The Twisted Minds of Aimee and Angie

Life or something like it.

2010-10-28T12:26:00.002-05:00

Isn't it funny how drastically things change over time? Things that were once important become nonexistent and things that were of little importance suddenly seem to take presedence over all.

Life is such a trippy thing. And more times than not, a sucky thing.

That's where I'm at right now, drowning in a river of suck. When I'm back to feeling a few steps up from hell perhaps I'll tell you all about it. In the meantime, could someone toss me a life preserver.

No Longer Mine by Shiloh Walker

2010-04-26T22:41:00.000-05:00

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A Whole New World.

2010-01-02T14:05:00.002-05:00

Or year, whatever, though, considering all the changes currently happening in my life, a whole new world is certainly more apt. I could also dub this post, ‘Progesterone: Day One’ but that title’s not nearly as fun (FYI: It‘s now actually ‘Progesterone: Day Two‘ but, whatever).
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So, what’s up, peeps? I wish I could say not much here but, alas, I can not. In fact, there’s so much going on I fear my sanity’s in danger of flipping over to the dark side (seriously, when I start spouting nonsense like ‘Luke, I am your father’, drive me to the nearest loony bin and toss me in).
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Scariest thing, I seem to have lost my wit. Shudder. Just kidding, just kidding, although, it has been harder to come by these days. But, seriously, things are in such a flux for me right now, it’s hard to think straight so being witty, not so easy for me right now
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Where to begin? Where to begin?
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Perhaps I should start with the cyst-y, fibroid-y, anovulatory cycle having, premenopausal-ish, progesterone taking, infertile side. That’s a mouthful, huh? I could sit here and make flippant comments about how I used to be a woman but now I‘m not so sure but since, sadly, this is one of the things going on right now that bothers me much more than it probably should, I won‘t. I’m 34 years old, not young by any stretch of the imagination, but old enough to be going through (pre)menopause? To have to deal with the nightmare that are anovulatory cycles (mine, for some reason, are positively hideous) and the endometrial hyperplasia that could result from them? Or to deal with the fear of uterine cancer (among others) the endometrial hyperplasia could cause? To have to take progesterone for 7 days every month to regulate my “period” when I’m not ovulating anyway so what’s the fucking point? To have that devastating word ’infertile’ tagged to me like an albatross? No. No, dammit, I’m not. Not old enough and lately, I’m beginning to think not strong enough either. It’s kinda funny but out of all of it, it’s the ’infertile’ part that bothers me the most. Drew didn’t want any more children, as far as he was concerned Cameron was it and I resigned myself to that fact long ago but making the decision not to have any more children and being told that physically, you can’t are two entirely different things and I’m just not handling it well.
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And then there’s my job. Sigh. I’ve had the same job (though it’s grown into more than it was when I started) for 13 years and I love that damn job and more than that, I love the people I work with, they’re more than co-workers, they’re family and I can‘t imagine not going there everyday, not seeing them everyday, I just can‘t. Since we said our goodbyes last Wednesday, I’ve had this ache I just can’t ease, it’s hard to explain but in a lot of ways, it feels like someone died and took a huge part of me with them. This more than the financial and insurance related repercussions is what weighs on me most right now, though, I do realize those things are very much going to bite me in the ass sooner rather than later.
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Financially, we’re big fat mess right now. Drew is working, not steady but for now, he is working. When that ends, well, I don’t really know what we’re going to do then. As much as I don’t want to, I’m going to file for unemployment next week and try to get by with that while I look for another job and try to figure out what to do about the health insurance nightmare I’m about to embark upon. It’s like one big cluster-fuck right now as far as money is concerned. There’s still all the regular bills plus my medical expenses to worry about but somehow we have to try and start putting money aside in case we have to move. See, the building we live in was foreclosed upon a few months ago and now the bank owns it, since then, practically every family that lived here has moved out. Out of the eight townhouses here, only three of them are still occupied and I just don’t like how it’s all playing out especially considering all the people who’ve moved over the last three months had lived here for a good amount of time prior to the bank taking over. It’s a worry.
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The health insurance issue is a sticky one and I’m just not sure how or what I’m going to do about it. Right now, I’m covered until January 31st but after that, nothing. And being that I have a medical condition that unfortunately falls under that nasty “Preexisting Condition” clause (that should’ve been abolished years ago) it makes getting health insurance a bit stickier than normal. I’ve applied for Medicaid and been denied but I will apply again (and again if I have to) but if I do eventually get approved then I have to deal with finding a new immunologist because my current doctor (and the one I’ve had since 1998 who diagnosed my condition) does not take any form of government insurance. I could get a job and try to get on their group policy but the problem with that is, most company’s have a six month waiting period before health benefits are offered and then that nasty clause will most likely come into play and the benefits would be useless. It’s a mess and one my overtaxed mind is struggling to work around.
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Sigh. It’s all messy right now. Everything. It seems hopeless to me but I’m trying not to think that way. It’s hard.
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On the positive side of things, Cameron has baseball try-outs this week and he’s very excited about that. And all my babies (Handsome Jack, Harley, Mushu, Remy, Drago, Phoenix, Jasmine, Rock, Terra, Rex, Bugsy and Tabby) are all doing fairly well. Remy is still having issues with yellow fungus as is Harley and Terra and Rex still don’t eat on their own but we’re working on fixing those issues. Jasmine, our newest baby, was a skinny minny when she came to us but she’s fattening up nicely and that makes me happy. Despite all the problems in my life, these animals give me so much joy and I love them unbelievably, they’re like the children I now know for sure I’ll never have.
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And well, that’s really it, I suppose. There’s probably something I’m missing but since I can’t think of it, I’ll take it as one less thing to worry about.
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Happy New Year all. I hope 2010 is a splendid year for everyone.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

2009-08-05T08:59:00.003-05:00

Aimee!!!

It was yesterday, btw, and it was, all in all, a really good day.

Awww!

2009-06-03T13:00:00.003-05:00

Awww, isn't my Phoenix such a sweetie-pie? Snuggling with my feet! Sweet girl!

A Whole Lotta Love!

2009-05-14T15:12:00.002-05:00

This blog gets no love, peeps! No love at all! And why the hell not, you ask (you didn't, of course, but let's just pretend that you did, okay? Okay.)? Well, I'll tell you--it's laziness! Pure, simple and completely unabashed laziness! I'm one lazy individual and I shan't be denying it. Plus, there's never really anything all that exciting going on, you know?

Let's see, let's see...

There's baseball, of course, but that's almost at an end (at least for this season). Hmm, last time we spoke (figuratively) our young spritely fellows (aka the Mudcats) were at 4 W 4 L and ironically, they're in somewhat the same position now with 10 W 10 L 1 T. Tonight is their last game of the regular season before playoffs and if the gods are smiling, we'll triumph and end the season winning more than we've lost. Wishes of luck are greatly appreciated. After playoffs, we're baseball free (much to Cameron's dismay) until late August when we begin practice for Winter Ball.

What else? Oh yes, Mother's Day. It was good. We were flat-ass broke and couldn't afford to do anything but that's okay, it was good. My Cameron bought me a sunflower from school and made me a cake. Lovely. The day itself was spent BBQ'ing and swimming (which I, sadly, could not) at Christie's.

There's school life for Cameron to contend with as well. And honestly, it's been awful. Cameron, my sweet child, tends to be lazy, this I know, but he's not done too shabby (3 B's and 2 C's on his last report card) or so I thought. Apparently his teacher strongly disagrees with me--he's not a straight A student and best I can tell, that somehow offends her sensibilities. In our 3 face to face and 1 phone conference I've explained countless times that Cameron struggles with his ADHD and dyslexia (writing (especially neatly) is particularly hard for him) but she just doesn't listen or care or agree (I'm not sure which perhaps all 3). Though he's been tested (trust me, I know, I paid for it because the insurance would not) she very strongly disagrees with the psychologists diagnosis of ADHD and chalks up all of Cameron's struggles with his work/behavior to carelessness and laziness. But, ironically, when she's telling you what those struggles are, it's classic symptoms of ADHD she's describing so I don't get it, you know? This last month has been particularly hard (she's been shuffling him to different classes instead of letting him stay in his own) and I've asked Cameron if he'd like me to go in and talk with her but since we're so close to the end of the year, he's asked me to please not interfere. That, my friends, is a very hard thing for me to do.

Other than regular day to day stuff, there's not much else going on.

Suck, sucks, sucks!

2009-04-08T10:37:00.000-05:00

It's Monday!

2009-03-30T15:03:00.000-05:00

And for reasons that elude me, especially considering I went to bed before 11:00 last night, I'm crazy tired today. Monday's suck hard to begin with and being tired on top of the suckiness just makes it that much more suckier. You follow that?

When my last post ended, the Mudcats were 3 and 1 but alas, a few bad games were played wherein our lovely players did not have their heads remotely in the game and so, we lost. Pity, that. Let's see...

5th Game, we lost. Mudcats 4 - Muckdogs 8.

6th Game, we lost. Mudcats 2 - Rock Hounds 13.

7th Game, we lost. Mudcats 7 - Indians 10.

8th Game, we won. Mudcats 7 - Sidewinders 1.

We're now 4 and 4. All 4 of our losses were to a National team. And I don't know whether they're intimidated by them or it's something else but every time we play a National team (which is not typical until the play-offs but there were a lack of teams in both leagues this year so we're playing each other), our team has trouble getting started and by the time we pull it together, winning is pretty much impossible.

What else? What else?

OH! Cameron had his first sleepover this weekend! I was nervous, nervous, nervous! but he had a great time and as much as I fretted, I'm not thinking it was at all necessary. My baby is growing up on me. So sad.

I have some kind of strange area on one of my ankles and no one can figure out quite what it is? Bug bite seems to be the most common suggestion but it's been there for over two weeks so I'm not sure if I agree with that suggestion. Weird.

And that's really it, not too much going on, same ole same ole, you know?

What's up?

2009-03-18T10:07:00.003-05:00

For me, it's all about Little League Baseball these days. If we're not at practice, we're at a game but while it does take up a lot of our free time (especially considering Drew's an Assistant Coach), it's a good thing because it's been very (very) good for my Cameron.

Cameron's team is the Mudcats. Practice started sometime in the beginning of February, Opening Ceremonies were held on Friday March 6th (where we won 1st place in the "Skills" competition--YAY!) and our first game was Tuesday March 10th (we won that one too!). The Mudcats are currently 3 and 1.

1st Game, we won. Mudcats 10 -- Scrappers 7.

2nd Game, we won. Mudcats 8 -- Storm 2.

3rd Game, we lost. Mudcats 7 -- Marlins 8. (Note: While we did lose this game by 1 run, it was (as yet) the best fricken' game we've had, it was very challenging, the Marlins are a GOOD team and we held our own so we didn't so much mind losing this one. Plus, my Cameron recieved the game ball and that rocked!)

4th Game, we won. Mudcats 12 -- Thunder 7.

It's been an awesome season so far and more than that, it's been so wonderful for Cameron, he's happier and more secure with himself than I've seen him in a long time. Good stuff. Our next game is this coming Saturday and me, who generally likes no sports, can't wait!

Aside from that, there's not much going on. Really.

All this clutter...

2009-03-06T16:01:00.003-05:00

... is just not good for those closet OCD-ish qualities I posses.

It's driving me batty! Batty, I tell you! Sigh.

It's been a bit of a while, huh?

2009-01-28T15:50:00.006-05:00

Wow, so like December 2nd is the last time I really updated this thing. For shame. But, honestly, nothing much ever really changes.

Much to my (and his) dismay, Drew is still not working but he did get a call from someone wanting to subcontract some work to him and that's a good thing. I'm still working and, thankfully, we're managing to keep our heads above water.

Cameron is doing good, he's growing up way too fast for my liking but a lot of the problems he's been having over the last few years have calmed down. He still struggles somewhat with school and homework can be incredibly frustrating for all of us but there's been so much improvement in that area, it's really hard to complain. This afternoon is his second guitar lesson and so far, he's really enjoying it. And baseball, he had try-outs last Friday and the teams were picked Monday so we're taking him to the ball field tonight to meet his coach and teammates. The try-outs were very frustrating for him, he's never actually played with a team, just with friends for fun, or been critiqued by coaches and such and he was incredibly nervous so he didn't do as well as he'd hoped but he stuck it out and I can't tell you how incredibly proud of him I am. We celebrated his 9th birthday in early December and though we weren't able to throw him a big party like he wanted, we did have a nice family party and he had a wonderful time.

Christmas was much better than I expected it to be. In the beginning, I was so busy being stressed about money (and the serious lack of it) that I wasn't looking forward to it at all but somewhere along the line, I put the worries aside and just enjoyed myself. And it ended up being the best Christmas we've had in a long, long time.

My mom and I threw an "all girls" slumber party for Christie's birthday earlier this month and it was a BLAST! We had such a good time! We did fun girly stuff (each others make-up, hair, etc.), you know, kind of like a "Night at the Salon" type thing. We're thinking of having another one sometime soon, only this time, it'll be a "House Marathon" instead. Fun.

The animals are all wonderful! Drew built this amazingly beautiful cage for my Handsome Jack as a Christmas gift to me and he bought me a baby Uromastyx, we named him Rock, he's such a cutie. We bought Cameron his own beardie for his birthday, he named him Drago, and he's been so good with being responsible for his care (we help, of course). Remy is finally perking up, he's been in semi-brumation for months and has spent most of his days napping. Harley is growing up so fast, he's such a little chunk (a very loveable one). Mushu is getting big too and we've been busy working with him because he's still extremely skittish. Terra and Rex are the only ones, at the moment, that still need lots of extra work but they're coming along and Drew's busy building them a new enclosure as we speak and I'm thinking all the extra space will go a long way to getting them more active.

Aside from all that, there's not much else going on.

P.S. I got new glasses so the old ones (circa 1999) are FINALLY toast! Yay me!

Memelicious TV.

2009-01-27T12:47:00.003-05:00

Name a TV show series in which you have seen every episode at least twice: X-Files

Name a show you can’t miss: House M.D. & Criminal Minds

Name an actor that would make you more inclined to watch a show: Meh. I can't really think of one. Like, for instance, I adore Christian Slater but I didn't particularly care for the plot line of his new show (which I believe has been cancelled) so, though I adore him, I didn't watch it.

Name an actor who would make you less likely to watch a show: Ditto

Name a show you can, and do, quote from: X-Files "Trust no one." & House M.D. "Everybody Lies" to name a couple. Between Mulder, Scully and House, I could go all day.

Name a show you like that no one else enjoys: Eleventh Hour

Name a TV show which you’ve been known to sing the theme song: CSI & CSI: NY

Name a show you would recommend everyone to watch: The Mentalist (it totally rocks)

Name a TV series you own: X-Files & House M.D.

Name an actor who launched his/her entertainment career in another medium, but has surprised you with his/her acting choices in television: Charlie Sheen

What is your favourite episode of your favourite series? X-Files "Bad Blood", House M.D. "Euphoria: Parts 1 & 2", Criminal Minds "Penelope"

Name a show you keep meaning to watch, but you just haven’t gotten around to yet: Until recently, that would've been "Bones" but since I watched both new episodes last week I can't really say that anymore. Fringe, perhaps... I dunno.

Ever quit watching a show because it was so bad? Not that I can recall.

Name a show that’s made you cry multiple times: Most of the shows I watch have made me cry at least once but multiple times, I don't know, could be any one of them.

What do you eat when you watch TV? Usually nothing unless it's an actual movie and then perhaps I'll have a bit of popcorn.

How often do you watch TV? The TV's on whether I'm watching it or not pretty much everyday.

What’s the last TV show you watched? Last nights episode of House M.D.

What’s your favourite/preferred genre of TV? Crime, drama.

What was the first TV show you were obsessed with? X-Files

What TV show do you wish you never watched? None that I can think of.

What’s the weirdest show you enjoyed? Trading Spouses, I'm oddly addicted to this show, it's so often destined to be a big, fat train wreck.

What TV show scared you the most? None that I can think of.

What is the funniest TV show you have ever watched? I don't watch too many comedic shows, so it's hard to say... Scrubs, most likely.

He's growing up on me...

2009-01-19T15:29:00.003-05:00

...and it's quite sad, really--my baby is no longer a baby anymore. He's nine, can you believe it? NINE. Where, oh, where does the time go? Sigh.

Deck the Halls!

2008-12-24T10:48:00.002-05:00

I hope yours is joyous and bright!

Love, hugs and kisses.

Blah.

2008-12-19T13:29:00.002-05:00

I so very much just want this week to be over. OVER. Cause I'm tired-- eyes on fire, nauseatingly tired. And I want a nap. NOW. I'm not gonna get one, of course, and that knowledge has me feeling crankier than a toddler after a day at Disney.

Sigh.

Bucket List

2008-12-09T12:01:00.004-05:00

A couple of random memes to pass the time...

#1.

Put an "X" in the bubble for the ones you've done.

() Gone on a blind date
(X) Skipped school
() Watched someone die
(X) Had your heart broken
() Been to Canada
() Been to Europe
() Been to Mexico
(X) Been to Florida
(X) Been on a plane
(X) Been on a cruise
(X) Been lost
(X) Been on the opposite side of the country
() Gone to Washington, DC
() Swam in the Pacific Ocean
(X) Swam in the Atlantic Ocean
() Swam in the Gulf of Mexico
() Seen Mt. Ranier (Washington state)
(X) Cried yourself to sleep
(X) Played cops and robber or cowboys and Indians
(X) Recently colored with crayons
() Sang Karaoke
() Paid for a meal with coins only?
(X) Done something you told yourself you wouldn't
() Made prank phone calls
(X) Laughed until your face hurt
(X) Laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose -
() Caught a snowflake on your tongue
(X) Danced your heart out
(X) Written a letter to Santa Claus
(X) Been kissed under the mistletoe
(X) Watched the sunrise with someone
(X) Blown bubbles
(X) Gone ice-skating
(X) Been skinny dipping outdoors
(X) Gone to the movies
(X) Sat outside in the rain
(X) Lived one of your dreams

#2.

1. Any nickname? Aim, Aimers, Aimes, Aimster

2. Mother's name? Dawn

3. Favorite drink? Coffee, Dr. Pepper

4. Any tattoos? One

5. Body Piercings? Ears

6. What animal would you be if you could choose one? I have absolutely no idea

7. Birthplace? Ashland, Kentucky

8. Favorite vacation spot? Disney World Orlando, FL

9. Ever been to Africa ? Nope

10. Ever eaten just cookies for dinner? Sure thing, cake too

11. Ever been on TV? Nope

12. Ever steal any traffic signs? Not personally

13. Ever been in a car accident? Yes

14. Drive a 2-door or 4-door vehicle? 4 door

15. Favorite brand of body wash? Bath and Body Works Winter Candy Apple

16. Favorite TV show? House, Criminal Minds, The Mentalist, CSI: NY and CSI

17. Favorite number? 3

18. Favorite movie? Goonies, Pump up the Volume, Gleaming the Cube, etc., etc., etc.

19. Favorite holiday? Christmas

20. Favorite dessert? Cake--Aimee loves her some cake

21. Is mysteriously missing...

22. Favorite day of the week? Saturday

23. Name something/someone you love? Cameron

24. Favorite toothpaste? Colgate

25. Favorite smell? Cookies baking or scented candles burning (Aimee concurs with Angie on this one)

26. How do you relax? At the moment, I don’t--it's all stress all the time

27. How do you see yourself in 10 years? Who knows, I certainly don't

28. How many States will you send this message to? 1

29. Who will respond to this the fastest? No clue really, usuallu no one

30. When was the last time you belly laughed? Seems like forever ago...

Happy Birthday, Cameron!!!

2008-12-08T13:29:00.002-05:00

I can't believe he's 9 already! Where does the time go???

2008-12-02T14:59:00.003-05:00

First, I would just like to say...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOMMY!!!

I hope the day is all you want it to be and more!

I love you!

I've been unusually quiet for a good long while and try as I might, I just can't seem to find the gumption to do anything about that. Life feels anything but happy these days and my creativity level has dropped well below zero so what's the point, right? But, all that aside, the world keeps turning and life carries on.

And this past month, well, it's certainly been an all around pisser. With the economy such as it is, my company is still struggling to keep the doors open, leaving me no choice but to ride it out and hope for the best. Drew is still unemployed and with no regular job and the side work extremely slim, paying the bills has certainly turned into an arduous task. I've heard it said that life is what we make it but when we struggle day in and day out and still fall short of we need to actually make a life, I just can't get behind that particular saying.

The most heartbreaking event to occur was the passing of my grandfather (papaw to those who loved him). He passed at home and we hope, peacefully in his sleep on November 12th 2008. Drew and my dad found him when they came home from picking Cameron up from school. He'd been about to take a nap before they left so they thought he was sleeping, it quickly became apparent that wasn't the case. Before he called me at work, Drew called the EMT's but it was too late, he was already gone. I don't know if I've ever said it here but there was no one that I loved or respected more than that man, my papaw and it hurts my heart to know he's not there to give me that sweet smile when I walk through the door everyday. He loved Christmas, he'd light up like a kid in a candy store when we brought the Christmas tree home and I very much missed having him help us decorate it this year. God, I miss him.

Kenneth Martin
1924 to 2008

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interest, but also for the interests of others.

PHILIPPIANS 2:3.4

Rest in peace, papaw.

On a happier note, Thanksgiving was a wonderfully relaxing, fun-filled day spent with those I love (Drew, Cameron, mom, dad, Christie, Sarah, Jade) and my mom and I spent Black Friday getting our trees and putting up Christmas lights. Despite the lack of funds, Christmas remains my favorite time of the year. I love the lights and the sounds and the smells and the baking and the wrapping and the peppermint white chocolate mochas at Starbucks. Lovely. And it's been nice and nippy around here too! Very unsual but nice, very, very nice.

Halloween 2008

2008-11-26T10:48:00.004-05:00

I don't think I mentioned this (mainly because I forgot my camera and therefore had to wait (and wait) for Christie to send me copies of the photos she'd taken) but my Cameron won "First Place" in a costume contest on Halloween night. As his prize he scored a new and improved version of the game "Operation"which couldn't have pleased him more as he loves the older version of that particular game. Anyhow, here are the photos of that long ago night...

The Calm in My Storm.

2008-11-14T09:40:00.001-05:00

I'm so very proud of him!

Letter to the Bank.

2008-11-11T09:14:00.001-05:00

Dear Sirs,

In view of what seems to be happening internationally with banks at the moment, I was wondering if you could advise me on something…

If one of my checks is returned marked "insufficient funds", how do I know whether that refers to me or to you?

Sincerly,
Hardee Har Har

I love (love, love) this song!

2008-11-07T11:37:00.000-05:00

Watch more MTVM videos on AOL Video

Vote, vote, vote!

2008-11-03T14:33:00.000-05:00

Meh.

2008-10-21T14:08:00.002-05:00

I have such a raging headache today. Boo. Hiss. Blah. I suppose that's what I get for going to bed before 10, too much sleep is just as bad as not enough sometimes.

So, peeps, what's up? I can honestly say, not too much.

"Secret Thoughts" comes out next Tuesday (yay) and I'm anxiously awaiting my author copy. Which, the lovely Ms. White tells me, is a "collector" copy due to some tiny snafu with the cover. I'm very, very excited about this book and I really hope it does well (*hint* go forth and buy, buy, buy *hint*).

Halloween's coming and my Cameron finally came to a decision about what he's wanting to be this year and wouldn't you know it, they're freaking "sold-out" of that particular costume at every store I go to. Sigh. Cameron was none to happy, let me tell you. But, thankfully, Drew has come to the rescue and alls well in Cameron's world again. What he wants to be is a "Zombie Skateboarder" (can you believe that costume was sold out?) so we're just going to recreate the costume ourselves (it's just some torn jean shorts, skull boxers, skate shoes and finger gloves) and Drew's going to airbrush his face/body to look like a zombie and give him a fab blue mohawk.

My mom is wanting to dress up this year and Christie usually does a little something but I, personally, don't want to be anything but myself. Cameron, of course, has other ideas.

Our neighbors are throwing a Halloween party this Saturday evening and Cameron's way excited. Drew, not so much because that means Cameron's costume will be getting a trial run. Heh. But it should be fun for kids and adults alike. I'd love to throw one myself because they have the awesomest decorations for Halloween themed parties but, sadly, finances won't allow for such frivolity.

I'm FINALLY getting accustomed to my new infusion therapy but it's looking like an impending change in insurance companies/coverage may force me to go back to the old way. Isn't that just the way? Ah well, c'est la vie. You know?

All of our scaly critters are doing just dandy. Growing and developing their own unique personalities.

And our furry critters are doing peachy as well, they've (with the exception of Baxter) been around for a good long while so their personalities are already in place.

Work is still trucking along and recently I've begun to have a smidgen of hope that it might be alright, at least in the short term. Drew is still not working full time but he's out busting hump everyday trying to get some jobs lined up.

Well, I'm sure there's something(s) I'm leaving out but I honestly can't think of anything right now so I guess that's all folks.

Fo' Shizzle!

2008-10-07T09:40:00.003-05:00

Halloween is going to suck this year...

Who sux now, huh? Ha!

2008-09-16T11:13:00.004-05:00

Since Eric keeps trying to give me a bad rap about my blogging skills (pfft), I figured I should stop by and say what's up.

Life has been decidedly pissy for me this year (no question about it) and because it has, it's made it harder for me to want to come here and talk about it. You feel me?

Anyway, on with the show.

The company I work for is busting hump to keep the doors open and with the economy such as it is, it's not easy so my employment is in a precarious position right now. Drew, on the other hand, is currently unemployed--I'm not going to explain why or what happened for various reasons but needless to say, his unemployment has put a serious strain on us financially. Drew is pounding the pavement trying to get whatever work he can but the pickings are extremely slim, again the economy makes it damn near impossible to live these days. Sigh. And my Cameron, of course, is too young to work (LOL).

Cameron is doing exceptionally well in school thus far. He really likes his teacher, she teaches in a positive way that he seems to really enjoy. And, from the notes on his papers, etc., she seems to like him too. Considering the trouble we've had since he started elementary school, this is a very good thing. He's still in counseling but we did take the summer off because I put him in a local camp and for now I'm only scheduling sessions once a month as opposed to two like we did last year. There are still a few things we need to work on, mainly issues involving his responsibilities at home, but things have gotten so much better over the last few months. I'm trying to save up enough money (easier said than done) so I can get him enrolled for the next quarter at Fort Lauderdale Childrens Theater, it's something I was able to do as a child and he's recently expressed interest in going so I'd like to be able to let him. Keep your fingers crossed that I'm able to pull it off.

My health has been alright. But, the bills from the procedures that I've had to have done this year are causing a bit of stress. It's a sticky situation because two of the doctors I owe money are doctors that are important to my health (one is already threatening to take further collection action--sigh) but you know that saying, "you can't get blood from a stone", well, it's true. I'm trying to send what I can but I owe over $2,000.00 (that alone is my deductible) and I can barely afford my everyday living expenses so it's not as much as they want. C'est la vie, ya know? I have started a new infusion therapy for my CVID because my immunologist thinks she can get my IGg levels more consistent this way and that'll hopefully decrease the secondary illnesses that cause all this extra expense. I don't like it AT ALL! It's subcutaneous and because of the dosage I get, I have to infuse it into five sites (my poor, poor belly) and it has to be done twice a week as opposed to once a week (like most folks on the subq) but dislike aside, I'm going to stick with it (even though it's no longer 4 but 16 hours of my month) to see if my immunologist gets the results she's looking to get.

There have been a couple deaths since the last time I posted here. First, there was my sweet, sweet Hulk who became suddenly (and I do mean suddenly) ill on July 23rd and after spending close to $400.00 we didn't have at the emergency animal hospital, he passed away before we could get him into his regular vet the next day. While I do understand the necessity of places like the emergency animal hospital I took him to, in my case they were next to useless, ridiculously overpriced and not nearly as concerned about the sick animal as they were about collecting their money. Sigh. We're still not completely sure what caused him to become so ill so fast but after speaking to someone who's very knowledgeable, she believes that with the symptoms he presented it was more than likely kidney failure due to how he was treated before he was rescued. Knowing that doesn't really do all that much to make me feel better about what happened because though Hulk was a rescue and we only had him for a little while, he managed to capture our hearts very quickly and it was very, very hard on me losing him like that.

And then there is Uncle Vaugh who passed away three weeks ago due to complications from lymphoma. I love him so very much and he took a little piece of my heart with him when he left us. It's still surreal for me knowing that he's not down the road at the farm with his beloved tractors. I'm going to miss him so very much.

Rest in Peace
Uncle Vaughn "Great" Porter
1952 to 2008
"Now cracks a noble heart. Goodnight, sweet prince, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest." Shakespeare's Hamlet

My reptile rescue is going swimmingly (LOL). Handsome Jack, the iguana, is doing great, all healed up, growing like a weed and feisty as ever, he's an ornery monster but I love him to pieces. Harley, the baby bearded dragon, is also doing great, he's about 5.5 months old and has gone from 6" to 13.5" since we brought him home plus he's a little piggie, our Harley, and has the belly to prove it, he's got quite a character too, he won't go to bed at night until I take him out and let him cuddle up with me. Mushu, our baby water dragon, is doing alright but he's a daredevil, our Mushu, and he hurt his little leg but it is looking a lot better, now we need to work on his appetite. Remy, our adult bearded dragon and our newest addition, he has a mild case of Yellow Fungus and was starting to lose weight because he was very sad and our local reptile store who he was surrendered to was treating the YF but his depression wasn't getting better and they wanted to give him to people who would give him a forever home, continue treating his boo boos and give him the love he needs to get better so they gave him to us. And he's doing wonderfully, he's shed a couple of the areas where the YF is and it's looking much better but will still need treatment for a bit, he's eating great and getting plumper everyday and he's a snuggler--he'll crawl up, push his head into the crook of my neck and snuggle in--it's very sweet.

Handsome Jack

Harlequinn b.k.a. Harley

Mushu

Remi

And that's basically it. How's everyone else doing?

Secret Thoughts (Print Collection).

2008-07-21T13:33:00.003-05:00

Secret Thoughts: EROTIQUE and LUSTFUL have been combined to make one print collection. It will be released on October 28, 2008, and it’s Available for Pre-Order Now!

Domination or submission? Menage a trois or man on man? What about voyeurism? A tease? A taste? Sink your teeth into this collection of erotica short stories from five top erotic storytellers.

Everyone has them. Those Secret Thoughts that bring forth your hottest dreams and desires. The ones you dont share, the ones that make your heart pound and your blood heat. What’s your pleasure? Kink? A lusty encounter with a stranger? Two strangers? How about man on man while you watch?

These authors draw back the curtain on your deepest, lustiest, most secret forbidden fantasies. Slow and sensuous. Or hot and hard. The pleasures all yours. Go on. Step through the curtain. You know you want to.

Warning, this title contains the following: explicit sex, graphic language, D/s, light bondage, menage a trois, hot nekkid man-love from the naughty minds of Sasha White, Beth Williamson, JJ Massa, Laura Bacchi, S. Desires.

For My Nina...

2008-07-21T11:45:00.001-05:00

I hope it's everything your heart desires, gorgeous!
Love. Hugs. Kisses.

Much ado about nothing.

2008-07-11T12:52:00.007-05:00

It's been a bit of a while since I've visited this space but truth to tell, there hasn't been a hell of a lot going on that's worth talking about.

Recenetly, I did get to reconnect with my best friend, Tracie, who I haven't spoken to in 6 years and that's a lovely thing. It's been awesome catching up with her.

Cameron is doing wonderful. We put him in summer camp this year and it's done wonders for his behavioral issues. He also met a couple new friends around his age that recently moved in, they're totally cool and their friendship has really helped him open up. There are still a few issues that we're working on and the new school year hasn't started yet but right now, he's doing really, really good. YAY!

Drew has been doing a series of paintings on famous people for a local gallery and that's been a blessing because there's been next to no steady work coming in from his regular job. There's also some talk of possibly doing some murals and such in Dubai, he'd be gone for too long and I'm not happy with that but he'd be making extremely good money and it would be an incredible thing to have on his resume so he's excited about it.

My Handsome Jack is a picky little monster, I've added a new ingredient to his salad and he's not really feeling it. He's so ornery and if I weren't so smitten, there'd be trouble. I took him to the vet a couple weeks ago and was happy to learn that he's not only very healthy but he's only about 10 months old and is indeed a boy.

Harley is growng like a weed too. He's (though he may be a girl, too soon to tell) all about the crickets these days (ate damn near 100 yesterday) and won't give the tasty greens we provide a second look. He's also discovered his little beard and now feels inclined to beard us on a regular basis. It's more cute than intimidating.

Hulk has discovered the power of sucking up and now realizes if he sucks up on the regular he's regaled with those tasty little treats he so desires. He's a lazy one, our hulk, but when he gets to feeling playful, he goes all out and everyone must watch their feet.

And me, well, I'm doing alright, I suppose. This year has been a bit hard on me healthwise and financially things have sucked out loud but lately, I've been feeling a-okay with everything and right now, I'm good with that.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, EVAN!!!

2008-06-18T12:52:00.002-05:00

I hope it's totally groovy!

Mwah!

Memelicious.

2008-06-10T10:12:00.004-05:00

Cause I have absolutely no originality what-so-ever, here's a few memes (I pilfered one of these from Evan)...

(ONE)

100 useless facts about me!

Do you sleep with your closet doors open or closed?
Ah, I do believe they're open at the moment but they're not always. I guess it just depends on whether or not I remember to close them.

Do you take the shampoos and conditioner bottles from hotels?
Only when I go to Disney and I don't take them to use them, it's more cause they're cute.

Have you ever 'done it' in a hotel room?
Mm Hm.

Have you ever stolen a street sign before?
I haven't.

Are you eating anything right now?
Nah, but I'm finishing up my daily hazelnut iced coffee.

Who do you think reads these?
Evan, Nina, sometimes Angie.

Do you have a calendar in your room?
I don't believe I do.

Where are you?
At work.

What's your plan for the day?
Work. Not my first choice, of course but what am I gonna do? Has to be done.

Are you reading any books right now?
I'm currently rereading Born in Death by JD Robb.

Do you ever count your steps when you walk?
Not in years. I used to have one of thos enifty little machines that did it for you but that was then, ya know.

Have you ever peed in the woods?
Not that I recall.

Do you ever dance even if there's no music playing?
All the time. I'm an odd one or so I'm told.

What is your "Song of the Week"?
Not particularly cause I want it to be (it's just stuck) but "No Handlebars" by Flobots.

Is it okay for guys to wear pink?
I don't see why not.

Do you still watch cartoons?
Cameron and I watch them together on occasion.

Whats your favorite love movie?
I'm not a huge fan of "love" movies so I honestly don't know.

What do you drink with dinner?
G2.

What do you dip Chicken Nuggets in?
Yellow mustard.

What is your favorite food/cuisine?
Aimee loves her some Mexican.

What movies could you watch over and over and still love?
Goonies (I fricken love that movie), Pump Up The Volume, PotC (1, 2, 3) and many more. I love movies and I love many different movies.

Were you ever a boy/girl scout?
Nope.

Would you ever strip or pose nude in a magazine?
Doubt it.

When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone on paper?
Feels like eons ago, some time in 2007 perhaps.

Can you change the oil in a car?
No.

Ever gotten a speeding ticket?
Unfortunately I have.

Run out of gas?
Nah.

Favorite kind of sandwich?
Caprese with hard salami.

Best thing to eat for breakfast?
I always just have a muffin and coffee.

What is your usual bedtime?
Somewhere between 11 and 1

Are you lazy?
Terminally.

When you were a kid, what did you dress up as for Halloween?
Gosh, several things, I imagine.

Do you have any magazine subscriptions?
None.

Which are better, legos or lincoln logs?
Legos.

Are you stubborn?
Typically.

Who is better Leno or Letterman?
Letterman.

Ever watch soap operas?
I used to.

Afraid of heights?
Not particularly.

Sing in the car?
On occasion.

Dance in the car?
I've been known to.

Ever used a gun?
No.

Do you think musicals are cheesy?
Not at all.

Is Christmas stressful?
Somehwat but I still love it.

Favorite type of fruit pie?
Cherry.

Occupations you wanted to be when you were a kid?
Actress, nurse, teacher.

Do you believe in ghosts?
Somewhat.

Ever have a deja-vu feeling?
Sure thing.

Do you take a vitamin daily?
No.

Wear slippers?
Yes.

Wear a bath robe?
No.

What do you wear to bed?
Typically nothing.

Wal-Mart, Target or K-Mart?
Target.

Nike or Adidas?
Either.

Cheetos Or Fritos?
Cheetos.

Peanuts or Sunflower seeds?
Sunflower seeds.

Ever hear of "gorp"?
Um, no.

Ever taken karate?
I have not.

Can you curl your tongue?
Yes.

Ever won a spelling bee?
Yes.

Have you ever cried because you were so happy?
I have.

Own a record player?
Drew has several but me personally, no.

Ever been in love?
Yes.

Hot tea or cold tea:
Both.

Tea or coffee?
Coffee.

Favorite kind of cookie?
Mint chocolate chipor peanut butter--they're equally as yummy.

Can you swim well?
Exceptionally.

Can you hold your breath without manually holding your nose?
Of course.

Are you patient?
Not usually but I can be.

Ever had plastic surgery?
Nope.

Which are better black or green olives?
Green.

Can you knit or crochet?
No.

Wash room or bathroom?
Bathroom.

Do you want to get married?
I am.

Do you cry and throw a fit until you get your own way?
Sometimes.

Do you have kids?
I do.

Do you want kids?
I'd love to have another one but certain physical factors suggest that it's not an option.

Who do you wanna see right now?
No one really, I'm fairly ambivalent to people these days.

(TWO)

Two names you go by: Aims, Aimers and various variations of same.

Two things you are wearing right now: Flip flops and jeans.

Two of your favorite things: Captain Jack and the Hulkster.

Two things you want very badly at the moment: A nap (YES) and a long soak in a very steamy jaccuzzi.

Two favorite pets you have/had: Cherry (RIP) and Captain (or rather, Handsome) Jack (I just love him to pieces!!!).

Two people who will send this back completed: I dunno, typically no one does but you, Ang, my sweet.

Two things you did last night: Watched Law & Order (SVU) and read a bit.

Two things you ate today: l've only eaten once today and it was a Coffee Cake muffin from Dunkin Donuts.

Last two people you talked to: Kim and Cathy.

Two things you plan on doing tomorrow: Working and working.

Two longest trips taken in the last five years: A one week trip to California in 2006 and well, aside from Disney, that's about it.

Two favorite holidays: Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Two favorite beverages: Coffee and G2.

(THREE)

1. What is your occupation? Administrative Assistant.

2. What color are your socks right now? I'm not wearing any socks.

3. What are you listening to right now? Just the clickity clack of my typing.

4. What was the last thing that you ate? Coffee Cake Muffin.

5. Can you drive a stick shift? Nope.

6. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Purple.

7. Who is the last person you spoke to on the phone? I dunno, some sales person.

8. Do you like the person who sent this to you? Sure thing.

9. How old are you today? 32.

10. Favorite drink? Of the non-alcoholic variety: Coffee, if we're talking alcoholic: Midori Sours.

11. What is your favorite sport to watch? Absolutely none.

12. Have you ever dyed your hair? Yep.

13. Pets? Captain Jack (iguana), Hulk (ferret), Harley (bearded dragon), Bugsy (dog), Tabby (cat).

14. Favorite food? Mm, a nice tender filet mignon will do me.

15. Last movie you watched? No Country for Old Men.

16. Favorite Day of the year? Christmas.

17. What do you do to vent anger? Hm, good question... I dunno, be bitchy?

18. What was your favorite toy as a child? I have no idea--that was entirely too long ago.

19. What is your favorite season? Fall.

20. Hugs or kisses? Both are lovely.

21. Cherry or Blueberry? Cherry.

22. When was the last time you laughed? A few minutes ago.

23. When was the last time you cried? This weekend.

24. Favorite smells? Coffee, clean linen, lavender.

25. Who inspires you? A myriad of peeps.

26. What are you afraid of? Spiders.

27. Plain, cheese or spicy hamburgers? Cheese.

28. Favorite car? Escalade.

29. Favorite cat breed? Plain old Tabby is good for me.

30. Number of keys on your key ring? 5.

31. How many years at your current job? 11.

32. Favorite day of the week? Saturday.

33. How many states have you lived in? 3.

34. Do you think you're funny? Eh, sometimes.

Harlequinn.

2008-06-09T15:36:00.002-05:00

Or "Harley" for short.

At Drew's request (an early father's day gift), another addition to our family. Harley is a Bearded Dragon but s/he's just a baby yet.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DREW!!

2008-05-22T13:08:00.002-05:00

I hope you have a positively splendid day, my friend!

To All The Kickass Mom's Out There...

2008-05-09T13:30:00.002-05:00

I know I'm early and all but my Cameron's already staked his claim to my time this weekend. Ornery kid. LOL. Anyway, I hope all you mommy's (especially MY Mommy, Christie, Nina and Denise) have an absolutely lovely Mother's Day.

On another note: Monday is my laparoscopy--please send good vibes.

Ouch.

2008-05-01T09:47:00.004-05:00

Seriously, it hurts like a bloody bitch. The sun and I are definitely NOT friends. Sigh.

EDITED: This is, unfortunately, what it looks like today. I couldn't get a terrific angle (I'm not inpector gadget, you know) but if you're looking at it straight on it's pretty ugly. And, Nina, my lovey dove I was using sunscreen but I'm not thinking it did its job. My mom said I'm not allowed outside anymore. LOL.

MFB Art Productions.

2008-04-30T11:08:00.006-05:00

This business venture is still a "work in progress" and this site is definitely still "under construction" but, here's a look at what Drew and I have been working on...

MFB Art Productions

If you're local and you're interested in viewing his portfolio or setting up an appointment for a free estimate, please fill out the contact form on the site's "contact us" page and Drew will give you a call to discuss the details.

In other news... My tattoo itches like a fucking bitch, Handsome Jack is unhappy with me because I won't let him have free reign to roam across my back and shoulders, I have to have a sonogram Friday (that will, according to my OB/GYN, most likely show nothing) followed by an appointment to discuss the sonograms results and my having a laparoscopy (cause he's certain the sonogram will, again, show nothing) to determine whether or not I have the endometriosis he suspects I have and I'm currently courting sun poisoning (which is rather unattractive).

FUN TIMES!!

Six Word Memoir

2008-04-29T12:33:00.005-05:00

For the incredibly gorgeous and oh so lovely Lazy Geisha, whom I love dearly, I shall post my six word memoir (although, if you still feel the need to come down here and spank me, gorgeous, by all means... come).

But first, the rules:

* Write your own six word memoir

* Post it on your blog and include a visual illustration if you’d like

* Link to the person that tagged you in your post

* Tag five more blogs with links

* And don’t forget to leave a comment on the tagged blogs with an invitation to play

Now to the business at hand, my six word memoir...

"Life's ordinary moments beget extraordinary memories."

I'm not going to tag anyone specific but it's a more thought provoking meme than most so if you're interested, please have at it.

Isn't it pretty?

2008-04-21T12:41:00.002-05:00

Angie, my love...

2008-04-09T09:07:00.002-05:00

I hope it's an incredibly lovely one, cupcake.

Love, hugs and kisses.

Randomonium.

2008-04-03T14:16:00.003-05:00

Actually, it's really just Easter pictures.

Oops! I missed Easter, didn't I?

2008-03-24T14:18:00.004-05:00

Ah well, life intrudes and all that jazz.

Anyhow, this past Friday I had to have that “yucky procedure” I mentioned a week or so ago. It was, as expected, extremely blah but, all in all, it went fairly well. They didn’t find anything serious and that’s a wonderful thing, but I do have IBS (which is pretty much what I was figuring) and that's a major pain in the ass (no pun intended… seriously). At least the good doc gave me a prescription to help try and control it. Fingers crossed.

Well, since I was given a nice dose of “happy drugs” for the aforementioned procedure, Friday was basically a wash. I didn’t do a damn thing other than sleep, but I did get to try out my brand new super-cute socks my mom bought me for Easter…

Aren’t they cute?

Anyway, I had a rather lovely and totally relaxing holiday. I hope you all did too.

Just call me, "Queen of the Jungle"

2008-03-17T09:52:00.004-05:00

This here's "Hulk", seeing as we adopted his adorable self yesterday, he's the newest member of our family. I do believe Cameron's in love, Drew too and me, well, I'm beginning to think we're well on the way to starting our own zoo.

Same ole same ole.

2008-03-13T14:19:00.000-05:00

Why, oh, why can't we get rid of the chick with the twangy whine on AI? Are there really people out there who enjoy listening to her? Really? WTF? I'm gonna become super-friendly with my mute button if she sticks around much longer.

Anyway, moving on... Not too much happening here folks.

The office move (did I ever mention the office move?) is pretty much complete. There's still some unpacking and organizing to do, but for the most part, we're good to go. And the internet is back. YAY. Let me tell you, a week without internet is a sad thing.

Cameron is not living up to the bargain we struck at his last psychologist appointment and I'm just about ready to put the smack-down on his ornery behind (not literally, peeps). He is doing marginally better in school though and that's a good thing. Very good.

Drew is in Orlando (again) for the third week running. He does get to come home for the weekends but I'm wishing they'd just wrap this job up already.

My health still sucks. Blah. I'm, as we speak (type--whatever), waiting on a call back from my gastroenterologists office to find out whether they want to schedule the yucky procedure I abhor but will do if there's a possibility it'll help get to the bottom (no pun intended) of my problem. Sucks, sucks, sucks.

Lately, I've been spending a lot of time with Captain Jack (who I've personally dubbed Handsome Jack) in the taming department and let me tell you, taming a wild iguana can be frustrating as hell at times. But, with that said, it can also be quite lovely at times too.

There's really not much else going on, as I said, same ole same ole.

Tedium.

2008-02-27T14:02:00.003-05:00

1. Do you hate your last boyfriend/girlfriend?
Of course not.

2. When was the last time you took a nap?
Monday, after work, I took a short nap before dinner.

3. Do you only drink bottled water?
If I'm drinking water, yes..

4. How are you feeling?
Sleepy and still courting yesterdays headache.

5. Who was the last person you texted before you fell asleep last night?
I don't really text all that often.

6. Who was the last person to send you a MySpace message?
Ah, I don't know about messages but as far as comments I believe it was Evan. Thanks, btw.

7. What was on your mind most today?
Well, it's early yet so who knows but so far, money and distressing lack of it.

8. Have you dated people who were not good for you?
Hasn't everyone?

9. How will you spend your next birthday?
I have no idea? Seeing as it's months away I can't say I've given it any thought.

10. What's your current problem?
Ah, the real question should be, "what isn't yor current problem". I have a myriad of problems just now.

11. Do you like to snowboard?
It's not something I've ever tried nor do I have the inclination to do so.

12. Do you believe everyone deserves a second chance?
Typically, yes but there are certain situations where a second chance is completely out of the question.

13. What instant messaging service do you use?
Honestly, none but I do have AIM and Yahoo Instant Messenger.

14. Would you believe your ex if they said they still loved you?
I suppose that would depend on the situation.

15. What's your most hated food?
Okra, nasty, nasty shit. Ugh.

16. What's your favourite color?
Green.

17. Would you date your best friend?
I don't know? Relationships can be sticky and getting intimately involved with someone you couldn't fathom not having in your life is a gamble. I suppose it really just depends on the people involved.

18. Who was your favorite teacher in middle school?
I honestly don't remember any of my middle school teachers so I couldn't say.

19. What colour is your hair?
Dirty blonde.

20. How old are your siblings?
Christie is 27.

21. What do you want most right now?
Another cup of coffee and a nap.

22. What is a major pet peeve of yours?
There are a legion but dishonesty is a big one.

23. What are you doing tonight?
I think I'm gonna watch American Idol and then curl up with the Lisa Jackson novel I got yesterday.

24. Is your MySpace display name from a song?
Um, nope, unless "Aimee" is a song somewhere.

25. Are you happy at the moment?
Eh--yes, no, maybe..

26. Do you have a wood floor or carpet in your bedroom?
Sadly, I have carpet in my bedroom.

27. Do you have a hidden stash of candy somewhere?
No, but I did hide some Ben & Jerry's in the upstairs freezer.

28. Do you have over 100 CDs?
Nope.

29. What are you wearing right now?
Burgandy velour sweatpants and a white long sleeve babydoll top. It's a mite chilly today.

30. Is your phone right beside you?
Yep but only because I was just on it, it's usually in my purse.

31. Who are you texting?
I'm not a texter.

32. Done anything you regret?
Of course, hasn't everyone?

33. Ever trip over your own feet?
It's been known to happen.

34. favorite colour ink pen to use?
Blue.

35. Do you wish someone would call you?
Not particularly.

36. Ever kissed a brown eyed and brown haired person?
On the regular.

37. Can you see a phone right now?
More than one.

38. What are you listening to right now?
Sounds of the trencher being fixed.

39. Where is it coming from?
The warehouse.

40. Last thing you ate?
Plain bagel with cream cheese.

41. Song stuck in your head?
Imagine, probably cause it's the last song I heard.

42. Do you dance while getting ready for whatever?
Not usually.

43. What are you wearing right now?
I did this quite a few questions ago, didn't I?

44. Who was your last text from?
What's with the texting thing? Let's see--ah, yes, it was T-Mobile.

45. What does it say?
It was a "thank you" for my online payment.

46. Have you ever made out on an airplane?
Can't say I have.

47. Are you currently pregnant/have you recently gotten someone pregnant?
Sadly, it's physically impossible for me to impregnante anyone. And no, I'm not currently pregnant.

48. What are you thinking about right now?
Why it isn't closer to 5 o'clock.

49. What scent are you wearing right now?
Twisted Peppermint from Bath & Body Works.

50. Ever thought you were going to get married?
I didn't just think about it.

51. Last person you loved?
I love everybody! Okay, maybe not. But, seriously, it's the same today as it was yesterday or last week or last month or last year, etc., etc. etc.

52. Last person who told you they loved you?
Cameron, my lovey, told me this morning.

53. Favorite time of the day?
Night time.

54. Biggest regret?
Not having a deep, meaningful or even particularly hunorous answer to this question.

55. Do you want children?
I already have one.

56. Last person you called when you were drunk/high?
It's been so long since I've been either I couldn't tell you.

57. Ever driven when you were drunk/high?
Nope.

58. Last time you had butterflies in your stomach?
Couldn't say, it's been a while for that too.

59. What was your last alcoholic beverage?
Though it was almost a year ago, it was a watermelon martini.

60. How is your mood today?
Some of these questions are annoyingly repetetive. Meh.

61. Where was your last vacation at?
The World of Disney.

62. Do you have close friends?
A few.

63. Do you like anyone?
Hell no. Just kidding, of course I do.

64. What's the largest age difference between yourself and someone you have hooked up with/ dated?
Four years.

65. When was the last time you cried?
Monday evening.

66. What is one thing you miss about your past?
I don't really have an answer to this.

67. What is one thing you've learned about life?
That there are no concrete answers, you just have to keep going.

68. Is anyone jealous of you?
I think not.

69. Has a friend ever used you?
Sadly, more than once.

70. What was the last movie you watched?
The Last Mimzy.

71. How many things in your past do you regret?
Repetetive, repetetive, repetetive.

72. What is something that you want to do within the next week?
Finish this whole office moving thing.

73. Who was the last person you hugged?
Cameron.

74. Have you ever wanted someone but you knew you couldn't be with them?
Yes,of course.

75. Is there anyone you are excited to see soon?
Well, Drew is coming home on Friday.

76. Has one of your friends ever stabbed you in the back?
Sigh. Yes.

77. Do you have more friends that are girls or boys?
It's pretty much an even spread.

78. How long have you had MySpace?
A year or so, I guess.

79. Has anyone ever talked about you behind your back?
More than likely.

80. Have you ever cried yourself to sleep?
Many times.

Still alive and kicking (sorta).

2008-02-25T11:20:00.002-05:00

I'm like so totally busy these days. Sometimes it seems like I don't have time to think much less do. It's crazy. And I can't say I like it much.

At work, we're busy moving the offices and whatnot from one location to another while trying to carry on business as usual. Chaos at its finest.

At home, things aren't quite so chaotic. Cameron has taken a (very) small turn toward the positive as far as his behavior at school goes but, for the most part, many of the major problems still remain and it's extremely frustrating trying to turn them around especiallly considering he just doesn't care to try.

Drew and I are in a very good place (I'm not even going to expound upon the fact that he called me the wicked witch of the west this morning. LOL.). We're working together to help get Cameron on the right track and all that good stuff. Our finances are a straight mess, we just don't make enough money and it's hard. Very hard. A couple recent unexpected and very blah occurences have made it harder but we're dealing.

My health sucks. It's gotten so bad, I swallowed my distaste for doctors and dragged my ass in to the gastroenterologist. He's treating me for the simplest possible problem at the moment and if that doesn't fix things, he'll move on to Plan B (which I sincerely hope to avoid).

And that's really all there is--just busy, busy, tedious busy.

Happy Valentines Day.

2008-02-14T09:51:00.001-05:00

If you're one who acknowledges it, enjoy.

The Newest Member of Our Family...

2008-02-06T11:28:00.001-05:00

Say hello to Captain Jack...

Never in a million years would I have imagined us being the proud owners of an iguana but, well, there he is. Ain't he cute? Strangely, I think so.

Let's talk about books, baby!

2008-01-30T11:50:00.000-05:00

I'm currently enamored with Lisa Jackson. It's funny because I've had a couple of her books (Shiver and Fatal Burn) sitting on my bookshelf for months now but in my stubborn "how-do I know-this-author-won't suck" mode, I hadn't given a thought to reading them until last weekend. Silly me. It was sheer boredom and a lack of enthusiasm over rereads that caused me to pick up Shiver and I'm glad I did. Lisa Jackson is a wonderful writer, very engaging and now that I've read three of her books (the two I previously had and one I picked up on Sunday, Almost Dead), I must read more. Check her out. Seriously. She's good.

And then there's Lisa Scottoline, another author who's been haunting my bookshelf (a year or so longer than Lisa Jackson). I started with Dirty Blonde because someone (Christie, I think) gave it to me a few months ago and since I did indeed like it, I pulled out The Vendetta Defense (the one haunting my bookshelf) and ended up enjoying it so much I wanted to kick myself in the ass for waiting so long to read it. Another wonderful writer, engaging AND witty. And, for me, it's her wit that makes her books so enjoyable. You should check her out too. Seriously. She's good.

Denise recently recommended Laurell K. Hamilton's Anita Blake Vampire Hunter Series and this one I have actually attempted to read. A few months back I read Guilty Pleasures and while I did enjoy the book as a whole, I have to say I wasn't too crazy about Anita Blake herself. But, since I did enjoy the book and Denise tells me Anita Blake transforms into a rather complexly interesting character as the series goes on, I think I'll pick up Book 2 and give it a go.

And, in a bit under three weeks, J. D. Robb's newest book in the "in Death" series, Strangers in Death, comes out and, of course, I'll be scooping that one up as soon as it hits the shelf of my local Barnes and Noble. I love, love, love her! Absolutely.

Sadly, I have to wait until May for my next Nora Roberts fix. That's when The Hollow (Book 2 in the Sign of Seven Trilogy) comes out. I'm literally counting the months but it'll be a lot easier to pass the time with these new authors I've discovered. Yay.

Well, that's it, a personally unpersonal post by yours truly. Hey, maybe one day soon I'll write a personally personal post but I wouldn't hold my breath if I were you.

Double Duty.

2008-01-18T09:38:00.000-05:00

First, I forgot to wish my sweet, Christie, a happy one last Friday. So, Happy (Late) Birthday, beautiful!

You know, I've been contemplatively reflecting lately, and in this period of reflection, I've found it positively amazing how time (and other random things) can change things so completely. Last year, on her birthday, Christie and I were somewhat ambivalent towards each other. We're sisters, so of course there was love, but friendship and compassion and understanding? No, not really. This year, on the other hand, has been an immense growing experience for the both of us and it's brought us closer together than I think either of us ever thought we'd be. How's that for irony? Christie's my sister but more importantly, she's my friend, one of the best I've been blessed with and I love her.

Second, and I really did mean to do this yesterday but it was payroll day and I got sidetracked, I want to wish Evan and Denise a "Happy Anniversary". I know I'm a day late but the feelings behind the sentiment are no different today than they were yesterday. You're a lovely couple and I'm honored to call you my friends. So...

That's all. To the rest of you, "Happy Fricken Friday"!

Christmas 2007

2008-01-16T11:03:00.000-05:00

Since a major traffic accident wreaked havoc with my schedule Friday night (Christie's birthday dinner at the Melting Pot), I didn't have time to do much of anything other than change out of my work shirt before grabbing Cameron and running out the door, so there were no pictures taken, at least not by me. But, there is Christmas...

Meme.

2008-01-15T12:46:00.000-05:00

1) Total number of films I own on DVD/video:
I have absolutely no idea? Not a little and not a lot, maybe a hundred or so.

2) The last film I bought:
"The Simpsons Movie" for Cameron.

3) The last film I watched:
"Live Free Die Hard" as well as "Rush Hour 3" and "The Bourne Ultimatum"--it was movie marathon night at Christie's this weekend.

4) Five films that I watch a lot or that mean a lot to me:
1. Pump Up The Volume
2. Goonies
3. Pirates of the Caribbean (all of them, all the time)
4. The Simpsons Movie (because Cameron happens to be addicted to it)
5. Superbad (for the same reason as #4 but only Drew not Cameron)

5) Tag 5 people and have them put this in their journal.
I'd really rather not.

Slothfulness.

2008-01-08T13:03:00.000-05:00

It's been a bit of a while since I've paid any mind to this space but honestly, I haven't had all that much to say. Life is life. But, that said, I'll do my best to catch you up on the life and times of yours truly.

Christmas was, well, Christmas. While typically my favorite time of the year, it wasn't really so much so this year. What it was, my friends, was stressful with a capital "S". I have to thank the Almighty Dollar for that one. But, stresses aside, it was a lovely time.

The Sunday before Christmas, we headed to Okeechobee and my mom and I baked cookies, not the abundance we usually bake but enough to keep Santa and friends happy. Monday, Christmas Eve, was also spent with my mom, opening our Christmas Eve PJ's and just spending time. The drive two days in a row was a bit of a bitch but since both days were so enjoyable, I shant complain about that (much).

Christmas day itself was, while busy, one of the most relaxing days I've had in a long, long time. I was up past 4:00 AM doing this and that the night before so I was totally dreading the early wake-up call I was sure Cameron was going to give, but the crazy child that is mine got it into his head that he wasn't supposed to wake us up, so we didn't get out of bed until almost 10:00 AM. This, of course, wreaked all kinds of havoc with my schedule but I was feeling too peachy to care. Presents were quickly distributed and opened. Cameron pretty much got every thing he asked for as did I and Drew and everyone else. After present time, we headed off to Christie's for Christmas Brunch. This was the first time we've had Christmas Brunch and though we're thinking of moving it to Christmas Eve next year, it's something we're definitely doing next year! And the eggnog pancakes... YUM! After brunch I headed home to start preparing Christmas dinner. As much as I had going on (homemade potatoes au gratin, baked beans and ham), I was sure I was going to be a basket case but it all went so smoothly I didn't have a chance to even think about fretting. My mom, Christie, Sarah and Jade arrived with the broccoli casserole and pies around 6:00 PM and after my mom helped me set the table, we all sat down and had the loveliest dinner together. It was really just an all around enjoyable day. And since my company was closed until January 2nd, so was the rest of the week and half of the following.

I was off for 11 and a 1/2 days and I'm a bit ashamed to admit I didn't do a damn thing the whole time. There were numerous things I absolutely SHOULD have done, like tackling the nightmare that is Cameron's room and doing something about the obstacle course of clutter that has taken over the master bedroom but sadly, I didn't. The main reason for this shameful laziness of mine was the strep throat I came down with the week before Christmas that took what felt like forever and a day to go away and made a return visit a day or two after I got back to work. It's still here, by the way, but thanfully it's become tolerable. I really need to go to the doctor and get some antibiotics but I just don't want to.

I've been back to work for almost a week now and every thing has basically fallen back in to the same old routine, just a bit busier with all the catch up.

I did take pictures Christmas day, though not nearly as many as I usually do, and as soon as I get the motivation to actually upload them, I'll post a few but it more than likely won't be before Christie's birthday dinner this Friday. Hey, maybe you'll get both.

And that's really all there is at the moment. I hope everyone had a lovely holiday with family and friends and got most if not all they wished for.

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-21T12:41:00.000-05:00

Since I probably won't make it back this way before it's been and gone, I hope you all have a very merry one!!!

Well...

2007-12-17T16:32:00.000-05:00

Since it's still 2007, I was figuring I should maybe do a post or some such thing before the clock strikes midnight on the 31st and we bravely enter 2008.

So, here I am.

Anyway, Christmas is coming and I'm not nearly as excited as I usually am this time of year. Cause you know, being broke blows and all that so I stress (and I stress and I stress and I stress). Between Drew's check and my check, we're hoping to wrap up the whole gift end of the deal this weekend. But, seeing as my company is closing 12/24 through 1/1 to make up for withholding our vacation this year, and we're not getting paid again until 1/3, it's going to be a rough couple weeks once Christmas has passed. The Lottery is sounding really good right about now. Ah well, it'll work out. Somehow.

Cameron is doing awful with a capital A(WFUL)! We're still in counseling but he's not getting any better. His teacher has spoken with us (on more than one occasion) and his doctor because it's getting to the point where she's having trouble controlling him and his school work is starting to suffer. So, the psychologist has scheduled an appointment for after the holidays with Drew and myself to discuss putting Cameron on medication. Sucks, sucks, sucks.

On the health front (for myself), things are going alright but my insurance company is being pissy about approving any future infusions until they revisit my medical history and blah, blah, blah. It's idiotic and redundant but it saves them some money to stall so they're doing their thing.

And on the writing front, "Secret Thoughts II: Lustful" made it in to the Top 10 Bestsellers at MBaM two days after its release and is still there. Coolness. Also, I got to give away two free copies (one for each site) to a couple of "lustful" individuals and I want to sincerely thank those who participated in my contest! It was fun!

And that's really it. It's basically same old, same ole around here.

Are you "Lustful"?

2007-12-10T13:42:00.001-05:00

The first person to e-mail me at s.salaciousdesires@gmail.com with a tiny little tidbit as to why you consider yourself "lustful" will win a free copy of Secret Thoughts II: Lustful (in PDF format).

Please include "Secret Thoughts II: Lustful" in the subject line.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Cameron's Birthday Trip!

2007-12-10T11:52:00.000-05:00

My monkey (that'd be Cameron--LOL) had a blast on his birthday trip but for the adults, Disney World was, for the most part, positively miserable.

We've taken Cameron to Disney for his birthday a few times over the years and never ever has it been so crowded and disorganized as it was this weekend. Ugh. Early December is usually an off time in the world of Disney but apparently not THIS year. The people were legion and rude with it too. My Cameron got an elbow in the face on one occasion and some other body part to the ribs on another. He, of course, didn't let this deter him from having fun. Because of this legion of rudeness I took a total of TWO pictures at Epcot and that was the end of picture taking in the parks. Basically the Disney Marketplace and the hotel are the only two places I was brave enough to pull out my camera and stop long enough to snap a shot.

Then there were all the technical screw-ups (courtesy of Disney) we were treated to. First there was the vanishing room reservation that was booked and paid for in August for my mom and Cameron (Drew and I had no problem), then it was on to the vanishing prepaid park tickets that were, again, paid for in August. They straightened out the room reservation quickly enough and though we didn't get connecting rooms (as booked), they were next to each other. The prepaid park tickets appeared to be handled quickly enough as well but we found out differently when we were turned away at Epcot because we only had VOUCHERS for tickets not actual tickets. Argh. This screw-up cost us a good hour standing in line at guest relations where they finally did issue us real live tickets. And last but not least the mess up with check out. They did "Express Check-Out" for my mom and Cameron (you know the reservations they couldn't originally find) but not for Drew and I so I had to stand in the obnoxious check-out line for over thirty minutes while my mom and Cameron sat in the car because they were already checked out (as we SHOULD have been). My mom is slightly agitated by all the screw-ups (and who could blame her cause you know, Disney ain't cheap) and wants me to write a letter of complaint to the lovely folks at Disney for all the idiocy we were subjected to.

Cool thing was they gave Cameron a special birthday button to wear in the parks and it gave him some special perks--birthday wishes from Disney staff and characters and a ride in the V.I.P. section on Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom (only V.I.P. I noticed was Joey Fatone but by then it had been a LONG day so I could've missed someone).

But, rude legions and technical screw-ups aside, Cameron had a great time and that's what's important.

Anyway, here's the pictures at the places I was brave enough to take them...

Wanna Support the Arts?

2007-12-06T16:19:00.000-05:00

And (ahem) myself? Well, go on and buy it then (it comes out tomorrow, 12/7/07, in eBook format)...

“Secret Thoughts: Lustful” by Anthology
Genre: Erotica
ISBN: 1-59998-840-2
Length: Novella
Price: 3.50
Genre: Erotica
Publication Date: December 7, 2007
Cover art by Scott Carpenter

Go ahead. Indulge in a forbidden fantasy. You know you want to.

What’s your pleasure? Kink? A lusty encounter with a stranger? Two strangers? How about man on man—while you watch?

Five of Samhain’s hottest erotica authors draw back the curtain on your deepest, lustiest, most secret forbidden fantasies. Slow and sensuous. Or hot and hard. The pleasure’s all yours. Go on. Step through the curtain. You know you want to.

Warning: This title contains explicit sex, graphic language, sex in public places, ménage a troi, hot nekkid man love, and BDSM.

Contributing authors: Beth Williamson, Laura Bacchi, Sasha White, S. Desires, J.J. Massa

Happy Birthday, My Baby!!

2007-12-06T16:10:00.000-05:00

My Cameron will be '8' this Saturday but we'll be busy visiting Mickey so I'll just go ahead and wish him a happy one now!

I love you my monkey!

P.S. Thank you Evan and Angie for wishing him a happy one in the previous post! Mwah!

To Pass the Time.

2007-12-04T14:55:00.000-05:00

1. Where is the last place you held hands?
In the car on the way home from work yesterday.

2. What's the main ringtone on your cell phone?
Who Knew by Pink.

3. Do you sleep with the TV on?
Occasionally but I try not to.

4. Have you ever drank milk straight out of the carton?
Hasn't everyone?

5. Have you ever won a spelling bee?
In like elementary school.

6. What is your longest fight with one of your friends?
I'm not much of a fighter so I really couldn't say.

7. Are you a fast typer?
Indeed I am.

8. Are you afraid of the dark?
Nope.

9. Do you like someone right now?
Like is such a mild word but sure thing.

10. What ended your last relationship?
Who's to say? This, that, the other thing.

11. Do you knock on wood?
From time to time.

12. Are you drinking anything right now?
Coffee.

13. What did you have for lunch today?
Not a thing. I missed lunch today.

14. Do you think you’re smart?
I know I'm smart.

15. Have you ever eaten a bug?
Not intentionally.

16. Do you miss someone right now?
Yep.

17. What do you want for Christmas?
Hmm... the peace and quiet I need to finish my manuscript, the Brighton wallet that matches my purse, a pair of sneakers, Winter Candy Apple Body Spray, Chance by Chanel, Tommy Girl by Tommy Hilfiger, a pair of slippers, new PJ's and a few other random things I can't think of at the moment.

18. What's on your agenda for Christmas Day?
Opening presents with the kiddie, followed by brunch at Christie's house(eggnog pancakes--YUM), then it's back to my house for present playtime and ending out the day with dinner at my house.

19. Do you talk in your sleep?
I don't believe so.

20. Do you remember your fist crush?
Sure do.

21. Have you ever flown a kite?
Yeah, it's a cool thing to do. Cameron loves it.

22. When was the last time that you went swimming and where?
Last summer in the pool behind our townhouse complex.

23. Do you consider yourself successful?
I do but I could be more so.

24. How many people are on your contact list of your cell phone?
Twenty-one.

25. What are you reading right now?
Blood Brothers (Sign of Seven Trilogy; Book 1)

26. Plans for tomorrow?
Work, work and more work.

27. What did you do this past weekend?
Did some Christmas themed crafts with Cameron, Sarah, Christie, my mom and myself on Friday after work, went grocery shopping and put up the outside Christmas lights on Saturday and picked out and decorated our tree on Sunday.

28. What are your plans for this weekend?
We're taking Cameron to Disney World for his eighth birthday, leaving Friday morning and returning Sunday night.

29. When’s the last time you told someone you loved them?
This morning.

30. Are you married/coupled/in a committed relationship?
Yep, sure thing.

31. Do you want to be single?
Nope.

32. Who’s your hero?
His Orneryness, Cameron Drew Wingfield.

33. What song are you really feeling at the moment?
Apologize by One Republic.

34. What are you looking forward to?
The trip to Disney this weekend and of course, Christmas..

35. If you could be stranded with one person for 24 hours, who would it be?
Angie cause she's bringing the Midori Sours and chocolate cherry cookies!! And then of course there's the fact that I love her!!

Welcome Baby!

2007-11-27T10:09:00.000-05:00

Jade Elizabeth Lacey

Born Saturday November 24th 2007 at 8:44 am

6 Pounds 1 Ounce

19 Inches

Enjoy!

2007-11-21T14:15:00.000-05:00

Since Thanksgiving, Christmas trees and the long awaited birth of Baby Jade will more than likely keep me occupied until Tuesday, I'd like to wish everyone a...

glitter-graphics.com

And please, enjoy! I intend to.

Uninspired.

2007-11-08T10:50:00.000-05:00

Insanity is hereditary--you get it from your kids. ~ Sam Levenson

Cameron, my own true love, is driving me positively batty and his teacher, sadly, shares in my pain. He's been misbehaving at home, at school, etc., etc., etc. and the monotnous lecturing and loss of privileges don't appear to be making a dent in that hard head of his. Sigh. Ah well, we'll just keep trudging on, I suppose.

Anyway, there's really not all that much going on at the moment and certainly nothing exciting or worth writing about. But, since I've been so quiet, I figured I'd drop in and say, "what's up?" and catch you up on all the boring details of my non-exciting life.

Lets see, since it's been decided that's where we're celebrating them this year, we've been getting the house ready for the holidays, which has been no small feat (trust me). We've also been preparing for the birth of Christie's baby, Jade (it's tenatively scheduled for Friday November 23rd but Dr. F said he may have to move it to Saturday the 24th because he's having trouble finding someone to assist him during surgery on the 23rd) and my being away from home for a few days while I stay with Christie and Jade in the hospital. And last but certainly not least, we've been saving up and whatnot for Cameron's birthday trip to Disney World the second weekend in December.

Hmm, that's pretty much it. See--all boring. Hopefully things are a bit more impelling in your world.

Later Gator.

BOO!

2007-10-31T10:30:00.001-05:00

Between the High Wind Watch, Wind Advisory, Coastal Flood Watch and squally rain bands (oh, and let us not forget the possible Tropical Storm Watch they're contemplating putting up later) from the High Pressure System to our north and Tropical Storm Noel (however the hell you say it--I say No-el, you say Nole--annoying) to our south, Halloween isn't looking all that promising. With possible sustained winds up to 40 MPH and gusts up to 60 MPH during trick or treating time, little Sarah is in danger of blowing away and the rain bands... blah! We may very well be mall-ing it tonight and oh, how I hate trick or treating at the mall--sucks, sucks, sucks.

Anyhow, that's about it. I hope all of you and your respective kiddies have a Spooktacular Halloween!

What Up?

2007-10-10T11:25:00.000-05:00

A little bit of this, a little bit of that and whole lot of reading and television.

Life's been more than a bit bitchy with me lately. Blah. And I often wonder why when one thing goes to shit a whole bunch of other shit insists on following suit. So annoying.

Healthwise, I've been a big ole mess. First, there was my shoulder. It started out rather mild, just a constant throbbing pain in my left shoulder/neck area but that, unfortunately, didn't last. My left arm started going numb, my fingers started tingling and the pain got so bad I couldn't turn my head without wincing (let me just say--OUCH). I figured it was time to visit the doc and see what the hell was up so I buckled and made a bloody appointment.

Second, the afternoon before my doctors appointment I started feeling a bit off (you know, tired and achy and cranky and flushed) and by that evening I had a temperature of 104.2. Why? Who the hell knows? The doctor drew blood, took urine, checked ears, nose and throat but couldn't find a thing wrong, well, other than a pinched nerve (or so he suspected) that was causing the issues with my shoulder. He precsribed Prednisone for the shoulder and rest, relaxation and plenty of fluids for the fever and sent me on my merry way. The fever lasted three days before magically disappearing (for which I am extremely thankful). The shoulder, on the other hand, didn't want to cooperate so imaging studies were ordered and it appears I have arthritis in my neck. Ooh, what fun. Physical therapy was suggested which I squashed because really, who has the time or the money for that nonsense. Drew has been helping me work it out and while it's no where near 100%, it is better.

And Third, the dratted kidney infection that sent me to the ER last Monday afternoon. Gods, I can not clearly tell you how much pain I was in. Miserable, miserable, miserable. Sadly, the ER was a mess so I spent three and a half LONG pain filled hours in the waiting room before they finally plopped my ass in a room. They, of course, did all their silly tests (cat scan, varied blood tests, urine tests, blah, blah, blah) to confirm that it was, in fact, a kidney infection. The doctor was very sympathetic to my pain and told me he'd have the nurse give me something to suppress it pronto. He was as good as his word because the nurse came in shortly thereafter and gave me a dose of oxycodone (that'd be Percocet) intravenously. And it killed the pain, no question about it, but the whole not being able to move without wanting to vomit was certainly a pisser. Anyhow, they administered Levaquin intravenously for the infection and discharged me at 3:30 AM with a prescription for 10 days of oral Levaquin and 3 days worth of Percocet for the pain (which, considering I ended up vomiting in the bushes outside the ER and couldn't eat or move suddenly without wanting to vomit for a good two days afterward, I wasn't fucking touching!! And, you know, since they wouldn't allow me to take Ibuprofen it was just Extra Strength Tylenol for me--bummer). So, I have one more day of Levaquin and I'm pretty sure the infection is all gone. Thank the gods.

Everything else is going alright, I suppose. There's money issues, of course (there's always money issues). Sigh. Between the ER Co-Pay, the Prescription and the Co-Pay for Cameron's Psychologist I spent somewhere around $350.00 on medical bills alone last week so it's safe to say I'm hurting a bit financially this week. Sucks, sucks, sucks.

And that's really all there is at the moment.

Boredom rears its ugly head!

2007-09-28T10:35:00.000-05:00

In the form of a meme. Blah.

What is the story behind your couch?
Hm. Can't say there is one really.
-
What do you use your kitchen table for most?
Ah, eating dinner? LOL.
-
Do you make your bed?
Nope. Never.
-
How did you spend Sunday night?
Cleaning, organizing, cleaning and more organizing. Blah. Then I watched the silly half hour special for "Rock of Love" on VH1 but whined incessantly because I thought it was going to be the series finale. Sigh.
-
Beer? Wine? Liquor? What's your poison?
I'm more of a liquor girl but not the hard stuff. Give me a fruity "bitch drink" and it's all good, my friends.
-
What happened to your first love?
He's around, matter of fact, we ran into him on my birthday at the Cheesecake Factory. As to what happened to him, let's see--he got his plumbing license (which he was working towards when we were together) and started his own business (a successful one from what I hear), he married the girl he started dating just after we broke up and they've since had themselves a daughter.
-
How do you get your laundry done?
Reluctantly.
-
Coffee... want or need?
Need. Coffee is a great big, yummy and good NEED.
-
Are you over ramen noodles?
Eh. Actually, if you drain the broth and throw in a fried egg it's not so bad.
-
What is your guilty pleasure movie?
I dunno? I like so many movies I can't really pinpoint one as being a guilty pleasure.
-
How do you justify using your credit cards?
I don't because I don't use them. The only "credit card" I have is a Visa Check Card and since the money comes directly out of my checking account there is no frivolous speninding going on for me.
-
How do you feel about Harry Potter?
I don't.
-
What do you look for in 'the one'?
Love, trust, loyalty, passion, friendship.
-
What newspaper do you read?
I don't really but on those rare occasions I feel the urge it's usually the Sun Sentinel.
-
What is the mantra you use to get through the rough days?
"This too shall pass".
-
How do you "pick up" at bars?
I don't.
-
How many one-night stands have you had?
Honestly, I don't believe I've ever really had a one-night stand.
-
Do you remember your dreams?
Sometimes.
-
Do you want kids?
Already have one. And yes, of course.
-
When do you want to get married?
Already took that particular plunge a little over 8 years ago.
-
What is your magic number?
Eight.
-
Where is that special someone right now?
Not here.
-
Do you have a will?
No but I should.
-
What was the best day of your life?
December 8th 1999.
-
Is it harder to be rejected or to reject someone else?
Both are equally as hard.
-
Who's your favorite person?
I have a few favorire people.
-
What are you listening to?
Who Knew by P!nk.
-
What's the last thing you drank?
My beloved coffee.
-
Have you been on a date in the past week?
Drew took me out to dinner last Saturday.
-
Where are you going on your next vacation?
We're (Drew, Moi and my Mom) taking Cameron to Animal Kingdom, MGM, Epcot and Magic Kingdom for his birthday in December. And in March, we're all (Drew, Cameron, Moi, my Mom, Christie and Sarah) driving to Louisiana for my cousin Crystals' wedding.
-
Have you ever thrown up from working out?
Nah.
-
Are most of the friends in your life new or old?
Old.
-
Have you ever gotten so wasted you didn't know what was going on?
Sure have.
-
Do you like pulpy orange juice?
Mm, yes.
-
Are you touchy-feely?
Mostly.
-
Do you prefer the tanning bed or the sun?
Neither, but I'd certainly go for the sun over a tanning bed.
-
What are your biggest pet peeves?
Gods, I have SO many!
-
Do you consider yourself bi-polar?
Heh. No.
-
What's something your friends make fun of you for?
My laugh. Apparently it's entertaining.
-
What's your worst personality flaw?
Self-doubt and that innate wishy-washiness!
-
Would you ever parachute off of a plane?
Why not? It'd probably be fun.
-
Have you ever ridden an elephant?
Yep.
-
Are you Irish in any way?
Not that I know of.
-
Have you ever been to a nude beach?
I have not.
-
Have you ever drank Jack Daniels?
Yep. Ugh. Nasty shit.
-
What are you saving your money up for right now?
Sadly, I'm not. Can't. Sigh.
-
What was the last gift card you received?
Barnes and Noble for my birthday.
-
Does the number of people a person's slept with affect your opinion?
Absolutely NOT!
-
Have you ever gone to a party where you were the only sober person?
Sure have.
-
What do you do when you spot a bug in your house?
Scream like a bloody girl! Oh, wait--I am a girl!
-
Where's your cellphone?
In my purse. I think.
-
Who are you talking to?
Not a soul.
-
Who are you crushing on?
Johnny Depp is looking particularly fetching these days. Ooh and Jennifer Morrison, she looks HOT as a blonde. LOL.
-
Ever had sex in a graveyard?
Ick! NO!
-
Ever had sex in a church?
Nah.
-
Ever tried the 'Bloody Mary' trick in the bathroom?
Sure thing.
-
Ever played strip poker?
Like forever ago.
-
Ever played video games?
It's been awhile.
-
Ever played pool?
Not well.
-
Do you love weapons?
Not particularly.
-
Ever killed someone?
Literally? LOL. But seriously, no.
-
Ever been arrested?
Nope but I got a bloody ticket yesterday. SIGH!
-
Do you watch 'Jackass'?
I have.

Strangers in the night...

2007-09-13T11:18:00.000-05:00

"Ayo, I'm tired of using technology, why don't you sit down on top of me."

Sorry. That song just won't stop bouncing around in my head. It's somewhat annoying really.

So, it's been a bit of a while, eh? Stress more or less forced me into a state of hibernation and while I don't particularly like that because it's akin to hiding out, it was quite necessary to help preserve my sanity. I'm not sure it completely worked but seeing as I'm not currently stark raving mad, I suppose it did its job.

Anyway, it's another day, another dollar, another raging stress related headache for me. Ah, life, how sweet it is. So, c'est la vie, I say.

I've been reading a whole hell of a lot the past six months or so and throwing my organizational soul into a tailspin, have been stacking the books I've read next to the bookshelf (we wouldn't want to confuse them with the book I haven't read, would we?). Since they're just sitting there all stacked and in the way, I got to couting them last night and was a bit baffled that I've read a bit over a hundred books, it certainly doesn't feel like I've read that many. But, my mom said, since I have a different book in my hand practically every day, it makes sense to her.

My cell phone is off again (sigh), my mom is making noises about paying the bill to get it turned back on but if she doesn't, I won't be able to do it myself until next Tuesday. I hate working my ass off and still not making enough money to pay the bills. And you can forget anything extra, it just isn't happening these days.

So far Cameron's been doing alright schoolwise this year, sort of. This teacher hasn't been near as helpful as the last one but it's early yet so we'll see. Homewise is whole different story all together. On August 24th, I had an appointment with Cameron's psychologist to discuss the results of Cameron's testing and other various things. Cameron was diagnosed with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder; Combined Type (which means that this type of ADHD has six or more symptoms listed in the DSM-IV for Psychiatric disorders in both hyperactivity and inattention). Though the doctor recommended that Cameron NOT be put on medication at this time, I'm more than a bit worried because that recommendation was made based on Cameron's positive progress before he went away. The doctor has to decided to stick with the "No Medication Therapy" recommendation but because Cameron suffered such a major set back when he went away, the doctor set a time limit on that recommendation (one to two months) and if Cameron continues to struggle and have problems beyond that time limit, we'll have to discuss medication therapy. Right now, it's not looking good but I haven't given up hope that we'll turn things around before medication is necessary. Wish us luck.

You know, school just started August 20th, which is what, 3 weeks ago, and they've already sent home three fundraisers and a scholastic book order. How ridiculous is that? Apparently the school and the blasted PTA thinks us parents are rolling in it. I can assure them, we're not.

Drew cleaned out my car yesterday so you can actually see the floorboard now. Heh. He said I should be ashamed of the mess I had going on in there. Then last night, he had Cameron upstairs cleaning out his room while he stood guard. And from what I hear, he and my dad are going to tackle the cleaning out of the garage sometime soon, that should be interesting. My chore is the master bedroom and the, oh so frightening, walk-in closet. Ugh.

I have to meet my mom at Curves tonight for some sweating with the oldies but tomorrow evening, we're hitting Starbucks for a yummy Pumpkin Spice Latte. Oh, the calories but Yum!

And that's really all I've got at the moment. Have a peachy one.

Happy Birthday, Drew!

2007-08-29T08:57:00.001-05:00

Despite having to work and all that blah, I do hope he's having a positively lovely one.

Mwah, sweetness!

For my Evan.

2007-08-29T08:38:00.000-05:00

Feel better, love!

{{HUGS}}

Blah, blah, blah!

2007-08-16T11:19:00.000-05:00

And what-the-fuck-ever!

I've had the SAME headache since Tuesday afternoon and it's really beginning to piss me off. Sigh. Life so totally blows right now and I'm seriously contemplating throwing myself one huge ass pity party. Wanna come?

First, let's talk money. I don't have any. I work, day after monotonous day, and when the weeks all done and it's time to begin anew, you can typically find me somewhere praying to the gods that I don't overdraw my account before I can get my check in the bank and begin the bloody cycle all over again.

Anyway, since my health insurance sucks balls (which, mind you, can be a rather pleasant thing under the right circumstances), next week is going to be a bitch. Each of us (Cameron, Drew and myself) have a two thousand dollar deductible to meet before the insurance company will bother to pay for anything and though I've been paying "in-full" for all of Cameron's psychologist visits, I still haven't met it. Which means that at next weeks appointment after I finish paying for that visit, I have to add the $530.00 my insurance company didn't pay for the ADHD testing. That brings us to $585.00 which, sadly, is more than I make in a week. Sigh.

Thankfully I only have nine car payments left but unfortunately, one of them is also due next week. It'll be interesting to see how in the hell I manage to pull that one off.

Then, of course, there's rent, electric, phone, water, yadda, yadda, yadda...

I've gained 15 pounds in the last 3 months and I can't even begin to tell you how fat and ugly I feel right now. I worked so hard to get the weight off and like an asshole I've sat here and let it all come back. I'm 5 pounds away from where I originally started and lately, I just want to lock myself up somewhere and hide.

Cameron is doing AWFUL! Every single bit of progress we made before he left is gone, and if I'm being honest, it's worse than before he started counseling. I don't know what Mara was trying to prove by the things she did and said while Cameron was with her but all she managed to do, aside from cementing our decision not to allow her to spend any time with him without Drew or myself present, is turn Cameron into a bitter, angry, over emotional child who's way out of control. I despise her for that but so much more for this helplessness I see in him again that he'd been working so hard to get beyond. It's sad and frustrating and tiring but we'll get past this bump in the road.

But, on a positive note, I have an appointment with Cameron's psychologist next Friday, just he and I, to discuss the results of his ADHD testing. And though the doctor wouldn't tell me much when we saw him on Tuesday, he did say that because he knew it was something I was struggling with, he wanted me to know that he's not recommending medication at this time. He said there are a great many things that DO need to be done and we'll discuss them during the appointment but, at this time, medication is not one of them. Thank the gods.

After his appointment Tuesday night, I took Cameron to see the "Simpsons Movie". He'd been driving me batty over wanting to see it and I wasn't sure whether it was a good idea but Drew went to see it the weekend it opened and he told me that while there were definitely parts that would be considered "strictly adult", he figured it'd be okay for Cameron to see it, so I took him. Drew certainly wasn't kidding about the "strictly adult" parts but they weren't really plentiful and Cameron enjoyed it. We (Mike, Nicole, Drew, Cameron and myself) also went to see "Hot Rod" on Sunday and it was hilarious. My mom and I are going to see "Bourne Ultimatum" the next Friday and I can't wait, we were supposed to see it on my birthday but the movie theater was packed that night so we passed.

Well, I figure I'll stop right here, oh, there's other things I could babble and bitch about but all it's doing is aggravating this annoying headache that plagues me. Blah. So, that's it, I'm out.

Happy Birthday to Me!

2007-08-06T09:06:00.001-05:00

This Saturday I, quietly and definitely without fanfare, turned 32. It was a really nice day. I was treated to lunch at Ruby Tuesdays courtesy of my mom and dinner at the Cheesecake Factory courtesy of my mom and Drew. As for gifts, I got a haircut and blow dry from my mom, an I-Pod, an I-Tunes gift certificate, a stuffed goofy and a stuffed turtle from Drew, a Brighton purse from Kim, gift certificates to Barnes and Noble from Cathy and a pretty set of worry beads from Warren. I love it all. And thanks to all who remembered and took the time to wish me a happy one.

In other news, my Cameron is back--YAY--he arrived yesterday afternoon and I couldn't be happier.

Anyway, here's some pictures from my birthday. Enjoy.

Pure Randomness.

2007-08-01T10:38:00.000-05:00

I’m sure I’ve mentioned this before, but the weather in Florida pretty much sucks. Big time. It’s so hot and muggy, it wreaks a bit of havoc with the whole breathing thing. And then there’s the thunderstorms, the suckers seem to pop up out of nowhere and they’re quite violent this year. Okay, enough of the weather talk for today.

So, what’s up? Not much my way really.

I finally finished and submitted my two stories for the next ST Anthology. I didn’t resend Sasha my original second submission (aptly titled “Mess”), the one I’d written in “Third Person”, because no matter how I tried, I just couldn’t get it to where I didn’t want to weep every time I read it. Sigh. So I went back to my odd form of “First Person” and I do believe she’s much happier with that.

Just as I was ready to suit up and go back into battle with my mother-in-law, she circumvented that by FINALLY having Cameron call me Friday evening. He sounded a bit sad but insisted he’s having fun. They’ve done some swimming in the springs, gone to this beautiful beach in North Florida and last week, he got to ride a horse named Romeo. Mara found out that school is starting two weeks later this year and made noises about keeping Cameron an extra week but that’s just not going to happen and I told her so. I don’t believe she was very happy with my decision but that’s not my problem. So, provided she doesn’t do anything ridiculous to piss me off, Cameron will be home on Monday.

“Girls Night” was fun. Christie’s having herself another girl so we had ourselves a spirited debate over names. Christie is stuck on “Elizabeth” but my mom and I aren’t crazy about it, so we suggested she use it as a middle name. When all was said and done, Baby Lacey was going to be christened with the name “Jade Elizabeth” but if I know Christie, that’ll end up being “Elizabeth Jade” or something else entirely. After the great name debate and some Chinese, we settled in to watch “Rush Hour” followed by “The Green Mile”.

Saturday I accompanied my mom on her trip to Okeechobee where I helped her clean the spare bedroom (otherwise known as the “Kiddie Room”) and clear out the attic to make some room for her move up there next month. And just as an FYI, being in an attic in Florida in July is akin to being in hell. After I got back, I picked up Drew and Mike and we hit Carrabba’s for dinner.

Sunday was a lazy day, Drew and I slept in, had lunch at Mango’s, went to the grocery store to do his shopping for the week then spent the rest of the day/evening lazing at his house. During our lazing, we watched “Stranger than Fiction” and it was much better than I thought it would be. I liked it.

This week has been alright so far. I’m tired and I’ve had the same headache for three days running but it could be worse.

And that's all.

Bah. Ugh. Blah.

2007-07-23T21:45:00.000-05:00

I am so fucking tired, I'm starting to feel like the walking dead. Dead, I tell you. And I swear, I do believe today was the longest day of my life. I've been home from work for less than an hour and if I blink for too long it'll be time to go back. Sigh.

Friday was Drew's doctor appointment, the doc kept him on Metformin for the Diabetes and since his blood pressure was 160 over 100, he's now on blood pressure medication. His blood panel came back today and there are a couple things that need work (cholesterol, liver enzymes) but, all in all, my mom said it wasn't as bad as she feared it would be.

Cameron hasn't called me yet this week (yes, I know, it's only Monday) and I miss the little monster something fierce! I hate when he goes away like this. But, because of the lack of respect she showed me and the numerous lines Drew's mother crossed, I am consoling myself with knowing that this is the last time my Cameron will be away from me for this ridiculous amount of time.

"Girls Night" was wonderful! We had taco's, watched "The Italian Job" and munched on brownies while playing "Clue". And the rest of the weekend was nothing to complain about either.

The rest of this week will more than likely be busy--I have to put on my "Third Person" hat and try to work myself out of the mess that is my second submission for the next ST Anthology and other random things but since we're coming close to the end of hell that was July, I've decided the best thing to do is just grin and bear it.

And that's all. I'm off to read, I was going to don that hat tonight but it's too late and my mind is tired.

Happy Birthday, Nina!

2007-07-21T14:11:00.000-05:00

I hope it's beautiful, gorgeous!!

Thank the Gods it's Friday!

2007-07-20T10:20:00.000-05:00

It's been a bit, huh? I've meant to drop in a few times over the last couple weeks to say "what's up" but, well, I didn't. Time just seems to get away from me lately, it's actually running neck and neck with money these days. Sigh.

It's been a perfectly unpleasant few weeks in my world. I'm pushing for August to get here already because July has straight sucked.

On Tuesday the 3rd I got a call from Drew while I was standing in line at the bank, he'd been struggling with a nasty fever since Sunday and though that wasn't getting any better, it was his leg that was worrying him. As much as he detests doctors, he felt it was time to seek medical advice. Our doctor was out of town until the 11th so the Emergency Room was really our only choice. I drove back to work, shut everything down and headed off to scoop him up.

The ER was unusually quiet that evening (thank the gods) and we were registered, through triage, back in a room and conversing with a doctor in under twenty minutes. Drew's leg did look bad, the skin was mottled, swollen and badly inflamed from his ankle to just above his knee. The doctor pretty much knew right from the start that it was cellulitis but they took blood and X-rays and ran their tests. It was the diabetes (Drew's sugar was a bit over 330) that forced the doctor to admit him. So they wheeled Drew up to the 3rd floor, got him settled in a room and I sat with him until they finally kicked me out because it was past visiting hours.

We (my mom, Christie, Sarah, Cameron, Drew and myself) were supposed to spend the 4th at the beach picnicing and whatnot until it was time for fireworks. But, with Drew in the hospital, the day didn't go as planned. I couldn't (or wouldn't) let Drew sit all alone in a hospital while we were off enjoying the holiday so I sent Cameron with my mom, Christie and Sarah to beach it as planned and I headed out to spend the day with Drew. I stopped and bought him a sketch pad and some pencils, picked up his favorite magazine from the bookstore and some lunch at Baja Fresh (he hates hospital food) and we just spent the day talking and watching TV. And, since his "roommate" was released earlier in the day, we opened the curtains in his room and managed to catch some fireworks too.

They kept Drew until Friday, dosing him with tons of IV antibiotics, insulin and sugar pills. He's still on the sugar pills (the insulin will need to be discussed with his doctor, he has an appointment this morning) and oral antibiotics for his leg, which isn't completely healed but looks a LOT better. So all is as well as it can be there.

Cameron left with his grandparents (Drew's parents) on Friday the 13th to spend a few weeks in High Springs. I was going to be at work when they came to pick him up so I wouldn't be there to explain his "Behavior Program" or the "Behavior Chart" we've been doing with him. Because Cameron's psychologist explained that it was imperative he continue the program as he normally would at home I tried to explain it to Mara over the phone a couple evenings before they were to come and get him but she was completely disinterested so I asked my dad to explain it to her before they left.

And he tried, he really did, but Drew's mother cut him off with her snotty "I-know-everything" attitude and told my dad that, and I quote, "I've never had a problem when Cameron is with me, he behaves perfectly. Children will behave how they're taught to behave and if you teach them to behave well, they will. I'll take her chart but I don't know that I'll do anything with it." Needless to say, I wasn't happy with what I considered a blatant "fuck you" and decided that I'd call her myself and if she didn't listen and agree to do what I asked we'd just come and pick Cameron up. We, Drew and I, tried to reach her over the weekend because we knew she'd be in Miami visiting family until Sunday but, of course, we couldn't get ahold of her.

She called me on Monday afternoon when they reached High Springs (when, I'm figuring, she knew picking him up would be a bitch for us since it's six hours away as opposed to one) and again I tried to calmly explain it all to her. It didn't go well. AT ALL. In short, she told me I'm a bad parent, I treat Cameron like a heathen and not a human being so it's no wonder he behaves for me the way he does, I've never been smart enough to listen to her and take advantage of her vast "experience" as a parent because if I had I wouldn't be having any troule with Cameron, I'm wasting my money on this stupid psychiatrist (I didn't bother to explain it's a psychologist not a psychiatrist) because if I'd just listen to her and learn to how to parent correctly there wouldn't be any need for one. Oh, there's more but you get the point.

Well, let me tell you, I'm NOT going to take that shit from ANYONE least of all someone who doesn't deign to bother herself with Cameron until she's ready to see him which is no more than once or twice a year. I've done everything I can to make Cameron happy and to get him the help he needs and I absolutely will not tolerate having everything I've done thrown back in my face like it's nothing. So the calm I began the conversation with went straight out the window and I got unquestionably rude and more than a bit nasty with her. And when I was done, I had Drew call her and since neither of them particularly like the other that conversation wasn't pleasant for her either. I can't bring myself to care.

In the end, we didn't drive the six hours to pick Cameron up because she assured Drew that she'd do as we asked. But, seeing as every time she's had him call since it's been Niel (Drew's brother) who puts Cameron on the phone, I don't believe her and I are on speaking terms. Again, I can't bring myself to care. The really sad thing to me is, all this bullshit was over a simple piece of paper. Though that simple piece of paper has done more to help Cameron than I could possibly explain, she didn't have to agree with the concept or the program, all she really had to do was let the child put the stars on the chart at night before bed so he wouldn't lose the small sense of control that chart has helped him achieve.

Anyway, it's Friday and since Cameron's been away my mom, Christie and I have turned Friday into "Girls Night"--movies and popcorn and games and dessert. Last Friday it was "The Day After Tomorrow" and "Don't Say a Word" with ice cream and cupcakes. I'm not sure what movies we'll watch tonight but I know there'll be tacos, a game of "Clue" and brownies--yum.

I hope you all have a fun night and an equally as pleasant weekend.

Picture Time.

2007-07-20T10:00:00.000-05:00

Just Shy of Kid Friendly.

2007-07-17T13:36:00.000-05:00

How about yours?

Now, my other blog is a different story altogether but, seeing as we're in PG-Land, we won't talk about that here.

The Great Eight.

2007-07-11T09:40:00.000-05:00

For my Evan.

1. We have to post these rules before we give you the facts.

2. Players start with eight random facts/habits about themselves.

3. People who are tagged must make a post about their eight things and post these rules.

4. At the end of your blog post, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.

5. Don't forget to leave them each a comment telling them they're tagged, and to read your blog.

1. I started my (un)illustrious career as an author writing free fan fiction about a certain blue eyed blonde rapper who, for various reasons, makes me all hot and bothered.

2. I'm a sucker for various charity's. I can never give as much as I'd like, financially or physically, but if I'm able to give something I will. I also rarely pass up tossing a little money at the sign carrying homeless that appear on random corners worldwide but I have a particular soft spot for the ones who are honest. For instance, the one I saw last week who's sign read, "Why Lie? I want a beer."

3. I'm what they like to call a packrat, I save just about EVERYTHING, particularly if it came from someone special--wrapping paper, bows, cards, letters, e-mails, mailing labels, etc., etc., etc.

4. Though I've only had a limited number of lovers and only a couple that were satisfying, I'm a fairly good lover (ah, that slight ego I was gifted with is showing again).

5. My Cameron was going to be named Cameron no matter what his sex ended up being, only, if he'd been of the female variety, it would've been Kamryn.

6. I have a ridiculous weakness for those Thin Mints the Girl Scouts sell once a year or so. I could eat box after box after box which is exactly why I avoid those girls like the plague when they're out selling their wares.

7. I'm not a big fan of summer, I hate the heat and the suffocating mugginess (blah), I much prefer late fall/winter. Which, seeing as I happen to live in horridly muggy Florida where it's pretty much always hellaciously hot, doesn't make much sense.

8. When I was very young up on through high school I was convinced that I wanted to be a stage actress. I attended Fort Lauderdale Children's Theater and took Drama and American Musical Theater classes all through school because I was sure that's what I was meant to do but I didn't do it. In hindsight, I realize it probably would've never worked, I'm much too shy for the stage.

No tags but if you're wanting to do it, by all means, do.

Happy 4th of July!

2007-07-04T09:20:00.000-05:00

Well, my mom is on her way to pick up Cameron to take him to the beach for the 4th and I'm headed to the hospital to sit with Drew (the horrid sickness that started on Sunday ended up not being the flu at all. It appears he has cellulitis that's quickly spread from his ankle to up past his knee and isn't healing quickly because his immune system is compromised due to the full-blown diabetes we didn't know he had).

Anyway, I hope you and yours all have a positively lovely holiday.

I got a sunburn this weekend!

2007-07-02T09:28:00.000-05:00

It's so annoying! And, in a couple days, the peeling will start. Ugh.

Anyway, all in all, it was a pretty okay weekend. No movies, which was a bummer because I really wanted to see "Live Free or Die Hard" (have I ever mentioned that I'm a huge "Die Hard" fan?). But, movies aside, we all had a good time.

The memorial for Robins mother was this Saturday, since she insisted she didn't want any fuss when her time came, it was short--a moment of silence and the reading of a poem. After which, he commenced with his annual 4th of July celebration, in her honor, so there was a lot of food and fireworks.

Plus, there are two ATV's and one dirtbike so we (Christie, Sarah, Drew, Cameron and myself) did a whole lot of riding and a bit of racing too. Christie and I took control of the bigger ATV (she was driving) and challenged Drew and Cameron, who were on the dirtbike, to a friendly race. They won but it was a lot of fun. I took pictures but since I left my digital camera in Okeechobee I won't be sharing them with you just yet.

Family drama aside (of which there was plenty, especially considering the fact that the final divorce papers for my mom and Robin were delivered that morning--sigh), it was a perfectly pleasant day.

Drew came down with some kind of flu and woke up horridly sick on Sunday, he was burning up and achy and miserable so Cameron and I spent the day tending to him. I took him home last night so he wouldn't have to get up this morning when I left for work and he wasn't looking well, I hope he's feeling a bit better today.

And that's all really, it's Monday and back to work for me. I hope you all had a lovely weekend.

Eight.

2007-06-27T19:05:00.000-05:00

Since he didn't forget or ignore it as I thought he would, I'll wish us, that'd be Drew and myself, a happy anniversary. It's been eight years since we said our "I do's" and though we've both changed and we're not "together" the way he'd like us to be there's still love between us. And really, that's what matters.

Gods, I'm tired.

2007-06-25T11:32:00.000-05:00

Really, really tired. This horrific flu type thing that plagues me has sunk it's claws in deep and is just now starting to release its hold. Blah.

Aside from that, I'm stressed about life in general. Big things. Little things. All things. Every thing. Sigh. Top of the list are my never ending bills, the pesky things just refuse to stop tormenting me. It's really quite unfair, if you ask me.

And then, of course, there's my Cameron who is doing markedly better in some areas but remains incredibly stubborn in others. It's been a month since we started his "Behavior Chart/Rewards Program" and, for the most part, he's doing really well with the three "behaviors" we were working on improving. Though I haven't spoken to his doctor about it, I think it's time to move on to a new set of "behaviors". The ADHD testing is halfway done but the doctor is being completely mum about it and I really wish he wouldn't be.

The evenings this week are going to be crazy busy (which totally sucks) because my mom and I have a ton of things to get done for Robin's mothers memorial service this weekend. Honestly, I just want some rest and relaxation but it's not going to happen. If fate is kind, next week will be nice and peaceful.

That's it. There's nothing exciting or remotely interesting happening in my world at the moment.

Tedium.

2007-06-25T08:48:00.000-05:00

1. Where were you 3 hours ago?
In bed which, incidentally, is exactly where I'd still like to be.

2. What is your boyfriends/girlfriends name?
I could tell you but then I'd have to kill you... Heh.

3. Have you ever eaten a crayon?
Well, if I have, I've apparently mentally blocked the whole wretched ordeal.

4. When is the last time you went to the mall?
Ah, let's see, I was at the Boca Towncenter yesterday but we didn't actually go past the restaurant out front so I'm not sure that one counts. As far as shopping, I don't know, December, I guess.

5. Are you wearing socks right now?
Nope.

6. Do you have a car worth over $2,000?
Seeing as I still owe over four thousand on it, I sure as hell hope so.

7. When was the last time you drove out of town?
End of May.

8. Have you been to the movies in the last 5 days?
Sure. Drew took me to see Evan Almighty Saturday night and I took Cameron to see Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer Sunday afternoon.

9. What was the last thing you had to drink?
I'm enjoying a cup of coffee as we speak (type--whatever).

10. What are you wearing right now?
Jean capri's and an olive green t-shirt.

11. Last food that you ate?
Coffee Cake Muffin.

12. Where were you last week at this time?
Pretty much the same place I'm at now.

13. What’s the last sporting event you watched?
I don't watch sporting events.

14. What is your favorite animal?
Ferrets.

15. What is your dream vacation?
As long as I'm free to relax, it's all good with me.

16. Last person’s house you were in?
Besides my own, Drew's.

17. How old are your parents?
They're both in their early fifties..

18. Have you been in love?
No doubt.

19. Do you miss anyone right now?
Absolutely, yes.

20.What are your plans for tonight?
I have to work late this evening but after that's done and over, I don't plan on doing much more than read.

21. Who is the last person you sent an e-mail to?
Kim.

22. Ever go to camp?
I don't believe so.

23. Were you an honor roll student in school?
Can't say I was.

24. What do you want to know about the future?
I don't know, I've never really given it much thought.

25. Are you wearing any perfume or cologne?
Nah, not today.

26. Where is/are your best friend(s)?
California, Minnesota, New England.

27. Do you have a tan?
I certainly don't.

28. What are you listening to right now?
Blessed quiet, my friends.

29. Have you ever drank your soda from a straw?
Mm Hm.

30. What does your last text message say?
"Whatcha doin?"

31. Do you like hot sauce?
Not particularly.

32.When was the last time you took a shower?
This morning, before work.

33. Do you need to do laundry?
Sure do.

34. What is your heritage?
A little bit of this, a little bit of that and a sprinkling of the other thing.

35. What’s on the radio?
Don't have it on just now so I couldn't say.

36. Are you someone’s best friend?
Perhaps.

37. Do you like fast food?
Depending on where it's from, to an extent.

38. Do you untie your shoes before you take them off?
I rarely wear shoes that need to be untied but when I do, nah.

39. What is the weather like right now?
It's hot and annoyingly humid but it isn't currently raining so that's something.

40. What book are you reading?
At the moment, The Calhoun Women: Catherine and Amanda by Nora Roberts.

Happy Birthday, Evan!

2007-06-18T07:36:00.000-05:00

I hope it's positively splendid, love!

Enervated.

2007-06-15T10:36:00.000-05:00

I think this has been the longest week of my life. No really. Between my full time job and my part time job and Cameron and various things on the home front and other outside the home dramas and the ear-throat-cold thingamajig I've managed to pick up, it's just about worn me all the way out. If today didn't happen to be Friday I think I might actually succumb to a bout of weeping.

And that doesn't include the e-mail with questions regarding the appraisal for my papaw's hourglass or the e-mail from Sasha about the horrific bit of writing I sent her for the next eBook that I've been ignoring. And not purposely, mind you, I just haven't found the time needed to calculate how long it takes the sand to move from one side of the hourglass to the other or have a phone editing session with Sasha, both of which need to be done. If I could somehow finesse a few extra hours into the day I might actually get it done. Sigh.

Other than all that, I've been alright, I guess.

Anyway, between the rewards Cameron has been earning for his "Behavior Management" program and Drew's connections at the movie theater, I think I've seen more movies in the last two months than I have in last five years. LOL. Spiderman 3 (twice), Shrek the Third, Prates of the Caribbean: At Worlds End, Knocked Up, Surf's Up and Oceans Thirteen. Cameron wants to see, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, this weekend but I just don't know if there'll actually be time for that this weekend. I'm thinking I may have to squeeze it in sometime during the week or perhaps next weekend, we'll see.

Speaking of Cameron, my mom is taking him up to Okeechobee for the night so after I knock out one of the CVS stores, it'll be all me until sometime tomorrow evening. There will no doubt be a few things I have to do (getting a start on laundry taking top spot) but all in all, it should be a peaceful night. Thank the gods.

And that's all really. I hope you all have a perfectly peachy weekend.

Googlimage.

2007-06-08T09:57:00.000-05:00

Do a Google Image Search with the answer to each of these ten questions and post one of the images you found along with your answers on your blog.

The Place You Grew Up...

Since my mother was involved with my sisters father during a good amount of my childhood and he wasn't exactly the dependable sort, we spent most of our time bouncing around between various efficiencies and motels on Ft. Lauderdale beach.

The Place You Live Now...

In 2004, after we sold our house, we moved to Coral Springs and while it's not the greatest, it's alright.

Your Name...

How cool is that? With my love of all things coffee, I figure it's pretty apt.

Your Grandmothers Name...

Was Hester, and out of the odd pictures that pulled up when I googled that name, this was my favorite.

Your Favorite Food...

I love all kinds of yumy things but there is nothing like a tender, juicy filet mignon.

Your Favorite Song...

Since the moment I heard it, I've been in love with "Love Song" by the delectable Pink (Have I ever mentioned that whole fantasy I have involving the lovely lady and some soft nibbling).

Your Favorite Drink...

Is a Midori Sour, of course. 3 oz Midori melon liqueur and 1-1/2 oz sweet and sour mix--don't forget the cherries!

Your Favorite Smell...

Why, it'd have to be the inside of my local Dunkin Donuts--that rich smell of coffee wafting through the air. Heavenly.

Your Favorite Shoe...

I'm partial to flip flops, always have been but my favorite is Groove's Newport (in black not brown).

Your favorite Number...

Is EIGHT.

Fluff, fluff and more fluff.

2007-06-06T13:22:00.001-05:00

That's all I've got for you at the moment. Not that there aren't a myriad of things I could talk (bitch, vent, whine) about but I just don't have the energy for it.

So, you get fluff.

Metaphorically Apt

2007-06-06T11:49:00.000-05:00

Sober

And I don't know
This could break my heart or save me
Nothing's real
Until you let go completely
So here I go with all my thoughts I've been saving
So here I go with all my fears weighing on me

Three months and I'm still sober
Picked all my weeds but kept the flowers
But I know it's never really over

And I don't know
I could crash and burn but maybe
At the end of this road I might catch a glimpse of me
So I won't worry about my timing, I want to get it right
No comparing, second guessing, no, not this time

Three months and I'm still breathing
Been a long road since those hands I left my tears in but I know
It's never really over, no

Wake up

Three months and I'm still standing here
Three months and I'm getting better yeah
Three months and I still am

Three months and it's still harder now
Three months I've been living here without you now
Three months yeah, three months

Three months and I'm still breathing
Three months and I still remember it
Three months and I wake up

Three months and I'm still sober
Picked all my weeds but kept the flowers

A Quick 35.

2007-06-06T10:26:00.000-05:00

1. When you're home alone, do you still close the door when you go to the bathroom?
Not usually, no.

2. If you have to go grocery shopping, would you rather go alone or with someone?
Either way, I suppose, it doesn't really matter. But, when I'm in one of those methodical "I-need-to-get-the-hell-out-of-here" moods, it's much better (and absolutely quicker) to go it alone.

3. It's your best friend's birthday, do you buy them a gift even though they didn't buy you one for yours?
Absolutely, yes. Whether I get a gift or not is superfluous, if we're friends and I'm able, a gift you will get.

4. You win the lottery. Lump sum or small payments over a period of time?
My father would surely bristle but, lump sum.

5. Do you like your music loud or at a reasonable level?
It depends. When I'm just sitting around listening, I like it at a nice reasonable level but when I'm, let's say, cleaning or something equally as tedious, I like it loud to the point of ear piercing.

6. Are you a beach person or a snowy mountain person?
Tough one but seeing as I've never actually been to a snowy mountain, I'm gonna have to go with beach.

7. When do you brush your teeth?
I try for morning and night but mornings are absolute.

8. Can you watch scary movies alone?
Yeah, but I don't like to.

9. Soft bed or firm?
Firm because oddly, a soft bed wreaks all kinds of havoc with my body.

10. Would you rather stay home all day, or be out and about with some friends?
I'm for the peacefulness of home but I don't mind being out and about on occasion.

11. What's one of your worst memories?
Of this, I have a legion so it's hard to say.

12. Do you like to keep the peace or be confrontational?
Peace, my friends, peace.

13. Are you more likely to be with a large group of people or a few close friends?
A few close friends, large groups of people tend to make me uncomfortable.

14. What are your plans for October?
I have no plans for October.

15. If money were not a problem, where would you like to live?
Other than Not Here, I really couldn't say.

16. Are you close to your Mom and Dad?
Yes.

17. What is one fear that you can't seem to overcome?
Many but, keeping it simple, spiders.

18. Are you good at math?
Not particularly.

19. Do you kiss on a first date?
If it feels right, you bet.

20. Is there anyone that you regret ever meeting?
Yes.

21. Rate your life on a scale from 1 to 10.
At the moment, I'd give it a 4 but that could change (for better or worse) in an instant.

22. Would you rather have roommates or live alone?
I honestly don't know, each option has its appeal.

23. Do you like any of your friends a little more than just a friend?
That's such an open ended question and subject to individual interpretation but from mine, yes, of course I do. .

24. Do you like to drive?
Not even a little.

25. Do you hate anyone at the moment?
Not especially.

26. Do you give money to homeless people when they ask?
If I have it.

27. A weekend in Las Vegas or Miami?
Neither.

28. When you go to the store, do you have a list or just buy random things?
I suppose it'd be a cross between the two. I usually have a list but I don't always follow it

29. What do you wear to sleep in?
Nothing. Mostly.

30. You're having a bad day, what's one thing can make your day better?
My Cameron. And then there's my Drew and my Evan and my Angie and my Nina and my Jeff.

31. Is there anything you would change about your body if you could?
Only everything. Sigh.

32. You wake up in an unfamiliar place, what is your first reaction?
Well, that would depend on the circumstances, I imagine.

33. Is there anything that you should be doing right now?
Sure there is.

34. If there was a way to know when and how you're going to die, would you want that information?
No, I don't believe I would. Honestly, I'd rather just take things as they come and live my life without knowing the how's and when's of its ending.

35. It's 4am, and your phone is ringing, who would it be?
I have no clue but it better be damned important.

Big Girls Don't Cry.

2007-06-06T09:32:00.000-05:00

Epcot 2007.

2007-05-30T17:29:00.000-05:00

For my Evan who, since he told me he's never been to a Disney Theme Park, has left me wanting to change that.

^^ My mom enjoying a coffee and a quick rest in China.

^^ Myself, getting friendly with the trolls, in Norway.

^^ Myself in Mexico.

^^ America.

^^ Italy.

^^ My mom, admiring the flowers, in Germany.

^^ Since it was Epcot's Annual Flower & Garden Show, a "flower bed".

^^ Whatever their names are from "The Lion King".

^^ Mickey, in flowers. Pretty.

^^ Myself, amongst the sunflowers, in Morocco.

^^ Japan.

^^ And again, Japan.

^^ Canada.

^^ This silly little dancing water thing that always fascinates me.

^^ And another.

^^ And yet again, another.

^^ Pooh in the United Kingdom.

^^ My mom, flashing a grin, in Morocco.

^^ France.

^^ United Kingdom.

^^ Tigger, me favorite, in the United Kingdom.

^^ Mi Madre and myself at the Disney Marketplace.

^^ Fireworks.

^^ And more fireworks.

And we're off...

2007-05-25T13:56:00.000-05:00

My mom and I are leaving tonight for our annual trip to Epcot for the Flower & Garden Show, we'll be stopping off for the night in Okeechobee but seeing as how they no longer have internet access I'll be incommunicado (as far as the net goes) until sometime Sunday. I hope you all have a lovely weekend and splendid holiday!

I (Heart) Jason!

2007-05-24T10:56:00.000-05:00

I don't much listen to the radio but every morning during the monotonous drive to work I entertain myself with The Wild Morning Show. It's totally addicting and the hideous stunts, dares, punishments and whatnot they inflict upon poor Jason are positively hilarious! I love it! And him! He rocks! If you live in the area and you don't listen, you really should!

Quote of the Day.

2007-05-23T13:35:00.000-05:00

"A kiss is a lovely trick designed by nature to stop speech when words become superfluous."

Ingrid Bergman

Christmas Eve: The Lost Episode.

2007-05-23T13:30:00.000-05:00

Or, more aptly, the very messy gingerbread house.

Yeah, so, it's like practically June already and my sister just now decided it'd be a fine idea to go ahead and send along a few of the pictures she took on Christmas Eve. That's a bit more than fashionably late me thinks. Anyway, cause a couple of 'em are cute, here they are.

First, let me just say...

2007-05-22T09:14:00.000-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DREW!!!

I hope it rocks and I totally want to see pictures of the tattoo!

Dios mio, I think there's a whole team of bloody vipers happily pounding away inside my skull this morning. It hurts. And I sorely (so very sorely) need at least another two hours sleep before there's even a chance of feeling remotely human. Why can't it be Saturday? Or Sunday for that matter?

So, tonights the night Jordin and Blake battle for the top spot on A. I. and since Cameron has an appointment with his psychologist, I don't have TiVo (or any of those other fancy recording type thing-a-ma-jigs) and I'm slightly sceptical about my mothers ability to record the damn thing on a good ole VHS tape, I'll probably miss it. But, as long as I manage to catch the finale tomorrow night, I'll live. At this point it doesn't really matter who wins, they're both fantastic and, win or lose, will no doubt end up with recording contracts, but if I were in their shoes, I'd be praying for second place right about now, not that I have anything against first place, mind you, but in this case, second's the way to go.

My Cameron was decidedly beastly last night. Truly. It went to hell the moment I walked in the door. Sigh.

First, it was dinner. My dad was working on some such electrical problem in the apartment complex next to us for our landlord and was therefore not in the kitchen whipping dinner together as Cameron strongly felt he should be so he bitched and nagged and whined and bitched and nagged and whined until I was sure my ears were going to bleed.

Second, it was dinner. My dad finally whipped dinner together and summoned us all to gather 'round the table and dig in but Cameron, the sweet child, had found something on TV that he absolutely had to watch so he whined and yelled and stomped and whined and yelled and stomped until I was sure my head was going to explode.

Third, it was dinner. My dad made Cameron's favored chicken nuggets coated in some rather tasty honey BBQ batter (hell on my refuse-to-budge tummy), which would've normally made him happier than a pig in shit but since he was in the middle of a tantrum over having to miss the rest of his TV program, happiness wasn't on the menu. But dramatics certainly were. I was too mean and he didn't want to sit next to me, the nuggets were too hot and burned his fingers, his finers were burning so he couldn't pick up his nuggets, he didn't want ketchup for his nuggets he wanted something else (etc, etc, etc) so he whined and cried and yelled and stomped and kicked and whined and cried and yelled and stomped and kicked until I was sure my teeth were going to shatter from gritting them so hard.

That's enough for now but sadly (so very sadly), my friends, not all.

And honestly, I don't think I would've been near as bothered by Cameron's behavior (since it isn't exactly a rare thing) if I hadn't already had a piss poor day at work. Ah well, hopefully today'll be better.

Totally nonsensical but...

2007-05-17T20:28:00.000-05:00

For reasons that completely elude me I'm really feeling "Cupid's Chokehold" by Gym Class Heroes this week. Anyway, my favorite line from that particular little number would be...

[...I know I'm young but if I had to choose her or the sun I'd be one nocturnal son of a gun...]

Love it. Heh.

Happy Thursday!

2007-05-17T09:11:00.000-05:00

Well, all I ended up getting last night was a good dose of frustration at the grocery store (don't you just hate when the person in front of you, whom you've never met in your life, wants to stand there and chat like you've known each other for years?) and a bit of joy (and pride, my friends) because sometimes America does indeed get it right. Oh goodness, I'm getting all misty again and trying really hard not to burst into the chorus of "Proud to be an American". Heh.

Anyway, tonight is appointment #2 with Cameron's psychologist and he's looking forward to it, which makes me happy. And apparently during their one on one time last week the doctor let Cameron start a drawing of Spiderman and told him he could work on it some more during the next session and he's really excited about that. I really like this doctors approach with Cameron and the fact that Cameron is comfortable with him (he's asked to speak with him twice since their last visit) gives me hope that things will start looking up for Cameron. But I know that only time will tell.

My mom is back from Louisiana so after Cameron's appointment we're swinging by her house for dinner. Since there was some mention of souvenirs, Cameron's looking forward to that too. My cousin Cyndi sent me some pics of when my mom and Christie were up there and it looks like they had a great time! And gods, my cousin Crystal has gone and grown up on me, sigh, I'm starting to feel terribly old!

Next Friday, after work, my mom and I are going up to the house in Okeechobee for the night so we can get up bright and early Saturday morning and head to Orlando. We're going to Epcot for our annual Mother's Day trip together. I can't wait! And because we're able to make the trip before the end of May, we won't miss the Flower & Garden Show! YAY! I'm so excited! My pal K doesn't understand why I get so excited over going to a place I've been to numerous times but, well, I'm a big kid at heart and who doesn't like going to Disney World (even if it isn't the Magic Kingdom, which happens to be my favorite park, btw)?

Anyhow, that's it. I hope you all have a perfectly pleasant Thursday.

If only.

2007-05-16T18:20:00.000-05:00

I'm sitting here at almost half past six risking a decent nights sleep by drinking a huge ass coffee from Dunkin Donuts to try and keep myself from pitching forward and falling flat on my face before dinner, bathtime, etc., etc., etc. And you know what, I'd really, really love to get laid. Now. Right now. No soft dreamy sex but fast and hard and more than a little rough. But, seeing as that's not gonna happen, I'll just go back to my coffee.

Gods I'm tired.

The Glitter King & other nefarious nonsense.

2007-05-16T11:17:00.000-05:00

I'm starting to suspect that my son, bless his sweet heart, is bound and determined to drive me completely out of my mind. And at this rate, it won't be long.

Have I ever mentioned my odd and somewhat childish affection for glitter? Yeah, more than likely. Anyhow, I've had a thing for the stuff as long as I can remember, this morning however, I'm not really feeling all that affectionate toward the sparkly shit. It all started last night when I came home from work and found Cameron playing with a container of glitter he'd found in one of my dresser drawers (which, mind you, he shouldn't have been pawing through in the first place). He was making a mess with it. Glitter, glitter and more glitter. It was everywhere--his hands, his arms, his face, his hair. We eventually got him all cleaned up, glitter free and into bed. But, what I didn't know (and he certainly didn't tell me) was that he'd apparently spilled a whole mess of the stuff in his bed and since he tossed his blanket over the glittery sheets and it was dark when I tucked him in, I didn't see it. Sigh. He was covered in the shit this morning, head to toe, he even had pieces stuck in his eye lashes. Have you ever tried getting massive amounts of glitter off your person when it's been ground into your skin by sleep and sweat? Well, it isn't fun. Or quick, for that matter. So, I was late for work this morning and not feeling the least bit loving towards my beloved glitter.

My dad made corndogs for dinner last night and because I know times are tough and money's tight, I ate them with nary a complaint but let me tell you, it was rough going. I have no aversion to corndogs as a quick lunch or a snack at the fair or a BBQ or a picnic but for dinner, ugh. At least we had them with french fries as opposed to the mixed vegetables served with them the last time we had them for dinner. Gods I sound like such an inconsiderate bitch, don't I? And I'm not, not really, sometimes sure but...

Maybe I'm unreasonably picky or just plain crazy (because apparently she has a rather impressive fanbase) but I do NOT like Melinda Doolittle. Not that she can't sing, she can, but she's stiff and she hunches and her faux like humbleness grates on my nerves. I want her to go bye-bye already but sadly, I have doubts that she's going anywhere (it's that whole fanbase thing again). Sigh. If she makes it to the finale (and I'm thinking she will), it's really really going to annoy me. Ah well, enough Melinda-hating for today.

It's Wednesday and because I annihilated my kid at the 50 yard dash Mondy evening he's challenged me to a rematch and tonight's the night. I hope my poor abused feet can take it, the little monster's fast, makes me proud.

And that's it. I'm feeling largely negative lately and trying not to let it shimmer through, it's working alright I suppose but I'm thinking I need to do better.

My Writing Wizard.

2007-05-15T08:02:00.000-05:00

Because (as my mom *jokingly* put it) I'm a horrible mother, I don't have pictures from last Monday's "Night of 100 Stars" where Cameron got his certificate and ribbon for the Math Superstars Program. But, I do have pictures from last nights story reading at Borders for the Writing Wizards Program...