capacity for a driver and two passengers – has covered over 25,750 km (16,000 miles) since it was built."

He's even added new definition to the mobile office:

Way to tinker, Eddy (in the back):

Who says brittish humor is hard to get

2005-11-14T15:03:00.000-05:00

"This photo supplied by Guinness World Records shows Edd China talking to a shopper while driving his way into Guinness World Records book in Henley-upon-Thames, England,Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2005, after engineering what the book calls the largest motorized shopping cart in the world. The 11.4 feet tall, 9.8 feet long and 5.9 feet wide cart was created to celebrate the book's self-proclaimed first ever Guinness World Records Day on Wednesday Nov. 9, 2005. Edd is also currently featured in the Guinness World Records 2006 edition book for his record for the World's Fastest Sofa.(AP Photo/Guinness World Records/Tim Anderson) "

"New York, New York, it's a hell of a town:

2005-11-09T09:07:00.000-05:00

the Bronx is up and the Battery's down. The People ride in a hole in the ground.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK! IT'S A WONDERFUL TOOOOOOWN"
Good ole Gene, Frankie and Jules.

I get to go to NYC! it's for work, and I'll be running around and I won't get to see much... but... I'll be in NYC!
Very excited, I get to ride the Acela train, previously pulled this year from the Amtrak line up due to mechanical issues involving the brakes - so that it and of itself shall be an adventure.
Did you know...
New York City has a population of 8,168,388 people contained within 309 square miles (800 km²), and is the heart of the New York Metropolitan Area, which is one of the largest urban conglomerations in the world with a population of over 22 million.

I'd tell you more about the trip but recently I've been told I talk about my adventures too much (even on my own blog) So, why don't you tell me what I will get to do on my trip =)!
The one who best matches will win a prize! of sorts

And by "PRIZE", I mean "my respect and deepest admiration.

Stupid mortgage bill...

2005-11-07T07:46:00.000-05:00

...do I have to pay it EVERY MONTH?
ludicrus, i tell you

I've been absent and will be a bit this week with a lot of work poop. And I have to work, apparently, b/c the mortgage doesn't pay itself... AND it has to be paid every month? what's up with that? =)

see you on friday - Much Love, Good Wish =)

Avian Day Dream

2005-11-02T13:43:00.000-05:00

Birdies, budgies, Wee little things
Walking Dancing, sing sing sing

How can you not smile?
giggle just a bit
simple, sweet creatures
just lovely as they sit

I love these little buddies
going on with out a care
Can you while away an hour
do nothing, do you dare?

Can you enjoy a swing set
the slide, the jungle gym?
Can you make a silly face?
A paper hat worn on a whim?

I would like to be a birdie
hopping, pecking, flitting, glide
For moment today, I think,
I'll put human things aside.

Do I have to title this post or do i want to?

2005-10-28T12:11:00.000-04:00

"Want is a growing giant whom the coat of Have was never large enough to cover. "

- Emerson

Given the former, then...

"Need is the underpants continuely riding up, reminding you it's there"

- Garcia

Do I have enough and did I want it? did I need it? Do I have too much and do I want to be rid of it? do I need to be rid of it? furniture, clothes, pasta, sling back mules, education, happiness, joy, contentment, friends, family, travel, memories, cd's, techno gadgets, satisfaction, weight, pain, memories, ex-boyfriends, bills, sadness, furniture, clothes, food, cruel people, stess,

I've learned a few things about my coats. They reside in that closet I forget is there. Some fit fine, some make way to the Good Will, some to the firey pits of Hell from whence they came.

This one time... At Macaroni Grille...

2005-10-26T17:47:00.000-04:00

So yesterday, I went to pick up lunch for my boss and a few folks de le Office at le Mac Grille - as I am known to do rarely as I am not a pack horse. Given my new found joie d'vive, I ventured into the scattered foggy drizzle remnants of Hurricane Wilma.

I was looking my usually sassy self but for some reason I decided to wear a bright Green blouse (also as I am known to do rarely) with my black suit AND my favorite boots. I could fight crime in these boots, as I wish I was known to do. But instead I will fight the evils of twice rolled jean hems and the perilous wares of Jaquoline Smith a la Kmart.

I walk in, wallet in hand, and proceed to bump into a tall nice looking fellow with tragically hemmed slacks (yes, i noticed that within seconds). Excuse me, sorry (flash a smile, bat the lashes)

He says with some aplomb, "Hi! Are YOU who I'm supposed to have lunch with?"
I said, "Sadly, no, but I could be" (reprise of the flash smile and batty eyelashes)
He smiled back and THEEEEEEEEEEEEEEN his blind date showed up. (We won't go into her tragically appointed outfit, therefore her fitting title of "Blind" date)

C'est La Vie, n'est pa?

tick tock tick tock

2005-10-26T10:30:00.000-04:00

"it's time" - heard in many ways to mean many things
It's linear, intangible; It's a noun, a verb and an adjective; a measure, a duration, an occasion, an age, a season, a tempo, a turn
We lose it, find it, have it, give it, share it, track it
It's a dichotomy - it is finite and infinite; defines and indefinite
It's contradictory - it stops but still ongoing, remembered but forgotten
It's now, later, before, brief, soon, often, occasionally, rarely, never
There is never enough but there is way too much
Global, local, seasonal, atomic, biologic
We save it to have it, but never seem to have enough
A moment can be nano or endless

I take my time to do somethings, and in no time at all, do others
I take moments and make them last forever; I have hours, days I've forgotten
I like the moments best: standing the dark anticipating the notes from a guitar, sitting in a chair as tiny precious eyes open on me for the first time, deafening seconds of laughter with friends old and new, Saturday mornings just as the waffles come out of the iron, the realization of the first few successful seconds on your first bike.

IT'S TIME! tell me, what's your time?

Not enouch RAM in my mental Tivo

2005-10-21T00:49:00.000-04:00

It's very late. I'm very tired.
tonight...Bullet the Blue Sky... Pride... EL-E-VA-TION!
Tonight for the first time in my life I got to see U2 live.
The ticket was a miracle; My metro ride was short; My arrival was timely as I got the pink wrist band to stand in the center circle - 2 meters from Bono and The Edge

as I stood there between the opening act and the Boys, I saw a dad and his 8 year old son, a mom and her 4 year son, a Grandfather, Son/Dad and Grandsons/sons. Dead heads, Jocks, Queens, Twinkies, D&G Bag Girls, Teeny Boppers, Dorks, Geeks, Studs, Barbies, Blue Hairs, Straight Laced, Surfers, Skaters, Playah Haters, Preps. 5 year olds, 21 year olds, 16 year olds, 48 year olds, 34 year olds, 63 year olds. Every shape, race and creed. All these people, all in one space, none remembering the admin's remarks about dress code. Definately not wondering if the Senates currently ready to fully vet Harriet Miers.
the lights went down
the guiter started
all eyes on one man, then two, then three, then Bono
the lights
the words
I don't have enough RAM in my mental Tivo to remember all of it.
I just know that I smiled like a fool
I screamed like a school girl
I jumped like a drop of water on a hot skillet
Meters away from a band that I've wanted to see for years and years. I went by myself and I didn't care. I love every minute of it, not loved, love every minute. I think my favortie moments were when Bono would stop singing but the crowd kept going or when The Edge would start pinging in a few notes and the crowd would start singing before Bono did.
I love every minute.

So just two weeks after my birthday and my 34th year of doing new things and I've marked three things off my list
#1 Visit somewhere I've never been - Chicago
#2 See a big concert - U2
#3 Not to be afraid to do things on my own - See #2

I am so ready for bed now
I have no words more to describe last night without quelling it's actuality.

More from the Chicago Land area

2005-10-20T13:44:00.000-04:00

city in a bean

not sure where this is, but I liked it

Me and the Bus of my People...

...and apparently my own fencing and potty company

Mel play Godzilla

Canadia Jeff and Melly Mel

Somewhere between Chicago and Heaven...

2005-10-17T22:35:00.000-04:00

Flying into O'Hare at 10:50 PM

City ready for Halloween - Downtown Chicago

Fall Garden in Millennium Park

Top the Sears Tower facing north east

Giant Shiney Jelly Bean in the Park

Wee Trees in the Park

Mel and Michael - BFFE!

Under the L

Roosevelt Stop on the L

Very tall - near Navy Pier

Seriously... it was in the Sears Tower Promo Video.

Gangsters, Pizza and so much wind

2005-10-14T10:08:00.000-04:00

No, I'm not talking about my Godfather Movie Marathon/Dinner with Shu.
I'm very excited - I'm going to Chicago!

Thanks to my miles card I will be able to fly out tonight to see The Flea, who is learning to poke people in the eyeball.
I've never been to Chicago - my only adventures into the middle states (which really are just one big state to me) and past the Mississippi River have taken me to San Fran once and Lake Tahoe twice. Hurray Chicago!
John Belushi was born there in 1949, followed in life and career by his brother James in 1954.

In 2000, Chicagoians recycled ~296,425 TONS of glass, paper, batteries, cement, wood and more.

Walt Disney, creator of the cartoon character Mickey Mouse, was born in Chicago on December 5, 1901.

The world's longest street is Chicago's Western Avenue.

The term "Jazz" was coined in Chicago in 1914.

Other Chicago Firsts and Inventions:
Steel frame skyscraper, softball, elevated railway, zipper , daytime TV soap operas, McDonald's restaurant, electric iron and cooking range, grain reaper, reactor to produce electricity from atomic energy, bifocal contact lens, winding watch, and the Twinkie.