And this was supposed to be a Restful Weekend??
Friday
Luckily for me, my boss recently had his ass chewed on by a co-worker, so he was in a particularly generous mood. 1:00 pm rolled around and he told me to go home. Goodie for me, get a jump start on a relaxing weekend!
Met JJ for lunch at Lonestar Taqueria, gossiped for an hour, then took off to Scensations for a bit of shopping and to visit the lovely Kristen, also known lovingly as "The Redhead", only stopping for my bi-monthly visit to Cummings Chocolates. Dropped a little money on Pomegranate scented jojoba lotion, 4 more oils and a "Goddess" oil evaporator (Beautiful!), and, of course, 2 1/2 hours of girl gossip. Jumped in the car and headed to Boarders Cafe' for coffee, BAD baklava, and more heart-to-heart gossip with the handsome Christopher, and some CD shopping. I finally bought Josh Groban, what a wonderful CD! Met up with some of Christopher's friends and went out to The Trapp and The Trapp Door to partake in the Coronation PR party for Pride Day. There was LOTS of beautiful womyn all around... except they were all Drag Queens! I think there may have been 1 or 2 biological womyn there, but it was hard to tell. Rolled into bed about 2 am.

Saturday
Woke up tired and groggy, did not sleep well. Too much energy in my head, I think. Headed to the cemetary with my parents and decorated the graves of my Grandmother and Uncle Jeff (he is also my Godfather). Came back home and got a call from the Grandpa asking me to go to lunch. Let me paint this visual - I haven't had one on one lunch time with my Grandpa since I was 10 years old, so this was important. He and I had some gossip time and he ended up giving me his yearbooks from 1941-1943 since he was just going to "throw them out". Oh, hell no! Not for a geneologist like me! Napped part of the afternoon, got dolled up and met Jenn, Dee and Gracie for dinner - my treat - at Red Lobster. This was the "Thank You" for Jenn and Gracie helping me with my taxes, and Dee was just an added bonus (with her soft, sweet smelling hair LOL). About 30 minutes into the dinner, and a bottle of Korbel champagne later, Jenn was gratefully drunken, as she no longer felt the pain of the sunburned arms and neck from her 6 hour stint staining her fence, and was quite entertaining the rest of the evening. We spontaneously went to Jordan Commons to see "About a Boy" and even had the 4 of us drawn as Super Heros by an artist selling his talent by the ice cream shop. Gracie was Cat-type-woman (with a tail like a Fox, figure that), Dee was Wonder Woman "With lots of Bosom!", Jenn was Supergirl, and I was... well... the jury is still out on that, but I fly and I shoot fire from my hand, so I must be cool! Apparently the guy used to draw for the Spiderman, so he was quite good. My mom recognized everyone's face right off. The movie was good, even though we underestimated it's draw and ended up sitting in the front row, which wasn't too terribly bad. Headed home, burned a CD for Kristen, took a shower, shaved and lotioned and crawled into bed about 2:30 am.

Sunday
And here is where we are. Already I have been up and over to my sisters house to feed her mammoth dog while she and her husband are out of town. My hair is still wet, I need to do something about that. I have an appointment in a couple of hours to have a massage with Kristen (hence the CD I burned as a gift). I am so happy, I haven't had a massage in at least a year. Then I can come home and tackle the AVON sitting in the living room.

So, now you are up to speed on the "restful" weekend thus far. My love and thoughts out to Dylan and his Great-Grandfather. I will update to conclude this weekend soon!

On the Other Hand, June, 2002

I am disturbed. Completely. It seemed everything was going okay in my life. I was enjoying things, listening to music, generally enthralled with the world around me.

Then they popped up.

Oh, it was a slow process, all right. So slow, in fact, I imagine they are showing up everywhere, so quietly that no one really notices they’re around. One here, another there, not really a large burden and a bit fascinating for some.

“C’mere and try this, Marge,” I overheard one husband say to his wife. Oh, yes, my friend, try the "newest” trend. Get drawn into its’ stare, the humming sound, the ultimate in power.

Mechanical, metal… unforgiving. It is the horror… of…

*** TO READ THE REST OF THIS MONTH'S COLUMN, GO TO THE PENCILSTUBS WEBSITE JUNE 1ST!! ***

Gawd, I am Such a Follower Sometimes

Courtesy of Lorene...

IF YOU COULD BUILD A HOUSE ANYWHERE, WHERE WOULD IT BE?
In the Mountains, next to a stream I could read a book by or fish when I get the urge.

WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE ARTICLE OF CLOTHING?
The Muumuu my father bought me in Hawaii

FAVORITE PHYSICAL FEATURE OF THE OPPOSITE (or same) SEX?
On men, broad, lean shoulders. On women, hips (not those narrow things women have nowadays, REAL woman's hips!)
On both, the smile in their eyes.

WHAT'S THE LAST CD THAT YOU BOUGHT?
Brandy, "Full Moon"... shaddup Dylan. *grin*

WHERE'S YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO BE?
Phoenix in Spring, Seattle in Summer, and with my family always

WHERE'S YOUR LEAST FAVORITE PLACE TO BE?
Dentists chair!

WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO BE MASSAGED?
My wittle feetsies

WHAT'S MOST IMPORTANT, STRONG IN MIND OR STRONG IN BODY?
A strong mind can overcome anything, knowledge is true power. You can do more good with a strong mind.

WHAT TIME DO YOU WAKE IN THE MORNING?
Whenever I can without being late for work

WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE KITCHEN APPLIANCE?
My mini-chopper

WHAT MAKES YOU REALLY ANGRY?
Child Abuse and mistreatment of disabled and elderly

IF YOU COULD PLAY ANY INSTRUMENT, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Piano, and I will be learning!!

FAVORITE COLOR?
Cobalt Blue, Royal Purple and Crimson Red

WHICH DO YOU PREFER, SPORTS CAR OR SUV?
Sports car, if I can ever get my ass into one!

DO YOU BELIEVE IN GHOSTS?
Not "traditional" ghosts, spirits and energy that manifest themselves on earth, absolutely.

FAVORITE CHILDREN'S BOOK?
Oh, geez. The Pokey Little Puppy was good, and so is The Littlest Angel.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SEASON?
I like a bit of them all, but Autumn is the best.

WHAT'S YOUR LEAST FAVORITE HOUSEHOLD CHORE?
All of them.

IF YOU COULD HAVE ONE SUPER POWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
The power to heal physically and emotionally.

IF YOU HAVE A TATTOO, WHAT IS IT?
Red rose on my upper right thigh. Tinkerbell is next, baby!

CAN YOU JUGGLE?
Dear me, yes, without even trying.
Oh.
Wait.
You said Juggle, not Jiggle....

THE ONE PERSON FROM YOUR PAST YOU WISH YOU COULD GO BACK AND TALK TO?
My Godfather Jeff

WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE DAY?
Thursday... or any day I can have ice cream

WHAT'S IN THE TRUNK OF YOUR CAR?
my hydraulic jack, star wrench, extra tire, First Aid kit, and some meaningless junk that got tossed in there circa 1996.

WHICH DO YOU PREFER, SUSHI OR HAMBURGER?
Hamburger. The thought of raw fish creeps me out a bit.

FROM THE PEOPLE WHO READ THIS POST, WHO'S MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
JJ probably

WHO'S LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
Mike

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ANIMAL?
ALL OF THEM!!!!!!!

IF YOU COULD SEDUCE A STAR, WHO WOULD IT BE?
Angelina Jolie, Jodie Foster or Gina Gershon **puuuuuuuuuurrrrrrrrrrrrrrr** Do I only get one?

WHAT'S THE QUOTE YOU MOST OVERUSE?
"Oh, My Hell!" "Shut Up!"

Okay, you're next! Copy and paste on your blog!

And to answer your bit of Philosophy... sometimes people don't have to move far away to discover who they are meant to become, and the hardshps tend to cement the reality that we are strong and we can make it in this world. It is not something taught, it is a lesson learned. And, as you told me once, we keep getting the lesson until it is learned.

I am Bad... I know...

It's been too long and I apologize. I think everyone's life has been so insane lately, I think you will understand. Or maybe not, and want to flog me. In the case of the latter, just call to make an appointment.

I am able to cross #3 off my list! Gracie, JJ and I walked in the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer 5K on May 11th. It was a wonderful, and feet blistering, experience and I am so grateful to have shared it with two of my best friends. Since the t-shirts weren't large enough for me and JJ, I made custom shirts for us, mine with tribute to my Mother, a breast cancer survivor and my Grandmother, a Survivor in Spirit. JJ's shirt made reference to the Men who are struck with breast cancer, which provoked some interesting remarks. (Leave it to JJ to make waves at a charity 5k! *grin*) Then the three of us went to brunch, ached and ate and shared some great conversation.

After a bit of shopping at the Gateway, Gracie and I went to the cemetary. We pinned our racing numbers to bouquets of flowers and placed them on our Grandmother's graces in tribute. We also visited the grave of my Godfather, Jeff, who passed away on May 11th. While emotional, it was a cleansing and peaceful day.

I've been struggling with my teeth for some time now, and had some work done on Thursday. I was in a considerable amount of pain, but my dentist is a kind and patient man, going slowly and assuring me well. He did mention that I was probably having pain because there are cervical nerves that he can't numb and they may be the reason I am in pain when my teeth are drilled. But, soon, my worries will be over and I will have a healthy mouth again...$1,000 later...

Had breakfast with a dear friend yesterday morning that really set the day off to a good start. Great coffee, fantastic conversation. I realized that it will be one year smoke-free on June 6th. *Happy Dance* I thought about having a party to celebrate, we'll see!

I've sure been enjoying the time I have spent with JJ and her family. Last night, Gracie, JJ, Brad, and my sister Denise got together for a bit of fondue, wine, and a "Kinky Craft" evening! We made beautiful suede whips, complete with "Xena Jewels" on the handle of my sister's and colourful beads on the end of Brad's. JJ made an interesting and beautiful paddle out of a large wooden spoon covered in suede. Gracie is quite the leather-smith, cutting our pieces of suede precisely and expertly. My mother liked my whip, but asked what I was going to tell my dad when he caught a glimpse of it. "Well, I think it's pretty self explanitory, Mom..."

This morning was spent with Gracie, helping get her brakes fixed and then in bed, feeling extremely sick to my stomach. No, not a hangover, as I was sober last night, but I wonder if it was because of the 91 degree temp today.

A BIG HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY TO DYLAN!!! I was hoping to get together, but it looks like you're going out of town. I love you, hope your day was special !!! Sure miss doing things with the group, but we all seem to run in different circles now. Maybe we can get together for a party soon.

Much love to all, thank you for your patience. Check out my monthly columns on www.Pencilstubs.com. Whut whoo, I am writing again!!

Gracie's on the Way
Well, Gracie's at the airport now, so she will *hopefully* make it home tonight. She is exhausted, I am not sure HOW she is going to work tomorrow, but she is scheduled, so she probably will. Send her email and love to welcome her home.

Not sure how I did it, but I pulled the muscles in my right shoulder and back, and find it hard to do simple things, like roll over in bed, move my head to the left and sit in a chair. Hmmm... Soma and wine sound good, alas, I must go to work...

AVON did eventually make it to my house... at 7:30pm. But that's okay, at least it was all there. It is really frustrating when you try to ask the driver questions about your shipment, and his only response is "Okay." "So, am I at the beginning or the end of the delivery route?" "Okay." Well, then, thank you and I'll be seeing you in an English-as-a-second-language class coming soon to community ed.

Sorry to get on a tyraid, but if you are working in the public, holding a public job, in the United States, ONE of your languages should be English. When my Great-Grandfather came here from Greece, there wasn't the ACLU fighting for his rights to speak Greek and make everyone else speek Greek to accomodate him, he learned English. Period. I can see the benefits for us Americans to learn Spanish, as our country boarders Mexico, and French, because our country boarders_Canada, but, please, for the sake of all that is right, if you come here, where the majority of us speak English, LEARN IT! Or bring someone with you to work who does. I am all for retaining your individuality, but if you are working "for" me in any capacity, I would sure like to have a conversation with you.

Your thoughts?