Jan 20, 2006
Hooray!
Alas, we now have the free basic cable hooked up in our house. We also opted for the cable internet which is free for 3 months. Of course, we won't be back for a while...but just to know it's there is comforting. The cable tv is included in our community thingy. It's a pain because it took forever for them to come and hook it up. Oh well. Now I'm all set up to work from home!
Jan 19, 2006
Dear Diary...
I have a diary, well, not really a diary of everyday things. But a collection of scribbled passages through stormy nights, of days of pain, sentences, pleas, a cry to no one. It's a form of being your own therapist, and getting things off your chest. They say that's why women live longer. They cry.
I need to take the time out to write about the good things that are in my life, so that I don't always focus on the bad. It's hard, but I need to appreciate. We all need to stop and appreciate life - even if it is sometimes unbearable at times.
I admired Stephanie's list of good moments of the past year. I need to do the same.
Hey, maybe one day I can get together with Cathy, and make a compilation of all our silly videos that will make me laugh. What do you think, Cat? We need to archive our stuff/crap on DVD. In FL, I have the DVD recorder/player that we got from Costco. Let me know.
I need to take the time out to write about the good things that are in my life, so that I don't always focus on the bad. It's hard, but I need to appreciate. We all need to stop and appreciate life - even if it is sometimes unbearable at times.
I admired Stephanie's list of good moments of the past year. I need to do the same.
Hey, maybe one day I can get together with Cathy, and make a compilation of all our silly videos that will make me laugh. What do you think, Cat? We need to archive our stuff/crap on DVD. In FL, I have the DVD recorder/player that we got from Costco. Let me know.
PMS
Hormonal changes - things out of wack
She will bite your head off as she smiles
She wakes up with rage
No one understands what she's up against
It happens too darn often, the inevitable . (dot)
Tears, an ocean of tears stream down her face
Moodiness, the whole 9 yards...
Just leave her alone
She will bite your head off as she smiles
She wakes up with rage
No one understands what she's up against
It happens too darn often, the inevitable . (dot)
Tears, an ocean of tears stream down her face
Moodiness, the whole 9 yards...
Just leave her alone
I'd Rather NOT Be Fishing
So, I managed to organize a fishing trip. I rented a charter boat, and one fine Tuesday morning we set out for Fort Lauderdale. The weather was warm and sunny, and I was excited; fishing was one of my most enjoyable things to do. So we got there and boarded "The Shooting Star" The assistant/helper (I don't know what you call him technically) told us about the bait and type of fishing we were going to do. Kite fishing. It's a technique used with an actual square kite, it dips and dangles the live bait over the water. When the poor unsuspecting fish takes a bite, he doesn't realize there is a hook attached and he gets caught.
The first hour of the trip was very enjoyable as we admired the houses by the marina with docks and the crystal blue ocean below us. We passed the Queen Mary 2 which was docked nearby. Then as we drove deeper out into the ocean, huge gigantic waves formed, and suddenly we were climbing high waves, and as we passed each one, our boat rocked and dipped steep lows. You could hear the boat struggling with each wave, the strained acceleration. My Aunt suddenly dropped low to the floor, afraid of the boat jerking violently and tossing us overboard. As she closed her eyes tightly and began to pray, I took one look at the waves ahead and could also look no more. The waves loomed ahead, looking terrifying and overwhelming. I looked at the side of the ocean and kept my eyes in that direction. I could not believe the way our little boat was being rocked and tossed about as if the ocean were playing tennis with our boat being the ball. I was terrified, scared out of my wits. But I realized the way I deal with my anxiety is purely internal. I am so afraid of making a fool of myself that I won't voice my fears like my aunt did. I would calmly ask the assistant/helper if the waves were normal and if they were dangerous. Turns out, there was a storm in Cuba which caused these waves. Just the day before, the water was smooth like glass. Too bad the waters were rough on the day of OUR fishing trip. As my aunt gritted her teeth, and I held my anxiety inward, Anthony and his cousin Carli were laughing uncontrollably at my aunt which I found to be mean, but typical of Anthony. (We all had a laugh later, when Anthony's face lost all it's color when he eventually got seasick). Anthony's aunt Anita kept saying "Pobrecita, ella es una persona nerviosa." She felt bad for my aunt, and kept saying her jaws were going to lock! Ha ha ha!
As we neared the fishing area, we stopped, but our boat rocked on with each wave rocking us, dragging us further out to see. The assistant/helper guy appeared again, and set up the fishing rods. He caught one, then gave the pole to me and told me to reel, and I thought to myself - this form of fishing was really cheating. With live bait, it is almost a guarantee you will catch something. The poles were set up in their holders, and once he saw that a fish was caught, he would hand the pole for us to reel them in. After I got over that thought, I figured, let me make the best out of things and I happily reeled in a Dolphin fish. Not flipper, but a fish called Dolphin.
Anthony's cousin Christian was throwing up - non stop. Anthony's face lost all it's color and he was seasick, my aunt was terrified and Anthony's aunt was seasick too. After two fish caught, we called it a day and headed back. The boat's rocking also made me nauseous at the end of the trip, but I think that it was probably mental after seeing all different kinds of throw up on the boat. Has anyone heard of throwing up overboard?
When we reached the shore, everyone was relieved. I was disappointed that my little trip was ruined by the rough waters, but what can I do? I still want to go again, when the sea is calmer. Now I'm looking into going canoeing. A much calmer, relaxing activity!
The first hour of the trip was very enjoyable as we admired the houses by the marina with docks and the crystal blue ocean below us. We passed the Queen Mary 2 which was docked nearby. Then as we drove deeper out into the ocean, huge gigantic waves formed, and suddenly we were climbing high waves, and as we passed each one, our boat rocked and dipped steep lows. You could hear the boat struggling with each wave, the strained acceleration. My Aunt suddenly dropped low to the floor, afraid of the boat jerking violently and tossing us overboard. As she closed her eyes tightly and began to pray, I took one look at the waves ahead and could also look no more. The waves loomed ahead, looking terrifying and overwhelming. I looked at the side of the ocean and kept my eyes in that direction. I could not believe the way our little boat was being rocked and tossed about as if the ocean were playing tennis with our boat being the ball. I was terrified, scared out of my wits. But I realized the way I deal with my anxiety is purely internal. I am so afraid of making a fool of myself that I won't voice my fears like my aunt did. I would calmly ask the assistant/helper if the waves were normal and if they were dangerous. Turns out, there was a storm in Cuba which caused these waves. Just the day before, the water was smooth like glass. Too bad the waters were rough on the day of OUR fishing trip. As my aunt gritted her teeth, and I held my anxiety inward, Anthony and his cousin Carli were laughing uncontrollably at my aunt which I found to be mean, but typical of Anthony. (We all had a laugh later, when Anthony's face lost all it's color when he eventually got seasick). Anthony's aunt Anita kept saying "Pobrecita, ella es una persona nerviosa." She felt bad for my aunt, and kept saying her jaws were going to lock! Ha ha ha!
As we neared the fishing area, we stopped, but our boat rocked on with each wave rocking us, dragging us further out to see. The assistant/helper guy appeared again, and set up the fishing rods. He caught one, then gave the pole to me and told me to reel, and I thought to myself - this form of fishing was really cheating. With live bait, it is almost a guarantee you will catch something. The poles were set up in their holders, and once he saw that a fish was caught, he would hand the pole for us to reel them in. After I got over that thought, I figured, let me make the best out of things and I happily reeled in a Dolphin fish. Not flipper, but a fish called Dolphin.
Anthony's cousin Christian was throwing up - non stop. Anthony's face lost all it's color and he was seasick, my aunt was terrified and Anthony's aunt was seasick too. After two fish caught, we called it a day and headed back. The boat's rocking also made me nauseous at the end of the trip, but I think that it was probably mental after seeing all different kinds of throw up on the boat. Has anyone heard of throwing up overboard?
When we reached the shore, everyone was relieved. I was disappointed that my little trip was ruined by the rough waters, but what can I do? I still want to go again, when the sea is calmer. Now I'm looking into going canoeing. A much calmer, relaxing activity!
Jan 12, 2006
In The Words of Catherine: BLORG!
I have the stomach virus. Unfortunately it's true. I discovered it after eating dinner last night. My stomach was gurgly and I felt really unsettled. I "purged" and then not long after me, Anthony was soon to follow. We didn't sleep all night.
All day I was plagued with body cramps. Anthony has it worse than I do. That's because I've had so many stomach virus' in my life, that my body is unfazed.
Well, I'm off to work tomorrow! Good thing it's Friday! I'm being sent to the mall to have some of our products engraved. Doesn't seem like such a bad errand to run...going to Roosevelt Field! But I promise, I won't do any shopping. I will stand by the little booth and wait patiently while he engraves them all. (Wink, wink) My boss looked leary at the mention of sending me there, but he really had no choice. Sending a girl to the mall, oh boy. Hold me back.
______________________
Oh my goodness, I went to spell check this post and for some reason everything I typed disappeared. I went nuts...that is, until I saw the "Recover Post" link inconspicuously underneath the buttons. Whew! Cool feature! In the future I will always save as draft....
All day I was plagued with body cramps. Anthony has it worse than I do. That's because I've had so many stomach virus' in my life, that my body is unfazed.
Well, I'm off to work tomorrow! Good thing it's Friday! I'm being sent to the mall to have some of our products engraved. Doesn't seem like such a bad errand to run...going to Roosevelt Field! But I promise, I won't do any shopping. I will stand by the little booth and wait patiently while he engraves them all. (Wink, wink) My boss looked leary at the mention of sending me there, but he really had no choice. Sending a girl to the mall, oh boy. Hold me back.
______________________
Oh my goodness, I went to spell check this post and for some reason everything I typed disappeared. I went nuts...that is, until I saw the "Recover Post" link inconspicuously underneath the buttons. Whew! Cool feature! In the future I will always save as draft....
Jan 11, 2006
Jan 9, 2006
I'm going to Florida next week for a couple of days and I am looking for places on the web to book a chartered boat. It's going to be just Anthony and I, so we would have to split a trip with other people. Or maybe I'll meet people on Sunday who know of a cheap but good charter and could possibly join us. I'd probably book only half a day.
Last time I went fishing, I spent most of the time on the wrong side of the boat - the people on the other side were catching things left and right. I have to say, catching a fish for me is one of the best feelings in the world. The feeling of something tugging at your line...what can I say, I'm hooked. Ha ha ha. Forgive the pun.
Here's two cool sites I found:
Ultimate Sport Fishing
SailKing.com - I spoke to this guy and he grew up in Bayside, Queens but has been living in Jupiter for 10 years now. He said around this time you'll see a lot of Dolphins, Sea Turtles and Manatees! His rate is a little high, but there is a max of 4 persons allowed so you could split the charter. It's a lot different from the 40+ people charters I'm used to, so you could imagine the personal attention. He also does kite fishing and a lot of other cool things.
I am looking forward to the warm weather and a bit of relaxation. Last time, when Cathy came, I dragged her through curtain buying. I put a few up that are temporary, but they look nice anyway. This time I'm going to get blinds (easy way out, a no brainer) on the 2 guest rooms and also in the loft area which will eventually serve as an office/sitting room. Then all I'll have to worry about is my bedroom curtains. I have to leave that for last, since I'll have to furnish it first and decide on the colors. I want to paint my room blue...but I dont think it will happen during this visit. I will also get to retrieve my digital camera which I left there. I felt so naked without it.
This Is Freaky...I went to H.S. with this guy...
This happened in August of 2005. I had heard about it, but did not know who it was until recently. If the address in the article sounds familiar to you, it's because you probably know it. It's the same building where the Zapatas live. I went to H.S. with him...so weird to read news about somebody you went to school with. It happens. Unfortunately he is now out and about - on bail. How did his family raise the $50,000 dollar bail? If I were his family, I'd leave him in jail!
Man accused of molesting 9-year-old in park arraigned
A Queens man accused of molesting and punching a 9-year-old girl in Astoria Park was arraigned Tuesday on charges of sexual abuse, attempted kidnapping and endangering the welfare of a child and ordered held on $50,000 bail.
The suspect, Peter Belegrinos, 23, a former city hospital worker who lives near the park, did not speak during the proceeding in Queens County Criminal Court but his attorney said he pleads not guilty.
Belegrinos, of 20-64 24th St. in Astoria, who was wearing a blue T-shirt and long gray shorts, was arrested after the Monday attack after police matched him to the license plate of a car he left near the park. Police rushed to the park after receiving a 911 call about a child being assaulted.
Assistant District Attorney Paul Scotti told the court that the attack took place after Belegrinos approached the girl, her 12-year-old sister and a 9-year-old boy at Ditmars and Shore boulevards about 3 p.m. and asked them if they wanted to play "the kissing game."
The other two children ran away toward some bushes and Belegrinos told the 9-year-old girl to get into his car so they could catch up with them, Scotti said. But she ran off before he could get her in the car.
Scotti said Belegrinos then chased down the 9-year-old girl in his 1999 black Lincoln Town Car and grabbed her. He said Belegrinos punched her in the face, lifted her skirt, pulled down her underwear and groped her. The complaint said that as she tried to scream, he put his hand over her mouth and told her, "Can't you ever shut up."
Legal Aid attorney Howard Turman, in seeking $1,000 bail, said his client's recollection of what happened "differs dramatically than what the people claim."
Turman said Belegrinos, who plans to retain his own attorney, is in the Army Reserves, has an associate degree from Queensboro College and has been accepted into Lehman College to study nursing. He said his client has no criminal history.
The complaint says Belegrinos was suspended from his job at Psych Tech at Elmhurst Hospital in April.
At Turman's request, Criminal Court Judge Deborah Modica ordered that Belegrinos be held in protective custody.
Turman said that several relatives said they hoped to raise the bail money. In the meantime, several parents whose children play at the park expressed fear that such a thing could happen in what they said is normally a peaceful place."
BY DEBORAH S. MORRIS and PETE BOWLESSTAFF WRITERS
Staff writer Anthony Pardo contributed to this story.
Link to full story: http://www.nynewsday.com/news/local/manhattan/nyc-park0810,0,3391902.story?coll=nyc-moreny-headlines
Man accused of molesting 9-year-old in park arraigned
A Queens man accused of molesting and punching a 9-year-old girl in Astoria Park was arraigned Tuesday on charges of sexual abuse, attempted kidnapping and endangering the welfare of a child and ordered held on $50,000 bail.
The suspect, Peter Belegrinos, 23, a former city hospital worker who lives near the park, did not speak during the proceeding in Queens County Criminal Court but his attorney said he pleads not guilty.
Belegrinos, of 20-64 24th St. in Astoria, who was wearing a blue T-shirt and long gray shorts, was arrested after the Monday attack after police matched him to the license plate of a car he left near the park. Police rushed to the park after receiving a 911 call about a child being assaulted.
Assistant District Attorney Paul Scotti told the court that the attack took place after Belegrinos approached the girl, her 12-year-old sister and a 9-year-old boy at Ditmars and Shore boulevards about 3 p.m. and asked them if they wanted to play "the kissing game."
The other two children ran away toward some bushes and Belegrinos told the 9-year-old girl to get into his car so they could catch up with them, Scotti said. But she ran off before he could get her in the car.
Scotti said Belegrinos then chased down the 9-year-old girl in his 1999 black Lincoln Town Car and grabbed her. He said Belegrinos punched her in the face, lifted her skirt, pulled down her underwear and groped her. The complaint said that as she tried to scream, he put his hand over her mouth and told her, "Can't you ever shut up."
Legal Aid attorney Howard Turman, in seeking $1,000 bail, said his client's recollection of what happened "differs dramatically than what the people claim."
Turman said Belegrinos, who plans to retain his own attorney, is in the Army Reserves, has an associate degree from Queensboro College and has been accepted into Lehman College to study nursing. He said his client has no criminal history.
The complaint says Belegrinos was suspended from his job at Psych Tech at Elmhurst Hospital in April.
At Turman's request, Criminal Court Judge Deborah Modica ordered that Belegrinos be held in protective custody.
Turman said that several relatives said they hoped to raise the bail money. In the meantime, several parents whose children play at the park expressed fear that such a thing could happen in what they said is normally a peaceful place."
BY DEBORAH S. MORRIS and PETE BOWLESSTAFF WRITERS
Staff writer Anthony Pardo contributed to this story.
Link to full story: http://www.nynewsday.com/news/local/manhattan/nyc-park0810,0,3391902.story?coll=nyc-moreny-headlines
Jan 6, 2006
My Cousins!
I've never met them...can you believe it?
Sad.... I have to visit them one day...
They look great! Gaelle just turned 21 (my favorite age). My boy cousin looks like my uncle...it caught me off guard when I first saw the pics.
Jan 5, 2006
Life and the perception of reality.
I feel ever so unsettled as I have no place to call home. I had this idea of maybe staying in New York...getting an apartment, joining a gym, disappearing into the normalcy of everyday...but I don't think it's going to fly. During this in-between stage, I found myself longing to visit my old backyard (to which I still have the key)...when I realized I was just looking for a place subconsciously, some sort of familiarity in which to indulge in.
Someone so nicely put it all together for me. They said "It's not where you are (physically) that defines where you are in life."
Someone so nicely put it all together for me. They said "It's not where you are (physically) that defines where you are in life."
Words
You take lyrics and read them...they sound beautiful and deep, a form of poetry.
You put the lyrics together with music, and it is a marriage of word and song; forever cemented.
It is as if one could not exist without the other.
I thought of this one day as I contemplated the lyrics of a song....
You put the lyrics together with music, and it is a marriage of word and song; forever cemented.
It is as if one could not exist without the other.
I thought of this one day as I contemplated the lyrics of a song....
Come on over for a "Raclette" Party!
Last night I went over someone's house for dinner...and had a special treat.
After we had our appetizer of bread, tomato salad (I know Cathy's gagging right now), and mixed vegetables, an interesting contraption was placed before us in the center of the table.
It was called a "Raclette Grill" and it is used for grilling vegetables and potatoes on the top, and on the bottom it comes with little trays used to place a chunk of yummy "raclette" cheese that melts to a cheesy perfection. After the cheese has melted, you scrape it off and place it on top of your fresh ham cold cuts, potatoes and vegetables or any favorite item. It is fantastic, and SO entertaining!
It is so much fun...we have got to do one soon!
Here's a link to a site that sells them:
http://www.surlatable.com/common/products/product_details.cfm?PRRFNBR=5714
Dec 21, 2005
A lot is going on this week....
First of all, if you haven't already heard, NYC is facing a terrible transit strike. Although I work in Queens and drive to my job, I see the traffic on the otherside on my way to work. I feel bad for the commuters. I hear horror stories of carpooling and being stuck in traffic for 3 hours! And crazy stories of people walking all the way home. That's just nuts...but good for you! Don't let them paralyze you. Hopefully this will end soon...the newscasters are downright annoying with their dramatic phrases.
On another note, I just finished Memoirs of a Geisha. It was a really good book. Due to my slightly cynical nature I was surprised at the happy ending. It almost seemed unreal. I haven't seen the movie yet, so I am looking forward to it. The book was filled with descriptive passages so I expect to see the vivid imagery brought to life.
I was in a No Doubt faze last week, playing their tunes to and from work...and this week I hear Gwen is pregnant. Well, congrats...because I was skipping the songs that talk about her biological clock ticking. I'm happy for her, as long as she doesn't call the baby Harajuku! Maybe she'll be designing children's wear soon. Oh brother.
Lastly, an xmas pic of my two little cousins: (They look adorable, I had to share)
On another note, I just finished Memoirs of a Geisha. It was a really good book. Due to my slightly cynical nature I was surprised at the happy ending. It almost seemed unreal. I haven't seen the movie yet, so I am looking forward to it. The book was filled with descriptive passages so I expect to see the vivid imagery brought to life.
I was in a No Doubt faze last week, playing their tunes to and from work...and this week I hear Gwen is pregnant. Well, congrats...because I was skipping the songs that talk about her biological clock ticking. I'm happy for her, as long as she doesn't call the baby Harajuku! Maybe she'll be designing children's wear soon. Oh brother.
Lastly, an xmas pic of my two little cousins: (They look adorable, I had to share)
Dec 8, 2005
There are places I’ll remember
All my life though some have changed
Some forever not for better
Some have gone and some remain
All these places have their moments
With lovers and friends I still can recall
Some are dead and some are living
In my life I’ve loved them all
But of all these friends and lovers
There is no one compares with you
And these memories lose their meaning
When I think of love as something new
Though I know I’ll never lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know I’ll often stop and think about them
In my life I love you more
Though I know I’ll never lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know I’ll often stop and think about them
In my life I love you more
In my life I love you more
Dec 5, 2005
3 Years: The New 7 Year Itch
It looks like America's favorite couple has split up. Yeah, it's typical for a hollywood power couple to go their separate ways, but for some sappy reason this split up is straight up sad. Well, I can't say I have never watched an episode of "The Newlyweds" 'cause I did. It was hard not to be amused by Jessica's brainless comments - because although she was dumb as a doorknob, she had a down to earth side to her. And even though they had $$$, Nick always insisted on getting things done himself - a quality to be admired.
So what went wrong?
It just goes to show you that no matter how georgeous you are, it takes a lot more than looks to hold a marriage together!
Dec 2, 2005
If His Dad Could See Him Now....
He'd be disowned! Ha ha!!!!
My two cats prefer him over me, isn't that sad?
Nov 24, 2005
Taking Tea With Catherine
This past weekend, it was nice to get away...especially with a friend. Catherine accompanied me to West Palm Beach. We haven't traveled together in soooo long - since England. Wow. Anyway, it was Cathy's first domestic flight & first time taking off from LaGuardia Airport. It was a good flight with good TV. We landed pretty late, like 12:30 and we took a cab to the house. We quickly shed our jackets, and were greeted with warm air and a light misting of rain. That night I was excited, so I cleaned all three toilets. (They were not really dirty, but they had water stains from the stagnant water).
The next morning the bright sun woke me up (I need curtains desperately!) so I embarked on another project, cleaning the melted chocolate ice cream from the freezer from when the power was out. (Thanks, Wilma). I also struggled with putting in a water filter in the refrigerator for the water/ice maker. Afterwards, we showered, got dressed to the nines and went out to tea. I was kinda nervous driving around with expired temporary plates, but I paid no mind. This tea house was very quaint (there's that word again) and smelled like an old apartment while still maintaining the charm of a quiet tea room. There were many tea rooms, and we were placed in the "Green Room." At first Cathy wasn't feeling well, but as the tea was poured and the little finger sandwiches were brought in I could see she was feeling better. Or maybe the drugs were kicking in. I enjoyed the sandwiches, it was after 1 and we were starving so we daintily wolfed them down while sipping on tea. I had Strawberry Black tea and Cathy, or Catherine (her tea name) had Darjeeling. After that, we took pictures in the garden (or gizarden) and since I didn't have a digital camera on me (shame!) I snapped this shot with my phone:
After that, I got my license surrendered at the DMV - and shred my last part of my New York identity! I know I sound dramatic, but I was actually very sad. Then we went to the Palm Beach Gardens Mall and the shopaholic (you know who you are) did not buy a thing. Very proud of her.
This trip was pleasant, the weather was beautiful and just as we were settling in vacation mode...it was time to go home! I was really enjoying my Senseo coffee maker too! (The coffee pods beat scooping and measuring).
Oh well, until next time!
The next morning the bright sun woke me up (I need curtains desperately!) so I embarked on another project, cleaning the melted chocolate ice cream from the freezer from when the power was out. (Thanks, Wilma). I also struggled with putting in a water filter in the refrigerator for the water/ice maker. Afterwards, we showered, got dressed to the nines and went out to tea. I was kinda nervous driving around with expired temporary plates, but I paid no mind. This tea house was very quaint (there's that word again) and smelled like an old apartment while still maintaining the charm of a quiet tea room. There were many tea rooms, and we were placed in the "Green Room." At first Cathy wasn't feeling well, but as the tea was poured and the little finger sandwiches were brought in I could see she was feeling better. Or maybe the drugs were kicking in. I enjoyed the sandwiches, it was after 1 and we were starving so we daintily wolfed them down while sipping on tea. I had Strawberry Black tea and Cathy, or Catherine (her tea name) had Darjeeling. After that, we took pictures in the garden (or gizarden) and since I didn't have a digital camera on me (shame!) I snapped this shot with my phone:
After that, I got my license surrendered at the DMV - and shred my last part of my New York identity! I know I sound dramatic, but I was actually very sad. Then we went to the Palm Beach Gardens Mall and the shopaholic (you know who you are) did not buy a thing. Very proud of her.
This trip was pleasant, the weather was beautiful and just as we were settling in vacation mode...it was time to go home! I was really enjoying my Senseo coffee maker too! (The coffee pods beat scooping and measuring).
Oh well, until next time!
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