Autism and "Five for Fighting"

Jeff Diamond sent this to me. I support Autism awareness and hope that you guys tke time to click on this link and help fund research that will eventually find a cure to Autims.

The band, Five for Fighting, is generously donating $0.49 to Autism Speaks for *each time* the video is viewed. The funding goes toward research studies to help find a cure. When you have a moment, please visit the link below to watch the video and pass it along to your friends and family. They are aiming for 10,000 hits, but hopefully we can help them to surpass this goal.

Click here to view it: Here

Earth Bound

earth bound
severed wings
all aflutter

an angel
fell hard

shattered haven
her impact
a potent tattoo

a blemish
on hell

clouds gaze
downward, weeping
grey dew

roses bleed
heaven's sorrow

another angel
lost to lust
carnal bound

Stifled

I'm feeling a bit stifled. Don't really want to go into why but the last week or so I feel a bit used by so-called friends... and taken for granted by family and yes, even Al.

I want to escape...to run away for a bit...to unknown places where I can blend in and breathe...just breathe.

That's all I want...is to just breathe.

women and jewels... the myth

For the last few years, Al has been putting out resumes to different places. One of them was to a jewelry store, who was seeking people to fill management positions. I think he put in a resume back in September. Well yesterday they called for to schedule an interview. He's excited because it's a big chain and the starting pay is very mindblowing, plus the benefits are terrific.

He called me at 10:30 am this morning to ask me questions about jewelry. Questions like "Is 14k the standard on gold jewelry?"

I never give yes or no answers, so I said, "I wear some 10k because it's more durable than 14k, especially for every day wear. And from what I understand, the higher the carat of gold the weaker the jewelry."

He said, "Huh? Is 14K the standard on gold jewelry or not?"

I said (still refusing to answer yes or no. "Well, it's probably the most sold of all the carats."

He sighed and let it go... to move on to the next question. "What are the 4 C's in Diamonds. Isn't it cut, clarity, color and carat?"

"Hmmm, yes I think so. Sorry Al, but I don't know much about jewelry, other than what I wear."

He stammered, "But..but... you're a girl."

Flames flew from my eyes, which is a good thing that he wasn't there or he would have been insinerated. "Don't even go there. Just because I'm a woman doesn't mean I know every womanly interest like...jewelry...Mr. T knows more than I do. Hey... You're a guy but does that mean you know the working of an engine..."

He stopped me with a laugh, "ok, you're right. Sorry... I shouldn't believe every myth I hear about women."

"Well, believe the multiple orgasm one..."

You Should Rule Saturn

Saturn is a mysterious planet that can rarely be seen with the naked eye. You are perfect to rule Saturn because like its rings, you don't always follow the rules of nature. And like Saturn, to really be able to understand you, someone delve beyond your appearance. You are not an easy person to befriend. However, once you enter a friendship, you'll be a friend for life. You think slowly but deeply. You only gain great understanding after a situation has past.

What Planet Should You Rule?

Looks like the World's safe ...from me

You Are Not Destined to Rule the World

You are destined for something else... Like inventing a new type of cupcake. You just don't have the stomach for brutality. But watch out - because many people do!

Are You Destined For World Domination?

my Weekend Report

I survived it. Al had to work 3rd shift Sat and Sunday, but I managed to entertain myself by cooking and doing laundry. It was weird in a away...trying to be quiet while he slept. We didn't have much time together.

Sunday I was actually able to spend a few hours at Barnes and Noble, reading and sipping expensive coffee.

He's off next weeekend, so we'll do the Superbowl dance and maybe cook some wings and other superbowlable food.

I've decided that instead of thinking of this whole change as negative, I'll turn it around into something positive, like maybe paint more or write more... or even go visit friends like BJ in Wilmington or Joyce in Greenville...

One really great thing about this is that I get to watch what I want to on Television while he's sleeping.

Yay me...

But there's one bad thing...I'm alone at night in a house I sometimes don't like. So sleeping was really difficult.

My today started off crappy though. Al got in from work at 8:15 am. He took a very long shower and drained all the hot water. So guess who took a cold shower...me and I didn't even need it... There's nothing worse than no hot water when you really need it to wake up. It set my mood and I haven't been able to shake it yet.

Maybe another sip of hot coffee will help... oh yea...that's the ticket.

Shrek 3...

Friday night, the nephews and I watched Shrek 3. They kept telling me that I was in the movie and when Snow White popped on the screen, they shouted, "There you are. That's you."

At first I wasn't impressed, until she said a few 'smartass things' and got mad at the woodland creatures for bothering her. When the Princesses burned the bra, and got ready to do battle, I was like "yeah...this is more like it."

As they escaped from the jail cell, and went into commando mode, William said, "Sherrie, this is our favorite part." Along comes Snow White--singing a beautiful song that entrances a gazillion woodland creatures. Even the Lords of The Ring Tree herders who are guarding the perimeter of Far Far Away are absorbed by her beautiful voice.

Then Ben jumps up and shouts, "There you are. That's you." And poof, Snow White issues a battle cry and all the woodland animals attack the Tree Herders. It was so completely awesome.

After that part of the movie was over, Ben said, "Snow White's tough like you are, Aunt Sherrie."

Never in my life have I been given such a cool compliment! I am honored more than they know.

TGIF

For such a short work week, it's been a killer. I am current on my work, meaning that I don't have to meet any major deadlines until Feb. 9.

Al started a new job this week, working at the Food Lion Distribution center in Dunn, NC. It's about an hr drive round trip (I was wrong in an earlier post..it's not an hour away for him...for me it is.) He's working 3rd shift--7 days, off 2, then 7 days off 4...something like that. He hates it but right now the Direct TV installations are slow and his lawn care work is nil, so he has to do something to make ends meet. The pay is good but the work is hard.

It will take a while to adjust to not spending as much time with him on the weekends when he has to work. I told him I would come up and just be there while he sleeps and is at work. Don't know how it will feel being alone in the house at night. Just me and Slick the cat. His PC is up but he's not online. Maybe I'll take a few of my stories to edit or just do some writing.

There's been some conflict between Al and me. So far we've come to common grounds on it. I've decided not to worry too much... things tend to work out for the best and all I know to do is follow my heart. We've just passed the 2 yr milestone...and this year is gonna be our break it or make it year... Im taking a 'wait and see' approach, mainly because he's asked me to be patient with him. Those of you who really know me, know that I am the most patient person in the universe.

Talked to Sam aka Blue last night for a very long time...he's got a novel in his head too. We talked about it extensively ...he's asked me to help... I said I would. He's like I am... writes it in his head and feels overwhelmed to put it to paper. My newest novel is still there...in my noggin waiting to fly off my fingers, unto the keyboard and into a word program...lol...

Tonight I have the nephews. Ben has asked me to play Tater Head with him (Mr. & Mrs. Potato Head toys). I said I would. I had a Mr. Potato Head when I was a kid. And what fun it was! Still is, though Mrs. Potato Head doesn't have as many cool things to wear.

I have a gift card to Victoria's Secret... so you know where I'll be Sunday after lunch. ;)

Have a great weekend, peeps.

Out of the Loop!

(Thanks Lorraine...for sending me this laugh)

You Are a Banana

You are mellow, easy going, and a total softie on the inside. People find it really easy to get along with you. You suit most tastes. And while you're very sweet, you're not boring or ordinary. You have an attraction to the exotic, and you could show up anywhere... doing almost anything! You are spirited, energetic, and a total kick to be around. You're also quite funny. Your sense of humor is on the goofy side, and it fits you well.

What Type of Fruit Are You?

Nuts

and not the good kind. ;)

For the last two days, I've been running around work going crazy over a last minute vender booth Dad purchased at a "Prom Fashion Show" that will be held at RCC. Or so I thought he had purchased it.

I worked on posters, on flyers and brochures. I printed and printed...buckets of them. I printed photo samples and gift certificates...

only to find out just now that the people in charge couldn't get any other venders, so they've decided not to have any. But they will gladly use the gift certificates as door prizes.

I've wasted time I could have been using on paying clients. Oh well...tis life.

I was able to get deferred until May on my Jury Duty... I'll be in Civil court instead of Criminal and that means I'll probably do one day. Sort of wouldn't mind being a juror on a murder case but they might not pick me.. I'm all for the death penalty...hell, prove 'em guilty and we'll lynch out back. (no this isn't a racial slur or anything like that...I believe in equal opportunity death penalties.)

I'm hoping tonight I can catch up on my email and stuff. I was going to last night but decided to post some recipes in my Cooking Sherrie Blog. And goof off on myspace... I think everyone (well, almost everyone) has a space there.

Opera

William is spending the night. He's got school tomorrow but that's not a problem. I'll get up and fix pancakes. Lisa said she would bring Ben over and they could eat together, then she will drop them off at school.

Will and I had fun tonight. It was Opera night. When we talked to each other, we sang the words and did dramatic hand dances. It was fun. Once the phone rang and I was in Opera mode...the poor cable salesman didn't know what to say when I sang out a 'Not interested' in a very bad soprano voice. William thought it was funny. My brother thought I was nuts, but that's nothing new.

We took a break while he watched Ninja Warrior on the G4 something channel. It's one of those obstacle course type shows where the guys or gals have to do very hard tasks to win prizes. They subtitled English..and I lost it a few times. Mainly because William was trying to speak Japanese and the subtitles read like "He is still wearing his baseball cap and waving his arms" and "the water swallowed him whole."

William brought home a cool book from his school library: "Authur Spiderwick's Field Guide to Fantastical ...something" (dang I forgot the whole title)... you've probably seen the movie trailer. I swear it's the coolest book. We spent almost an hour reading it together. I might have to see that movie. William's not sure ...he thinks it might be too scary. I'm all for it... even if it's not an Opera.

Petals

As I place petals
on my bed,
I think of how
soft your kisses are
and how like velvet
these petals feel.

Naked, I slip under
the satin sheets
and let the petals
kiss my skin
the velvety way you do.

~~~~
a revised poem from 2002

Heath Ledger

I'm totally reeling from his death. I've always been a big fan of his and his Brokeback Mountain performance still moves me to this day. In fact, I watched it last week several times, honing in on the ending especially. Even my mom keeps watching the movie because she thinks he does an incredible job with that role. And if you're a rabid reader of this blog, you know how I feel about that movie.

I read an interview he did regarding his upcoming movie "The Dark Knight" (a batman flick) where he plays the Joker. It was a dark role that troubled him so much that he had a hard time sleeping at night.

Whatever reasons --whether accidental or on purpose, his death is a sadness to me and I think the entertainment industry has truly lost one of its best.

Snow day

We had some snow flurries Saturday. I skipped work and drove on up to see Al. It was raining really hard and so dang cold... he was surprised to see me so early. We hung out for a while and talked.

That morning Ben had told me that it was going to snow. He kept looking out the windows, giving hourly reports. I told Al about it and he said, "We're not getting snow. Hate to disappoint the kid, but we're to far south of the storm. Kids don't understand how the weather works. "

Then I went to the IGA grocery store and behold...as I stood in the check-out line, big fat flakes of snow fell and I called Al... "Look out your window." He did and said, "Wow. Snow."
I said, "Guess who was right?" ...

"Ben."

"Yeppers, a kid."

I guess it snowed about an inch or so. It stopped that night and was a pretty sight the next morning. In fact, snow was still on the ground when I drove home yesterday.

It was too cold to work in the studio so I left early. Dad hadn't done a task I asked him to do (he had 3 days to do it) and I knew it would take most of the day, so I said, "See ya tomorrow."

So I went home and was told the TV in the den didn't work...that the picture was all scribbled. I thought it was probably the cable but my brother's worked, so I assumed it was a tube or something. The tv is a 32 inch screen and huge. But I moved it off the TV stand and put the small TV from my room in its place. Hooked up the cable and guess what...

it was the cable all along. So I called the tech number and they reset the signal. The TV was too hard to move the first time...from the stand to the floor, so I waited for Mom to stop by and we moved it back.

Schools out a few days. I kept the boys last night because Lisa's been at her job for 25 years and they gave her a party at work. The guys and I built a castle out of Legos. It's for rent if anyone needs a home. You'll have to put up with the dinosaurs that patrol the perimeter.

I'm so tired of

sucking on these!

Finally...

a breath.

It's been a hectic week, because I had to redo a lot of work from last week. I tell people all the time that working on photos requires deep committed mental concentration and if I've got a sinus headache that won't go away, I can't do a good job on my work. And that's how all of last week was, so I spent the last 4 days, doing do-overs.

And I've caught up, except for what's due in the next 2 weeks. So I'm coasting right now.

.....

It's been an interesting week outside of work. I had a bunch of people join my starry starry night yahoo journal. Who they are I don't know, but the group is set for moderator posting only, so if they are spammers, all they'll be doing is the air they breath. I've been tempted to delete the people I don't really know and start writing there again...mainly private stuff that the public can't find if they do a web search and find my blog by mistake. A few private issues have popped up and I'm not sure I want the world to read about them.

One is about Al and I. One's about my friend Sam and another is about my Goddess status...lol.. just kidding on that one.

******

Weekend Football

I watched all four games. It amazed me how those guys played in a snowstorm. I felt sorry for the guys in short sleeves. What were they thinking? But I confess I was pulling for the Green Bay, so maybe the shivering cold helped.

And hated that the Patriots won. But what can you do. I wore my ECU sweatshirt and painted a big red 9 on my right cheek, hoping that it would help the Jags, but it didn't.

My next hope was that the Colts would win. But no...Payton fizzled and they lost. The Chargers played a good game but dang...what's up with giving the Colts fans the finger, Rivers? I told Al that if I were a player, I would ignore crap coming out of the stands. Heck, that's what fans of the opposing team is suppose to do...HECKLE.

And so the Cowboys hand the Giants a gift. T.O. never missed a smile for the camera, even when he dropped the pass. Way to go T.O... and I noticed that when the camera was on him before the game, he limped a little but when a wide angle shot was shown and he was walking over to talk to someone, I saw something missing...yea, the limp.

I think that the Patriots have been handed the Superbowl Trophy without even having to play the game. Maybe just maybe, Green Bay will win. Can you pull it off, Bret?

William's Birthday Party

He had a blast! He didn't freak out over the attention. He didn't get upset when he got clothes instead of toys as a present. All the kids bowled and had a great time.


William bowling.

William's big smile says it all.

Doing his dance: The William Stomp

Happily opening presents!