Hellofachick

formspring.me

2010-02-23T14:09:00.001-05:00

Ask me anything http://formspring.me/shumpy76

Brown Eyed Girl.....

2008-05-29T10:58:00.004-04:00

This picture didn't turn out as well as I had hoped because you can't really the colors that make up my brown eyes. There is a lot of green in there, but for all intents and purposes, my eyes are brown. The green comes out when I'm really excited or really pissed. Guess I'm none of those things this HNT!

HNT

2008-05-22T11:12:00.002-04:00

I'm using another old pic of one of my tats for HNT this week.....let's all hope that by next week my creative juices will be flowing once again!

HNT

2008-05-15T15:11:00.002-04:00

It's not based on this week's theme, but I got new glasses so I'm posting that. Thanks for the idea, Shumpy!!!

Promises, promises......

2008-03-28T10:45:00.002-04:00

You know what annoys the shit out of me? Besides the #1 thing on my list which is lying.......is promising everything and delivering nothing. These are just two of the things that ruined my marriage, i.e. the sore spot for these particular things. But, of late, it's the promising and delivering thing that really pisses me off. I'm by nature a planner. I like to know, in a round about way, what my plans are. Don't get me wrong, spontaneity is a wonderful thing! However, when a person is constantly telling me, ".....when we do (enter whatever)......." or ".......let's do this (enter any designated time/place)....", and then does not even make an effort to deliver, I tend to start to get annoyed. I am not naive and believe everything everyone tells me. I'm old enough to know better, but would it kill someone to at least try? Perhaps my standards are too high. Perhaps I should lower them..............FUCK NO! I am worth so much more and I won't lower my standards. I shouldn't have to. People who supposedly care should want to put forth the effort.
I'm not in the habit of ranting on my blog, but I'm PMS-ing and really getting irritated at the fact that the shit-hole that my life has become is completely out of my control. Perhaps that is the reason I am bitching about this. The need for some control. My estranged husband has hid my truck and I cannot locate it. He said he put the papers in the mail........unless he mailed them from Afghanistan, they should have been here, I am sick of the games. Sick of the lies. Sick of others promising to spend time with me and not doing so. And there is always a "good" excuse. Not good enough for me, but apparently good enough for them.
OK, enough of that for the time being. Maybe someone out there will read this and give me some insight into the psyche that accounts for this behavior. Please............anyone?

HNT again!

2008-03-27T11:04:00.002-04:00

Happy Easter HNT!

2008-03-20T13:54:00.003-04:00

i feel like an over-sized Easter egg! :) Happy HNT and Happy Easter everyone!

Angels

2008-03-07T14:10:00.002-05:00

I am not exactly sure how to verbalize this but there are angels. They come in all shapes, forms, creeds, and usually when you don't expect it. It is only after the fact that you realize that you have come in contact with one.
Mine is my best friend, Jen. After 25 years of friendship, she has proven to many that she is, indeed, an angel. She listens to everyone, withholding judgment and only offering her support and advice. You never have to hear the, "I told you so..." or the rest of it. She manages to not only offer her over-burdened shoulders to lean on or cry on, but to offer to assist in any way, whether it is to formulate a plan to help you out of your rut or to just lend her ear.
I don't have a great deal of true friends, those that would drop anything and everything, regardless of time or location, and help you in any way. But the few that I do have are infinitely better than a ridiculously large circle of "friends" who always seem to be unavailable when a crisis strikes.
So, thank you, Jen. You are my angel. You do what you do, not out of obligation or some other self-serving purpose, but because you love.

Happy Early St. Patrick's Day

2008-03-06T21:22:00.000-05:00

HNT!!!!

2008-03-06T07:47:00.006-05:00

i don't have a mac.....and i hope that does not exclude me from the daily theme.....a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do!
this is an old HNT submission that never made it on because of my stupid camera....so i added it again......don't hold it against me! unless......never mind! :)

Just makes me laugh........Muppets rule!

2008-03-05T08:13:00.000-05:00

The Muppet Matrix - Watch more free videos

I will survive!!!!

2008-03-05T08:12:00.000-05:00

WTF?

2008-03-03T16:33:00.002-05:00

So, I know my little heading says to not sweat the small stuff. All fine and good in theory, however, when the small stuff piles up into a big gianormous pile of shit, I think it's fine and good to sweat it! I mean, honestly, who the hell did I piss of in such a huge way to have to deal with what I deal with on a daily basis of late? Or perhaps it is some horrible way of paying off some "debt" I incurred in another life.
Divorce is no f-ing picnic. Let me tell you. Even in the best of circumstances, it's an expensive hassle both financially and emotionally. Now the emotional toll is more of an internal dialogue that basically makes you question what you did wrong when the blame lies on the other party completely. However, in the middle of the night, when the thoughts are keeping you awake and attempting to count the rotations of the ceiling fan, that is little comfort.
And, at some point, you decide to move on with your life. Oh wait, now you can include the boatloads of baggage that you now carry and people say to themselves, "That girl cannot be normal! Run away.....!!!!". At least that is what I think.
I'm not usually in a ranting kind of mood however, this does seem to have some therapeutic value. I used to write my thoughts down in my journals.....old fashioned like with pen and paper. Of late, though, that has been little comfort and I have run out of journals to write in. So, I resort to the e-forum of ranting and raving, the blog. Not that anyone reads this, but somehow, in some small way, just seeing shit in black and white makes it a little easier to take.

Surprises

2008-03-01T16:34:00.002-05:00

Life is full of surprises. Some good, some bad. I like good surprises, not bad ones. Like when someone says they will do something and SURPRISE, they don't . Promise the world, deliver nothing.
Then there are the good surprises. The ones that just make you sit back and go, "What did I do to deserve this?". No need for elaboration. Perhaps that will come at a later date.
Sufficed to say, I'm on the mend and that's a wonderful thing.

Tuesdays

2008-02-26T08:56:00.002-05:00

Due to some stomach virus I seemed to have picked up somewhere, I did absolutely nothing yesterday so today is make-up day when it comes to doing what needs to be done. Need to wash the dogs. Trina keeps rolling in the dirt in the back and then she wonders why I don't want her to lie in the bed! Duh........ick.
Laundry has piled up due to my celebratory activities this past weekend. Partying has its pros and (obvious......have you seen that pic?) cons. So, today it's back to work. I know, fascinating stuff! I live the most exciting life of anyone! Don't be jealous!
So, that's the plan for the day. I need to get in my spare room and work in it but I need help getting some of the stuff out before I can even really go through the stuff in there. It's become a storage room instead of a bedroom. It needs serious help! It's definitely on the short list of things I need to get done, no time like the present!

Finally.....

2008-02-25T11:58:00.003-05:00

OK, here they are. Yes, there are only two of them. But, it's kind of like a before and after kind of thing. Good god......thank you Jen for being my driver or I would have ended up passed out in the parking lot! :)

Too funny for words.........

2008-02-25T10:08:00.002-05:00

Birthday dinner #2

2008-02-24T13:29:00.004-05:00

Last night was celebration number 2 for the Hellofachick birthday weekend. Went to a phenomenal Japanese restaurant in Tradition. The sushi was great, the duck incredible, and the company - my family - better than any other. So, obviously I had a good time. Thankfully it was not a late night since I was already exhausted.
Then, tonight is the final culmination with dinner at my brother's house. That's him. He took all the other pics since my Dad is the worst photographer! So, after tonight, I can look back and have incredible memories of this weekend. Considering everything else going on in my life, this was a welcome distraction. Definitely puts everything in perspective. What doesn't kill us makes us stronger, right?
Still waiting for Jen to email me the pics from Friday evening when I was WAY over-served. Obviously I am anxious to get them!
One more pic....the one at the top.......this one I personally hate but it is what it is!

Better than it was........

2008-02-23T15:04:00.003-05:00

They came this morning to fill in the gaping holes in my yard and now the worst part is over. The next step is having to sod the back now. Great. Add that to the ever-growing expense list!
So, as promised, here is the backyard as it is now. Hard to see the giant mound that is now the drain field but I'm posting them anyway!

The day after...............

2008-02-23T08:42:00.006-05:00

It never ceases to amaze me how in a relatively short amount of time, involving cheap booze and a lack of food, you become intoxicated! Of course, I jest.
We started out at the Mojo Room, which is for a little younger crowd. That wasn't the problem. The a/c was cranked to approximately 60 degrees. And that's ok when there are hundreds of sweaty kids dancing around and drinking. However, for the elderly (us, since we are def. not the demographic of this particular club!) we chill a little easier and after a few free drinks, took the show on the road to our old standby and favorite, Harper's.
How to describe Harper's.....think of Cheers, add a blue tint from the smoke, no one in there is nearly as attractive since this is real life and not a television show, but it is the place where you can go, no matter how long it's been, and still know the bartenders, still have decent, salt-of-the-earth people to help you pick out songs on the jukebox. Jennifer and I have spent many a night in many a club, piano bar, tiki bar......you get the picture! But, we always come back to Harpers. I think you could actually show up in your pajamas......like boxers and a t-shirt.....and you would still be viewed as fashion-forward. We love that place!
So, birthday celebration #1 was a success, albeit a tad early when it came time to go home. Blame the old chick who can't drink like I used to. Again, that may be a good thing!
I don't remotely have all the pics since everywhere was as dark as a witch's lair and no amount of photography trickery was going to work. However, the ones Jen took, or rather random people in the bar took of the two of us, should be good. Just waiting for her to email them to me!
Tonight's celebration consists of this incredible Japanese restaurant out in Tradition with my Dad, his friend, my brother and his wife and I am looking forward to it. Tomorrow, the three day festival this has become involves going to my brother's and having dinner with him, Xiu Li, and Mom. Mom has promised me a carrot cake which is my favorite!
So, the pics I will post will be of some of my gifts and as as soon as I receive more, they will be posted as well! There will be pics tonight but perhaps not as entertaining as last night's!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!!

2008-02-22T14:51:00.002-05:00

Yes, I'm not only back, but tootin' my own horn about my birthday. Going out tonight so I plan on lots of drunken debacherous (is that a word?) photos to post ASAP! :)
Infinite thanks to Shumpy who posted my HNT pic since I was unable to do so. Also, thanks for making my birthday awesome. You are the man and I know, since that's how you roll.
So, need a nap since I never got enough sleep last night and there's nothing worse than celebrating your birthday yawning before you do shots! Esp at my age!

Half Nekkid Thursday

2008-02-21T12:12:00.003-05:00

Today's HNT has an island theme in hopes of a Florida Jimmy Buffett show soon.

Internet issues

2008-02-20T10:00:00.003-05:00

Hey y'all Shumpy here posting for Hellofachick. She's having internet problems today. So I'll be doing the posting for her for a bit, as needed.

Backhoes and piles of dirt........

2008-02-18T12:23:00.003-05:00

Today began the construction on my new drain field. For those of you not living in the sticks like me and who don't know what it's like not to have city water and sewer, it's a huge pain the the ass. not to mention expensive. But, after years of use, things break. The joys of home ownership!

I'm going to post a few pics because the sight of a backhoe in my driveway is actually funny, especially if you had any idea how narrow and weird my driveway is!

Anyway, things are good here. I'm happy in a way I haven't been in........well I can't remember. My birthday is Friday. I have wonderful friends and family. I'm as giddy as a school girl. Lots of reasons that shall remain unmentioned since it's no one's biz but mine. However, a suppose a lot has to do with me figuring out what I want. I suppose that's all a challenge for anyone. Kind of like figuring out what you want to do when you grow up. Easy in theory, but harder once you are thrown into this big, bad world.

I need to find a home for Delilah, my min. potbellied pig. Petunia isn't going anywhere. But I can't deal with this pig in the house biz since she's the equivalent of a two-year-old walking around with a diaper and a bad attitude. I'm constantly cleaning up after her. It's a losing battle. I just want to make sure she has a good home. I tried putting her outside with Petunia but that didn't go over so well. It wasn't Petunia with the problem, it was Delilah who is 60 lbs., not 200! Go figure.

Anyway, I think I'm going to find something to eat. Lunchtime here and I'm starving. Later! :)

Race day!!!

2008-02-17T14:06:00.004-05:00

Waiting for this to begin is torture! Go, Jr.!
Gonna be a good race.

Friday night.....

2008-02-15T21:40:00.003-05:00

So, I'm sitting here on a Friday night doing nothing except programming my new cell phone. Such excitement.....how I do it I don't know! I am, however, looking forward to next Friday which is my birthday so I'm hoping to get my ass out of the house and have a good time.
Last year's b-day bit the big one. I basically didn't have one....well, I had one, but did nothing for it. That was not my choice!
Not the longest post in history. Still trying to catch up on some sleep. Someone has been keeping me up the past week yakking on the phone! I am NOT complaining one bit. It's a very good thing.
I will write more tomorrow. I am hurt no one said one thing about my HNT pic!
*sniff*

Valentine's Day HNT!

2008-02-13T23:20:00.003-05:00

Wow, showing a little more than I bargained for but I'm not even half nekkid! So, enjoy!
Why do this? Why not?

Never cease to be surprised!

2008-02-13T08:01:00.003-05:00

So, I'm sitting here and emailing and texting and im'ing like the loser I feel like yesterday. Anyway, finally heard from my friend Shumpy in TX. We chatted online and then talked for three hours on the phone. I felt like I was 15. And my point to all this is that I have missed my friends so much. And having to explain why I basically disappeared and whatever is not an easy thing. Good thing that people are extremely understanding and have been so supportive and wonderful.
I'm sure I sounded like the wicked witch bitching about things but he just listened patiently.
See, we have "known" one another for a while now but have never met in person. Mostly due to the distance between TX and FL. However, he happened to be at the Jimmy Buffett concert in 2006 and we didn't even know. Oh, to go back in time.
Thanks, Shump for taking the time. You're the best!

Who cares what the title is on this???

2008-02-12T12:26:00.000-05:00

So, another day and certainly not another dollar. This situation is ridiculous. But at least I get plenty of time to contemplate things and get back to myself which is the basic reason I am not in my marriage anymore. When you lose yourself, you have nothing to offer the other person and if someone knows how to not do that, I would love the input!
I am starting to figure out what I need in order to get back to me. Definitely not something that happens overnight. But I will get there. I always land on my feet.

Life changes too quickly......

2008-02-11T17:23:00.000-05:00

So, yes, it's been a long time since I have taken the time to write anything on my blog, and there really is no excuse other than laziness.
Let's see, the last thing was most likely how happily married I was and that I was some warped Cinderella but apparently I forgot all about those damn shoes and I'm now separated from my husband. What happens next, they don't hand out a manual for that kind of thing so I can't begin to say.
I have my two dogs, he took the other dog. I have my house and that's about all. However, I suppose I do have a shred of self-respect although it's lonely but that will pass. Kind of the pull yourself up by the bootstraps thing. You know?
That's the update. I will write more later since I don't sleep too much of late. It's strange sleeping in an empty bed with the exception of my dogs and they tend to hog the covers......hey, it's no different than sleeping with a man! :)
And don't worry, I am not going to turn into some man hater. That's just not me.

Another week

2007-04-23T11:25:00.000-04:00

So, C (husband) and I did a thing for the HSTC this weekend for the Girl Scouts and we volunteered to take Petunia, my precious pig, for show and tell. Well, he (C) has been telling everyone that she's about 65 pounds. Well, being that I'm the one that plays with her and feeds her rotundness every day, I knew better. So, we have to get said pig into our Tahoe to get to the event. Iggy and Lola, our iguanas, were already to go, they are a travellin' pair, I tell ya! We take them everywhere and obviously, weight with them is not an issue.

But, I digress! So, Petunia, who HATES anything resembling a harness or leash has to be lifted into the back of our truck. I laugh now but no one was laughing on Saturday morning. There was a lot of squealing however and not in a "Deliverance" kind of way either! We hoisted her into the back and even covering the back in plastic (she tends to poop when she is in the truck) it was not a 1/4 mile before she let loose and so the remaining 30 miles we drove with eau de farm sinking into our clothes.

She did great with the kids (she likes to bite them because she doesn't like them!) and when it was all said and done, we wanted to weigh her because my husband was finally convinced that she's a porker. Keep in mind she is a 9 month old potbellied pig that we adopted from the humane society as Animal Control picked her up as a stray.

We thought we could get her in the wagon behind the golf cart and drive her to the building so we could weigh her. Nope, not happening. Thankfully, with the help of two AC officers, we got her on the scale. (insert drum roll...........) 132 POUNDS! Holy pig, Batman!

She is now on a diet!

My loving husband installed a fabulous faucet in the kitchen yesterday since the previous one which was 20 years old was completely shot due to the great well water we have. I've never been so happy in my life. Doesn't take much these days! Thank you, honey! You are the best!

I posted some pics from Saturday and yesterday taken with my BlackBerry. Should have all the kids including the iguanas on the porch taking a dip in the hot tub that is not hot due to a shot heater, but most loved it, only Sam who is blind in one eye didn't like it a bit. Lola also was not into swimming and sunk like a rock when I put her in. We are hoping that she's preggers and will soon have lots of eggs!!!

So, that's it for now. Gotta get a new dryer. The motor in this one causes it to sound like a jackhammer so I have to get all the drying done before Chris gets home since it drives him up a wall and I don't blame him.

Enjoy the pictures!

Virginia Tech Tragedy

2007-04-16T14:29:00.000-04:00

I don't have much to say about what happened this morning at Virginia Tech that has not already been said by the press however, the only thing that comes to my mind is that my heart goes out to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives as well as those who have been injured. It is a sad societal marker when something like this happens on what feels like a regular basis.

Monday, monday......

2007-04-16T11:32:00.000-04:00

So, I don't know what the heck is going on with the weather, but it's freezing here! We finally had some rain yesterday but not nearly enough and then it got VERY cold last night. It's April, for pete's sake! Last week it was 90 degrees and now if it's past 55 degrees it's time to turn the a/c back on again! The poor iguanas are freezing again. No wonder they are in a foul mood. At least the pig is a lot tougher when it comes to temperature changes.
Taxes are due tomorrow. Good thing ours were done months ago. So, today I am in the process of finishing up the thank you notes and cleaning the house.
Oh, and we now need a new dryer. The motor on this one is on it's last leg. Add that to the ever-growing list of things we need and can't afford.
"Meet Joe Black" is on tv so I'm going to take a break and watch it while I eat my lunch. That reminds me that I need to go on a diet. I am determined to lose 20 pounds since I am fat. I took one look at our wedding pics and decided that I am too plump for my taste so it's time for slimmin' down. Oh joy. I can hardly wait.
Tomorrow is Amie's birthday (sister in law) so we will be going out to karaoke to celebrate with her and get her drunk! :) Isn't that what family's for?

Easter already!!

2007-04-06T12:13:00.000-04:00

Hard to believe that it is already Easter weekend! Yes, since the holidays I have been buried up to my neck in wedding planning, but goodness, this year is flying by!

I am currently still up to my neck in writing our thank you notes to all our friends and family who were so thoughtful and generous to us on our wedding.

We finally got rain last night. I can't tell you the last time when I was able to fall asleep to the wonderful sound of raindrops on the skylight in our bathroom. It was heavenly although apparently we were sleeping so soundly that when Chris' on call phone went off due to an emergency (twice!) neither one of us heard a thing until this morning. Not a good thing!

Now it is a rarity for the phone to go off during the middle of the night but when it does, it's an emergency that requires Chris' immediate attention and usually a trip to HSTC in the middle of the night. Hey, it goes with the job! Anyway, he took care of what he could when he got to work this morning.

So, I have been seriously thinking of going back to school to do something different. At the moment, I am enjoying the fact that I don't have to work thanks to Chris but at some point, I will have to re-enter the work force. When this happens, it would be nice to have a career that I am excited about, hence the going back to school idea. I need to do a little more research and see what interests me.

We have a new iguana, Worf, that we brought home last week. He's pretty beaten up from the females that were sharing the cage with him at his previous home so he's got his own area with Sam, our other female, on the porch and he seems to like it. That is as much as a 6' injured iguana with a really bad attitude can like anything. He's never been very domesticated so Chris is working with him a little at a time so I can eventually get closer to him since he scares the crap out of me. He gets Chris with his tail on a regular basis and leaves quite a welt when he tries to defend himself. He has a really badly injured toe that we are hoping won't fall off. I taped it the other day and he seems to be doing ok with it, however, I don't know if I got the tape on it in time. I will take some pics of him and post them on here. Will do them with Sam in the picture so you can see the disparity in size between the two of them.

OK, back to writing my thank you notes. My hands are cramping which is why I take breaks to type and do something else with my hands other than hold a pen and write thank you notes which, to me, are all starting to sound the same! Aaarrrrggghhh.......hard to make them sound original. Any ideas would be helpful!

Finally!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-04-03T13:37:00.000-04:00

Here we are! Finally married and all the stress and planning was well worth it. The ceremony by the river was perfect. Florida weather actually cooperated! The ceremony went by too quickly but everything was exactly as it should have been.
This is Chris and I right after we were married and before we started drinking! You should see the pictures of the cake cutting!
Anyway, I have hundreds of thank you notes to get out and a house to clean so I'm gonna get right back to it but I thought I better post this ASAP! Email me if you want the link to the others.

T Minus 24 hours.....

2007-03-31T12:57:00.000-04:00

So, the next time I post I will be married. I am SO ready for all this stress to be over with. Last night was my bachelorette party and I certainly made the most of it. It was only my best friend Jennifer, but it was perfect. Went to one of our old stomping grounds....a lovely hole in the wall bar filled with great people and a jukebox! What more could you ask for?
This morning was a little rough. I do remember having to be walked to the house from Jen's car last night when she dropped me off and Chris laughing at me but I have recovered and none too soon since I will be doing it again tomorrow! No mixing though. Gets ya every time!
So, tonight, I have to abandon my home and go to Jen's since Chris and I decided to be a little traditional and not see one another until the ceremony tomorrow. I hate not sleeping in my bed. Thank God for Valium!
I promise to write longer posts next week when I have recovered from temporary wedding madness.
Now I gotta go and get hitched! Yee haw! :)

2 Days

2007-03-30T01:52:00.000-04:00

So as I type this on my new crackberry it occurs to me that in 48 hrs all this stress will be over! It is worth it and I will share the pics.but I need sleep now! More later!

12 days and counting.....

2007-03-21T18:53:00.000-04:00

Yes, only twelve more days until I get married. And I still have a list as long as my arm to complete before Chris and I can officially get hitched.
My grandfather passed away this past Sunday at age 91. Although I miss him terribly, he lived an extraordinary life and that was reflected in all the people who came to pay their respects. The hardest part of the service was the Hononr Guard folding the flag that draped his coffin and then when they presented it to my mom with the thanks of a grateful nation. There wasn't a dry eye.
I wish he had been able to come to my wedding but he was too frail.
So, the dress is ready......it fits perfectly which is a miracle since David's Bridal is notorious for screwing things up. My tiara is ready. All I need is flip flops and figure what I'm going to do with my hair!
I know it's been a while since I have blogged, I was in the hospital for 6 days after a very serious asthma attack so I lost a week there.
Anyway, this is short since I'm in the process of writing some thank you notes. I shall post more later and put the pictures up there as soon as I get them! :)

Arrivals and such........

2007-02-09T22:08:00.000-05:00

Today, for the few minutes I was actually home, I checked the mail and found that my tiara had been delivered! Mail from Hong Kong doesn't take too long at all! Anyway, it's perfect and I can't wait to wear it!
Then we checked our email and our wedding rings have been mailed as well! Another thing that I cannot wait to try them on!
So, I'm experimenting with this My Space thing and it's so far nothing to write home about but I have been able to find a lot of people on there that I ha lost touch with over the years and it is nice to catch up with them. Other than that, there is no use of other than to keep the youth of America pining away in their chairs. My user name on there is the same: Hellofachick should you decide to stop by to chat!

TOP TEN TIPS..........From your pet!!!!!

2007-02-05T04:47:00.000-05:00

10. My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years. Any separation from you will be very painful.

9. Give me time to understand what you want of me.

8. Place your trust in me - it is crucial for my well being.

7. Don't be angry with me for long, and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, and your entertainment. I HAVE ONLY YOU.

6. Talk to me, even if I don't understand your words. I understand your voice when it's speaking to me.

5. Be aware that however you treat me, I'LL NEVER forget it.

4. Before you hit me, remember that I have teeth that could easily crush the bones in your hand, but I choose not to bite you.

3. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been out in the sun too long, or my heart may be getting old and weak.

2. Take care of me when I get old. You, too, will grow old.

AND THE #1 TOP TIP FROM YOUR PET IS ...Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say, "I can't bear to watch it," or "Let it happen in my absence." Everything is easier for ME if you are there. Remember that I love you.

Monday

2007-02-05T04:14:00.000-05:00

It is Monday again and that means back to work. The weekend went entirely too fast! Petunia the pig did, however, get her new home built in the backyard so we have our porch back once again. That is after the hazmat team disinfects it so we can enjoy our fish and turtles, get the hot tub working, etc. I do admit that I miss having her on the other side of the door, but she (Petunia) was becoming the Houdini of getting out of confined spaces like the porch with a locked door! So, it was time. C did an incredible job of designing and putting together Petunia's new pig penthouse and we hope that she likes it and feels comfortable there. She's so young and it is hard to remember that because she is so smart!

So, when we go check on her before work we can see how she did last night. She was very happy to get her blanket that her Dad brought her. It was a tad chilly last night and we didn't want her to feel like she was banished to the outdoors without any of her things. As soon as the blanket was down on the ground, Petunia was right on top of it and she was making her happy sounds.

Next is the iguana showcase! We finally have all the materials to make it and I think that Iggy, Lola, and Sassy will be much happier in there once it is finished. I know that Iggy will be happy to have his ladies back as he has been in "quarantine" because he has a little to learn in the romancing department! This usually results in him getting bit by the females and looking like he was on the losing end of a bar fight! Poor Iggy! He is such a great iguana. I will post some more pictures of him as well as his ladies on here so you can see what I am talking about. We also have to build a large iguana holding area in the back yard because we will be getting more iguanas, however they are not as domesticated as the three we have roaming around the house at any given time. It definitely is funny when someone comes to visit our home for the first time and they see a 5' red iguana (Iggy) sitting next to the entertainment center sleeping. Usually the first words out of the person's mouth are, "Is that thing real?". Yes, he is real, no he does not bite unless you smell like fruit, and we are not in the habit of keeping dead reptiles around the house! Yuck!

C works so hard and then has to come home to build more animal areas for our ever-growing zoo. It is certainly not easy and I try to help as much as possible but some things I am just not able to do! I do try to keep them clean, keep their homes clean, mediate any incidents that may occur, keep them happy and fed, the usual things a Mom does for her kids! That's how we view every one of our animals! They are great! Only a few are being fostered for the HSTC and that is because they cannot be kept in their regular facility because of temperature, amount of care, etc.

OK, going back to sleep! I just got up for a drink because I was coughing so much. I am trying the patch for my quitting smoking and it seems to be better than the lozenges........for me at least. Although I still feel like I can't quite shake this virus or whatever it is!! I do have to say that I have not had one craving for a ciggie since I put the patch on which was somewhere around 5 pm last night. And especially this morning, I thought I would crave one but I can't breathe as it is so I don't think that is conducive to craving a cigarette! C is doing awesome as well as far as not smoking around me and being VERY supportive! I know that I can't do this without him. My biggest thing is that I will gain weight and that scares the s*&t out of me! I'm sure C would agree with me! Nothing worse than envisioning your bride walking down the aisle (or dock in our case) and she's 20 lbs. heavier than she was before. So, I'm trying to keep track of what I eat and keep active.......which would be easier if I can get over this flu or whatever it is.

Finally! The Elusive Engagement Announcement!

2007-02-04T05:29:00.000-05:00

So, after many, MANY emails to the local newspaper requesting that they put the engagement announcement in as soon as humanly possible since we don't have too much time and all that, I received an email stating that it would be in this Sunday's paper! FINALLY!
I woke up this morning to check and to clean our computer desk since I think a family of hobbits has taken up residence in it, checked the local paper, and there is was in all it's glory! And, being that this is a very small town and people have nothing else to do, even on Super Bowl Sunday, than to check the Lifestyle section of the paper to see who is getting married and who has gotten married. Pathetic, yes! Am I as guilty as the next person, YES!!!
So, I'm up very early this morning and I will be going to Dunkin Donuts in a bit to surprise sleepy fiancee with breakfast since we have to build a pen for Petunia since she has trashed the porch. And I'm not talking a little mess. For a 60 pound pig, she has made a mess of gargantuan proportions! But, she will be outside from now on! She was like MacGyver out there with her collections of coax pieces, bolts, nuts, etc. I am convinced that she saw that we had a tv out there and was trying to hook it up so she could watch her stories!
Anyhoo, here is the link to the engagement announcement should you wish to peruse it: http://www.tcpalm.com/tcp/milestones/article/0,,TCP_24454_5321654,00.html

The Meeting of the Parents

2007-02-03T22:40:00.000-05:00

Yes, we have survived the meeting of our two sets of parents! Whoever decided that it was a good idea to have the two families meet before the wedding was drunk and basically a sick bastard! Really! I have no problem with them meeting the day of the wedding, especially since we are the ones footing the bill! I can definitely see if this was your usual "take out a second mortgage on the house 'cause the baby's gettin' married" type of wedding, but it's not!
However, like the well-bred children we are, we took our parents to Carraba's for dinner and they actually liked each other and had a good time! Never mind that all day Chris and I have been sick with anxiety and scenarios going around in our minds that were less than perfect. But, that's all in the past now since they liked one another.
Dad (Chris') is going into the hospital on Tuesday to have his leg amputated. After 20 years and over 45 surgeries to try to save the leg, he and his dr. decided that it was time to do away with it. He's is a good frame of mind......as good as you can be when you know you are losing your leg. And, we don't know if he will be walking by the wedding, but it would sure be great if he were and it would be a great wedding present!
So, this week, posting may be sporadic since we are staying at his parents house Tuesday and perhaps a few other nights to watch the place and make sure Taylor gets to school, etc.
Wedding plans are moving forward..........our rings were ordered, I found a person to perform the ceremony and I meet with her in a couple of weeks. We have the photographer and only need to check on the cake and get the invitations out! So, the ball continues to roll on that front.
In the midst of all this wedding stuff, I almost forgot that I have a birthday! 18 days away.....obviously I won't be doing anything since everyone is poor! Besides I would rather have a nice wedding!
Later!!

Seeds to a money tree, anyone?

2007-02-02T00:06:00.000-05:00

It would be wonderful to have seeds to a money tree so that I could continue to pay for this wedding. I just ordered our rings today and there went another wad of cash. But, it's well worth it since we both found the Turkish bands we wanted and will get them well ahead of the wedding which is another great thing!!

Only have a few more large items to get. The engagement announcement is running this weekend so that should be followed quickly by our invitations, created lovingly by Jen!!! She is so good at this she could easily do this for a living and make a TON of money!

Here is Chris' ring.....which was supposed to go right here instead of where it ended up! So, he's happy with it and that's all that matters. Mine is perfect for me since I also have a solitaire to pair it up with and they should look good together.

Feel free to post suggestions as to what Chris should do for his bachelor party! He didn't get one for his first marriage and I really want him to have one this time since it's a tradition! Go out with the guys, spend too much on strippers, get piss drunk while other strippers rub him and then he gets dropped home to me and I'm the one who won't walk for a week! Kidding! Almost......so if you have cool, cheap, fun ideas, any feedback would be fabulous! :)

OK, time for bed. Actually, time to watch more tv and then go to bed! Later guys!

Piece #684....

2007-02-01T10:27:00.000-05:00

So, the rings are done, the dress for everyone is done, Jen and I are doing the flowers, and I found a tiara i love and Chris loves and everyone loves. and it's not expensive! So, I shall be ordering it today!

This is so exciting and fun and SO less stressful than my first foray into planning a wedding. That's due to the fact that I have the BEST planner and BEST friend anyone could ask for. Jennifer is a genius when it comes to getting things done!

So, here is a picture of the tiara that I'm getting.

It goes so well with the whole theme of the wedding and it's perfect instead of a veil which I hate anyway.....especially the blusher thing. Shades of "Sixteen Candles" and the bride walking down the aisle completely out of it on muscle relaxers! Who needs that nonsense?

So, that's it for now, I will probably post later but I have to finish this guest list so I can get it completed!!!!!

Hangin' 'Round the house....

2007-01-30T22:34:00.000-05:00

So, just hanging round the house today recuperating from my ER visit. The dr. blithely told me that if I want to reach my 40th, I have to quit smoking. So, that's what I'm doing! Even Chris, ever my rock and support, is quitting with me which makes it a little easier!! I can't thank him enough for making this great sacrifice for both of our lives.

Tomorrow it is back to work although I could use the extra day off but tomorrow is short and I get to leave when it's time to take Chris to work!

OH, I posted a picture of what my wedding ring will look like. Chris wanted to get Turkish Wedding bands which are kind of like puzzles. If taken off the wrong way, you actually have to pay to get the solution to put them back together.

The guys are getting their wedding wardrobe together. Looks like I will be wearing my champagne colored sheath dress with Chris wearing a shade of green and khakis. With the other colors, I think it will be stunning and tropical and different and casual and fun and, most of all, comfortable! So, let me know what you think of our rings! :) Chris' is six bands instead of four like mine is and his is going to be gold, not the tri-color gold. I got these pics from the site we intend to purchase the rings from and that's Puzzle Ring. Check out the site because the craftmanship is amazing and each ring is handmade! It will definitely be cool to have wedding bands that no one else will likely have.

Our Family!!!

2007-01-30T04:03:00.000-05:00

I realized that I had never posted the picture of Christopher and I and Megan and Rachel (his girls) while they were here for Christmas!
I hate this one of myself since my head looks WAY too big but I love this picture because it's the first family picture we have taken! :)
Enjoy!

I found it!!!

2007-01-30T03:47:00.000-05:00

I found the wedding dress! For obvious reasons, I can't post it here since it's a secret until the wedding day! But, thanks to Jennifer, my best friend and Matron of Honor, she found it while the David's consultant continued to bombard me with ridiculous dresses that I would not wear even if they were free! But, somehow, Jen unearthed my perfect dress......only snag being that the sizes they had...one was just my size which makes me nervous because I would have to not eat for the next two months and that is not happening and the next size up (they were missing MY size) was like a gunny sack on me and too big for alterations. So, they suggested ordering. The first ETA on the dress was 12 weeks. I laughed a bit too loud and stated that I did not have 12 weeks.....they now think I'm pregnant or something and went back to recheck. So on March 10, that is the last ETA date my dress can arrive. And all they have to do is pull it from a warehouse, steam it and let me try it on. It's paid in full and it better look good.
I decided on no veil but either on a wreath of flowers around my up swept hair or one gardenia or something in the middle of the bun in the back or a simple tiara like a wreath.
The dress, I have to say, is fabulous. Simple with no patterns....just a sheath dress with a tiny train in the back which Jen, who I should refer to as St. Jen, will do the bustle on so I don't step on it and neither does anyone else. The shoes we decided on are flip flops. Since all the girls are wearing different colors and dresses, we can dress the shoes up as we please.
Anyway, that's it for the dress hunt. The largest thing has now been checked off the list and the rest from now on is details and making sure everyone sticks to the time line!

Let the Hunt Begin!

2007-01-27T07:12:00.000-05:00

So, today with the help of my best friend Jen, we are setting out in search of my perfect wedding dress. Said dress will fit perfectly and need no alterations, will (of course) be free, and will be the only one like it in the entire world so no one else will ever be able to wear this style of dress again. HA!
I've been down this road before and I know how it works. Especially when David's Bridal is concerned. The only store location of David's in my area is 50 miles away in West Palm Beach. Dreaded place of malls, Nordstroms, i.e. places that require oodles of money which I don't have!
But, I am determined to have a great day with Jen and to ignore the snooty bridal coordinators who think they are the only ones on the planet who can get you into a wedding dress!
So, I don't have lots of time to post at the moment, but I will update you when I return and you can tell me what you think of the dress!
Keep your fingers crossed for me! :)

Wedding Update!!!

2007-01-20T13:00:00.000-05:00

The countdown to the Englishman-Howlett wedding has commenced! Hence the link to our "The Knot" web page updating family and friends to our fast approaching nuptials!
So, check it out and keep updated on the level of stress and lack of money.

http://weddings.theknot.com/pwp/view/co_main.aspx?coupleid=6406047240507321&MsdVisit=1

New addition

2007-01-20T06:27:00.000-05:00

So, after 6 years dealing with the Dell I purchased in 2001, we finally got a new computer! :)
Computer, widescreen monitor, the works.
I feel human again.

Chillin'

2007-01-13T22:40:00.000-05:00

So, sitting here, chillin' w/Chis, Deanna, and Mikey (on his way from work). They are watching "Cheaper By the Dozen II" and I can't stand that movie so I'm sitting here posting. What is wrong with me?
Too bad I didn't have a decent camera to take pictures of my iguanas mating. It's like Animal Planet porn or something! Not too bad, actually.....pretty interesting!
I'm already catching shit on posting from the significant other! He claims I spend 20 hours a day since we got the cable modem. Pish posh!
Anyhoo.....just a short post since I'm sitting here and can't listen to my music. Withdrawl!

The Hardest Decision

2007-01-13T09:46:00.000-05:00

As I already have posted a million times, I love animals, and especially my two black cats, Felix and Oscar. Well, when Chris moved in, the boys moved to the porch which they LOVE! More lizards and such. They are eight years old and I adopted them from a shelter while I lived in Tallahassee. They are litter mates and neither them nor I have been parted from them.......through all my moves, hurricanes, etc. But, for about 5 years now, Oscar has suffered from a congenital condition which I will not get into here and this morning while tending to a beaten up Felix (it's Oscar every time) I really just can't put him through any more suffering and that's exactly what it is. He's never gotten over about 5 lbs. and he's losing weight and it would be selfish and cruel of me to keep him in this condition (which after many vet's opinions is incurable and painful).

So, I talked to Chris and I decided to have his put to sleep. I'm obviously upset and second-guessing this but it's the best thing. So, Monday will be the day. I don't know how Felix will react since he has never been separated from his brother or his Mom.

This really sucks. I am posting a picture of the two of them as a little cyber tribute to the Terrific Twosome they have been, not to mention the companions that saw me through MANY a tough time.

I love you, Oscar and I will NEVER forget you and I am so glad I took so many photos of you and your brother.

Oscar Englishman, 1999-2007

Pigs.........Literally

2007-01-13T08:29:00.000-05:00

So, this pig, Petunia, is one hell of an alarm clock. See, being unemployed and tending to the relatively lazy zoo we had enabled me to at least sleep longer than Chris. NO MORE!
Somewhere around dark thirty, I hear the incessant (not to mention LOUD) grunting and little tippy taps of her tiny hooves on the wood floor. And, in the span of two days, she has learned (since she sleeps in the living room) to ram herself on the bedroom door in an attempt to wake me up so she, Princess Petunia, can be fed.
As I sit here, she is tormenting Iggy our beautiful red iguana. Eventually she has to learn that he will kick her ass regardless of her size since she insists on rooting around him while he lays on his "throne" near the DVD and PS2 collection. Apparently he loves that stuff. Typical man!
No matter how much I scold her and talk to her, Mother Nature has a way of taking care of these things by herself and then it's up to us to nurse said pig who will have had the shit kicked out of her.
Speaking of nursing animals, Bogey, Chris' parents' Golden Ret. will be joining us for the night. She is only 4, AKC reg., beautiful, but is now suffering of seizures and we need to keep an eye on here while the 'rents take a trip to Ft. Lauderdale for the evening. Now, Bear, our dog, and most dogs, esp. pure breeds, will have seizures, but Bo's are apparently really bad. She is undergoing tests to see what is causing them. Well, tonight, the pet motel is gonna be full!
Really, though, I do at least three loads of laundry a day, mostly towels and such from cleaning up after "the kids". And, believe me, there are many times a day I wish I would have just had a kid! (not a goat....tee hee) At least they get to a point where they can bring you coffee, do dishes, make their own beds, feed themselves, etc.....you get the point. Alas, no kids to be had 'round these parts. A) we have a small home and B) someone had a vasectomy 10 years ago!
(keep that last one quiet!)
OK, thx to Shumpy who added me (again) to his blogs......it's my own fault for not posting here with any regularity! And, to think, he was at the same Buffett concert here in WPB and thru all the mayhem and adult beverages in the parking lot prior to the concert, we didn't even know one another were there. Of course, I do remember a late night phone call he made to me stating he was coming down, however I was most likely in a state of some sort and completely blocked it out! My apologies! :)
Alright, the animals and Chris need to get up! More later!

Long Time Away

2007-01-11T14:49:00.000-05:00

So, I can't believe it's been three months since I have posted anything! Horrendous and unacceptable! Won't happen again since yesterday we finally got the cable modem installed and so no more dial up for me! Needless to say, I am happy about that since I have felt a bit cut off between not working and the holidays and everything that we went through.
One new announcement.......November 14, at the Jimmy Buffett concert in WPB, Chris proposed to me! So, we are in the middle of planning our wedding which is going to take place on March 31, 2007. Yep, not a lot of time there! And definitely not a lot (or any!) money but whatever we scrape together will be just fine! You see, I learned the first time that it is the marriage and not the wedding that matters.
Our brood of animals have increased to include three iguanas all over 4 feet, a pot bellied pig named Petunia who is the newest member, Bear the Cataoula and our pride and joy (he's starting his therapy dog training soon!), two cats, endless fish and turtles. That doesn't include the ducks we had and promptly shoved off to another foster parent with the HSTC since I really don't do birds or snakes! Hey, there has to be a cutoff at some point!
Anyway, I'm back and better than ever. HA! Hey, just a year older with the grey hairs to prove it.
Later....and I don't mean months this time......pinkie swear!

Holy Crap! I am still here!!!

2006-08-15T19:36:00.000-04:00

So, after months, ok I exaggerate, of not posting, I am taking advantage of the decreased sales in the automotive industry to post and update!
1. I am getting married. Chris #3. Yes, I have to refer to them like that so people don't get confused.
2. I adopted a Catahoula Leopard Hound from the HSTC and his name is Bear and I love him to death. He's my baby now and the cats are staging a rebellion of sorts since they are not at the top of the food chain in the house.
3. Work is slow, hence the posting!
4. Life is good.
5.
God, it's pathetic that I can't think of 5 little things to update! Oh well. No sense crying into my adult beverage.
Things have changed a great deal around work and things are much MUCH more pleasant. I won't bore you with the details, but since I'm approaching my one year anniv. here with this company, I can honestly say that things are better now than when I initially started work here. That's a good thing.
OK, gotta close down my department so I can head home to my husband and my ever-growing zoo (I failed to mention the 3 fish tanks that are in the house now since Chris moved in with me!). But I will make a concerted effort to start posting more. And, don't worry, just 'cause I am getting married doesn't mean I won't be Hellofachick anymore! That's just something I cannot and will not change! TTFN!!!!

Dog Days of June.........

2006-06-05T18:05:00.000-04:00

So, summer is here in steamy Florida. And obviously I am bored at work, hence the time to actually spend on the computer in the cubicle I share with everyone else here in the dealership. No biggie, though. Only 1 hour and 55 minutes left in this Monday.
The weekend was nice but fleeting. Chris and I did a lot of measuring and brainstorming as to how we want to finish the living room once the wood floor is installed. And, there is the ever exciting yard sale that will be taking place this Saturday from 7 am to 12 pm. I am definitely glad that I will actually be working through the busiest part of the sale. Heh heh.....my brother and poor fiancee are the ones who will have to be running things. As long as they don't sell anything I am emotionally attached to (like the cats!) everything will be ok. And any extra money at this point is just being reinvested in the ongoing renovations that will be taking place for at least a year.
Chris is so wonderful. He and I are enjoying the process of putting our ideas together and making a real home for our family.
He got bad news this weekend about getting his daughters for the month of July from their mother. She pretty much informed him that he will never see his children again. So, as soon as Chris and I are married, we will be suing for full custody of the girls. And, since his lovely ex-wife is in direct contempt of court, she will enjoy a little stay in the pokey while we deprogram his girls from her brainwashing against Chris. We definitely have our work cut out for us.
So, I have a salesman standing over me wanting to use the computer. Make this short and count down until we have broadband once again and I can post to my heart's delight! :)

Resurfacing

2006-06-02T19:33:00.000-04:00

So, I have probably lost contact with anyone who would have been normally checking on my blog for lack of entries in the last months. That is due to not having internet access with exception of the work computer. And, since it's slow tonight, I figured I would update y'all!
I'm engaged to a wonderful man. His name is Chris.......yes, I seem to have a horrible attraction to this name! However, they say the third time's a charm and I have seen nothing to make me believe otherwise.
When is the wedding? Don't know. There will be two ceremonies. One civil one for just the two of us and another one, a mass, for our families. This way everyone gets what they want, us most of all.
We are remodeling our house which is in dire need of assistance in getting out of the 1980's. So, with wood floors going in as well as tile in the kitchen and bathroom, we are off to a good start. The house is in the process of being cleaned from top to bottom in order to get the cat hair and dander out since Chris is highly allergic to my babies. The cats will become porch cats since I don't think I have the heart to make them complete outside cats. But, by the end of this month, we will be completely moved in which will save us money and our sanity from the current soap opera of drama that surrounds my fiancee's drama obsessed roommate.
Work is work. Good and bad.......still working for Dodge and enjoy my job for the most part. In fact, I just purchased the 2007 Dodge Caliber R/T in Inferno Red. It was hard parting with the Honda, but I now have a car that's more family oriented and actually more fun to drive than the Honda ever was! :)
So, that's a quick update. Hopefully I will be posting more once we get the house phone and DSL once again since I can't live without it and Chris will be needing it for his business.
So, I'm back! Better than ever and embarking on another wonderful journey after a long time of dating psychotic stalkers who tormented me and made me actually begin to question my faith in people in general. Thankfully I have emerged wiser for the experiences and I will not be repeating them.
Cutting this short since I am almost out of work tonight and it's time to hit Mulligan's and karaoke night and I love to sit and watch/listen to Chris sing!

Thank you.........

2006-02-10T09:33:00.000-05:00

I want to thank all of my friends. For their support, love, and friendship when I need them. I know that it's not about how many friends you have but the quality of the friends you do have and I feel incredibly lucky to have the small but wonderful circle of friends and family who unconditionally support me regardless of my crazy antics (i.e. last two relationship disasters!).

Life is short and we need to take advantage of every single minute of it because it's gone before we know it and there are no do-overs. The mistakes we make are not mistakes, rather learning experiences that teach us about ourselves and others. Let's just say that I have had a LOT of learning experiences over the past year.

Why am I waxing nostalgic and boring the hell out of you? I always tend to become a bit reflective when my birthday comes around. 12 days from today I will have reached lucky number 33. That's why, given all the shit I have been through, I decided to take the time to thank my friends for being there when I needed them the most.

So, it's a short entry today as I have to get ready for work. Thankfully it's Friday and then one more day of work and Sunday will be time to see how much alcohol I can imbibe in a 24 hour period! Life is good and I am happy and secure for the first time in a long time.

Yeah........I know.....You thought I disappeared!!!

2006-02-06T10:28:00.000-05:00

But, I am still here. Since I'm limited w/o a computer at home now, my blog postings have been horrible and nonexistent of late. But, life is good.

Quick update for those of you who give a hell......no longer w/Chris. That was a trainwreck waiting to happen and I chose to take evasive maneuvers so that I wouldn't be on board when the shit hit the fan.

And, as Life does, I got thrown another curve ball and now am with someone who is actually a wonderful person. No baggage, no games, no bullshit.......which, for those of you who know me, I cannot tolerate for any length of time. Then he started adding lying to the mix and it was out the door.

However, I bounce rather well and now find myself in a relationship that has no red flags, just mutual respect and love, lots of wonderful time together that seems to never be long enough, and for the first time in a long time, there are no checks in the "Con" column when it comes to our individual lists we keep in our heads when we evaluate someone for relationship status!

Also, I was moved from the Nissan dealership to the Dodge dealership.....same ownership, just different cars! And, I have to say, I am happy that they did move me. The high school mentality of the other place was beginning to wear on my nerves. Now I am in an environment that still has it's little quirks, however, it's a better place for me and I don't have to continually watch my back when it comes to chatting with people at work for fear that they will immediately run to the nearest co-employee and chew their ear off with what I have just talked about. Trust me, that got old quickly.

So, hopefully, now that I have a bit of internet access, I will make it a habit of posting more. Just thought I would let you all know that I was not buried in a shallow grave somewhere and that one of these days I will get the photo bugs out and post the updated ones of not only my ink, but of me!

Missed you all and hope that you haven't completely abandoned my site! So, post your comments and I am looking forward to hearing from you! :)

Living and loving life!

2005-11-08T23:41:00.000-05:00

So, my last post explained what has preoccupied my life lately..........or rather who! I have since then been sick w/the flu or something. Stayed home from work yesterday and today. Fever yesterday was 103 and is now finally back to normal. Whatever it was, it felt like hell! But Chris took care of me and I am feeling human again.

I expected comments but I was not prepared for the rudest and most selfish phone call that resulted from the information posted.

So I am at work, for the 14th day in a row when my cell phone rings. I carry it with me in my pocket at work so I don't miss call since that's my main phone. Anyway it happened to be Paul. He seemed a little taken back that I had answered the phone, and truthfully, when I say it was him, I hesitated to pick the phone up. But my curiosity got the better of me and I picked up. He proceeds to launch into this self-centered diatribe telling me that I should have called him regarding my new relationship with Chris. I told him I didn't think it was any of his business in the hopes that he would stop pestering me. But, of course, that failed miserably.

Right after I broke things back a couple of months ago, he posted his profile onto Yahoo personals again. Didn't bother me except the fact that my friends found his profile and were the ones to tell me what he was doing. So, I called him on the carpet out of it. He was backpedaling quicker than the shrew in The Wizard of Oz! Gave me every excuse as to why he did it and it basically was that I had pushed him into it! OK, I didn't hold a gun to his head, therefore, it was completely his decision. So, I proceeded to tell him that he had made me feel horrible about breaking up but that I now knew it was the right thing to do.

Basically my beef with the whole fucked up situation with him is that we never spenct time together. For the two months we went out he only once took me to dinner or anything else that people that are dating do. Look, I'm a low maintenance person and am very understaning but when someone refuses to spend time with me and expects there to be a relationship, gotta say, they have another thing coming.

I am incredibly patient and tolerant to what's going on in another person's life that sometimes I put up with a great deal more than was necessary and then I can tolerate. And, after discussing crap and you institively know that the other person is not even willing to meet you 1/2 way then it's time to cut your losses. Bottom line is pretty much this....I have spent more time with Chris in one week than in 2 months with Paul. And essentially, it is that and other things that make me certain that I have made the right decison.

Life hands you tests and challenges, but it is what you do with those in the long run that really count. I have learned that life is too short to waste your love on people who won't or can't reciprocate................or to settle. So, while its unfortunate that someone got hurt, but that was never my intent. And, besides, its a wonderful thing when you have someone in your life who can make you laugh instead of make you second-guess yourself!

What's new

2005-11-05T02:16:00.000-05:00

So, what's new with me? Well, a lot! First of all, the main reason I have not been able to post of late is due to the fact that I have someone new in my life. Well, it isn't that new since we just celebrated one month together since our first date.

His name is Chris. Not the other Chris, a new one! He and I just happen to work together and we went out for drinks one night after work and the rest is history.

We have kept ourselves busy with work and lots of play. I posted the pic (which probably won't show knowing the problems I have had with posting pics on here) of his bike......Yamaha R1. And let me tell ya, we have had a blast so far on it. I have been on it more than a few times including popping wheelies (he's driving of course) going over the Roosevelt Bridge and reaching (I think this is the top speed we've gone so far) of 150 mph. What a rush........both this new relationship as well as coming home after a kick ass ride.

It has been years since I have been on a bike but Chris is a phenomenal rider. He has been riding all his life so I had no trepidation getting behind him and holding on! Our last ride was a little tame with no wheelies. He just got glasses and that really changes how you ride. I wasn't used to his head moving as much as it did and that night, it had rained on our way to the bar and even when it stopped, it was still so humid, we could barely see out of our helmets.

Anyway, obviously, there is much more to us than the bike. A lot more. It started as just hanging out for drinks after a long day at the Nissan slave ship (j/k). We both were not looking for anything serious and we were completely caught off guard when we fell for one another like a ton of bricks.

I used to always say I would never date anyone I worked with. Teaches me to not use the words "always" and "never" because as soon as they come out of my mouth, I can pretty much bet that I will end up eating them in one way or another. However, working together and in completely separate departments, we made sure we weren't breaking any rules but we do keep things professional at work due to the ridiculous amount of gossip that circulates around the dealership. Put a bunch of people together with a lot of down time and that's what happens. And we decided very early on that we don't prefer to be the story on everyone's lips. Although most know, they may occasionally tease, but the comments have been kept to a minimum.

I prefer not to disclose the details of our relationship (no I just won't share everything!) but sufficed to say, things are absolutely wonderful. As I mentioned neither one of us was looking for anything and we just started this as friends but I think that was probably a good thing. The effortless way in which we have connected and continue to connect is pretty astonishing and surprises us every day.

I have a pic of him but it's from the first date we had and it's on my cell phone and we all know how reliable those pics are when I try posting. So for now, you will have to wait! Next weekend, he is going racing up in GA and will be taking my camera so I should have some great pics of him on the track and off.

He had to leave early this morning for work and then had an errand to run that took him away from work and me for the remainder of the evening. So, that's probably why I am posting at 2 am since this is the first night we have spent apart.

As for the motorcyle, I am planning on taking the course to get my bike endorsement for my driver's lic. so I can drive as well. Chris said he would even take the beginner's course with me and I thought that was cool since he is very far from a beginner. So, I will update you when that happens. Should be a riot since, as I said, I haven't driven a bike in a long time. Grew up riding dirt bikes and ATV's but not street bikes.....which, by the way, are SO MUCH MORE FUN! Everytime I take off my helmet at the end of the night, I have this perma-smile from the pure adrenaline rush of the speed and the fun of it. Don't worry, we are very careful. He is incredibly careful when I am riding with him and I know he isn't going to do anything crazy with me on the back. Although we could do more wheelies, but one has to keep an eye out for the cops and the lovely snowbirds down here that freeze when even one bike passes them, never mind a few which is usually how we end up. It's a few of us going out and raising a little hell........in a good way! It's not like we can down a ton of drinks and then get back on a bike and expect to ride as safely as we can although I relax a bit after a few which makes Chris happy since I don't have a death grip on him then.......even when he taps me on my leg signaling it's wheelie time. Then I lean completely against his back, lock the fingers and enjoy the rush!

So, going to go back to bed since tomorrow is an early day and I need to catch up on sleep since I have been otherwise engaged!

More later!!!!

Hurricane Wilma

2005-10-22T21:01:00.000-04:00

Well, I am hunkered down for Wilma which should be here by Monday morning. Time enough to stock up on liquor to tide me over until the power is back!
I'm boarded up and feel like a prisoner in my own home but being that my home is 95 years old and went through last season without a scratch, I feel safer here than anywhere else. But, I'm smart enough to have a getaway plan if I need one.
So, in the event I can't post, you can text or call my cell @ 772-240-5656. Thankfully I have a backup cell in the event the battery on my Razr runs out.
That's it for now......let's just hope and pray that we don't have anything more than a cat. 2 on our hands. My nerves can't take another three after last year!

Thursday!

2005-10-13T11:39:00.000-04:00

I know, I am supposed to be posting my HNT submission for this week. However, I can't figure out why I can see the pics on my end on the blog but no one else can see them! Pisses me off!

Today I have to work 2-8 which is cool. So, in a minute I have to start getting ready since I'm a girl and I take entirely too long to prep for going to work! Pathetic, yes.....do I care?.......NO! Don't have to answer to anyone! How you like them apples?

I am feeling spunky today! That's a good thing!

So, I will continue to work on posting my HNT pic for today since I have been so lazy of late!

Later!

Long Time!!!

2005-10-12T20:24:00.000-04:00

I know, I have been horribly slack in keeping up with my blog! Thanks, Chris, for continually reminding me how lazy I have become! :)

Anyhow, lots new, although a lot of it is pretty trite and not at all interesting to anyone except me.

It's Jen's Birthday today...........HAPPY BIRTHDAY, FLEMMIE!!!!!!!!!!

Here's to another 20 years of friendship! I love you like a sister!

My job is going well and I love the hours that I work and have acclimated to them and don't think I would want to EVER return to the 8-5 grind again! Nissan has spoiled me. That's a good thing.

Getting along with everyone at work well. We hang out a lot......being in the sales arena and with the pressure that goes along with that, we drink a lot! No worries, I am not turning into an alcoholic! Just having a good time getting out of the house and returning to having a social life once again. It's been a very long time since I have had a work environment where I even gave a rat's ass as to the people I work with so this is a great change of pace. Hard to believe it's been over a month!

Personal life.........let's not divulge anything there just yet. Don't want to jinx it. Let's just say that I'm happy and Life is keeping me on my toes, but I am enjoying every single minute of it! It's too short not to enjoy everything that is thrown your way.

I still haven't figured why I can't get my HNT pics (new ink) to show up. It has been a real thorn in my side. But, I am continuing to work on it. So, just be patient!

And, that's about it for now! Back in the blog driver's seat! Good to be back!

Monday HNT!!!!!!!!!!! AKA Tat 3

2005-09-26T20:37:00.000-04:00

Well, it is finally done! Ziggy took this right after he finished (hence the lovely shade of red on my skin!). But, it ROCKS! Everyone that has seen it says it looks a million times better. FYI: the blue is water and the red/orange is rays of the sun. Ziggy did a rockin' job doing the stencil just from ideas we brainstormed and I am so happy how it turned out!

So, there it is in all it's glory! Now you can actually see it when I wear my jeans!

So, count this as my HNT submission, since I can't take a pictue of it by myself!

Friday at last...............

2005-09-23T06:29:00.000-04:00

At the risk of sounding incredibly cheesy, TGIF! Today will be my 12th day in a row working and then tomorrow and I have Sunday off!

One of the people at work is having a party tomorrow night so that should provide much needed stress relief and alcohol!!

Then, on Sunday afternoon, I am going to my new ink man, Z., and he will be putting the additions to the first tattoo http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7995/1330/1600/tatoo.jpg

so that I can make it a little more creative since I have come to the conclusion that it's a little on the small side! Not that I want to get something that covers my entire back, however, I would like it to be somewhat visible when I wear jeans!

I have to go into work 2 hours early today, but that isn't too bad considering I can use the hours!

So, I will update you on the party as well as my new and improved tattoo. The other one is healing great and no longer is sticking to anything I wear!

Later!!!

Happy HNT!

2005-09-22T05:50:00.000-04:00

Yes, I realize that I already posted a pic of my new ink, however, this gives a little better perspective as to exactly where it is. And, if you can't tell, it's right along my bikini line!
Sorry for those of you expecting shots of ........well, you know! After all, it's HALF nekkid Thurs., not entirely nekkid Thurs.
And, as for what it is, it's my Pisces symbol w/tribal stuff. I'm also going in on Sunday to have the one on my back updated, so you can all see that when it's complete!

Ink, Part Deux

2005-09-18T22:49:00.000-04:00

So, here is my second tattoo. I got it Friday evening after work, slightly on a whim, however, those of you who have kept up with my blog, you know that I have been waiting for the second one!
Everything else rocks now, so enjoy the pic!

Half Nekkid Thursday

2005-09-15T09:36:00.000-04:00

OK, so it's nothing special........but until I get my next tattoo, I actually have to put thought into this! And, as you can see, I'm running out of ideas!

As for life, everything is wonderful and I'm having a good time at work.

I did get a chance to catch up on my zzzzzzz's and I was so dead last night, I missed Shumpy's call! DOH! And, he's planning a trip to my neck of the woods so there is a distinct chance that we will get to have a few adult beverages and meet in person. Tres cool, in my opinion!

Happy HNT, everyone!

For My Impatient Fans..........

2005-09-14T12:12:00.000-04:00

I am so tired, my eyes are crossing! So, those of you who have been pestering me for updates as to my latest information, you shall have to wait since there is not update.

But, fear not! Tomorrow is Half Nekkid Thursday and I'm wondering how far I wanna go this week! :) Stay tuned........meanwhile, I'm gonna take a nap.

Love ya!!!!

New beginnings

2005-09-12T10:41:00.000-04:00

In life there are many new beginnings just as there are sad, yet inevitable, endings. However, it is a testament to one's character as to how one weathers the changes Life throws one's way.

I have always considered myself a pretty (and almost disgustingly) resilient person. And, I guess this is no exception. However, I still feel like I'm being selfish and I never meant to hurt anyone, most of all P. but when you go around and around and don't get to a place where you can both meet halfway and both compromise, you have to come to your conclusions as best you can.

Admittedly, I probably am being a little more logical than I need to be regarding matters of the heart.....call it a defense mechanism, but this was certainly not my first relationship and I just know how things tend to pan out.

Anyway, enough of that....this is supposed to be about new beginnings....so, it's Monday. That's a new beginning. Also, this begins my real schedule at work which is cool. I am excited. Training was done last week so I'm relieved about that and feel confident in my job now to do it alone.

Also, can't wait until I get my next tat. Was temporarily pushed back thanks to losing a job and felt that it would be irresponsible for me to get a tattoo when I have bills! But, Hellofachick is back............look out, world!

OH, and GO 'NOLES! Ass whoopin' of the Citadel, beat Miami (am not even going to comment on that one!) so bring on Boston College! God, I love football! :)

What's a girl to do.............

2005-09-11T12:07:00.000-04:00

I will tell you. A girl has to do what a girl has to do. So, the bottom line is this.........hard decisions have to be made in life. Nature of the beast.

Of late, more than a month, my relationship w/P has been one of two ships passing in the night. We have spent very little time together due to our conflicting schedules. And, now with my new job at Nissan, I have a schedule that is unlike one I have had for the past 10 years and I'm glad for it since I was burning out on the 8-5 grind. However, it made it even more difficult spending time with your significant other when the two of you have such conflicting schedules and no days off together. And, to be completely honest, I need more in a relationship. I need someone there. I need someone who is willing to do things with me, not only things he likes to do but things I like to do as well.

So, the decision was made to part as friends for now and see what the future brings. I deserve better than to be benched on the sidelines waiting for the coach to put me in. LIFE IS TOO SHORT!

Not an easy decision and I certainly didn't mean to hurt anyone but I'm afraid I have done that and I have to live with that. On the flip side, however, I am not new to the relationship business, esp. since I have been married before and not spending time with one another and growing together and experiencing life together eventually leads to two people growing in two directions instead of together and that's the kiss of death on any relationship, whether a lover, friend, or even family!

So, that's what's new in my ever-morphing life. I just roll with the punches.

I did get off my ass and cleaned out the hot tub today, however, I have to get a new heater so I will call a spa guy on Monday and see what I can get. The cheaper the better!

Well, that's it for now.

Updates @ 11............if I'm awake! :)

Fridays

2005-09-09T08:52:00.000-04:00

You know, sometimes you try to have a conversation with someone to talk about some shit that has been revolving around in the back of your mind, however, when you get the chance to talk, by nature, the other person is ALWAYS going to be on the defensive and lash out verbally (God help them if they don't lash out only verbally!).
So, my point here? The above happened to me last night and I really had put a lot of thought into my approach, what my concerns were, what was important enough and what was splitting hairs, etc......kapish? However, it backfired and I don't honestly think that it was my fault, however, when certain responses were aimed my way, they were less than my intended reaction and I'm only human as well!
Anyway, where is this little ramble going? Don't know. Where are things standing at the moment, don't know. To be honest, as this is obviously a matter of a personal nature, I don't know if I'm coming or going!

Time is the ultimate equalizer so I'm sure this will resolve itself as it should. However, I suppose for now I should keep my mouth shut! Communication isn't all it is cracked up to be!

HNT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2005-09-08T00:07:00.000-04:00

Yep, I totally slacked on my HNT submissions of late, so I made up for it by posting a little more skin than I usually would have! So, for your viewing pleasure, you get a lovely view of my thighs in all their glory! Trust me, this is probably a little more than HNT material, however, I'm not shy, so enjoy, and happy HNT!

First Day of School.......Well, Work

2005-09-07T09:14:00.000-04:00

So, today is the big day. I'm looking forward to my first day of work. It's always a little nerve wracking starting a new job, but I'm completely up to the challenge and not to mention, EXCITED to get out of this house which has become a cage of sorts these past days and weeks.
Don't know how my day will be today, probably a lot of paperwork, and meeting people whose names I will most likely forget as soon as I hear it! Had enough jobs to know that my mind will most likely be completely bombarded with new info and will meltdown when I get home tonight!
Thankfully, this job is also VERY close to home. Less than a mile makes my wallet smile w/gas being as high as it is.
OK, enough for now. Have to pick an outfit out and we know how important that is! HA! :)

Finally!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2005-09-06T15:30:00.000-04:00

I am finally employed! Tomorrow is my first day at the Nissan dealership around the corner. I just received the offer from the owner.

To say it's been a tough time is putting too fine a point on it. So, I kept at it until I found something where I could feel more comofrtable.

My hours are a little different, but I think the change will do me good.

So, thank you all for your thoughts and good wishes! I will post more once I learn the details tomorrow.

Off to enjoy my last day as unemployed!

My heart cries............

2005-09-03T13:02:00.000-04:00

I am so saddended at the situation in New Orleans and in other parts of the region so affected by Hurricane Katrina. I have stopped watching the television as I can't take the news and the images which literally rip my heart out of my chest. To me it is disgusting that in AMERICA, the country that you and I call home, we are like snails in getting aid to those who so desperately need it. I am embarassed to call myself an American.

I have family ties to New Orleans and the culture is one that cannot be found anywhere else on this planet. I have friends in the area and do no know how they are doing and if they are ok.

So, that's why I have not written on my blog for a while. I honestly couldn't and still cannot find the words to express my sadness and despair at this situation. I just thank God that I was as lucky as I was last year when the two hurricanes hit this area a few weeks apart from one another. Yes, I lost everything, but I have my life, health, family, friends, loved ones, etc. and the aid was here so quickly I can't even tell you.

Anyway, that's about all I have to say for now.

Hurricane Katrina?

2005-08-25T12:19:00.000-04:00

Now, I understand hurricanes. Not only am I a Florida native and have been through MANY of them, I was here (obviously) last year and lost my home and most of my belongings to Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne. So, I don't apologize for the proceeding rant!

COME ON, PEOPLE! It's not even a Cat. 1 yet! It's a big, windy rainstorm that will most likely be more of a rainy inconvenience to your satellite and power than anything else. However, the shelves are empty in the stores, people are probably standing on corners bargaining their internal organs for generators right about now.

Now, I consider myself incredibly lucky. I won't lie, last year's storms that hit my home not once, but twice in a month (both Cat. 3 storms), ravaged not only my home but my nerves, tolerance level, and patience in general. I look back on that and understand how people will get a little jumpy when a storm is coming. Long gone are the times when people would joke while buying as much beer as possible in addition to a couple of bags of ice for good measure......God forbid the beer gets warm! But, the news is now on 24 hour coverage on this and not only is it live and therefore, horrible, but they now have included the lovely SPANISH scrolling message at the bottom of the screen. As if to remind us that English is no longer the language of choice for America.

So, I am planning on relaxing, watching something else on the satellite while I still have a signal and sleep. I do intend on drinking, after all, I wouldn't be a proper redneck girl if I didn't.

Which brings me to a completely different story, yet the segway will be apparent when you read this.

As you know, I accepted a job offer from Walgreen's as a Pharmacy Tech. I went to the lab place for my obligatory "pee in a cup while they treat you like a criminal" drug test. So, I'm sitting there in the back, waiting for my name to be called and this FINE specimen of a man sits next to me. I think he may have had 5 whole teeth in his mouth. God only knows where the others went and he looked a little rough around the edges. He leans over to me and with the stench of alcohol dripping off of him he asks me, "Do they test for alkeehol?". I smiled and tried to be polite and stated that I didn't know. He then proceeds to comment that he has been drinking all morning and that he's there for his pre-employment drug screen to be a PROFESSIONAL DRIVER.........Sweet Mother of Jesus! Made a mental note to memorize his face in the event I should ever "accidentally" run into this lovely caricature of a redneck if ever there was one.

So, that was my morning, and now.........let the resting commence! Again, in the event I lose power, I will post when I can. Until then, drinks are on the house!

Whew!

2005-08-24T17:17:00.000-04:00

The verdict is in..................I HAVE A JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was a difficult choice between the first one - cubicle, more $, no room to grow or doing what I wanted to do, less $ to start, lots of room to grow, awesome benefits and working in the pharmacy again! So, tomorrow is the drug test and I was offered and accepted the job with Walgreens as a Pharmacy Tech! I get to wear my scrubs to work (no fretting over what to wear!) and I'm so glad that this debacle is over!

Thank you to everyone who sent me your good wishes and helped. I couldn't have done it without my support network! :)

I feel like a weight has been lifted off of my shoulders!

Now we are getting either a Trop. Storm or Hurricane....already under a Trop. Storm Warning. Landfall should be early Friday morning so I need to make a liquor run! After last year and having sat through two category 3 storms, this cat. 1 is a walk in the park! Katrina....fancy name for a silly rainstorm! We need the rain, however, not the 24" they are predicting!

Anyhoo, in the event I can't post due to power outtage, I will be checking email via cell phone!

For now, however, I'm going to rest and thank God that I have a job finally!

Don't want to jinx it.......

2005-08-23T19:24:00.000-04:00

So, I have two scheduled interviews for tomorrow. Don't want to jinx anything, however, have good feelings about them. Had another scheduled, but they cancelled on me at the last minute (tonight after 6, thank you, idiots! I didn't want to work there anyway....no benefits!).
Keep the good vibes coming my way, keep fingers crossed, whatever works!
Thanks, Shump, for the sweet comment! You kicked ass in helping me w/my resume and making it fit! I appreciate your help more than you can imagine!
Not much else going on at the moment, so I will update tomorrow when I am finished interviewing! :)

I'm still standing......

2005-08-23T03:11:00.000-04:00

I am posting to let everyone know I'm still here and a great deal better than my last post!

Starting to get responses from my resume and that's something that definitely bolsters my self-esteem! Thank you to all of you who have taken the time to remind me to keep my chin up and that this is just a blessing in disguise!

Since I'm posting nice and early in the morning, it's off to bed for me again. Don't know why I keep waking up, however, I sense that once this stress is behind me, I will be sleeping soundly again!

Will keep you up to date as to what's going on with my interviews (scheduled for Wed.) and how I feel like they went.

Half Nekkid Thursday

2005-08-18T04:48:00.000-04:00

So, it's nothing special........just my foot! Unfortunately, it's not the submission I wanted since extenuating (i.e. shitty) circumstances prevented me from obtaining my tattoo, but I will still be getting it, just a matter of being a little more patient!

Danger lurking beneath the surface

2005-08-17T07:10:00.000-04:00

Where to begin............not easy. So, I will just dive in and give a tad bit of history so perhaps someone out there can make sense of the events of the past 24 hours.

Work has been particularly horrific of late. I know they have not been happy with the fact that I have had events affecting my personal life, health, etc. that have caused me to be out a couple of days. The diagnosis of COPD, my back problem, the car accident...............all events completely out of my control.

Anyway, I was at my regular monthly doctor appointment for the degenerating disc in my back and I was in the process of speaking to the nurse and my cell phone rang. It was obnoxiously loud so I immediately grabbed it to silence it as well as to see who was calling. It was work. I answered the phone and immediately said, "Could I please call you right back? I am in with the doctor at the moment.". It was my boss and he ignored this request and proceeded to speak and tell me who it was. (As if I didn't know............dur) I said hi and stated that I would be back in the office in probably a half hour. This statement was quickly answered with him (boss/jackass) stating, "Don't bother. We don't need your type working here anymore."!

"Holy shit!", was the only thing that was going around in my head while he kept speaking, informing me that my services were no longer needed and that I no longer had a job to return to. I actually was in such disbelief as to what I was hearing that I turned to the nurse and told her that I was in the process of being fired over the phone! I reminded my boss that I have been sick lately, accident, bla bla bla......trying to reason with him (don't know what I thought that was going to do) and all he could say to me was, "I know, but that doesn't matter."..............then the anger and severity of it set in and I began to cry. I hate it when I cry when I get angry and I lose all ability to communicate effectively. I did, however, manage to ask whether they would contest any unemployment claim filed on my behalf. He said no and said I could pick up my things today. I thanked him (why, I have no idea) and hung up.

I was nearing hysterical status at this point and sobbing in front of the nurse who was just as shocked as I was as to what had just transpired during a phone call that lasted approximately 3 minutes.

I honestly can say that I felt like the wind had been knocked out of me as well as the rug yanked from under my feet. I could not comprehend that this was just the icing on the shit cake that has been my steady diet over the past 4 weeks.

When things like this happen to me, I immediately kick into my crisis mode and start thinking about where to go from this point and how to regain control of my life, which has become nothing resembling a life where one has control, sanity, safety, all of the things you feel when things are going on as usual.

The nurse had to leave me at this point to get my prescriptions signed and to try and get the nurse practitioner in to see me so we could talk about my car accident to see if it has made my back worse, etc. and so I made friends with the box of one-ply tissues and continued to try and regain composure.

And that brings me to where I am now.........unemployed and still in shock, however, trying to pick myself up and dust myself off.

I have been complaining about the status of my job for quite a while now since I made less than I should have been making considering my regular responsibilities and the new ones that have popped up since I started working there. Also, there were no benefits whatsoever so I have gone without insurance for a long time and that has been a financial disaster for me, considering I have a few things wrong w/me that require regular medication and it ain't cheap! I've become a penny-pinching senior citizen by calling every pharmacy and pricing my prescriptions before purchasing them so I can get the lowest price. For instance, for only two (generic) rx's, I spent over $150 yesterday! It's ridiculous.

But, I digress........

Current game plan is to take the remainder of the week and get back on my feet emotionally and mentally. Then, it's time to hit the pavement, the internet, call everyone I know and try to find out what's out there for me and get right back in the game.

So, that's life. Really bites right now, but, as they say, you are never given more than you can handle........however, on some level, I beg to differ! Enough is enough! Give me just a little bit of a break, FOR THE LOVE OF GOD!

Anyhoo, this is probably the most long-winded entry to date and it's not even something that even merits a spot on my humble little blog site! More later...........didn't sleep much at all last night and I'm completely exhausted but don't want to get on some weird sleep schedule only to have to go back to the normal one once I'm employed again. I'll post more later, until then, thanks to everyone I have talked to, IM'd, emailed, etc. and for your positive thoughts. You have all helped me keep my chin up and to know that this isn't the end of the road, just a small speedbump along the way.

Total disappointment........

2005-08-16T10:38:00.000-04:00

I bites to the nth degree. I hung out down in the Jensen area until 7:15 yesterday waiting for time to get my ink fix. I'm literally on the way to the studio........the cell phone rings........it's Roger from the studio........sorry, can't fit ya in! Can't fit me in? What? I had an appointment! For the love of God, man, do you not understand? And, turns out he's booked for the next couple of weeks so I have to wait. Asshole. Not happy. But what's a girl to do? *sniff*

So wanted that tattoo........still plan on getting it! Perhaps I need to change my ink people! So, I am not happy today.

All that yakking about it and building of expectations and now this...........the worst kind of letdown!

Don't shoot me!

Ink is a go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2005-08-15T13:37:00.000-04:00

Word to my peeps at InkLink! I knew they would hook a girl up! How can they resist my charm....and boobs don't hurt, either!
So, Roger, my main ink man, is cleaning up my pathetic attempt at art and I think the Celtic knot in the middle of the clover will be a little larger so it's easier to work with! I totally trust him so I know it will look fabulous when it's done! Don't worry, the official unveiling will be tomorrow, however, for my peeps, you will probably get the email earlier! So, my impatience has paid off! Always better to take care of these things in person!
Now, back to shredding..................oh the humanity (not to mention the hellish boredom!). At least it's a job!

Waiting......

2005-08-15T12:10:00.000-04:00

So, I'm eagerly awaiting the return phone call from Roger, the tattoo guy, to tell me whether he wants to fit me in today after work! Keep fingers crossed for me since I hate waiting! He said he would call me back w/i the hour and let me know if I need to come down to show him what I want, etc. and go from there. I hate waiting!
I'm also getting fed up w/dealing with these insurance people. At least I have the comfort of knowing that my company is slightly looking out for my best interest, however, regardless of what the other company says, I know they could give a rat's ass! And, obviously, the horse's arse of a woman who BACKED INTO ME AT AN INTERSECTION could care less as well since she won't even return her own insurance company's phone calls! Pathetic, if you ask me!
So, back to work for me and that's not bad. Would be better if I knew that I had my fabulous new tattoo to look forward to, but one must be patient (not one of my strong suits!).
Weekend was great, albeit relatively uneventful. Yesterday and last night I was over at Paul's parents....his brother is in town (and the airline lost their baggage, however, he got it before the reveling was over!). We talked, ate, drank way too much and I think I got home around 10-ish and passed out after quickly chugging a bottle of water in the hopes that I would not wake up with a wicked hangover! Victory is mine! No hangover to be found and I awoke this morning ready to greet......ok, enough bullshit! :) I woke up groggy, just like every morning, counting the endless minutes until the coffee was ready, didn't feel like a shower (I showered last night, thank you very much!), and dragged on my tres comfortable black drawstring pants and a probably-too-casual-for-work shirt, and off to work I went.
I will most likely post later as to my ink status and whether it's a go or if the launch must be scratched! So, later, kids!

Weekend ramblings

2005-08-13T18:27:00.000-04:00

So, as I'm leaving work on Thursday, I was backed into while waiting to turn by an asshole of a woman and, needless to say, my car is damaged, as am I. I am healing since it was just a little muscle strain and my car will be healed by a body shop. However, my irritation lies in the fact that she (horses arse who hit me) didn't want to even call the police, never mind report this to her insurance company! I told her it wasn't her choice to call the cops since I was going to need a police report in order to have my car repaired, etc. and that without a police report, no one would have anything repaired, whether metal or person! I actually had a few seconds right after she hit me where I was already standing outside of my car and thought she was not going to stop! I was ready to write her license plate down! But, she eventually made her way out of her SUV and actually asked me if I had damage to my car. My more than irritated reply to this woman was, "Duh, you backed your behemoth of a vehicle onto the hood of mine, of course there is damage!". Idiot. She made me want to start smoking again I was so irritated. You gotta love how they apparently give a driver's license to anyone in this state, including the terrorists involved in 9/11.....they literally lived in our backyard! Yay, State of Florida!
I stayed home from work on Friday because when I woke up, I felt like I had been run over by a large tractor. I am feeling much better and the Percocets they gave me are actually making me feel worse! I feel like I have had way too much to drink and the nausea on top of that isn't helping me! So, I'm not taking any more. Ick.
There is nothing on television to occupy my mind and I don't quite feel up to cleaning the house so I will most likely save those unenviable chores for tomorrow along w/laundry, etc.
Also, Paul's brother, Craig, is arriving tomorrow from Boston and we have dinner scheduled at his parents house! So this will be great! I get to meet another part of his family! Also, Paul has Friday AND Saturday of next week off! I can't believe it! Two days in a row and on the weekend to boot! ROCK!
Well, I have nothing else I can think of to post currently, so that's it for now. Don't cry.........I'll be back! Not going anywhere, not me!

"What is HNT?", you ask....................

2005-08-11T15:35:00.000-04:00

Even though I'm new to this whole nekkid biz, actually not new, but you get my drift! I thought I would school those of you not in the know as to the roots of this blog-nomenon!
Click on the title of this post and you will be transported to Os' site where, in great detail, you will find the Mecca for HNT-ers! So, check it out and spread the word!
And, thanks to all the kick-ass people that actually checked me out! Feel free to put me on your blogroll......and ink is always good! Addict, you are too cool! See two posts down for the newest addition which will (cross fingers) be done Monday! And, of course, it will most likely be next week's HNT entry!

Half Nekkid Thursday....

2005-08-11T14:48:00.000-04:00

This is my very first (yes, I'm a virgin to HNT!) submission for public viewing! I know I have posted the pic of my ink in the past, however, once I read the rules, I realized that I could, indeed, post another pic of my very lower back with my tattoo that was only a few hours old (just a youngin') and have it qualify! HNT rocks! :)

More ink.....

2005-08-11T13:46:00.000-04:00

So, as many of you probably know, I am now getting another (and last) tattoo. I put a pic of it here so you can see (not to scale, I'm not that good!) and this one will be in front since I can't put something else on my back without looking trashy!
I think it came out ok with my less-than-perfect photoshop skills.....at least they will have more to work with than they did last time! That was a faxed copy, no lie, and it still rocked when I saw it finished!
So, I think Monday is the day and I'm totally excited! :) And of course, I will post the actual product once it is complete and unveiled to the world, via my silly little site! Let me know what ya'll think!

Holiday Alert!!!!!!!!!!!

2005-08-10T14:11:00.000-04:00

For those of you who don't want to miss out on anything, Shumpy has just informed me that it is National Underwear Day! I have included the link for those of you curious enough to check it out!
Thank you, Shump, for the FYI! What would I do without ya?

(click on the title of the post to get to the site!)

Humpday......heh heh heh

2005-08-10T09:39:00.000-04:00

So, it's Wednesday and this week has been horribly slow with El Boss Man on vacation! And, it's summer still and our business won't really get back into the swing of it until the snowbirds (gasp) return! Just shoot me now, is how I look at it!
Anyway, my point was that it is so hard to motivate oneself to get out of bed in the morning when A) you can't seem to crawl out from my nest and actually put effort into putting on work clothes and B) knowing that the next 8 or 9 hours will be devoted to surfing the internet, listening to my iPod, drinking copious amounts of caffeine and dreading the fact that on top of all that, I'm suffering from PMS! Loverly, ain't it?
And, T-Mobile has dropped a few notches in my opinion. I'm supposed to be getting my Bluetooth headset from them and this mysterious corporate person is supposed to call me regarding it, etc. However, after having to contact them three times yesterday, I have still not gotten a return call and I'm pissed! They should know better than to incur the wrath of moi when it comes to things like DECENT CUSTOMER SERVICE! Arses, the lot of 'em.
Well, I shall let you go and return to the lives you actually lead while I sit here eating Twizzlers, drinking coffee, and wondering why it feels as though the troll from the Billy Goat's Gruff has taken up residence in my ovaries.
Enjoy!

PS-Dinner last night was SO incredible. Eggplant, and turkey (ground) with awesome sauce, damn, that was good! And, the ever better part is that I have leftovers for lunch! :)

Tuesday's with myself

2005-08-09T00:36:00.000-04:00

So, it's Tuesday and that means two things, boredom at work and lethargy in general. Also, Jen has finagled me to join the fantasy football league she has formed. So, this should be entertaining with us being the football fanatics that we are and also give us something to do during those long days at work when we don't have that much to do! Brilliant idea, Jen!
I am now stuffed from eating lunch and ready for a nice nap. However, I don't think that would go over very well here at work!
Sorry today's post is not very exciting, I'm telling you, it's the Tuesday thing.....just sucks the life right out of ya!
Probably will post later!

FSU's 2005 Schedule..............

2005-08-05T12:21:00.000-04:00

I linked to FSU's new schedule for the 2005 season! Now, all you assholes who think the ACC is a pu$$y conference, take a look at that schedule.......and, for our SEC fanatics out there, you are not the only ones with a playoff in the south now! How 'bout them apples???
As you can tell, I'm a freak for my college football........now I need a diabolical plan to convert Paul to an FSU fan....my work is cut out for me!
Go 'Noles!

As if I needed this.......

2005-08-05T11:23:00.000-04:00

So, apparently, I'm a dorky goth type according to this silly quiz site I unearthed. I also thought it brave of myself to put those lovey characterizations on this site.......oh dear, what have I done?
I'm sure the comments shall come rolling in any minute now!
Bring it on!

FRIDAY!!!!!! (and I'm in love....)

2005-08-05T09:37:00.000-04:00

Yes, I realize that the title of this post is the lamest ever. I promise I shan't do it again!
And, I'm realizing that even though this color will look great on the black background, I'm going blind attempting to compose this!(not to mention how many times I've had to edit my horrible typos!) Eeek!
I have to give props to T-Mobile who has hooked me, yes, little old me, up with an awesome deal. Over the past two months, I have had to return 5, YES FIVE, phones due to problems. So, with that on my account, I apparently qualify for the "you have bad tech luck" discount and shall be receiving by fabulously wonderful Motorola Razr in a few days and the price I got, well, let's just say it ROCKS! I love T-Mobile. They certainly made my day yesterday. So, only a few more days of having to deal with this dropping calls BS that has plagued me for what seems an eternity.
And, I admit that the phone, which looks fantastic, was what I wanted, I just never dreamed that I would actually get it! I am a tech gadget snob and I always want the newest and coolest thing out there....and now I will have a new toy!
My boss is out today which means I am relegated to a day of counting the minutes and watching the clock, not to mention surfing the net! What would we do without it? Let that one be the question for the day!
Later, kids!

Finally! whew

2005-08-04T13:47:00.000-04:00

I finally called the dr. back and my test is normal which means that I will have a pretty normal life with the exception of being best friends with my nebulizer 5 times a day which kind of puts the kibash on stuff like going somewhere for a long time in the car since I have to plug the damn thing in! Technology.......with everything they have a gadget for, you would think that they would have something a little more mobile.
Anyway, I don't have the alpha-1 definciency and that's about all I have to say right now! Needless to say, I'm relieved beyond words.

Thursday's Child

2005-08-04T11:30:00.000-04:00

So, I am anxiously awaiting a call from my dr.'s office as to the results of my alpha-1 deficiency test conducted at the Univ. of Florida. I emailed UF and they kindly let me know that my test is complete and that my dr. was mailed the results on Monday. However, when calling the dr., they haven't received it. But, the great people at UF said they would be happy to fax the results to my dr. and then I could call and receive them.
To say I'm anxious is the understatement of the year. This one test will determine a lot of things and, most importantly, the quality of my life from here on out. I have waited for two long weeks already and don't want to wait until my next appointment which is more than a week away.
So, where am I going with this? Well, first of all, I share a lot of things with my friends, but I keep a lot inside as well....such as my fears about the test results, the diagnosis, the treatment options, and things like that. It's not that I don't want to share them, it's that I have learned that few people understand one's true fears when facing something of this magnitude. Another example of this would be when I had a lump in my breast, yet told no one about it, not even my family because A) it only worries them and B) everyone deals with these things their own way and yet they love to dish out advice to you as to how you should not worry and how everything is always going to be just peachy; you get the idea. Now, don't get the impression that I enjoy or even participate in wallowing in my own misery. Quite the opposite. I simply don't like the unknown because my own imagination as to what the future will bring is ultimately worse than any test diagnosis, so the truth, for me, really does set me free - not to mention allows me to regain my sanity.
Sure, I have challenges on a daily basis just like everyone does. You don't escape this life without the little speed bumps that life throws in your path. However, at 32, I have learned the best way for me to deal with them and would simply like the support and respect of being allowed to let my feelings run their course until I do have a concrete diagnosis. I afford that to my friends and I don't think it's selfish to expect that in return. Now, if I feel that wallowing and self-pity are occurring and it's becoming damaging, I will say something as a friend concerned for another. That's normal and to be expected. However, I have not exhibited any of this behavior, in fact, I think I have taken it pretty well considering the things I do know to this point.
To conclude, I suppose I can see both sides of the coin, however, I'm continuing to live my life to the best of my ability, despite the bigger than normal speed bump that has popped up but there is a lot more to go and more answers to get in order for me to formulate a strategy of dealing with this that works best for me and those around me. So, some breathing room is good (no pun intended) and the support of everyone is even better, however, if you see me wallowing (not worrying, since that comes with the territory, guys!) feel free to kick me in the arse and let me know how you feel, otherwise, just your love and support is the best medicine in the world!

Mr. and Mrs. Moore.......

2005-08-03T10:58:00.000-04:00

I had to post this picture of Jen and Terry at their wedding since it was my favorite one and it reminds me most of the two of them.