A Quick Hello

One would think after the Xmas rush, I would have time to blog...

wrong!

Working on the Jan issue of the magazine and playing with a PC game I got for Xmas: Caesar III

Yes I'm a Roman Empire diva.

It was a nice Xmas over-all. I hope to write more later. Right now I'm working on some after Xmas orders.

Sending my love to all my readers...xxoo

Happy Holidays, etc and so forth

I was hoping that I would have time to blog about this week and the upcoming holidays but I don't. I'm so busy with work I'm going to have to work late tonight and even tomorrow night.

Maybe once things have settled down a bit, I'll be back to blog away.

If I don't, I wish all my readers a safe Holiday and a Happy New Year.

Happy Holidays, etc and so forth

I was hoping that I would have time to blog about this week and the upcoming holidays but I don't. I'm so busy with work I'm going to have to work late tonight and even tomorrow night.

Maybe once things have settled down a bit, I'll be back to blog away.

If I don't, I wish all my readers a safe Holiday and a Happy New Year.

Busy Bee...

That's me.... dropping in to post that I'm alive, just busy with Christmas orders. I've covered in them and won't be blogging until I get 80% finished...hopefully by tomorrow.


Oh yea...

Bah Humbug!

Can't think of a Nifty Title

I broke down and left a message on Al's answering machine, inviting him to my Sis's house for Christmas Eve. I sounded like a dingaling...didn't have a prepared statement so I rambled a bit. IF he shows up fine...if not, well that's his choice.

I'm not worried about falling into his trap again. I'm stronger than I've ever been.

A friend of mine who is a really talented person...should get a blog or website or myspace spot or something to promote himself... but he's too modest. My opinion is that modesty is fine and dandy but if it hinders you, it should be overcome. Self-promotion isn't bragging... unless it's overbearing!

I'm in a funk today. Wish I were anywhere but at work...but if I were at home, I would have just as much to do...where to go? I don't know... maybe to a spa someplace... yea.. that would be nice.

I Opened the Door

and in walked Al.

I had a surprise visitor yesterday after 4:30. There I was diligently working away, when the door bell chimed and I looked up...to see Al saying hi to Dad. I felt my knees go to jelly and thought... damn rainy day hair. I quickly applied some lipstick and went up to the front. I haven't seen him in ages. And when he saw me, he grabbed me before I could say anything and hugged me breathless.

He looked great. He's gained some of his weight back. Doesn't have that thin unhealthy look he had a few years ago or in that photo in the paper this summer.

Al looked like the guy I feel in love with in '95. And I confess the chemistry was magnetic. So strong that I laughed and he said, "What?" But I could see by the gleam in his eyes that he knew why I laughed.

We talked for about 30 mins, catching up on news. He kept touching my hair, or grabbing my hand to hold up to his lips. I kept thinking... 'this is NOT good.' He told me to come visit him..that he would cook dinner for me like he used too and we could sit and talk, like we used too... I thought... yea we would 'talk' alright! I wanted to kiss him...to feel his arms around me...to feel the way we used to feel ...which was a feeling of being a perfect fit.

Then he totally threw a curve ball at me... when I asked about his father...he said, "I'm finally able to admit that we can't be a traditional family. We're as disfunctionally as it gets. There isn't anything I can do about it. I've asked my Dad to forgive me for all my mistakes from the past and if he can't, that's his problem. You were always right, you know Sher-Bare... you said I had to forgive myself and I have. You wouldn't believe the weight that's been lifted."

I did. I could see it.

When he finally had to leave, I realized I didn't want him to go. But I had obligations for the evening and couldn't say 'Hey, let's have dinner somewhere." The last thing he said was, "Call me. We both know you want too."

Damn him... he was right.

Since then I've been debating with myself. When I first met him, I was still a girl inside... one who believed love conquered everything. Now... I know it doesn't. There's a lot of history between Al and I... good and bad. I'm not naive to think that Al's changed completely. He's good at hiding his dark side. Plus he knows how to manipulate me.

What he doesn't know is that I'm not his old 'Sher-Bare.' I'm a strong woman, who won't stand for bull shit. I know what I want out of life, where I'm going and where I've been. My head is on straight and even if my hormones try to dick-tate me, I am still in control.

I am torn, but not in half...more like a tear at the corner of my soul. Part of me says to see Al, to have dinner with him...to put to rest these small threads of hope--that maybe we can have our old dream and live it too. So maybe I will see him...

...and then there is the part that says "Sherrie, you are too strong for him. He'll wonder where his old 'Sher-Bare' went too...and there will finally be closure to this love...the the love of a lifetime.

Whatever happens...I only know this... just because you can't be with someone...doesn't mean that the love dies.

Rain

Brrr... it's cold rain, too. The western portion of the state is under ice. Luckily, it's not icy in my part of the state.

Been working hard as usual this time of year. Today has been a busy day of 'window shoppers'... I've always wondered why people like to get out in bad weather and go places. I had a roommate in college who used to love to test drive vehicles in the rain. Personally I prefer to get home and weather the weather, whether I want to or not.

It's very cold out. I'm sipping coffee and will pay for it later when I try to sleep. Tonight I've got to keep William for a few hours. Ben's daycare is putting on a Christmas play and it will run past William's bedtime. So it will be me and him, working on his spelling words and playing games.

Can't get into watching the overload of Christmas programs on TV this year. I don't know why...I am always the Queen of Christmas at my house, but this year I haven't been into the tv watching. I guess I'm making up for it by wrapping presents and baking in my spare time...

PS... Jo.....I'll email you my candy recipes.

Brokeback Mountain

About 3 or 4 yrs ago, someone lent me a book of short stories by Annie Proulx, who wrote "The Shipping News," which was made into a movie that had Julianne Moore and Kevin Spacey starring in it. A good flick--intense and very deep...not a chick flick movie. In this book was a short story called "Brokeback Mountain." A love story between two cowboys, Ennis del Mar and Jack Twist..that span 20 yrs. Deeply moving and tragic, as all secretive forbidden affairs are. I cried rivers. When I gave the book back to my friend, I mentioned the story and her response was "I can't believe you cried over two fags."

I didn't.

I cried rivers over two star-crossed soul mates, who loved each other but weren't allowed to express it without violence from society. Even as they both married women and had children, they never lost the intensity of their love--they maintained their relationship in secret.

Something Ennis del Mar said a few times, rang a bell in my heart, "If you can't fix it, you gotta stand it." That's so true...I believe it is how I live my life. There are things that have happened that I can't fix--like losing a child, Al's drinking which lead to our breakup, my dad missing most of my childhood, my beloved stepfather's death, my nephew's autism...the list is long. How I wish I could make everything right, but I can't. I have to find a way to live and continue along my path, even if my heart is wounded, even if a part of me is missing. We all experience this...and if someone says they don't, then they're lying.

One day last week, I was at Walmart getting some photos for mom from the photo department. I dropped by the book section to see if there were any books that caught my eye. I saw an Audio Book ... "Brokeback Mountain." Now a Major Movie! On the cover there is Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal. Campbell Scott reads it...I had to have it.

And I listened to it last night...and cried a river.

I read today that the movie has been nominated for Golden Globe awards. I pray that it stays true to the story--though I imagine there will be embellishment, after all it's originally a short story. I hope that people won't stay away from the movie due to homophobia... it's a love story... and one that suggests you can't control who you love... you just do and find a way to stand it.

Shopping and... the Police

Went to a party Sat night...was a nice Christmas party---lots of garland, pretty ribbons, mistletoe and too much alcohol. I stuck with the punch, since I was driving. There was a DJ. He played a good mix of music--beach, a little country, but mostly dance. The "Hens" were there and we hung out a bit. I got tired of hearing the "Scary Sherrie" stories, so I mingled outside with the smokers until my toes froze off.

The smokers were banished outdoors. I was amazed at how they battled the chilly wind to smoke a cigarette. The trouble with banishing smokers outside is that as they drink, they get louder...as they get louder, they disturb the neighbors...who in turn call the hostess to complain...who then comes outside to say "Shhhhh" in a very meek voice. Do the smokers listen? Hell no...they're stuffing their faces with food and alcohol. And they get louder... Guess who arrives?

The police... So the party broke up at midnight and I was home shortly after.

Sunday I got up early and did most of my shopping. I still have two gifts to get and I'm done...and believe me I'll be doing the happy dance.

Sunday night, I made my butterscotch candies and dipped pretzel rods in chocolate and then rolled them in nuts. Later this week I'll start my cookie baking. The following week, I'll work on cakes and a pecan pie I promised out.

I'm geared up for the holidays...

Happy Birthday to My Baby

Back in 1972, when I was just a little girl, I had a huge crush on Donny Osmond. I fantasized that we would live side-by-side on horse ranches in Montana and talk to each other at the fence that separated our ranches. We would ride our favorite horses...mine's name was Blitz and his horse's name was Sherrie (he named it afer me.). We would cook and do all kinds of fun things, like put puzzles together and watch cartoons. He would sing to me sometimes.

Such innocence...where did it go? Now if I had a chance, I would do sordid dirty nasty things to him while he sings to me. Tie him up--spread eagle on a bed and when I'm done with him, he'll sing "and they call it Puppy Loo-ooove....Oh I guess they'll never know..."

So here's to the first crush of my life... true love lasts forever...Happy Birthday Donnie Osmond... Dec, 9. 1957

A Moment to Breathe

As Usual for this time of year, things are hectic at the studio. I've got a zillion pictures to copy or restore and it's all I can do to keep up with the work, answer the phone and deal with customers who walk in.

I pulled a muscle in my right upper thigh at belly dance last night. It was our last class until Jan. So I've been hobbling around. I finally took a midol, to see if it would relax the muscle.... but instead my womb is all fluttery..haha just kidding.

Finally got around to putting ornaments on the tree last night. Mom was there too. I kept showing her ones that I had made over the years. I said, "I don't make them anymore." She said, "When you're retired, you'll be able to get back to doing your 'crafty' things."

When I'm retired!!! Hell, I want to be in Florida, sipping martinis and playing golf....or at least driving the cart.

Dad's back to his usual holidays blues and stress. He tries to speculate about the business--sets his goals at unreachable heights and gets depressed when things aren't like he thought. It's getting to the point this year, where I dread walking in the door if he's here. When he's out doing errands I can breathe. But when he walks back in that door, a black cloud forms in the air and all I can think is..."There has to be a better work environment out there somewhere."

I'm seriously considering a career move. It's something to chew over in the new year.

Other than that...life is status quo.

December's Issue

is up and away......

A Quickie

Don't cha just love quickies???

I'm covered with work and also trying to get the Dec issue of the mag ready. Writing my novel last month put me behind on the magazine and too...having a very busy weekend, didn't help.

People are bringing in photos for me to restore. The funny part is that we haven't advertized my section. And almost all say they've been referred by someone and to ask for the 'girl.' That be me!

I've got my tree up ...lights are on it but no ornaments. I'm tired at night for some reason. Could be the stress of work. So I haven't felt like putting the ornaments on. William told me last night that we had to get some on it or Santa Claus would be unhappy.

Anyway...best get back to work.

December's Here

Soon another year will be gone!

Let's see what's been going on! I am over the respiratory bug. Still a wee bit congested but it's clearing up more every day. My doctor said my white cell count was normal. Which is very encouraging.

We had some horrible rain squalls on Tuesday, enough to cause the roof to leak in several spots and bad enough for it to leak down to the first floor. I put buckets out and Dad called the landlord and told him about it. The crazy part is that at first Dad put buckets out to catch the water leaking in the back by the backdoor. I went upstairs to see how bad the leak was, because the leaks downstairs weren't droplets and was shocked to see all the wet spots. I put buckets out and thought to myself that Dad's brain must be frozen because it seems nuts to put the buckets on the first floor when its the roof that's leaking onto the second floor.

I don't think the resident ghost is too happy about the leaks. I keep hearing footsteps walking back and forth and across the floor above me. Dad says its probably echoes from people being upstairs in the buildings surrounding us, but I don't think so... when this occurred we were the only open store on our side of the street.

My belly dance instructor is having a party Sat nite. I'm excited and have a cool outfit to wear, along with a belt that has bells and other clatter things on it. I'll be shaking and shimmying my groove thing. Her husband is Military and she said she's told him to invite sexy GI's. There goes my plan to be a good girl until Christmas.

But other than that, life's ok. Busy at work and doing all kinds of Christmas Shopping. I'll be finished by next week. Then it will be a mad rush to bake cookies, candy and other goodies for my gift baskets.

Rain

Once again it's a rainy day. Warm at 71. But it's cold in this building, so I'm wearing a sweater. I froze yesterday...don't plan on doing it again today.

Haven't had much to say lately online and off.... guess the stress of the holiday orders is keeping my mind occupied. Plus I've been working on my novel every chance I get. Tomorrow is the deadline and I still have 6,000 words to type. Being sick last week put me behind, but I'll get it done by tomorrow.

The meds I'm on make me feel slightly drowsy. I have to think a moment before I do a task and remind myself what I'm doing. Not a good thing.

Monday again

I'm finally here... at work. Truck wouldn't start until this afternoon due to condensation on the engine. We had a horrible rain yesterday and today has been warmer and humid. Water stood in puddles under the carpot and my truck was covered in condensation. When I opened the hood I saw that the motor was wet with condensation. My uncle came over and we checked the battery, starter, etc and so on... I said, "I wonder if the engine's too wet to fire." He said I could be on to something.

My mom called my brother to ask him something and he told her the truck wouldn't crank. She told my sister who sent her husband over...and he wanted to take a screwdriver and remove a few things. I said no. It would crank once the engine dried off. Then he told me everything I should do to the truck, like grease the tire irons, spray something on the engine to keep oil from getting in the gas, put some caps on something, etc... that's Randy though, he likes to talk about stuff he doesn't know what he's talking about. I humored him a little and agreed with him.

I guess he called my sister who told my mom that the truck needed this and that, etc. She called me and I said, "Mom, the engine's wet from the rain. It will crank once it's dry." To add clout I said, " Uncle Jerry says so." She must of called her boyfriend/fiance John F ...he came over and when he tried it, the truck fired right up. I looked at the engine and it was dry. He used to run a service station and he said, "I told your mother that you were probably right."

I drove the truck around so the engine would get hot enough to burn the rest of the dampness off. I didn't get to work until 2.

Things weren't too chaotic. I'm behind a bit but will catch up once I can concentrate...one of dad's buddies is here and they're arguing politics. It's too cool to run my fan and drown them out.

I had a nice weekend. I'll try to write about it later.

A Thanksgiving Thanks

I am always thankful for what I have all year long. But it's on special occasions like Thanksgiving that I like to take a moment and thank the people I love--off line and on line, for being a special part of my life, for sharing and laughing during the best of times, for caring and support during the worst of times. For putting up with my goofy humor and my constant need to laugh or smile. Life is a path--it's not the destination that's important, but the scenery along the way and...the way that we travel. It's also about what we leave behind. I hope I've touched your lives as you've touched mine.

Thanks for helping make my path smooth and beautiful to envision.

Love you guys.

Harry Potter was not a Rotter

I enjoyed the movie, except for the gum-popping ninny behind me... it was a pretty good movie. Much better than #3... they changed things to fit but most of the things changed were allowable. When I heard Dobbie and Winkey weren't going to be in the movie, I was a bit apprehensive about how they were going to explain the Mark at the World Q-cup. Barty Jr. made it in the book and he made it in this movie...but with his own wand. I can live with that. I wonder if people who hadnt read the book knew that though?

In the last movie, there were many moments wasted on cool visual effects that could have been used to explain the story --like the maurader's map... there was no mention that James--Harry's dad, Sirius, Lupin and Wormtail made the map and used it to get around the school. Also, the whomping tree... it was shown a lot in the movie but no mention was made that it was planted over the shack that Lupin used in school during the night's he was a werewolf...nor was it explained that James, Sirius and Wormtail learned to be animuses so that they could help control Lupin when he was a werewolf.

I didn't like that at all.

But the Goblet of Fire...well, it passed 98% of my approval rating... they worked around Dobby not being in the movie, yes they embellished the dragon challenge but it didn't take away from the story, the fact they added Barty Crouch Jr into the scenes with Wormtail and Vorty sort of got to me at first, but I didn't sit and shout "what the hell?" at the screen like I did in the Priz of Az.

I give a standing applaud to Ralph Fiennes who played Voldemort. He brought the villian to life with the creepiness only Ralph can do.

They also used the kids we all love this time...last movie they had kids speaking lines and I was like..who is that kid? This time we see more of Nevelle, Ginny, Seamus and the very funny Weasley Twins...they crack me up.

My one regret was the small scene where Sirius's face was seen in the embers of the fireplace. I love Gary Oldman and was sad to see his part trimmed.

The ending seemed the lack steam... I'm talking about the goodbyes at school. Harry didn't appear to be bearing a lot of weight from the death of Cedric, seeing his dead parents or fighting Voldemorte like he did in the book. It was Hermoine who showed a bit of unease and Harry was the one comforting her.

But all in all... I give it an A-... it's by far my favorite Harry Potter movie to date.

Potter Tonight

Hope the movie's not a Rotter.

I'm feeling super duper today. Either my meds are working or the coffee is.

Hey John..this horror-scope belongs to you--they sent it to me by mistake:

Work might be even harder than usual as you boss pops in for a chat and ends up boring you silly. You can't just walk out or roll your eyes, so practice a little self-control and see what happens. -

Monday

Another one arrived.

Had an ok weekend. Was very Lazy. Oh.. Happy Birthday Lorraine... I read about the noodle incident in the newspaper... I sure hope those male exotic dancers are eventually found and if you sold them into white slavery without letting me get first pick, I'm gonna be upset with you.

My mom has to have minor dental surgery tomorrow. That means its up to me to cook the T-day feast. Can I do it? You bet, but if I don't get over this viral thing, I'll not feel like giving it my best. Granny's driving in tomorrow, too.

My brother is going to Georgia to visit relatives and will miss the dinner. He's excited and so am I ..I'll have the house to myself this weekend. I'm going to have some friends over Saturday night. Haven't entertained in ages.

Other than that... life's status quo...

What a #&$%#&#@8%$# Day

Hey, thanks John, Jo and Sarah hb for the get well wishes. I'm feeling better today...running on 60%... though I started out at 70%.

We've been waiting for a delivery from the UPS guy since 11 this morning... Dad's film. He's got some appointments this afternoon and he's out looking for the driver. I swear, he's driven me crazy today. Going on wild UPS goose chases. Our regular driver is on vacation, so the guy who has the route today is doing it his way. Instead of calling some of the other photographers who use the same type of film and asking to purchase a roll from them, Dad's been stressing out, cursing and driving around on speculation.

Tomorrow is Christmas Parade day. We haven't taken time to put the Xmas tree in the window. I've been fighting with telemarketers in disguise...aka..Charity donations. One's called 3 times. What part of N-O is misunderstood??

In other words... it's been a hectic day.

After work tomorrow I plan to park it on the couch and rest. I need to get my strength back. I'm running on fumes now.

So... have a great weekend ... I hope to get more of my novel posted. I'm still connecting the dots.

Posted in wrong blog (a repost)

(I posted this yesterday at the novel blog by mistake)

Shot thru the Heart....

... ok, in my hip.

Seems I have a viral respiratory infection. My white cell count is freaky high. So, I was given an antibiotic shot in the hip, which still burns. And some other meds. Told to stay home for a few days.

HA... love my doctor's sense of humor.

`````````````

Yes, I'm at work... slowly getting stuff done. Fever is low and the headache is ebbing a bit. I slept 13 hours last night and plan to go to be extra early tonight.

If I'm a bit silent...it's not that I don't have anything to say...its just a chore to say it.

migrane ..day 3

It eased off a bit last night, but when I woke up this morning...later than usual... it was raging again.


So I called my doctor... and have a date with him at 3. I hope he takes me someplace nice...
Hopefully I'll get some relief. It's hard to focus on work, when your head's in a vise.

Migraine today

It started yesterday afternoon. I was in bed by 9:45... slept til 6:30... what woke me was the sensation that my head was splitting but when I looked in the mirror I realized it wasn't.

So today it's an easy day of doing mindless tasks and dealing with Dad who's in one of his scattered brain moods. I'm not help because my brain is scattered, too.

So...that's all I have to say.

Happy Second Monday in November

I'm behind on my novel. Shame on me. I took the weekend off from typing it. Guess my fingers will be flying on the keyboard later, eh?

Let's see... what's new...

Friday night, I babysat the nephews. Thursday, I picked up a copy of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory so we watched it twice. One time all the way through. The second time starting when the kids and their parents get to the factory. The boys loved it. Especially the singing and dancing. After the second showing, we checked out the bonus DVD. It had some games, which I couldn't do. Who can press the up and down button on the DVD remote control 30 times in 10 seconds? Not I!

But the best part of the whole bonus section was... Deep Roy..the guy who played all the oompa loompas. He teaches you how to dance like one. We danced and danced. Sat morning, we danced some more, fastwarded the movie to the oompa loompa songs...and... you guessed it..danced some more.

I had to work Sat, so I took the boys home and had a slooow day. Got done with my work and left early and stopped by to see my beautician. I had a photo of her that was taken by Dad at a Chamber of Commerce affair. She was drunk and dancing with another downtown business man. It was a funny picture because he popped two buttons off his shirt at the waist probably because he was doing some sort of monky dance.

A word of advice--don't stop by a barber or a beauty shop when you're having a bad hair day. I ended up losing 4 inches of hair. Now it's a perky length, shoulder length. I confess it's easier to manage. Saturday night, some friends from my belly dance class and I went dancing at a new club. It was one of those places where everyone was on the dance floor, with or without partners. So me and the girls were getting down to the funky sounds mingling belly dance hip drops and tummy rolls with other groovy cool dance moves when I realized that I kept unconsciously dancing like an oompa loompa--a belly dancing oompa loompa...the funny part was a GI who was dancing by me.. he yelled "oompa loompa" and gave me a high five. But all in all, it was fun. We left early though, it got too crowded to dance without rubbing up against strange men. I don't mind the rubbing ... it's who I'm rubbing against!!! A guy with a fungus thing on his lips kept rubbing his crotch against my ass. I elbowed him and he moved over to one of the other girls who said, "let's go."

My Sunday was quiet. Didn't do much. Watched "Rome" and "Curb"... on Hbo.

Today...when I got to work I had an ornery old geezer in here first thing. He wanted a copy made of an old photo... he's what I call an "echo talker--someone who makes one syllable sound like two" (patent pending). I kept asking him to repeat himself. I thought he said his name was 'Johnny R (r-rah) Colton'. He saw me writing it down and said, "That's not right. I'm not a johnny-ee." He paid with a check and I saw he was right.. and I was wrong on all parts..his name is John L. Cole.

My dear friend Sam got his author questionairre from Publish America. He told me that instead of 30 days, he has 14 to get everything together. I was stunned. 14 days isn't enough time to get it ready. I'm considering self-publishing my next book. I can sell my books from my website or at the studio. Most want signed copies and most of my sales are from books purchased directly from me. Course it's something to study over, before doing.

Who are You? a Quiz

Everyone has a personality of a cartoon character. Have you ever asked yourself what cartoon character you most resemble? A group of investigators got together and analyzed the personalities of well known and modern cartoon characters. The information that was gathered was made into this test:

Answer all the questions with what describes you best, add up all your points (which are next to the answer that you choose) at the end and look for your results. Do not cheat by looking at the end of the quiz before you are done.

1. Which one of the following describes the perfect date?
a) Candlelight dinner (4 pts.)
b) Fun/Theme Park (2 pts.)
c) Painting in the park (5 pts.)
d) Rock concert (1 pt.)
e) Going to the movies (3 pts.)

2. What is your favorite type of music?
a) Rock and Roll (2 pts.)
b) Alternative (1 pt.)
c) Soft Rock (4 pts.)
d) Country (5 pts.)
e) Pop (3 pts.)

3. What type of movies do you prefer?
a) Comedy (2 pts.)
b) Horror (1 pt.)
c) Musical (3 pts.)
d) Romance (4 pts.)
e) Documentary (5 pts.)

4. Which one of these occupations would you choose if you could only choose one of these?
a) Waiter (4 pts.)
b) Professional Sports Player (5 pts.)
c) Teacher (3 pts.)
d) Police (2 pts.)
e) Cashier (1 pt)

5. What do you do with your spare time?
a) Exercise (5 pts.)
b) Read (4 pts.)
c) Watch television (2 pts.)
d) Listen to music (1 pt.)

6. Which one of the following colors do you like best?
a) Yellow (1 pt.)
b) White (5 pts.)
c) Sky Blue (3 pts.)
d) Dark Blue (2pts.)

7. What do you prefer to eat right now?
a) Snow (3 pts.)
b) Pizza (2 pts.)
c) Sushi (1 pt.)
d) Pasta (4 pts.) e) Salad (5 pts.)

8. What is your favorite holiday?
a) Halloween (1 pt.)
b) Christmas (3 pts.)
c) New Year (2 pts.)
d) Valentine's Day (4 pts.)
e) Thanksgiving (5 pts.)

9. If you could go to one of these places which one would it be?
a) Paris (4 pts)
b) Spain (5 pts.)
c) Las Vegas (1 pt.)
d) Hawaii (4 pts.)
e) Hollywood (3 pts)

10. With which of the following would you prefer to spend time?
a) Someone Smart (5 pts.)
b) Someone attractive (2 pts.)
c) Someone who likes to Party (1 pt.)
d) Someone who always has fun (3 pts.)
e) Someone very sentimental (4 pts.)

Now add up your points.

(10-16 points) You are Garfield: You are very comfortable, easy going, and you definitely know how to have fun but sometimes you take it to an extreme. You always know what you are doing and you are always in control of your life. Others may not see things as you do, but that doesn't mean that you always have to do what is right. Try to remember your happy spirit may hurt you or others.

(17-23 points) You are Snoopy: You are fun, very cool and popular. You always know what's in and you never are out of style. You are good at knowing how to satisfy everyone else. You have probably disappeared for a few days more than once but you always come home with the family values that you learned. Being married and having children are important to you, but only after you have had your share of fun times.

(24-28 points) You are Elmo: You have lots of friends and you are also popular, always willing to give advice and help out a person in need. You are very optimistic and you always see the bright side of things. Some good advice: try not to be too much of a dreamer, if not you will have many conflicts with life.

(29-35 points) You are Sponge Bob Square Pants: You are the classic person that everyone loves. You are the best friend that anyone could ever have and never want to lose. You never cause harm to anyone and they would never not understand your feelings. Life is a journey, it's funny and calm for the most part. Stay away from traitors and jealous people, then you will be stress free.

(36-43 points) You are Charlie Brown: You are tender, you fall in love quickly but you are also very serious about all relationships. You are a family person. You call your mom every Sunday. You have many friends and may occasionally forget a few Birthdays. Don't let your passion confuse you with reality.

(44-50 points) You are Dexter: You are smart and definitely a thinker. Every situation is fronted with a plan. You have a brilliant mind. You demonstrate very strong family principles. Maintain a stable routine but never ignore a bad situation when it comes.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I scored 32.. I'm Sponge Babe Square Panties

I'm feeling better today. Got a lot of work done yesterday. Belly dance was fun and when I got home, Lisa and the nephews were there. She dropped by to get something one of them left the other day.

I made a Christmas List with all our names on it. Decorated it with Xmas stickers and sketches. We're slowly adding gift suggestions. William was in the den, looking at a Toy catalog. Under his breath, he was reciting the list. He's memorized it. Funny kid. Wish he would memorize important stuff like his spelling words, etc.

I spent a long time off line writing last night. But like a dummy I forgot to email myself the file so I would have it here at work.

This morning, I turned on the tv to check the weather station, see what we were in store for today. Instead of pressing 2-0... I pressed 2-9... got Nick Jr. It was suddenly clear that I'm a Stepford-Aunt. The nephews have me trained to immediately go to their favorite channel. To do their bidding. I''m doomed...I'm doomed.

Still no word from Seth. Though I try not to think of him, I find myself remembering intimate details or a joke we shared. Oh well, life goes on.

I've changed a lot over the last few years. I don't sweat things as much, let stuff roll off me, even if it hurts at first. I'm more tolerant and forgiving... willing to take chances and am getting used to the idea that I can't control my life and instead adjust to the changes...that I should live for each day and love instead of hate or be resentful or bitter.

Like the saying goes... "Life is short--Art is long."

Colors

I was in our display window about 30 minutes ago, removing sun-damaged photos, when a crowd of blacks walked by. One gal said, "yo, there's a fucking white girl in there...we would scare the shit out of her if we went in there"...

I looked around and didn't see a white girl fucking...lol... seriously though, she irked me..why would I be scared of them just for coming into the building. Many of my best customers are african-americans and I'm fond of them--they're fond of me. The merchants next door ar A-A's. Wes is one of my dearest friends. I don't know if it's a just a southern thing, but around here they're the first to scream racism if a person of another race even mentions their race, but when they say racist stuff about whites, they feel its their right to do so because of old transgressions...

I rarely get on the racial bandwagon, but today, this bothered me...a lot.

Wednesday Funk

Where's my afro wig, my rhinestone studded pantsuit and my platform shoes?

Too bad it's not that kind of funk.

Went to bed with it...woke up with it... and its still hanging onto me, like an ugly monkey on my back.

Funks are weird...they're never about one thing. A cauldron of poisons brewing...self-doubt, that horrible sense of loss I get on this day, the burden of my caretaker role, Seth dropping off the face of the earth just to name a few. Funk..Funk Stew... have a helping? I can't eat it all by myself.

I'm good at hiding my funks. Lipstick paints a smile... glasses hide the eyes...and my pre-recorded joking ways set to play.

I voted yesterday...my voice was heard but didn't count... at least not in the way I wanted. The Pro Park people won in a landslide. It was all I had to vote for. All our government positions in my district weren't up for re-election.

It's printing day... I'm off to pull up the novel file and invent my own world, manipulate people and cause chaos or wonder with my imagination.

Vote

It's election day here in the good ole U. S. of A.

I voted...it's important. Think of all the people in other countries who will never get the taste of freedom of speech, freedom of choice... vote for them (but don't get caught..hahahaha)

"What this country needs is more unemployed politicians."--Angela Davis, FBI fugitive turned college professor.

She's right... I really believe that most of the politicians in office are so busy getting fat off the proverbial feast of the land that they've forgotten what it's like to be at the bottom. I don't agree with many of the politics of today. That's why I vote.

And my opinion is this...if you don't vote, then shut your mouth about the problems of the Union. You're voice isn't heard...unless you vote.

(off the soap box and shouting...NEXT)

Happy First Monday of Nov

Finally a moment of peace...so here I am...scribbling a quick post.

My weekend didn't work out as planned. Saturday at work, I was overwhelmed with some rush work. So I didn't get a chance to write on the novel.... nor boot-scoot around the internet.
When I got home, my family (mom, her John and sister & sons) were there...we decided to have a fish fry. My bro-in-law had been fishing at the beach the day or so before and caught a bunch of spots. Enough to feed all of us. It was actually fun. No big clash of wills in the kitchen. Everyone left at around 7 or so...except Mom who insisted she stay and help me clean up. By the time she was gone, I was too tired to get online and type, so I wrote my novel by hand...

Sunday, I went to Walmart-ville and got some items I needed that I can't find at my Ma and Pa grocery store. I made sure I was 'pretty' and not hiding under my "Boy George" hat (as Wes calls it). Didn't see one soul I knew...murphy's Law # 89.

Promised the nephews I would go with them and their mom to see "Chicken Little." We got there really early. Let them play video games and then got popcorn and a soda. It was Ben's first visit to the theatre. He asked "Where's the tables?" When I took him into the movie area, his blue eyes grew twice their size. I think he felt small, compared to all the rows of seats. He held my hand tightly. William demanded we sit up front and center. I managed to get us on the second row...but now I wish we hadn't. It would have been nice to stretch out on the front row without having the crushed feeling. When Ben sat down, the seat almost closed back up on him. I put my handbag in the seat to help weigh it down. The movie was ok...was surprised to see a 'potty' scene, where chicken l. and his friends spent an estimated 60-90 secs on 'urine' nicknames.

After the movie was over, we went straight home... it was almost 6 and the day was gone. I had to take John to an eye doctor appointment this morning. We were there an hour and a half. I had enough time to read 100 pages of a novel!!!! I told him that I felt as if I didn't get enough 'me' time this weekend, which made getting to work harder than ever.

But I dove right into my task for today. Trying to find time to connect the dots with the portions of my novel that I've already written.

First Friday in December

...that's today.

Worked on my novel last night but forgot to post the chapters this morning. The files at home. I know where I left off but since I can't review the last portion, I decided not to try and write the next section. Instead I've been writing out the scenes I have in my head and the final ending, just so I will get my 1800 words a day done. I really wonder what will happen...if I'll stay true to the ending. Should be interesting to see...if to no one else..but myself.

The magazine issue is up. I'm not sure what I'll do for December. I need to think about it when I need a break from the novel.

This week has been extra busy. I hope it continues to be so. A few orders were dropped off Monday and the deadline for the pickups are today at 5 and tomorrow at noon. I've got them done, dispite a brief interlude with a hot stud. Talk about melting panties...well, we'll leave it at that. ;) I'll just say it was a delightful suprise and so wonderfully decadent.

I'm sure I'll be blogging tomorrow ...I've got a full day of work and not much to do, except type...type...type.

Enjoy the evening, my dear readers.

Crazy Little Thing Called Work

Sorry for not posting yesterday...

Busy at work and haven't had time to transfer handwritten pages of my novel to type, so I can post. I'll work on that today and tonight.

I did get the Nov issue finished...

http://www.opalrose.com/magazine/November.html

first chapters up

on my nanowrimo.org novel

its called Blood of the Goddess

link to the blog is on the right.

Candy, anyone?

I've got candy flowing out of the woodworks at my house. The boys racked up and I have some left from trick or treating. We didn't get as many kids as we did last year. Too many carnivals going on everywhere. There was a big one on the plaza.

The boys were perfect little gentlemen while they trick or treated, saying thank you to everyone.

I still have candy left over...so if you want a piece, let me know and I'll email it to you.

Odds and Ends

...I keep forgetting to mention in the other posts.

Start the novel tomorrow for NaNoWriMo.org... already have my first chapter written in my head...we'll see if it transfers to paper as well as it sounds in my noggin.

The Nov issue of the ezine is lagging. Can't get motivated. Maybe I'll post a short issue.

I had a crazy dream last night. I was in York, SC...where Al lived during the last 2 yrs of our relationship. It's where "The Patriot" starring Mel Gibson was filmed. Anyway, there were a lot of my friends from L'ton there and some of my friends from Greenville...all mixing together at a party at a really seedy motel. My Lumberton friends had on vampire costumes. The G'ville crowd had on ECU football uniforms. All the motel room doors were open except one... people kept talking to me and all I wanted to do was sleep. I kept going into rooms to look for a place to lay down for a nap. Out of one room came Jeff, wearing only a towel--it was loose. He grabbed my arm and said, "You didn't go to the ECU game. I called your brother. He said you were ...here." He opened the only closed door of the motel rooms and pushed me into a room that had recliners in it...no beds and all the chairs had naked guys with beer guts, zapping a big TV. They were so fat, you couldn't see their peckers. I was locked in and then I woke up....

Didn't get to see what they were watching.

Last day of October

Wow, time is flying. I say that often, don't I?

Tonight's Trick-or-Treating. I've got candy to give out and will probably go with the nephews (both are dressing as the Red Power Ranger) to a few of my neighbors' houses and do the t-or-t deal there. I usually dress-up but don't plan on it this year. I'll go as Aunt Sherrie, who's a Mistress of Disguises.

Today has been one of those days at work, where you feel as if you are walking in place all day. I've gotten some work done, but the phone's been ringing often and people visiting. I don't mind visits but what kills me is when they ask, "Are you busy?" and I say, "Yes I"m covered in work." And they sit down to stay awhile!!! Some are friends I can rudely dismiss but some are old customers who drop by when they're downtown and expect a prolonged visit. When Dad's here its no problem. He loves to entertain. But today I've mostly been alone, so I'm having to deal with them.

At the Halloween party...I forgot to mention...there were a few of the old Pecker's crowd from the Allen-era of my life. I hadn't seen a few of them in almost 5 years or more. It was nice seeing them. At first they didn't recognize me. Zombie Hooker image didn't rest well with them...they remember me as the smiling kind lady who drove them home when they were to drunk to drive. And too.. I've toned up...that makes a difference in an image.

I think I pissed off a customer that came to visit. He's for this Park referrendum... it will cost millions of dollars to build. Plus the people in charge have secured for them a $700 a month gas allowance!! It's like the local officials can't keep their fingers out of the pot. We don't manage the parks we have. This year property tax has gone up 60% in some cases. This happened a few years ago and the local newspaper got behind it, wrote a lot of bad articles and the taxes didn't increase as much as they planned. But this time, the county has gotten wiser. Instead of raising everyone's propery taxes at 60% or more, they increased a selected few's taxes at 27% .... people like the newspaper editor who would vocally protest via the newspaper. What a rip-off most politics are! So I'm voting Tues the 8th...and it won't be a big YES like the signs in a lot of people's yards insist I do.

My Uncle Bill came home from the hospital yesterday. He's doing pretty good. I stopped by when I got home yesterday. I suspect Granny will arrive tomorrow to check on him. My dear friend Steve, who's a folk singer in Florida...lost his father last night. Was really old and sickly. Born in 1913. Steve had been caring for him so he wouldn't be in a nursing home. His health rapidly declined from a fever and he died last night. So sad to see the elderly that you love drift away. Life is void without them around. I know I still miss my granddads and my other granny who have died.

What a melancholoy post! Sorry about that!

Happy Halloweenie

Yes, I'm corny... candy corn today. It is Halloween.

Had a fun-filled action packed weekend.

My zombie hooker outfit was a success at the Friday night party. I went around saying "Head for the Dead?" Got a lot of laughs and no one took me up on it.

One guy said, "No, you look hungry and not in a good way."

A girl dressed like a nurse, kept taking my pulse and declaring, "Yes, she's dead...a dead zombie girl. We need to bury her." I have a million other antidotes but I'll spare you. Though this one's worth telling: One of my guy pals went as Donald Trump. He had a wig like Trump's and xeroxed money sticking out of his pockets. He gave me a handful and told me to give it to a gay guy who was dressed as a pimp..and to say to him "Hey Pimp Daddy, here's my earnings". So I did...only to find out the guy wasn't a pimp..he was supposed to be Johnny Depp's version of "Willie Wonka." The gay guy is also 'pussy-phobic'... you would think I was giving him a STD or something..but it was funny...watching him sputter out.."I..I.. I'm not a PIMP...I..I..I'm Willie ...Willie Wonka!!!!!"

I think what kills me about Halloween parties is how so many people show up in mundane regular boring outfits. Devils, witches, vampires... sure they're part of Halloween but do it with a twist of lime if nothing else.

Greenville...arrived at noon, which gave us plenty of time to grab a bite to eat before the game. There was a crowd going, Joyce & Ron, her bro and his Candian Wife, me and 2 other couples I didn't know. I was the spare tire. But will confess I didn't mind. I think Joyce couldn't find an unattached guy to go with us. I was totally relieved there was No uncomfortable situation to sit through.

The ECU game ...we lost. Boo Hoo... the Pirates totally blew it. I was pissed. On top of it all, I sat between Miss "What Just Happened?" and Mr. "Let Me Explain it," which was sort of distracting. I couldn't change seats with anyone because the seats around us were all taken. The girl was with a guy who ignored her, and the guy was with his wife, who sat beside Joyce talking through the game. There I was...a divider of sorts, watching the game, cheering my Pirates and checking out the hot Frat guys sitting down a few rows and to my left. One of the questions that Miss "What Happened?" asked was 'Hmmm, soooo.... the first football guy to fall down gets first down?"

The party at Joyce's was ok...like usual she had procured me a man whom I didn't like. There was a discussion on a few foreign films I've seen that few of my friends have: "The Motorcycle Diaries, The Sea Inside and Maria Full of Grace." I was happy to finally talk to the two people in the whole state of NC, who have seen them. I have to say overall a very low-key evening.. I crashed early..exhausted from lack of sleep and all the driving I/we did. The hissy cat didn't bother me. I think it was hiding and afraid to come out. There was a very loud guy who spoke with an atomic boom. The whole house shook...all 2 stories.

I woke up early and found Joyce in the kitchen, making coffee. She made sure my mug wasn't larger than Alpha Male Ron's, who calls me the Coffee Czar. We talked for a while and I realized I wanted so much to be home. So I said my goodbyes and drove back to L'ton at full speed. I should have visited a few people but I wasn't in the mood-felt drained. Got in by 1 and made spaghetti for lunch. Then I crashed on the couch and watched movies, dozing in betwixt the boring parts.

TGIF..again

Weeks are flying away! Soon it will be another year.

I'm looking forward to the party tonight. Settled on the Zombie Hooker idea...
Stopped by the 'dollar' store yesterday and got a pair of cheap fishnet stockings to punch holes in them for that tattered look. Have an old velvet jacket I never wear. Got a can of spray-on spiderwebs and gave it a good coating...along with an old black skirt.

I'm very excited. Better be a blast or someone's head will roll and it won't be mine!

Decided to hit G-ville this weekend. It's homecoming at ECU. ..and Joyce is having a party afterwards. I'll leave fairly early Sunday.

Granny's gone back home for a few days. Her brother, my Great-Uncle Bill is in the vetern's hospital for a while. He's got a severe infection from some sores on his arm that he kept hidden from everyone, thinking he could heal them himself. He had surgery on them--that's how bad the infection was...so he'll be there until next week. She'll be back once he gets home.

I better get to work... got lots to do before 5:30.

4 x 3

A customer brought in a copy order last Friday. She wanted a photo of dearly departed mom sized down to fit some pewter frame Christmas ornaments. She forgot the size. I told her to call it in later. She did... mind you the photo was a wallet size 2 &hal by 3 & half or so. She said the frames were 4 x 3 inches. I didn't question it. Many people say things in the wrong order... I assumed she meant sized up.

She didn't.

She brought the frame today when she came to pick up the order. I opened the box and saw a small round frame with a ribbon for hanging. Immediately, I knew the size I had was too large and also knew I had written down exactly what she said. According to her, she went by "what the book said."

She left the frame with me so I could get the exact measurements. As I worked on her order, I saw kept looking at the box that the little ornament was in.... it was the exact size as the prints I made the first time. I believe she measured the box instead of the inside of the frame.

Nipply Today

Talk about being nipply... man, it's very chilly in here today. Not cold enough to turn on the heat. I probably should have worn a thicker top and a winter bra--one with a little more lace on it instead of this satiny thin thing....

my breasts are on alert...meaning I'm...er...nipply.

Not a bad thing in the right circumstance but at work... it can be a distraction... ask the mailman who thought he was putting our mail on the desk and missed it by 5 inches.

Aerial Shot of Hurricane Wilma

Today is...

.........................murphy's law day!!! That's the kind of luck I'm having today. Where's that rabbit's foot? Let me rub it three times.

Was upstairs when a customer called. I forgot my cordless phone, so I rushed down the stairs and missed the last ring by 2 steps. But it rang again immediately. The man--a preacher who just had photos taken--asked "Is anyone there today?"

"Hummmmm... yes sir." I said.

He asked, "How long are you there til?" I said, "7 pm."

He asked, "Is someone there now?"

Did he think he was talking to a robot?

I've got b-dance tonite ...never do well when i have a bad day...

Been invited to a Halloween Party on Friday night. I am toying with the idea of being a Zombie Hooker. My catch line could be "I'll give you Head til you're Dead."

But it just occurred to me... I could go the party as a Genie in a beer Bottle since I'll probably have one in my hand since I'm not driving.

A cool pay-per-view: zombie hooker vs genie in a beer bottle ....who will win the title? .

Windy and Cooler

a lot cooler.

Granny came in yesterday afternoon. She almost had me convinced this morning that I needed to wear a heavy sweater and my winter coat. Luckily, I drank some coffee and the fog of the morning cleared. I'm comfortable in a long sleeve blouse and jeans. My jeans jacket is hanging on the coat rack. Just encase it's cooler when I leave.

No word from Seth. It's been a week since he left. Big sigh. Here I go again... waiting patiently. Anyone who's been involved with a Military man can relate to what I'm saying.

Yesterday and Today

My yesterday was really nice. Lisa, Ben and William took me out for lunch. We hit Ruby Tuesday. The boys did great. Afterwards, we went to a ‘Dollar” store. They had silly Halloween masks there. William insisted that I try them on. We goofed off until 4 pm. Then they dropped me off at home.

I chilled on the couch, got some calls from friends, etc. The hens called to discuss the evening.

I watched a really good movie. “Wilde” It’s about Oscar Wilde. If you aren’t homophobic, I recommend it. Awesome portrayals. Jude Law is in it. But be warned. There are sex scenes between guys.

Today’s been a good day. Gotten a lot done, even if it’s rainy. Granny’s down. I’ll have to hear what the doctor told her. She called a few mins ago and sounds better than she did last week.
Halloween is almost here. Trick or Treat?

Male Strippers Served Hot

For my night out, I decided to wear a pair of semi-sheer black pants, a v-neck tank and a sheer top over it. The tank resembled a corset with underwiring at the bust. Needless to say, I had cleavage up to my neck almost. I topped off the outfit with a pair of sensible heels. The kind a tipsy woman can walk in at the end of the night. The girls arrived just as I was putting the finishing touches on my makeup. I hadn’t seen a couple of them in a few months and they were surprised at how long my hair had grown—the short summer doo is over. Dena commented that I looked like a mourner, dressed in black. Hey, I made sure to break it up a bit with a nice deep rose shade of lipstick.

When I got in the car, I saw a small cooler in the back seat. Cricket, Dena’s main partner-in-crime handed me a Zima. She said, “I heard you loved them.” I did…in the 90’s. I opened one and said, “Bring on the baby oil and tenderloins (what I call younger men), the Birthday Girl is ready.”

On the way, I suggested we do the Fayetteville ghost walk instead. The way they looked at me was priceless. The silence was so thick you could hear what they were thinking. Luckily, they called my bluff and let the thongs win. We ended up at C’s just as they were opening the doors. I was shocked to see that we were the first to arrive. I didn’t want the table that was right at the end of the catwalk, where the strippers usually ended their dance. That meant, each one would come over to us first for tipping. I preferred a side table, where we could still see the show, but not be in the line of fire. I made the girls vow not to tell them it was my birthday.

I decided to stick with Zima and requested a twist of lime, each time I ordered one. Since I was reliving the old Zima drinking days, Insisted the hens call me Zherrie. Before the show started, Dena pointed out that there were a lot of empty seats. Oh no, a small audience. Oh those poor stripper guys….they were in for a night.

I’m a big people watcher person. I take notice of many details that many fail to notice. Dena loves to hear my observations. She saw me glancing around and said, “Talk to me.” So I began my assessment of the audience, waiting for dancing thongs to appear. We were at the table at the end of the catwalk. On the right of us was a table of black ladies who were doing some serious talking on their cell phones. One had a stack of dollars on the table. She kept rubbing her hands together. I guessed that the other women didn’t really want to be there. On the left of us was a table of bouncy college-aged girls. No money on the table. They were downing in $2 Strawberry daiquiri specials. They were there to get drunk and pick up guys after the show. In fact, there were a lot more women at the bar and on the upper deck than there were at the tables around the stage. My guess was that it would be a poor night for the strippers unless the show was electrifying.

The first guy out on stage looked very young. I was afraid we would get arrested for looking, much less sticking a buck down his thong. He seemed unsure of himself, probably one of his first dances in front of an audience. He spent too much time dancing with most of his clothes on. He was still trying to get a leg out of his pants (guess he hadn’t heard about those rip-away pants), when his song was over. He came directly to our table. I tipped him a dollar out of pity.

The second guy was better, though very GQ, but not exactly my taste. I like the bald tattooed guys with pecks and sweat. This guy stripped more quickly…right down to a red thong . I’ll say this…if I can find out which one of the hens ratted me out to the strippers; I'll get my revenge in a slow methodically cold way. The second guy said, 'I hear there's a birthday babe out there. Hmmm….mm..mmm… c'mere 'Zherrie'... I’ve got a present for you.' The hens went wild. He had me sit in a chair and gave me a lap dance... I wanted to tell him that a stuffed thong is hard to squash between my cleavage. The audience was going wild and I was trying not to laugh. Every time he came around to our table after his dance, I would have him bend over to expose his ass and give him a sweet love tap, before sliding a tip down his thong. (I wanted to tell him to take out some of the tissue paper he had stuffed in there.) After the tipping, he would kiss my cheek and say “thank you, Madame.” Oh boy…the things I could have done to him. But I was good…even if my thoughts were decadent. He really needed punishment for stuffing his thong. Bad ..bad…Boy.

The night proceeded to get wilder after that. The last 3 dancers were more professional and athletic. We had a grand ole time. I would say more but… the vow of silence cautions me. I was actually the tame girl of the evening. The other girls acted like they hadn’t seen any nearly naked guys in weeks. Hmmm, maybe they haven’t.

On the drive back, they kept talking about what they were going to do to their men when they got home. Personally, I was ready to sleep. Male strip shows are fun during the heat of the moment, but when your mind is on someone else…it’s hard to take the male exotic dancer fantasy home with you.

B-day Dinner & a Hooker Tangent

It is chilly and rainy today. I was sort of shocked to see the rain beating on a bucket I have outside the carport. Totally threw off my morning. Then on the way to work, I saw a rare sight... as I was heading towards town (at about ¼ mile from the city limits), a gray car heading away from town. Right before it met me, it pulled off the road and a blonde got out and slammed the door hard as she could. The car sped off... she had on a neon pink tube top and low rise jeans...long wavy blonde hair. She was totally pissed. She flipped him off with both hands and started towards town. I’ m guessing a hooker—mainly from her attire and from the way the guy sped away. As I passed her I thought of picking her up because it was drizzling rain but I didn't. Fear of getting car jacked or robbed or killed kept me from it... but as I glanced in my rearview mirror at her, I noticed that her boobs were huge. Sooooo I figured they would get to town 20 minutes before she did and could call a cab to pick her up.

Before I dive into the weekend news, I want to thank Sarah hb and Sandra for their birthday wishes and also those of you who emailed me or left offlines or sent egreeting cards. Thanks so much for remembering me.

When I got home Saturday, I was stunned to see that Mom had the food prepared! She grilled two chickens, cooked rice with chicken broth, corn-on-the-cob, biscuits and some green beans. The table was set. My presents were lined up on the desk. Lisa had put balloons up and Ben took my hand to lead me to each one, telling me their names. (I was tickled to see that I’m rubbing off on him). I noticed something else. He’s started calling me “Aunt Sherrie” instead of “Sher-dee.” His speech is improving.

The people attending were Mom, her John, my brother John, Lisa, the boys, my cousin Alan from Florida and me. The men were engrossed in talking about Politics and then sports. I was relieved, because my cousin likes to tease me. Mainly because I always have a come-back. Things went well until the birthday cake cutting.

The b-day cake was chocolate. I asked for a homemade chocolate cake last year and got one of those bakery made ones. This year I asked for a bakery cake and got a chocolate one. Yea…sometimes reverse psychology does work. William helped Mom put the chocolate icing on it. He told her to put sprinkles on the ‘Family’ side but not to put any on ‘His’ side. I noticed his side was larger.

Lisa was trying to decide how many candles to put on the cake. Cousin Alan said “29, because that’s the age women stop at.” I said to ask Ben. He’s been assigning us ages for the last two years. Usually we’re all his age or a few fingers from one hand. So I asked, “How old am I, Ben?” He thought long and hard, then said, “16.” Which made everyone laugh. I said, “Come here, sweetie. Give me a hug. Aunt Sherrie loves you. You’re her favorite boy.” To remind me of my age, Alan said “Put 4 candles on the cake. One for every decade.”

We did and Ben helped blow them out. I racked up on gifts this year. Last year was a $$$ money and card year. I got a new CD/radio/cassette player. This one plays CD R/RW, too. Got a new handbag, earrings, and poetry books...just to name a few.

It was so much fun that everyone was lingering and I had to get ready to go out. Finally everyone was gone by 6:30, which left me with less than an hour to get ready for “Hen’s Night Out.”

Last Day of 42

Slow day at work. I'm restoring a photo that's turning red, which sucks. It's probably 30 yrs old. Taken at a department store. One of those cheap deals where cheap processing was done. Now the customer's paying the price.

When I scan reddish photos, the whole image turns a magenta and it's hard to get rid of it. Takes forever to finish the work.

William told me this morning that he's baking me a birthday cake with chocolate icing and sprinkles. A little while later, he asked where I kept the plastic toy food.

Mom's at my house, gearing up for the cook-out. It's a warm day. Just hope the stormy weather that's being predicted holds off.

Frantic Friday

Not quite. Just can't think of a title.

Working on a mundane photo. Little tiny spots are on it. I'm having to zap them off. Figured I needed a break.

For some reason, I got a little depressed yesterday. Wrote my dear friend Jo about it. When I got home, it still lingered. The depression...getting older and my Granny's failing health... realizing how fast life is and how age can suddenly creep up on a person. Went to bed and listened to the BackStreet Boys for a while... lol..they make me feel young.

This morning I had a lovely email from Jo, pointing out another aspect...that Seth left when things were beginning to be fun added a slight dark cloud to things as well. Reading it, I realized she knew me so well and I knew that she was right about how I enjoy life to the fullest no matter what I do. A burden lifted and I felt light-hearted again. It's good to have friends like Jo who care.

Hadn't been at work long when Wes from next-door called. "I've got a present for you. A lady left it with me, because you were closed."

I mused, "Wonder who left it? Wonder what it could be?"

He replied, "I'm not looking. It could be someone's pinky. With you, there's no telling!"

I laughed, "You make it sound like I'm the L'ton Maffia."

But it wasn't. It was a lapel pen --a heart with the USA Flag on it. One of my customers who's adopted me left it. She remembers me every year.

Then later at around 1, Mary (my best real-life friend) and I did a book exchange on the street. I had a book she hadn't read and she had a few to return. She called that she was on her way and I met her on the street. She paused her vehicle long enough for us to switch. I stepped back on the curve, waving goodbye as she shouted, "I love your hair!!!!" Stepped right into a policeman--a rookie from the looks of things. He gave me a strange look and eyed the books, making me feel like I really was in the Maffia. I held them out and said, "Um... they're just books."

Since then I've been working and stuff. Have a busy weekend planned. Work tomorrow...then grilling Chicken with the family. My cuz from Florida is visiting. Should be fun. He's prone to teasing and making jokes. Then afterwards, it's Stripper Night with the Hens. I'm not driving, so I'm sure there will be more Scary Sherrie stories added to the pile. On Sunday, Lisa and the nephews are taking me to lunch. After that I plan to wrap myself up in black and mourn the passing of another birthday... lol

In the Mood for Love...

..Simply because your naked ...funny but when you're naked... I'm in the Nude for love!

My friend Jeff is painting some rooms in his town house and I've been viewing paint swatches online, giving my opinions. Now I've been bitten by the re-paint my world bug. I'm in the mood...to paint. My bedroom has wallpaper..tiny flowers. It's cute, but I wouldn't mind changing the whole look. Only problem is the carpet is a pinky mauve...remember in the country colors of the 80's.... Mauve ...Williamsburg blue, Seafoam green, etc. I'll wait though... think on it first.

In the meantime I can polish my nails.

Don't have much to say. Got the cable straightened out. Work's going smoothly. Printer's acting civil. And it's felt like Thursday all day.

I'm pretty much A-OK.

Mental Drain

Finally... the Cult of Wayne guy left.

He's a good salesman. Bonded with Dad. Went along with his conspiracy theories, etc. He had the deal in his palm until he called his supervisor to seal it. Who promptly clashed with Dad. (the guy was here trying to get us to switch companies --dealing with the credit/debit card machines).

So off went the Cult of Wayne guy... minus a new member.

You know..if I weren't afraid of the kool-aide/poison cocktail, I might have followed him.

Been printing like usual. And emailing my friend Jeff, my opinions on paint swatches. He's going to do some changes at home. In between those emails, I've been emailing the big pecker guy from yesterday. He is an airbrush artist working at the State fair this week. Found my profile on yahoo and emailed me. Bored, he has sent a gazillion emails asking to chat. I said no...so he's been trying to play 20 questions.

I'll have to save them for my 'dating' blog. Once he's done asking, which might be soon. I'm refusing to anwswer intimate sexual questions. He has to impress me first...and that ..well he's not doing a great job of it.

Let's see... nothing scheduled for tonight. Haven't heard from Seth. I sort of miss him.

I'm Sneezy

aahh... ahhhhhhh... ah ah chooooooo

Woe there.... my allergies are acting up. So if you see a nose fly by..if it's cute and pert, then it's mine...throw it back... my glasses won't stay up.

My dad's talking to a salesman with the charisma of a cult leader... I excused myself from the conversation... was fighting the urge to ask him for some grape kool-aide... figured I had better save myself before I become a concubine in the Cult of Wayne.

A Dick of A Day

and then some. Those of you who read my painterlady on dating blog know what I'm talking 'bout.

Have to watch the nephews for a few hours tonight while Lisa gets recertified in CPR. It's Nip/Tuck night. Christian is accused of being the Carver. Can't miss that episode.

Off to fight with my printer.. it's being a dick.

:D

All-Merciful Sherrie

I completely adore Freudian Slips.... I personally wear them well.

I helped *JD (initials used to protect the [not-so]innocent), a friend of mine find a photo of Curley--from the Stooges. He plans to glue it to a pumpkin for Halloween. I did a few things to it, like make it a head only photo and turned it into black&white, etc... emailed it to him.

He wrote back: "i was kind of big..may be i can make it smaller to fit"

Oh my... Oh my my my... oh boy... I sat staring at the email, wondering if he knew he made a mistake and wrote "i" instead of "it." Course that wasn't my first thought... my first thought was "Honey, I could make it fit."

You know...what sweet jumps I could have with that slip! Oh the things I could say:

1) "Just cut out the head. It will fit then."

2) "If it's hard to fit, I'll lend a hand."

3) "Give me a few minutes, I'll shrink it for you."

4) "Sorry about the size I sent... I get confused with what's really 8 inches."

But... instead I said "you know... i could have some sweet fun with what you wrote...but i'll show mercy today."

I am all-merciful. Maybe I should email that if he can't get it down to the size he needs, to call me. (lmao)

Coffee

Yummy cup of joe going on! S

My morning schedule is off this week. As I walked to the bakery for my coffee, I tried to figure out what day it was. For some reason, Thursday was on my mind. I kept thinking..but what happened to Tues and Wed. I spent a few minutes talking to Miss Gail, trying to sort things out. She gave me a strange look, as if I was nuts. But I've sorted through it.

It's Tuesday..all day.

So I didn't lose any days. Really I don't know why I couldn't remember... maybe because Seth is gone. He called last night and we talked an hour. He didn't want to hang up. I felt at a loss. Because I didn't know what to say to him and I felt he wanted some sort of verbal emotional committment. I had none to offer... it was be wrong to lie to him. But I did tell him I was very fond of him and would miss him dearly. Which is total... like you know..totally true.

Tuesday has the makings of a loooooooong week.

Let's See...it's Monday?

Been up since 6:30 am.. not my usual time to rise. Didn't sleep all that great. Woke up at 3 am, freezing and couldn't get warm. Had 2 blankets on the bed. So I didn't get back to sleep...dozed fitfully.

The cable guy came over at 9 am to install digital cable. Can't get HBO without it. Only probably..he brought one box only. I guess the lady didn't understand that I wanted two. So, I had him to place it on the downstairs TV. My brother went boinkers. Got all huffy about it. He can be such a baby sometimes. No I take that back...he can be a pain in the ass. I've got to drop by the cablevision office and get another one. I guess I can install it. I did watch the guy install the one downstairs. That is when I wasn't eyeing his ass...

I'm becoming a dirty old woman.

Today I've been working on tedious stuff. Trying to figure out how to sleep with my eyes open and get work done at the same time. I suggest everyone be nice to me on the off-chance I actually do figure it out.

I watched Amytiville Horror last night--the remake. Man it sucked. Talk about taking liberties with a story. They made the youngest victim of the murdered family into Jody...the pig ghost in the first movie. Plus they had the dog murdered and the family escaping in a speedboat. Jeez..what's up with Hollywood? The special featurettes were cool though...made up for a lot.

Ghosts, Horses and Romance

Didn't see any ghosts but I did hear some great ghost stories and saw some incredible sites of old NC history.

Left work at 3:30 and rushed home to freshen up. Seth was early but I was ready so we left. Got to Wilmington at around 5:30. I know he thought I was a nut...on the way there, I kept pointing out Turkey Vultures that were riding wind currents. We had to drive through swamp and forest areas and they were abundant.

We checked in the hotel and grabbed some dinner before the ghost walk. It was a perfect October night--cool but not freezing and the other ghost walkers were comfortable to be around. There was an African-American couple who were a little older than us and they were really funny. Kenneth, the husband was a goof and Louise, his wife kept trying to call him down. Once Seth said, "OMG, what's that?" while pointing at a dark shadow at one of the stops on the ghost walk. I swear Kenneth ran so fast, he could have won a race.

Seth wanted to take a horse-drawn carriage ride around downtown Wilmington. While we stood debating about it, one of the carriages arrived with passengers. Seth went over to the driver to inquire about the route he takes and for how long. I stood beside the horse, wanting to pet it but wasn't sure if it were allowed. Suddenly, I caught wind of a horrible odor... gas... the horse was letting out farts left and right. I moved away. Before Seth could give his report, I told him about the gas attack and that sealed our decision--No carriage ride.

We went back to the hotel and... well, that part's private.

I'll say this... he is King of Romance. His tenderness catches me off-guard often. We slept on and off during the night... when we finally fell into an exhausted sleep at 5 am, I don't know if I dreamt or not. But when I woke up, I felt refreshed. Seth pointed our how well we sleep together and I don't mean in the coitius sense, I'm talking actually sleep. He's right. I don't ususally sleep well entwined with another person, but with Seth... well, it's like home....

and that worries me a bit. Course I didn't tell him that.

We had breakfast at a Ma and Pa place I know that has the best omelettes. Then we drove back with me pointing out Turkey Vultures along the way.

Seth leaves at 6 am Tuesday. He said he would call tonight and tomorrow night. Before he left today, he gave me a 'Just Encase List' of phone numbers-- his roommates cell phones, his parents' number, etc. He said that if a long time goes by and I don't hear from him, that I can call those numbers--someone should know something. He said he told his parents and his roommates that if I call, to inform me of whatever news they have. I was blown away by this. During the time Robert and I were together and he went off on his special forces missions, he never did this. I spent most of our time together wondering if he were alive. And here is Seth...the epitome of thoughtfulness. I was too wordless to reply. But I'll say this here... that list means more to me than all the romance of the night.

That's about it for now... off to do something constructive like...work on the Nov issue fo the mag.

Saturday at work

We had a homecoming parade downtown yesterday--for the high school in town and since I had to go watch, I didn't get a chance to finish some stuff.

Seth will be at the house by 4:30 and my overnight bag's backed. So I'm set to go.

Actually have gotten a lot done today...

The parade was sort of funny... you could tell the homecoming contestents riding in the convertibles were uncomfortable. They barely tossed out a Barbie wave... watching them gave me an idea for an article for the Nov issue.

A cute little girl in the crowd kept asking when Santa was going to ride by. He never did. Didn't hear what her mother told her. I would have made up something fun, something to spur her imagination.

One of the civic clubs had a really cool float.. guess the Red Cross sponsored it. A few of the kids were on cots pretending to give blood and a really huge girl in a nurse's uniform yelled at us.."Give Blood." She scared me and the cute little girl. I was ready to run to the Red Cross center right then... but I rarely am able to give blood... always anemic.

Speaking of blood...I'm thirsty... guess I'll get some Black Cherry Flavored water and finish my stuff for today.


Have a great weekend...

Weekend Plans

I tried to post some blogthings results but the links kept breaking...so I apologize to those who saw the messy results before I could delete them.

Seth called with a change of plans...we're going to Wilmington instead. It's an hour and 15 min drive. We're staying along the Cape Fear river in the historic downtown area. We're doing the Haunted Walk. I'm excited. Always wanted to go.

Since I've got a load of work to do, I might not be back to post. So have a great weekend.


I know I will. :)

Grumpy

Don't know why I'm grumpy today. Could be due to sleeping poorly...my Carpal Tunnel Syndrome sang out last night. My whole right arm would fall 'asleep' and the pins and needles sensation would wake me. Even with my wrist brace on!

Everything went well this morning. Until I got to work. A man followed me into the studio. I hate when customers do that. I usually lock the door until I get the alarm turned off and the cash box out of the secret safe, etc. But he was adamant about coming in. I recognized him as one of Dad's customers. SO I let him in with strict instructions to stay put until I was back at the front of the studio.

He came for a photo dad copied on film. It was too large for me to scan. Course Dad told him it would be ready Friday. He didn't specifiy a time. The man assumed he meant first thing Friday, but normally the lab doesn't deliver until late afternoon. I tried to explain this.. and he kept interrupting with 'the man told me Friday and it's Friday.'

Normally, I handle things better but today I'm not up to par. So I said, "Sir it's Friday all day. And the day's not over."

He went on about living out of town (he lives in 20 miles from L'ton), about the cost of gas and how unpleasant this 'adventure' was turning. NO matter what I said, what I suggested or anything, all he could do was try to take the opposite road and argue. I finally threw my hands up in the air and said, "Sir, I don't know of anything I can do to make you happy at this moment. All I can tell you is that 'the man' will be in by noon and I'll tell him you came by. He'll contact you when your order arrives."

He huffed out and I am irritated... but..feeling better now that I purged. Course I'll give Dad a little mini lecture about being more specific about delivery times, etc. It's amazing how differently he and I handle our customers. Mine always know that I'll call them when the orders ready. Drives me nuts!

Thursday--The 13th

Gosh.. just think... 10 days and I'll be a lovely 43... such an odd number..one that will be hard to remember. I couldn't remember my 41 year.. kept saying either 40 or skipping ahead to 42..

but I don't mind forgetting it...

I'm accepting presents from Oct 22-24... 10 am -4 pm.. if those times and dates aren't good let me know.. lol.. if you don't know what to get me, stop by the men store next to the studio, ask for Wes... there's a tuxedo I like but only if it comes with the guy who models it in the catalog..

Last night our instructor at b-dance brought her snake and half the class ran ..lol..that was sort of funny.. I stayed... away from the snake..

The Sun is back. Mostly sunny with a few peek-a-boo clouds. Cool.. almost cool enough for long sleeves. I wore my black "joe cool" t-shirt and jeans today. Hair is straight with a Mary Tyler Moore Flip at the end. Got my black clogs on and am styling in comfort.

Nothing set for tonight. Watch Survivor and CSI. Continue working on my character profiles and setting designs.

Seth called last night. He's excited about the weekend. Keeps asking if I'll be available when he gets back. What to day to that? I don't know. I waited for Robert and it got me hurt in the end. Have to keep reminding myself that they're two different people. But you know me, I told him I would do my best to be available. Guess I'll give him an email address, so he can keep in touch if he's got internet access where he's headed. That should reassure him a little. I haven't told him about my blog or website or any other online info. Feel the need to stay unknown, so that I don't have to watch what I write about and censor myself.

I heard the news today..

Oh boy..

Sometimes I think I'm misreading the headlines:

like today's UNICEP Bombs the Smurfs...

Jeez.. I know they're dumb and blue but they don't deserve termination... why not bomb the Teletubbies!

And the woman in Arkansas who gave birth to her 16th child... Warning to all women who can get pregnant: DON'T DRINK THE WATER!!!

Oh By Gosh, By Golly

I've got a novel idea.

Came to me last night, as I was letting my mind clear itself before sleep.
Do you do that? Let your mind wonder at will, over various thoughts, conversations and actions that happened that day, so that you can close your eyes and get a good night's sleep?

Well, I do!

I thought about the friend I had coffee with yesterday...and our conversation, which naturally turned to men. She said, "I hate being in love with a man who's not good for me. But how do you stop loving someone?"

I didn't answer her, because I could relate and knew it wouldn't do any good. I thought of a movie Jo mentioned in an email, "The League of Extraordinary Men." ... I thought of what makes a league... an alliance... which can be between two people... this lead me to think of the alliances of Survivor and how most of them shift. But what if two like souls, though the people who own them are complete opposites made an alliance. Two women who love men who are wrong for them... I envisioned a first meeting of the women... then fell asleep, before I could jot them down.

This morning, I couldn't get up at first. The sky is gray and the sun has abandoned us. But my novel idea hasn't. I thought of names for the two women, and gave them certain looks and life styles. Then thought of the men they loved... and assigned them personalities-- I dove into my own past experiences and came up with two guys I'll model parts of them after. So I got up, made coffee and while it perked, I took a shower.

In the shower, I thought of the women...and a twist appeared... and an ending. I had the beginning and the endin gof the novel. Something I rarely do.. I usually know the start and let the story take place. This time...I realized the story knows it's start and finish... I'll have to supply how to get there.


I am very excited. I can't start writing yet. Not until Nov 1, but I'm allowed plot outlines, character outlines, etc. SO I'm off to secretly think of names, character profile and other plotty stuff.

For info NaNoWriMo.org

Who Shot the Sun out?

Haven't seen it in a while. Would be ok if we were getting rain... but we aren't at least not when I look outside. The rain could be hiding from me, like the sun seems to be doing.

Taken in a lot of new work this week. I'm unusually busy for October. Since the holidays are almost upon me, I'm trying to get ahead so I can deal with the holiday rush I know I'll get.

Had the most problems yesterday and today with pop-up windows when I logged online. I use yahoo's taskbar and it gets some but not all and I also use the POW pop-up blocker--it will get what yahoo misses, which is a lot. I ran all my spyware remover programs. None found any hidden malware. I updated the yahoo spyware tool and it found 2 things. I removed them and (knock on wood) the pc is stable. Funny how the yahoo spyware tool doesn't find things until you update it.

November is National Novel Writing Month. I have to make up my mind very soon about doing the NaNoWrMo.org project--which is to write a 50,000 word novel in 30 days starting Nov 1 and ending at midnight on Nov 30. My question to myself is...'do I have a novel lurking within?'

I started one last year but haven't gotten back to it.. it was an intricate story that couldn't be rushed. So I didn't finish it. Hmmmm guess I'll make up my mind in the next week or so...

Seth leaves next Tues. He's driving to Virginia to visit his parents and will be back Friday. He wants to go to Myrtle Beach for the weekend. I gave a breathless "Yes," which made his day. I said, "Don't worry. I'll send you off in style." ;) and I will.

My brother's finally 100%. His only complaint is about playing cowboys and indians with Ben. John still has his little plastic figures from the old days of childhood and he and Ben play with them. John doesn't mind playing with Ben, what he minds is how they're in the middle of a battle and Ben insists that they stop and go to a make-believe Walmart to buy bullets, arrows and ice cream. Then on the way back to the battle, they stop at McDonald's for happy meals. John said, "That's not right, Sher Bear...it's not right!"

Dad has lost a set of negatives. I think he's misfiled them under the wrong name...guess I'll go investigate... now if the ghost has them...they won't turn up until he askes for them.

Baseball

I was told by a friend that I should have watched baseball yesterday instead of the National Geographic Channel.

Didn't occur to me. She said, "Our team went into overtime... 18 endings. The Astros won."

I asked, "Who is 'our' team?"

She gasped, "The Braves--the Atlanta Braves..."

wow... how long has Atlanta represented L'ton NC????

Personally I'm a Chicago Cubs fan--gypsy curse and all.

My brother swears our house is all for the Yankees!

And the point to this post??? There is none.

Photograph Rule # 82

# 82--Spraying Windex( or any cleaner) on a photograph will ruin it.

Dismal Day

...weather-wise.

I had a pleasant weekend. Didn't do anything Friday night. So the nephews spent the night and William wanted to dance to the Wiggles' Yummy Yummy VHS. SO we did. Ben played with his cars on the kitchen floor while William and I pointed our fingers and did the Twist. We also did some Pirate dancing with Captain Feathersword. It was fun. I made pancakes for breakfast and had them home by 8:30 am, Sat.

The workshop was cool. Made some new friends who have a troupe in Fayetteville. I have an open invitation to come to their practice sessions and dance with them. This group's taken the Belly Dancing a bit further than the people I dance with here in town. This group incorps an "I am a Goddess" theory into the dance, which is fine if you need constant reminding. I don't. I know I'm a Goddess.

After the workshop, I called Seth and we met at Applebee's for an early dinner. I wore a multi-brown colored sarong skirt and a brown tank with a brown fishnet top over it. Put my hair up and had on a lot of jingly jewelry. I completed the outfit with ankle tie brown sandals. Seth couldn't take his eyes off me.

Once dinner was over, I followed Seth to his place. There was a small crowd there... his roommates had some girls over and were grilling out. Seth introduced me and I was pleased to see that they were as friendly as he said they would be. I ended up in the house with the 'book-worm' looking roommate. His name is Donald. A nice guy and a reader of Stephen King, Koonz and some other authors I like. We talked about books and I mentioned poetry... he's read in that field and we discussed that as well. Seth overheard the conversation and mentioned I was a poet, which lead to a discussion on publishing, etc.

I might have appeared engross in the conversation but I kept an eye on Seth. Once he introduced me to everyone and got me settled in the house with a glass of wine, he mingled with the others. I noticed his focus was on a few youngish looking girls (I guess they were around 22 or so). Seth didn't ignore me, in fact he came over often to talk for a few moments. Donald finally noticed me looking at Seth and his antics that made the girls giggle. I guess he thought he should reassure me, so he said, "Don't mind them. Seth's getting validation. You know he was a fat kid once? He didn't buff up until he was in the army."

Ahhh.... bells went off. No wonder he chased me down... I didn't validate him upon our first introduction. This didn't bother me, as much as it would have a few years ago. We all need validation, some people need it for life. I watched Seth in a scientific way, noting his body language, and the responses of the girls he charmed...if he got what he wanted, he moved on to another...and if he didn't he worked them harder, until they gave him what he needed. A few times he noticed me, watching and made an effort to make the girls laugh hard. I assume he thought I was jealous. I wasn't. But I let him make his own assumption, filling whatever need he had.

As I've said before, I'm keeping things at arms length but still enjoying what we have--which is hot sex and laughter. Believe me, he gets validation. Just as I get it from him.

Viewing Seth's need didn't make me lose respect for him nor did it send me tail-spinning into self-doubt city. I viewd it as a piece of the Seth puzzle, one I fit into place.

After a while, the girls found other guys to talk too and Donald wondered off. Seth and I went to his room for a while. He apologized for mingling for so long, saying 'the girls like to talk to me and I didn't want to hurt their feelings.' I smiled and said it was ok. And I meant it. I stayed for breakfast... I woke up with a hunger that didn't include pancakes. ;)

Got home early Sunday. Took a shower and a nap. Spent the day doing laundry, editing Sam's poetry for his first book for PA, spent some time chatting with Jo and... watched a couple of movies.

It was a really great weekend.

Friday...

It's raining... not cats and dogs... mainly small animals like mice and frogs.

My brother's doing better today. (thanks for asking, Jo.) He slept a lot yesterday and when he woke up late afternnon, he said he felt better... stiff but not in pain. I checked his wounds this morning and they weren't red or inflamed.

Seth hung out last night...we fooled around during Survivor... good thing my brother was asleep in his room. When CSI came one, right away I said "The daughter did it. She killed her step-mother...not the husband...too obvious." ANd guess what... the daughter did do it. Seth stared at me... I laughed. Doesn't anyone use deductive reasoning anymore? Don't other people have lightning fast logical reasoning? Sometimes I think I'm a reincarnated 'sleuth.' An old friend whom I've lost contact with used to call me "Sherrielock Holmes."

I can't help but notice how Jeff Probst on Survivor looks as if he wishes he was elsewhere. Then I saw an article online that this may be his last season. It won't be the same without him, but like I've said in the past... I really think the show's jumped the shark.

Have had a lot of work this week. Since the PC at home is acting funky (when I log onto my side--the other user accts are fine), I'm behind in emailing some folks. Please forgive me, if you read here and you're one. I promise to get caught up this weekend sometime.

There's a belly dance workshop at a dance studio in F'ville Sat. Me and a couple of my belly dance pals from our class are going. I'm taking the day off. After it's over, I'm heading to Seth's. Nervous about meeting his roommates. He says they'll love my sense of humor. I hope it doesn't grow serious on me or too dark or too goofy. Not sure if I'll stay overnight. Depends on how comfortable I feel there. I'll confess that it's nice to have Seth's arms around me.

I promised John that I would grill steaks Sunday for lunch.

lol..talk about boring...that's me..boring today...

Shere Bits

... another dot dot dot day

...

...

... so Katie's preggers...she'll never be free... even if she becomes a rich divorced mommy... old Tom-bone will still be in her life ... there's no free lunch... but what scares me...terrifies me... is that Tom is procreating... someone...hold me.

...the pictures of the python who swallowed an alligator half its size and its gut burst is frightening... talk about fucking balls... I bet the gator ripped the stomach apart, trying to get out. People and their exotic pets that they don't want..tossing them into the unknown wilds isn't the answer to getting rid of them. Pets like pythons are not native to the US and will end up destroying the natural habitat and endanger the animals and plant life. Shame on you, irresponsible exotic pet-owners who didn't research or think beyond the purchase. A pox on you!

...anyone besides me watching Nip/Tuck? I think Dr. Costas is the Carver. He is weird and also bisexual... plus he does this head tilt that the Carver does before attacking a person, shooting them full of a paralyzing drug, whispering 'Beauty is a Curse', slashing their face and then raping them--both sexes are his victims. But with Christian Troy--he slashed his neck.. well, he did rape him. But only a person with medical knowledge would know where to cut so that he wouldn't kill, only scar. This season is just starting ... I could be wrong--he could be a red herring.

...Seth said the most witty thing about me last night when he called ....he said I was a "font of funny remarks." I like that. On that note, I need to get back to work so I can get home and refreshed. He's cumming over tonight. ;)

Another Hectic Day in the Kingdom of Shere

A busy week! And it's not over yet.

Spent a lot of time away from the PC yesterday and earlier today. Why? Beause my spotting brush (the fine pointed windsor/newton series #7) that I used to remove dust spots on photos with..disappeared. I think it was around 1:30 yesterday when I had a client drop by...I was spotting in my art room, put the brush down beside my palette of dyes and went up to the front. Dad wasn't in the studio--I was alone. The client stayed around for about 15 mins and left. I went back to my artist table and the brush was gone. This has happened before. In fact, when I used to retouch photos the old fashioned way, it happened almost daily.

I didn't finish my dust-spotting. Instead I moved over to my hand-tinting section and finished the prints I had to enhance. This morning I came in, hoping to see the brush where it should be...it wasn't. I checked everywhere. Then it occurred to me that I didn't check the spraying room... and there it was... lying by a can of laquer. How got there? I don't know. I didn't go into that room yesterday. If my dad was a practical joker type of guy, I would blame him..but he's not... he doesn't have the imagination and too, if he did something like that it would interfer with my work and lord knows, he loves $$$ too much to do that.

So I'll chalk that one up to the other ghostly things that has happened in the 11 yrs we've been in this old building.

Had to leave early yesterday. Mom and Lisa took the nephews to the fair, so that meant I had to pick up my brother John from work. I was ok with that...after being frustrated with the disappearing brush, I was ready to jet. Picked up John and he said he would treat me to dinner. Belly dance didn't start until 6:45 (actually its suppose to start at 6:30 but the instructor runs late), so I had time. We ate at a mom and pop restaurant that has a great grilled chicken casear salad. That's what I had. John had a steak.

We got home at 6 and I parked under the shelter at the barn, because Mom was spending the night. I always let her park under the carport. As I've said before, my brother has Cerebral Palsy and gets around on crutches. He can't bend his legs much and they are very thin. We have a silly game, I pretend to race him. Doing silly stuff like the 'time warp' Mork style or running backwards, in other words being silly... I did it for a moment and realized it was starting to sprinkle rain, so I ran inside...

I turned all the lights on, checked the answering machine and went to the kitchen window to see how close John was, so I could open the door for him. I was shocked...he was sprawled face down on the concrete floor of the carport. I ran out. His crutch tip had caught on a tuff of grass and sent him off balance. His elbows were scraped badly. I looked around for something sturdy for him to pull up on. There wasn't much, so I ran inside and brought back a dinette chair. He tried to use it but couldn't get his legs up under him. It was terrible. He tried and tried, exhausting himself. I know how a mother bird feels when a baby bird falls out of the nest and she's powerless to lift it back up.

There were no neighbors around to help. I suggested calling 911, but he vetoed me. I can't blame him, the last time our neighbor across the street's alarm system when off, 5 deputies, 3 fire trucks and 50 off duty volunteer firemen showed up. Since John couldn't get up, he decided to roll acros the concrete floor to the little platform I had made to replace the narrow step. Instead of a step, the platform is easier for John to step up on and get into the house. He rolled and I helped him crawl into the house by holding up his feet, so they wouldn't get caught on stuff. But calling it crawling is an understatement... actually he was dragging his legs behind him as he used his arms and elbows to move forward.

When he got inside, he laid there on the kitchen floor for a few minutes. I stood close by, quiet, trying to remain calm so that he wouldn't get distressed. He had no strength. He couldn't get up. Somehow he found energy to start down the hall to his room. He said his elbows and knees were in agony. About that time, Mom drove up. She had William with her. He came in first and showed me his fair stuff and started telling me about his fair trip. He saw John in the hallway and said, "Why is Uncle John on the fllor?"

I didn't answer him, I ran out and got Mom. Told her what happened and we ran back inside. There was William, on the floor beside John trying to explain how to crawl properly. I got William out fo the way, so Mom could talk to John about his injuries and to figure out a way to get him up. But William wouldn't stay out of the way, he said, "We've got to help Uncle John."

By this time, John had made it to the bedroom, but he had couldn't get up. About 40 mins had lapsed since his accident, so shock was setting in. I instructed William to stand in the doorway and tell us what to do (I did this too keep him out of the way--he demonstrated how John should do the "Peter Panda" dance like Vin Disel does in the Pacifier Movie--funny but at that time it wasn't. Will's thought it would work because there's a part where he lies on his back and then jumps up. He thought if John did that he could jump up). I grabbed John under one arm, Mom grabbed him under the other and we lifted until he could get his feet under him. When he did we helped him lie down and tended to his wounds.

This incident opened my eyes...I need to be better prepared for a house-hold accident, involving John. And get on his ass about exercising and making his arms stronger, losing some weight too... it takes time, and commitment to get in shape. I'm in the best shape I've been in years. But I'm not strong enough to lift a 200 lb man.

Anyway, John's sore today but he didn't sprain or break anything.