Rain. Boredom. Working.

Its so boring at work at the moment. The rain is bucketing down due to the cyclone at sea, which means NO ONE is really outside working in the elements. Which, since all of our customers work outside, means the phone has rang about twice today.

No one paid their bills today- so, I have no money to pay our company bills today.

No one is calling- so, I am not travelling all over the place trying to sort problems.

No one is working in our office. Everyone seems to be playing on the computer, sending emails, chatting on personal phone calls, and one has even gone out to do some shopping.

Why am I here? The boredom is killing me. I need to be busy doing something. ANYTHING.

Maybe part of it is that I would like to be home, watching a movie, securing my place for high winds, sitting around and watching the rain. That would be much more satisfying than sitting in my office, staring at nothing, watching everyone do nothing.

Ack. I hate being bored.

Cyclone Hamish

So theres Cyclone Hamish on its way. Its a very odd feeling at the moment. Sometimes the atmosphere is VERY VERY still, and then a gush of wind comes from nowhere. Its strange. The calm before the storm.

If you look on the map on the top, that big white blob on the right of the country is the cyclone. If you look on the map on the bottom, the town called Tewantin, well, I am about 1/2 hour south of that. As of now, it appears the cyclone is traveling parallel to the coast, but not hitting the coastline, just rain, heaps of rain. However, a cyclone can change in an instant, so we are all on alert.

IF it hits, it should be tomorrow sometime, or the next day. I work a bit inland, so its hard to sit at work and know whats happening at home on the coast region. Although, Im sure its just gusty and a bit wild, all things should stay relatively calm. BUT, big plans once I get home from work.... put ALL things in the garage: outside table, buddha ornaments in the garden... etc. all in the garage.. better safe than sorry.

Lets hope it just turns to some mild rain.

Shes linked to a tale of killing at least 8 men, some just for bickering over the price of sex. Shes one of Australia's high-profiled (is there such a thing here?) prostitutes from the "good ol' days".

Shes been charged with assault, drunk & disorderly, wandering & loiterring, and associations with criminals and gangsters.

Lets just look at the above statements. She had no place to live? Well, of course not honey, she was a hooker... I am sure she didnt need to head home to often. She hung out with "unsociables"? Back in the 40 & 50's, who else had money except for crims and gangsters? You go where the money took you... which in her case was straight into the arms of badly behaved men with power. Not much different from today really. Charged with assault? So, could that mean that MAYBE she was collecting debts owed, or stood up for herself in a not so nice world? I dont know.. just a thought.

Shes been known for being beautiful and very expensive in the sex trade industry. Blonde hair, blue eyes and apparantly a figure to die for. Ah, even back then, beauty was adored.

Who is she? Shes being featured in an exhibit called Femme Fatale: the Female Criminal. I would love to go see it. If it comes this way, I am def there, but for now, I think its only being shown in Sydney or Melbourne.

I dont know about you, but Dulcie Markham seems to have been one tough lady who stood her ground, made ends meet financially, and hob-knobbed with rich & powerful for her time.

All that AND good looks? Impressive

yummy!

Just wanted to share that I had the BEST honeydew yesterday... it was devine...if I would have been near the store, I probably would have gone back for more...

one just have to love fresh fruit!

My horoscope today tells me this:


Don't be surprised if someone from your past contacts you this week as Venus, the planet of love, turns retrograde on March 6. Then, you'll be daydreaming plenty when Mercury enters imaginative Pisces on March 8. That same day, the Sun opposes Saturn, which gives you a helpful reality check just when you need it the most!

For once, its true... I spoke to someone whom I havent spoken to in 10 years, actually more than that! It was great, was like time never passed us... Funny how you always hold on to special people in your life in your heart and soul, and then BAM one day, they pop back into it!~

I am a bit concerned on whats happening on the 8th when my reality check comes into play..thank goodness its a Sunday~ but it says its helpful, so cant be all that bad, right?

And more in Pleasantville...

If you havent already done so, please read the post below this one first...


And if you have already been introduced to Pleasantville in this blog, read on:

Heres a few more snapshots of what $600,000 can give you in the landscaping of your new home.. please note the half dried/dead edges around EACH plant... now that is classy. Ah, but take note, for those big bucks, you can have this mature and lush palm growing outside your apartment complex... lets hope thats not "full bloom"

Or, you can have these lovely rusted metal birds greet you as you drive into your spacious garage...please note your 1 square foot of grass allowed for your home...

Sadly, there was no sign marking this bookshelf as free...but Im hoping the owners are looking to get rid of it. I do wonder tho, how does one make your bookshelf go THAT wonky?

This house reminds me for some reason of an upgrade on the Amityville Horror House... Im not sure why, but there is something bizarre about it, or is it to familiar to Wisteria Lane? Ah, either way prob one in the same, right?

Pleasantville in real life?

There is an estate near my house, that years ago was considered one of the "prestigious" areas to live in. Now, its rental heaven. It reminds me of Pleasantville.. .always has. Everyone parks the car on the street (lack of garages), the square foot of lawn owned by you and your home is perfectly manicured, the mailboxes match the house (yes, its true!), most everyone has a token dog, the children are outside playing (in the driveways between the cramped house), the curtains look brand new, the doors are wide open so that everyone in this trusting neighborhood knows EXACTLY what you have inside, and to top it off.... there is this "air" about the place that you are an intruder and only the special are allowed into this done up world. Its just so strange.. and not my cup of tea AT ALL. Yuck!

Below is a photo of a newly constructed house almost complete... the steps shown here are the entrance to a unit that gets rented out per week...its above a garage, and no, majority of the time you dont have access to a garage, you just get the "joy" of living above it, in your studio apartment for approx $200 AUD per week.

Below, is the other side of the photo.. see how its not finished.. well, typically there will be a "walkway" and garden area which only the owner of the large house has access too. Just looks so funny to see it this way... I keep walking by to see if they have progressed yet...

There is a newer section to the estate (where the mailboxes dont match the house as they finally realized its just CREEPY when the entire street does this)... but even then... if your paying over $600,000 to live here, dont you think you could have landscaping that wasnt half dead?

Its just my opinion, Im sure they love living here.... but thankfully, I love my place to bits~

I spoke to my half sister today...in reality, shes my sister, wont be having any of this half stuff!

Great to speak to her. Its always amazing to me how we can be similiar and have such a strong connection. I have only had a relationship with her in the past 6 years or so, and it only happened when I moved countries. Amazing how time works.

This weekend I wandered around a particular store.. its a storage store of sorts. I was looking for a few items and had intended on making approx 50 dollars worth of purchases.

I arrived at the mall early: the store had only been open for 45 minutes before I walked thru the doors. I was the only one in the store.. along with 2 employees.

I ventured my way around the store, to find myself within elbow distance from Employee #1- a girl who eats well above her RDI, early 20's, and dark hair. Employee #1 did NOT utter a peep to me. In fact, she looked at me and then turned around. I was picking up items off the shelf and looking at the price tag, and Employee #1 didnt care.

I found myself in another area of the store digging thru things on the shelf, and in fact, I even dropped an item, which although wasnt breakable, it was evident someone was rummaging thru the shelves. Oh, and the fact that I had an OVERSIZED shopping cart pushing the way thru the store...

Later, I ventured to a different area and saw and heard Employee # 1 & #2 picking thru shelf full of air fresheners and deciding which one they liked better.

It wasnt until I sneezed that Employee #2 (shorter hair, possibly late 20s to early 30s, bit stumpy) looked up and asked me, "Can I help you with anything?"

To which I rudely stated: "No, Im no longer looking for any items here." and put ALL my purchases on the shelf and walked out. I was in the store approx 15-20 minutes and that was the FIRST acknowledgement of me as a customer. I couldnt believe that although they noticed me, they didnt want to help me. Especially in a time when the economy is in the situation it is- I really would have thought they would want to keep their jobs. So much for me assuming again.

I was going to do nothing about it and then it just frustrated me. I have shopped at the store before and NEVER received service like that before. I called this morning to speak to the manager and explained the situation. She was so appreciative of my phone call as Saturday is the only day she & her husband have off from the store. She didnt realize that was happening, and certainly didnt appreciate her employees not working.

During the conversation I made it clear that I had never had that sort of experience before in her store, and that was the reason for my call. I also explained to her that as a Manager myself, I am looking at my employees during this time and getting rid of those who really dont seem to want to work. I felt her staff that morning were in that category. She agreed. She also knew exactly who I was speaking about and didnt question me on the issues, which lead me to believe that she wasnt real confident with Employee # 1 & #2 being "superior" employees anyway.

I feel better for at least letting the manager know. She felt good about being told about the situation and I reassured her that I would be shopping there again, but no, I didnt make any purchases that day, and no, I didnt appreciate the lackluster customer service that day either. At the end of the conversation, I think she was on her way to "re-evaluate" some employees and I was feeling much better about her as a manager.

What she does with it is her business. But it is my businesss to inform that as a customer, I expected more. I was pleased with her taking the time to listen to my concerns. So, ******* Storage World.... you redeemed yourself today.

Thank you to Manager/Owner Robin for being interested in your business!

The Rodeo

Last night we went to the local Rodeo (locals pronounce it like" Ro-deh-oh, almost like Rodeo drive)... so its quite funny to hear we were at the Ro-deh-oh and not a Rodeo). Somehow I just couldnt see any Chanel, Prada, YSL or anything over $1000 (except for the livestock) last night at our Ro-deh-oh event!

Great time! After about 8 apologies to the man standin in front of me for grabbing him when the rider was bucked off and almost trampled, we came to an understanding: I didnt have to apologise anymore! Needless to say, good conversations! And.... its always good when a complete stranger gives you the OK to tap and grab him! HA!

Firestick J was pleased as well... my "grab toy" had a friend with who works on a station... so they got to talk all about COUNTRY stuff... too bad he was too young, only 24 but seemed a lot older due to all that responsibility and hard work. All he had to mention was "hilux" and "muster" and FJ was ready to chat away.

I on the other hand was happy my grab toy was a city boy. Whew! He was into the ro-deh-0h but was still a city boy at heart! I didnt feel so out of my depth anymore... me with no cowgirl hat, showered, and not walking all funny, I felt a bit too "girly" at times in my FILA shoes, Esprit shirt, and jean shorts!

The ro-deh-o lasted until 10ish, and then the country band kicked off. So did FJ... she was dancing away living it up on her search to find the perfect cowboy!

The rain came (again) just after the band finished, and didnt end for ages, so we walked back to the car drenched, which was a great relief as it was really really hot and humid last night.. so icky that your clothes just stuck to you. No movement of anything!

Great times, great company, great to be there! So.. however you pronounce it: Rodeo or Ro-deh-oh, good times were had by all.

Ocean Nova is stuck... in the Antartic. Its a cruise ship, which was made for ice-chilled waters, but they are unsure if it is stuck due to lodgement of ice or the tides. Either way, the Captain ins stating they are not in danger.

What? Stuck in the Antartic and waiting for the ship to become unstuck? Yikes! Wonder how longs thats gonna take.. at least theres on-board entertainment, I guess. And, hopefully, they get to see some cool ice formations and wildlife.

And for a price tag of around $10 for a cruise.. .do you think they will offer a refund or another cruise? Or, do you think this could be another one of those " incontrollable events, therefore not due to compensation"?



Either way, lets think of the Crew & Staff who are staring at the same scenery for a few days now...

Things seem to be slowly getting better. Im discovering that I am not alone in this.... who-ha of events... its really seeming to be the norm with everyone as of lately.

Maybe its the moon.

I seem to be in an akward spot at the moment
I have heaps to do
I dont want to do most of it
I am frustrated by people
Yet, people amaze me so much, its almost addicting to watch them
I find it funny how long before people show their true selfs
Its crazy to me that people carry on about NOTHING for so long

If you do what you have always done, you get what you have always got
Change? Resistance to Change? Eh Gawks!

Tired, exhausted, sleepy.
Thankful for my parents and their help over the last few days

Upset my car insurance is due THIS week
Upset my health insurance is due NEXT week
Wondering what will be due the FOLLOWING week????

Bewilderment.
Loved.
Exhausted.

Consider not throwing verbal abuse at stupid neighbor lady. If you dont like it... move grumpy woman.

Ah... its been an interesting yet blahy time.
Hope your moments have shaped up to a more clearer image than mine have.

They say the new development (shops with apts above) will be done by xmas THIS year.... I really wonder if it will, as for the last 4 years they have talked about destruction of the building. But, alas, the demolition began last week!

Im just hoping a good coffee shop and some wonderful shopping lies ahead.

Then again, Im still waiting to confirm what new restaurant is going into the shops next to my place... oh I wish for Mexican, but considering the LACK of mexicans here, I highly doubt that one. Just no more Thai.. we already have 5 in our local area. Maybe a Greek or Indonesian... yeah, thats sounding good. But, if I listen to rumors, its gonna be Thai next to me. Good thing I like spring rolls.

I will try to get some photos of the process happening in town. No one really likes change, but I think the locals are glad at last something is happening!

Hope things are well in your town.

A Valentines Chuckle

Ha. Sorry, couldn't resist! Hope everyone has a fantastic Valentines Day. Its rainy here... really really wet! My state is either flooded or drenched, while another state is trying to recover from mass deaths and tragedy from an idiot who started a fire. They have aressted 1 man so far for 1 of the fires. He started it because "he wasnt thinking" and was having a hard time with his girlfriend........ um... oh yeah... hes a fireman.

On a lighter note, I wish all of you love today. May you fill your day with kindness and goodness for others.

Shame Shame Shame

Please look at the photo above. He is an idiot. He is a christian leader, who has a firm belief that the fires which are occuring in another state are the direct punishment for decriminalising abortion in that state. Thankfully, one of the churches has spoken out against his beliefs.

But alas, here is Danny Nalliah. He is the President of the Assemblies of God affliated "Catch the Fire Ministries", he believes in GOD coming to him in dreams and so forth. So much so, that apparently GOD came to him in a dream OCT 21 where the state was engulfed in fires, and that GOD had removed his protection and that the people should repent and pray.

WELL, THANK YOU MR NALLIAH... IF YOU SAW THE FIRES HAPPENING, WHY DIDNT YOU SPEAK UP AND GEE... I DONT KNOW, SAVE THE LIVES OF OVER 180 PEOPLE, OVER 700 HOMES, NATURE, WILDLIFE, JOBS, SCHOOLS... YOUR AN IDIOT DANNY NALLIAH!

In being fair, Nalliah is an idiot! He is overboard in his thinking. He uses GOD as an excuse, and tries to manipulate others to "his way". But hey, thats my thinking. This is my forum.

He says he has witnessed the healing of the blind, deaf, and crippled people.

Its sick how people can take advantage of such a horrifying incident such as the Victorian Bushfires and use it as a way of publicity.

Well, Mr Nalliah, I hope you find peace within yourself. I wouldn't save you for nothing.

If you would like more info on this scumbag, heres a few links:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danny_Nalliah

http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/failing-to-understand-the-nature-of-an-understanding-god-20090211-84of.html

http://www.smh.com.au/national/pastors-abortion-dream-inflames-bushfire-tragedy-20090210-832f.html

http://catchthefire.com.au/blog/

The tired keep on giving

What a fantastic shot! I love them holding hands, makes me cry.

Fires in Victoria

Words can not describe the horror and sickness felt by so many people right now. I have obtained these photos from The Age (www.theage.com.au). The devastation is mind boggling. Homes, lives, families, pets, work, etc, its been lost due to the fires. No one has identities anymore, there wasnt time to grab their ID cards, credit cards, anything. They dont have money to buy the paper this morning. Did you buy the paper today ? If so, your luckier than most of these people. Towns have been wiped clean. Nothing stands in many towns except for blackened ash and metal. I am just not sure how to put my emotions into words...its just crippling.

More Photos.

photos from www.theage.com.au

More Images of the Fires in Victoria

Photos courtesy of www.theage.com.au

In need of a good laugh

Its hard somedays.

• 60 % of the state is flooded


• Other states are in a massive heatwave


• KIDS.. yes KIDS in the UK have "roasted" 7 week old puppies. They were only stopped when a passerby heard the distress of the puppies. NO arrests have been made. The dogs are in the care of the RSPCA in the UK.


• the economy SUCKS


• my job is ..... gawd knows. Some moments I think we have our head above water and other moments I want to hold my head down in the water.

Too much, too tragic. Im just not sure how much more I can take. My stomach is ill from reading about those fucking brats who wanted to destroy those puppies. I honestly can not describe the rage I have about that. I seriously hope they meet Michael Vick, and then PETA can string them all 3 together and irradicate them from society. Im sorry, I just cant believe people could do such things.

So, the good news? Im off to see comedian Ross Noble tonight. I think its exactly what I need, a full giant-sized belly laugh! If theres one way to "hide" your troubles and the ill of the world, its to laugh....

Let you know tomorrow how my tummy muscles feel from laughing. And... I hope things are better in your space.

Dedication

it might be strange to "sell" yourself on the side of the highway.. but if you have the time and guts, you can do it!

Thats just what this guy did.. he hadnt had any work since December, and knew he couldnt rely on unemployment payslips, so he went out with a sign, and propped another sign up with his mobile phone number and went to the highway.

He was met with cheers and moral support, thumbs ups & heaps of honks!

Best of all, he starts work tomorrow as a brickie, all because he was motivated to get a job.

Great to see that spirit!

Things that make you go YUMMY

FG told me of a show coming on tonight which was showcasing American food.. its a show about food, and tonight was going to tempt me like no other...

http://www.sbs.com.au/food/foodsafaricuisine/index/cp/440/section/recipes/n/USA

I was salivating during the show, remembering the days when I could go anywhere, to anyones house, and nab the possibility of SOUTHERN FRIED CHICKEN, CORN BREAD, GRITS, BBQ RIBS... oh I can almost smell it. You must check out the site for the BBQ Ribs recipe, I am thinking I am going to have to make it.. but heres a sneak at the Corn Bread recipe...

Corn Bread

Ingredients
½ cup polenta
1½ cup self raising flour
½ cup castor sugar
Pinch of salt
½ cup melted butter
3 eggs
1 cup of creamed corn
1 cup full cream milk

Preparation
Mix polenta and self-raising flour, salt, melted butter and eggs.
Add creamed corn and milk. Mix until you get a nice creamy consistency.
Spoon the mixture into a greased muffin tray and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown in color.
Remove muffin tray from the oven and let them cool until they are ready to be remove from the tray.


It got me wondering... what foods make you think back to special occasions, or remind you of certain people in your life, or make you feel "at home"?

All these foods tonight on the show brought back memories for me. Memories of a time past, with people who have past, and all the goodness that came with it.

Now if only I could find that recipe my special friend made: Fried Corn.... southern style.. damn that was good!

Australia Day

Tomorrow we celebrate AUSTRALIA DAY! Its a great day off where eveyone seems to get together and have a BBQ, go for a swim,

watch the parade, attend a thong throwing contest (aka flip flop throwing contest), the dunny races (aka portable potties), awards go out for the volunteer of the year, etc.....

and then theres the cane toad race:

This year our local contendersare:

Nimble Phil

Skinny Dipper

Fearless Fiona

Bob the Bruiser

Vivacious Vivienne

Somlyay's Surprise

Elmer Thud

Desperate Deborah

Waffling Warren

Big Mac

Grand Garry

Beefcake Brian

Marauding Mavis

Cyclone Shirl

The IGA Sanction

King Benny

Cow Cockey

The Northshore Hippie

Gentleman George

Durrie Dunker

Some of the names are based on local town councillors or "celebrities" of the area. As much as I would love to say I can tell you who the winner will be, I wont be attending the race- I see enough cane toads jumping thru Ma & Pa Kettles backyard on any given day. Just kidding, I see them in my driveway as well!

On a funny note: You know what the green tree frog looks like right? Well, Firestick J is HIGHLY scared of the green frogs. She doesnt mind the cane toad tho... yuck... i would rather see a green frog than a cane toad (he can make a dog froth at the mouth if eaten!). Ah the phobias... now snakes and spiders are my phobias... totally justifiable!

My life in the hands of idiots?

Work is slow.

Extremely slow.

I can not even begin to tell you the frustration I am having with work.

I have just written a letter for a meeting at NOON today to discuss our "options".

Our options dont look good.

Our options are being left up to people who DIDNT graduate, cant spell, can get the dole (welfare) can get another job.

My life is in the hands of people whose biggest goal for the week is to have money for beer.

How do I not cry while at work? Why am I the only one who sees that this situation is serious?

I am sorry, I just want to curl up in the fetal position and have the rain wash over me right now. I would like to know that I can have confidence in the people who are impacting my life.

I dont have it.

The centerpiece of a community

I was saddened to learn of a death today. Mr Jimmy has passed away. In the town were I grew up, everyone knew Mr Jimmy.. he always wandered the streets. Day or night, you could find Mr Jimmy chatting away to himself. He was a kindered soul. He never meant to hurt anyone, and most times he just wanted to ramble away and see how your day was.

He use to carry around a tape recorder and record some of the conversations he had. Often he would play them back to other people. He always ventured out and about and made everyone feel very welcome in town.

He was the centerpiece of the town. If you were a frequent visitor in town, Mr Jimmy got to know you and what you were doing in town, where you were from, etc. He loved the town just as much as the town loved him.

And then.. some days/weeks all Mr Jimmy would do is mumble away... and other days/weeks he would tell stories of his past.

We will miss you Mr Jimmy... may you continue to "sparkle the magic" along the way.

The Rolling Stones had an incident with Mr Jimmy... and wrote about it in a song:

I saw her today at a reception

A glass of wine in her hand

I knew she would meet her connection

At her feet was her footloose man

No, you can't always get what you want

You can't always get what you want

You can't always get what you want

And if you try sometime you find

You get what you need

I saw her today at the reception

A glass of wine in her hand

I knew she was gonna meet her connection

At her feet was her footloose man

You can't always get what you want

You can't always get what you want

You can't always get what you want

But if you try sometimes you might find

You get what you need

Oh yeah, hey hey hey, oh...

And I went down to the demonstration

To get my fair share of abuse

Singing, "We're gonna vent our frustration

If we don't we're gonna blow a 50-amp fuse"

Sing it to me now...

You can't always get what you want

You can't always get what you want

You can't always get what you want

But if you try sometimes well you just might find

You get what you need

Oh baby, yeah, yeah!

I went down to the Chelsea drugstore

To get your prescription filled

I was standing in line with Mr. Jimmy

And man, did he look pretty ill

We decided that we would have a soda

My favorite flavor, cherry red

I sung my song to Mr. Jimmy

Yeah, and he said one word to me, and that was "dead"

I said to him

You can't always get what you want, no!

You can't always get what you want (tell ya baby)

You can't always get what you want (no)

But if you try sometimes you just might find

You get what you need

Oh yes! Woo!

You get what you need--yeah, oh baby!

Oh yeah!

I saw her today at the reception

In her glass was a bleeding man

She was practiced at the art of deception

Well I could tell by her blood-stained hands

You can't always get what you want

You can't always get what you want

You can't always get what you want

But if you try sometimes you just might find

You just might find

You get what you need

You can't always get what you want (no, no baby)

You can't always get what you want

You can't always get what you want

But if you try sometimes you just might find

You just might find

You get what you need, ah yes...

Its a step for all of us...

Its strange to look at this photo. I can close my eyes and imagine all the excitement, adrenalin, and faith people who are THERE at the Lincoln Memorial must have at the moment they stare and listen to our new President.

A new President always brings hope, faith, excitement, possibilites... so many feelings and thoughts. Some good, some bad... for now, we will just stay on the positive side of things....

So many ideals and promises. An immediate trust in the hope that tomorrow might be a better day.

And for him? Hes probably anxious to be able to take a nap some afternoon, quietly, looking over the lawn of the White House and let the last few months settle in.

Ah.. but one other thing why its strange to look at this photo... ? Its on these steps many years ago when I was proposed to.

Lets hope the nation has better luck than the engagement did.

(You should be smiling and having a little giggle now. If not, please do.)

Princess & Monster Party

What a busy weekend...activities on friday.. great to catch up and see people whom I havent caught up with during the past 6 months! Wow, time flies!

Also attended a Princess & Monster Party... have a look at the photos. It was a great birthday party, although some of kids were scared when the men entered the room as monsters... so some of the monster costumes were worn ONLY for a short time.

I went as a Fairy Princess complete with wings and a wand. My wings had glitter on them, and lets just say the glitter is everywhere! Even Miss Monroe had glitter on her today yet (the phrase, "your ass really sparkles" came true for her today!)

Its always fun to dance, party, laugh, chit-chat, and enjoy the day. I cant believe it but the Princess & Monster party went for over 9 hours! Geez!

Another great weekend, and fightin the urge to realize that tomorrow is Monday... ah sweet sweet Monday. Back to the routine.

Hope all of you had a fantastic weekend as well.

15 Jan 2009

Last night we had tickets to a free movie... and so did EVERYONE else. No seats available. Kindly, the sponsor gave us tickets to a different movie.

We had 2 options: Yesman OR Marley & Me

First answer from our mouths... "not a big Jim Carey fan"

Which helped us decide: Marley & Me

We went to the other theater and sat down. I informed Firestick J that this was a movie about a dog. To this she replied 'your kidding right?' Firestick J isnt exactly an animal lover. She likes animals, but she doesnt adore them like I do.

The movie turned out to be great. I had no plans to see the movie, but with free tickets.. well, hell, anything free really, its a go. I am glad I went, until about 20 minutes to the end of the movie when the tears rolled down my face. Gushing actually.

Firestick J gave me shit about crying.. I always cry in movies. BUT I ESPECIALLY cry when an animal is involved. I wasnt the only one in the theater crying. You could hear the lady behind me trying to hold back, but for a moment there she sounded like a squeaky chair or a whining puppy. Let the tears roll lady!

Then, to my amazement, I look over at Firestick J to see her eyes filled,.... yes, FILLED with tears. I couldnt help but shout out " Holy Shit!" and point. I would have put money on the fact that she would not have cried. She would have been the last one to cry over a DOG MOVIE.

Thank goodness i didnt bet. All we could do is laugh (and it was a serious part in the movie as well). She had been sprung, but I think she amazed herself even.

So, after all that crying and sadness whats a girl to do? Well, you run straight to hungry jacks (aka Burger King in the USA) for dinner, beg the underage worker for 2 crowns, and laugh and the locals eating there. Then, you drive around town looking for the new diggs of our old neighbor. We couldnt find her place. Didnt want to call, we were really just being nosy people.

Good times. Great movie: highly recommend it- but beware, bring tissues!

ah...

so if you search the blog for "slidell" you will see we have a new comment on the blog.. Nathaniel is very touchy about the topic, but great for a bit of excitement. Had to bring it to your attention.

Sympathy vs. Manners

I had a few things to pick up today from the grocery store. When I was done shopping and putting my bags in my car, I noticed the trolley boy lugging the row of shopping trolleys towards me. I am ALWAYS one of those people who puts the trolley/cart away when I am done but I do realize many people do not, and its irritating. Anyway, so the trolley boy, who looks to be just a fresh 17, Ipod screaming thru his brain, walks up to me and starts handing me my groceries... bag by bag.

I was dumbfounded. Was this boy here to help as he wanted my trolley? Did he have manners? Was he thinking I was old and fragile and needed help with the kitty litter bag?

Honestly speechless.

Im going to bank on that his family brought him up with manners, and thats why he was helping me. And the fact he wanted my cart. I was really touched that a young boy showed me what a young man could do. I havent seen that in a while. It was nice to see. Kudos to you and your family.

It was only when I was leaving the parking lot that I thought:" Oh Gawd, I hope he didnt think I was OLD and thats why he was helping me!"

HA!

You cant soar with the eagles if you run with the ducks.

From MPD to DID? What ?

So I watched a doco yesterday about a girl in the UK, ok well, shes my age... but she use to have Multiple Personality Disorders, and now, she has Dissociative Identity Disorder... no idea why its been changed from one disorder to the other, but the government in the UK has changed it. They are also shelling out about $500,000 pounds a year for this person to be "cared" for.

At all times she has MINIMUM 2 people looking after her.

She has 5 personalities.

She lives in a house. By herself. Full time carer staff.

She has access to a government vehicle to get her around.

Now, I am all for people getting the help they deserve and need, but why is she singled out from the others and not in a group home like so many others with MPD / DID ? Why is she so special? Well, the doco said that she was neglected as a child and went from foster home to foster home. Uh?

There is also an order by the High Court that NOTHING can be published about her life, but somehow this doco crept in... I dont know, seems a bit weird, but there must be more to this story.

Im just not sure how the government in the UK can justify $500,000 pounds a year to care for this INDIVIDUAL. In fact, I am curious as to how much money they spend per year on the Mental Health System, and what that breakdown is per person.

Being Pamela... if you get a chance to see the doco, do... its "interesting" if nothing else.

Between drinks, BBQ's, french toast (a first for Firestick J) swims in the pool... gawd, how does one motivate themselves to get back to work...

I think French Toast on the BBQ will now be listed in the brochure for the complex... its taken off and become quite popular for brekkie around here!

I have learned sunscreen doesnt taste all that fantastic, but does need to be reapplied!

My feet have all sorts of knicks and cuts... damn pool floor! Or is it that I have been in the pool too much lately and my skin is just too soft?

I am not liking having to do the banking and mail crap for work while on holidays. Why is it that my job is the only one in the company that doesnt stop when I am on holidays? Ugh.

I am off tonight for a family thing. Lithuanian feast from a friend... should be yummy!

Tomorrow sees ANOTHER farewell BBQ, and then a special trip for Ms Smurfette before she heads off as well...

Busy Busy Busy!

As for now, I think I might need a remedy of Aloe Vera before heading out tonight.

Yesterday was Tildas bday, and the day before was a friend of ours bday as well. Her actual name is Milda, and Tilda was granted her nickname decades before we even knew Milda... so, I made them both a cake....

Its Tilda's Birthday

Happy Birthday to Tilda.. love you mom! This morning we had breakfast at a resort, and it was lovely being with mom. We actually went out on Friday and hung out for the day, so I kinda cheated and had some time with her before!

Best birthday wishes mom.. love you to bits!