Zenobia Muffin!

The clouds were dark and ominous. But behind all the swirling grey, I saw the bright blue sky.

puffy clouds
crisp air
bright sun
red balloon floating away
it was red
a red heart baloon

Uno...dos...tres...catorce!

I got three very cool things yesterday - one is a 60 gb ipod for my anniversary. As I held it in my hand I expected to hear music and turn into a black dancing sillouette...(that would be awesome). But it didn't happen. I still have yet to load music into it. One of the things I must listen to first, is that song by U2 in all the ipod commercials and "Are You Gonna Be My Girl" by Jet. Yep, that's how it has to be christened. Now...I'm just in love with it. I'm one of the ipod geeks now.

Anyway, I also was given the Zagat book for So. Florida. Cool, huh? Only those with a refined snobby NY palate will be able to appreciate this! Now I can find all the good eats. I must have access to a good Thai place...

And lastly I was given a beautiful bracelet. It has multicolored stones and is oh so dainty. I'm afraid I'm going to bang my wrist and break it as I did other bracelets, sadly. But they were cheap so I didn't care.

So that's the 3rd year anniversary present rundown. I had an wonderful time last night...eating my favorite pasta dish in Lighthouse park.

Happy Anniversary To Me!

August 17th, 2002

Today Makes 3 years - whoo hoo!

Corn-y Tea Pot!

Darn! I wish I could take the merits for that phrase, but I have to give credit to Gata for that one!

Below are some useless things found in a 99 Cents store!

Useless Figurine. OJ anybody?

__________________________

And last but not least, Mr & Mrs Wannabe Hello Kitty.

They updated Hello Kitty's look to look more....kissable...er....I guess.

And Mr. Hello Kitty has a mischievous smirk.

Stay tuned for our next show featuring more useless things from the 99 cents store!

Untitled

My intrusive and disturbing thoughts
are keeping me up and affecting my sleep
If just for one day, I long to be normal

I wish to drift into sweet ignorance
'Cause the way that I'm feeling it's making no sense
I fear life, I fear living, fear dying, I fear breathing

Somebody please save my tormented self - out of this hole
out of this prison that I locked myself in
I don't know where to start, don't know where to begin

Feeling so unhappy with my mind keeping me captive
I long to be freed...

A Message

My song is love

Love to the lovely shown

And it goes on

You don't have to be alone

Your heavy heart

Is made of stone

And its so hard to see you clearly

You don't have to be on your own

You don't have to be on your own

And I'm not gonna take it back

Well I'm not gonna say I don't mean that

Your the target that I'm aiming at

And I get that message home

My song is love

My song is love, unknown

And I'm on fire for you, clearly

You don't have to be alone

You don't have to be on your own

And I'm not gonna take it back

And I'm not gonna say I don't mean that

Your the target that I'm aiming at

But I'm nothing on my own

Got to get that message home

And I'm not gonna stand and wait

Not gonna leave it until its much too late

On a platform I'm gonna stand and say

That I'm nothing on my own

And I love you, please come home

My song is love, is love unknown And I've got to get that message home
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Back In The USSR

Well, back in NY now and sorta back into the swing of things.

My visit to Florida was okay...things didn't go so smooth but we did end up closing on the house in the end. Yea! I find myself mixed with so many emotions. I guess it's normal. I stayed in Miami. Miami's okay...just don't compare it to NY or I'll go off on you. This one guy said Miami was like New York, the city that never sleeps. I just stared at him with this blank look on my face. The heat is the thing that will be a little hard to deal with. But like anything, I think I would eventually get used to it. It's been hot these past couple of days in New York, but I've been unfazed by it.

The radio in Florida is not really my cup of tea. I think I need to crack down and get an IPod. In New York, we have Z100 which has a mix of today's pop, 95.5 has mostly 90's stuff, 106.7 has all the light sounds and 103.5 and 102.7 have dance/disco music. And of course there's Hot 97, a station that I never listen to and 92.3 KRock. In Florida, they have the Z100 equivalent. It's 100.7 or something. Anyway it sounds like Z100, except take out any rock songs. Not even pop rock. It's all hip hop. So it's hard to listen to for longer than 10 minutes. Their rock station consists of hard rock that's so hard it's not even cool. The radio stations there are lame. I'm going to have to get satellite radio or something, 'cause I'm gonna die. Not really.

Besides the radio situation, I don't think Florida will be too bad... They're building a lot around the neighborhood I'm moving into. And the conveniences are close by. Near my house they have Costco, (I love to stock up) Publix, (supermarket/drugstore) Home Depot, Lowes, Staples, Applebees, Blockbuster, and 3 strip malls which contain dry cleaners, hair salons, etc... And I haven't even explored that much! Oh yeah, Palm Beach Gardens Mall is close by too. Riviera Beach is nice...it's literally 10 minutes away. I think that will be a place for me to seek some solitude...until the heat gets out of hand and I want to go home. I still haven't gone to Palm Beach - it should be gorgeous.

It's going to be a major change for me. I've lived in New York all my life. It's going to be hard to be away from family and friends. I have to get used to driving everywhere. But I think it's going to be a growing experience. Having to transplant your life somewhere else is not easy. We have to make new friends, establish a routine of everyday life, and learn to be on your own completely. I'm going to miss NY terribly also. I love the mixed cultures, the food, and the craziness of life in general. For the first year I'm going to see a movie that has NY in it, and get filled with nostalgia and longing. There's something about the way NY is portrayed in the movies which makes it look so fun to be in NY. I'm going to certainly miss living in my house. I love my backyard and the whole set up. I really didn't mind living in the basement.

But change is good. It's just hard.

I'm flying, I'm really flying...Jack!

Ha ha...in case you've forgotton, this title was a Titanic reference.

Anyway, this Friday I had a flight to Ft. Lauderdale and I went all by myself. That day, I went home early from work, and packed last minute. The time flew and before I knew it, it was time to leave. I felt overwhelmed.

We got to the airport, and I was hungry but didn't have an appetite. I felt emotional...and it was time for me to go through security and say goodbye.

I went through security fine, and sat in my seat and waited. It was packed. Well, JetBlue is always packed. I waited nervously until it was time to board. I sat in seat 19D. I sat next to this woman and her child. The poor child had a tube through his head to drain liquid. And I found out soon after that they've been flying back and forth from Miami to New York for surgeries. I felt so bad.

So during the whole flight, I have to say, I did pretty well. I was quite okay. I watched tv a little, read a magazine, and towards the end I napped. I woke up in time for the plane's decent and I freshened up.

So I landed, feeling so excited for the things to come....

The walkthrough:

I was glad to point out all the things they had to touch up and finish. The house's condition was a little scary, but at least they have a couple of days to straighten up everything....

London Bridge Is Falling Down

I was saddened to hear of the bombing in London. I had fond memories of that place, and I was always thinking of returning there one day. It makes me sad to think that I will always be thinking "What if?" wherever I go. Well, one thing's for sure in this ever changing world - you are not safe anywhere. Time and unforseen occurance befalls us all. How true.

It's just unfortunate that londoners now carry the same fear we have in New York. And although we eventually get on with our lives, the fear of something happening is there - only burried in the back of our minds.

Pic Of The Day: What Is This Cat Saying?

Happy Thursday

The sky is gloomy, but I am not. Today is the end of my work week. We have the convention this weekend, so I'm off from work Friday-Sunday.

I have to say, this convention period was different from most - I was a shopaholic this time around. Last year and the year before that, I wore no new outfits all three days. This time I got 3 new outfits for the 3 days. The last time I remember doing that was when I was in my teen years. I would go to Strawberry's or some other discount clothing store (always at the last-minute) scour all the racks until I found something. This time wasn't any different, except instead of Strawberry's I went to Famous Brands. Famous Brands is a wonderful place. It's totally below the radar - because it looks kinda crappy. But inside, if you look hard enough (at times, it's hit or miss) you can dig up some brand name item at a fraction of the cost. My mother has gotten skirts for $7, and dresses that cost not much more. So this convention, I should be unique - because my outfits aren't from Gap/Old Navy/Express/NY & Co./Strawberry's. I also got a skirt from an old favorite: Lord of The Fleas. I used to work there, and visiting made me so nostalgic. (I was thinking of the wardrobe I would have if I were still there. But when you think back about a fond memory, like your first job, you never recall the bad things).

Now I also bought shoes, which I will wear for one of the days. The only thing is, they're pretty high. The kind of high heels that when I fall, no one will pity me. You wear heels to the convention-you are pretty much on your own. And since we are sitting up in the nosebleed section, I will do well to carry a pair of flat slippers to walk around with.

I have my note taking arrangements all taken care of - because Ishmael made Anthony and I, a book for taking notes with the schedule and everything inside. How nice!

I am looking forward to being with the friends this weekend, (and taking pictures of everyone) but most of all I am looking forward to this weekend of encouragement.

X & Y

This album is awesome....my favorite song so far is "Fix You"


Coldplay

So Sad!

Gemini, a kitten with two faces, was born Sunday in Glide, Ore. It was born with four eyes, two noses, two mouths and two tongues.

Poor little kitten!

An Orange....No No! A lemon! No No, An Orange!

(I just couldn't resist posting this picture).

This picture was taken from a science project dumped in the garbage by one of our tenants. (Obviously, one of their children's science project).

At first glance, I looked at it and felt a pang of sorrow for the poor child who embarked on this experiment. Then I just cracked up. I mean, this has to be one of the dumbest experiments I have ever heard of! It's ridiculous...It doesn't even qualify for an experiment in my opinion.

I used to think that the volcano was the biggest cop out. But no, I was wrong! It's the juice experiment!

So tell me, what has more juice? An orange or a lemon?

What A Day!

Yesterday I ran out of the office to get lunch and my car wouldn't start. My boss came out and tried to give me a boost - but it didn't work. When the day was over, my co-worker gave me a boost. Her car is bigger so I thought it would do the trick. I thought wrong. After much debating and figuring out what my options were, I finally called a tow truck.

The guy who towed me, talked my ear off all the way home. When I got home, we put in a new battery and the car was fine. I was so exhausted!

Later on I got to see my cousin (pictured below). I haven't seen her in a long time so it was nice.

BBQ Highlights

This past Sunday we had a barbecue.

The first of the season - but not the last.

We had a wonderful time.

Here are a few pics of some of the people there...

(I have a few more to add to the bunch later)


Karin


Irene & Jorene


Ray


"The Artist"


"The Boys"


What are they talking about? (Above)


Can a man get some room?


"Zapata Sandwich"


Me, pretending to be busy


Excuse me!


Group Picture Time!
Click to enlarge!


Click to enlarge!


Kayla

Can you say TACKY?

What you are seeing here is an actual flyer handed to our small 3 person office by our regular UPS driver. (His identity and contact information are hidden for his protection).

I found this in great distaste. I didn't even register in 3 Stores for my Wedding! Here is somebody registering at 3 places for a housewarming.

I also found it a bit odd, that he gave this to us and we don't know him that well. I mean, we KNOW him - he's our UPS guy. But to know him, like really know him enough to get him a present for his housewarming - no.

I think this falls into the "Tacky" category. What about you?

Can you say, fishing for presents?

My Laser Surgery Experience

(The procedure was done on April 2005)

I was looking forward to getting laser surgery, but I was scared. Even though Anthony went through it and was fine, I was worried that something may go wrong, or that I would not be corrected to the fullest extent. But I was sick of wearing contacts and glasses so I decided to go for it.

The morning of the surgery, I went to eat at our local diner, Bel Aire. I ordered pancakes, but had no appetite. I picked at my food and barely ate.

At the waiting room I had to sign some papers. One of them was a long list of disclaimers. I anxiously initialed each page, dreading if one of those rare complications would happen to me.

I got re-tested again. They measured my pupils, created a map of my eye and took my prescription. I spoke with the doctor about my concerns and then I was given an eye drop kit and a Valium and was sent to the waiting/recovery room. It was a room with 5 leather reclining chairs and two regular chairs. I sat with my eyes closed, as it was important to keep your eyes from getting dry. After a few minutes I got called. I was taken to this machine and was instructed to lie down. It was so cold in that room. An assistant put drops in my eyes to dilate my pupils. It is a strange feeling. I lay down and the machine took pictures of each eye. Afterwards, I was taken back to the recovery room. I sat and waited for another couple of minutes and I got called again. This time they took me to another machine. I lay down and one of the assistants put a blanket on me. I really needed it because that room was really frigid. She said, “This is the part where they create the flap.” I remember feeling like backing out, but instead I lay anxious. She puts a series of drops in my eyes to numb them. The doctor comes in singing. They taped my eyelid open, put something on my eye and the machine came down. I felt a pressure on my eye. I started to say something, but the doctor quickly told me not to speak as the machine was cutting my flap. I lie silently, but felt like I was going to move. The assistant was holding my arms. I asked her to so earlier so that I wouldn’t move by accident. I really felt like I was going to move, but I laid still. Finally it was over. I don’t know if I was imagining it, but it was like I felt the laser cutting the flap around. They did the second eye. It was more bearable this time. After they were all finished and they were praising me like I had just done a miracle, I told them that my right eye hurt a little bit. Nothing major, just a little. They put more numbing drops in my eyes and I was sent back into the recovery room. I sat there with my shades on, eyes closed. One woman asked how I was doing. I told her they created my flaps and the worse was over.

A couple of minutes later, they called for me again. This time, I was taken to the first machine and it was going to be the actual laser. I lay down, and they put more drops in my eyes. I wasn’t even nervous at this point – It was probably the Valium kicking in. So they taped my eyelid open, put a patch on my other eye and slid the flap off my eye. The doctor told me to look at the red blinking light. I looked into it, and it began ticking. 10 percent complete…20 percent complete…. I continued staring into the red blinking light. 70 percent complete…80 percent complete…. 90 percent complete…100 percent complete! The doctor then slid the flap back in place; they put a bandage contact on my eye and put the patch over it. To the other eye, they taped it open and slid the flap off and told me to look at the red blinking light. I told them it was hard to focus. The machine was already starting up, and soon it started ticking away, so I did my best to stare at the red blinking light. After it was done, they put the flap back in place, put on the bandage contact, sat me up, told me “You did so good!” and sent me back to the room. “You’re all done! You did greeeeat!” They cooed. And like a little child I smiled. At the recovery room, I sat with my eyes closed, but took little peeks. Finally, they sent me to this other room where the doctor will examine me and discharge me. I sat in that room with my eyes closed. When I peeked, I couldn’t see that well, but I noticed that the edges to contours were sharp. I already knew that the surgery had worked. Anthony was finally let into the room. He told me how he couldn’t read or concentrate in the waiting room. I told him I did fine, and that I wasn’t nervous. (Valium’s a heck of a drug) The doctor took a look, and discharged me. I went home and ate pizza from Sac’s with Anthony. Anthony sent me to bed to get some rest. I lay down, and as I was lying there, my eyes went to the clock in front of the bed. I started cracking up like a madwoman because I could already read the time. Anthony came in and was wondering why I was laughing. “I could read the time!” I screamed, followed by squeals of delight. I took a long nap. When I woke up, I felt my eyes were dry, so I put some drops in. I have 3 different drops to take. One for 3 days, one for 7 days, and one for 9 days. I was to put them in 5 minutes apart. I also had Refresh Tears, which I could use as much as I wanted. My mom came over, and we talked until it was bedtime. Anthony took her home, and I went to bed.

The next morning I could see even better. I slept in, and took a long nap in the afternoon. Later that day, Anthony and I went to the Nursery to look for a Red Japanese Maple tree. On the highway, I could see really far and crisp. In the evening, my eyes were tired. On the way home, it was dark and I noticed the halos around the lights. I asked Anthony if he had that, he said he had starbursts around lights. I got worried. I was wondering if I was going to see like that at night or if it was going to go away after time. I took two days off from work. I basically slept a lot on those days because I couldn’t read, watch TV or go on the computer. The first 3-4 days, every day, you see better than the last. Eventually, the halos around the lights went away.

Now, almost 3 months later, I can see crystal clear. I am amazed at how good I see without contacts. I went for a follow up visit and I am now 20/20! I would advise everyone to do it. It’s a low-risk procedure, and not wearing any contacts or glasses is priceless. To wake up and see is a wonderful thing.