Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Happy Holidays

From my family to yours, have a wonderful Holiday and may the New Year bring you new challenges and insight.





Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Maserati Dreams

"C, come join us for dinner tonight." Bryan asked me as I accepted the phone call.

"I don't think I can make it." I answer.

"Come on." Bryan whines over the phone, "It's Mr. Matthijssen's birthday and he wants to meet you."

"I'll see. I may stop for a few. Where is it?"

"It's at the Manfield's"

"Isn't that a night club?"

"After 10 pm, but it's a hot restaurant during the day. It's been rated as the place to go to be seen."

"Okay, if you say so. I'll see you around 7 or so."

"Okay. See you then"

Three hours later I park outside of the restaurant. I check my hair in the mirror in my visor.  It's an organized, curly mess. Just the way I like it. I get out the car and head into the restaurant. I see the Indian guy from Matthijssen sitting at a long table in middle of the restaurant. I walk over and sit down in front of him.

"Hey C!! How are you? Nice that you came. We're excited that you were able to make it." The Indian guy announces so the rest of the party can hear him.

"Thank you. Nice to see you again." I respond. I look around. "Where's Bryan?"

"Bryan? He stepped out to pick something up. He should be back any minute now."
 
A waitress comes over to me to take my drink order. I asked what was for dinner and was told that it was taken care of.

"Did you see our new systems?" Indian guy asks.

"No I haven't as yet. How are your clients responding to them?" I ask in return.

"So far, so good. Some people say it's overkill, but you never know what people want all the time."

Just as I was about to respond, Bryan kisses me on the cheek and sits down next to me.

"Hey, sorry I'm late. How long have you been here?" Bryan asks.

"Not too long. I ordered a drink."

"Good, good. Your dinner will be here soon. Mr. Matthijssen is waiting to meet you."

"Okay. He doesn't have wait any longer. I'm ready to be met." I laugh. Bryan just smiles at my corny joke.

I get up and follow Bryan to a private room. There were 2 men in the room; a middle aged looking man and a guy who I assumed was either a butler or waiter. Bryan introduced me and we sat down at his table.

"So you are the ever popular Mrs. Hartley." Matthijssen says.

"Don't know about being popular." I respond.

"I've heard so much about you. Bryan and his team talks about you non-stop."

"Really?"

"Not all the time." Bryan interjects a bit embarrassed.

"You have accomplished a lot young lady. Are you looking to add partners to your business?" Matthijssen asks.

"Not at this moment, but I'm open to working with people." I answer.

"You misunderstand me. I meant working together. I know your company is self-sufficient so you don't need a partner to come invest." Matthijssen corrects.

"Ok" I say, feeling a bit awkward at his misunderstanding. I knew what he meant the 1st time. I was just correcting him in my response.

 "I have a business proposition for you that I'd like to discuss." Matthijssen turns to Bryan and asks him to leave us for a few. Bryan as well as the butler get up and leave.

"You know my business. You know my people." Matthijssen begins.

"Yes I do. I'm a big supporter of your company."  I respond.

"I am very sick. I have cancer and I'm afraid that I may only have 7 months to live. I don't have an heir and Ive been looking for someone who has an appreciation of my business to take over."

"Who do you have in mind?"

"Well I was hoping it would be you?"

"Me? I do not know how to run a technology business."

"Eh, same for all other types of business. You have the knowledge, the know-how and wherewithal to run this business. You've made a lot of success managing an array of businesses. I know you'll make the best judgment here."

"Have you spoken to anyone about this?"

"My attorneys mostly. And now you. So what do you say?"

"Can you give me some time to think this over?"

"Sure, but we will need to start process soon."

"Okay. Thanks."

"No, thank you."

The butler person returned to inform Mr. Matthijssen that his car was ready. We said our goodbyes. I head back to the table I was sitting at. My dinner was waiting for me.

"How did it go?" Bryan asks me while I take a bite of my dinner.

"It was good. He seems to be a very nice man."

"Yeah, he is."

He started a conversation with the Indian guy as I finished my meal. As I'm eating, I noticed a swarm of 20-something year old women started to come in to the restaurant. It not only piqued my curiosity but Bryan's too.

"I heard on the rumorville that Legend, Kendrick Lamar and ASAP Ricky are supposed to perform here tonight." Bryan tells me.

"Who are they?" I ask.

"They are the hottest rappers out there today." He responds astonished that I didn't know.

"I don't listen to that shit. So I wouldn't know." I went back to eating my dinner.

As I finish up, I hear screams from the 20 years olds. I turn towards the door to see why. In walk the 3 rappers. They see me looking at them. I rolled my eyes and turned back to my plate.

"Yo C, I think they are coming towards you." Indian guys say, excitedly.

"I hope not."

Just as I finished my short sentence, one of them tapped me on the shoulder. I begrudgingly turned around.

"Yes!" I ask a bit annoyed.

"I saw you looking at us when we came in. We always greet at least one of our fans every night." Legend says.

"That's nice of you, but I'm not a fan. Thanks." I respond.

"What?!? Don't you know who we are?" ASAP Ricky asks in defensively.
"My colleague here just informed me who you were just moments ago. And personally I don't give a damn."

All 3 guys looked at me dumbfounded. Bryan and his crew were looking at them smirking.

"I can't believe this shit. This chic doesnt seem to know us. Maybe we should school her." Lamar says to his homies.

"Please don't. I'm not interested." I turn to Bryan, "I'll catch you later. Jason probably worried about me." I get up and kiss him on the cheek before leaving the table.

"Oh no she didn't just dismiss us!" Rocky says getting bent out of shape.

I made my way out of the restaurant with the 3 rappers trailing after me.

"Why are you guys waddling after me?" I asked very irritated.

"Waddling? Oh no she didn't." Legend exclaims.

"Yes waddling. If your pants are not up where they are supposed to be, you are waddling. By the way, why are you out here following me instead of catering to your fans?" I respond.

"We are making sure you get to your hoopty okay." Ricky answers.

"Ok, I've made it to my 'hoopty' just fine. Thanks." I sarcastically as I open the door to my charcoal grey limited edition 2014 model Maserati.

"Who bought you that car? Some dying old man or ball player?" Legend asks.

"Google me. So you'll be in the know." I say as I closed my door.


From inside, I gave them a sweet smile and drove off with all 3 of them looking at me with their mouths open. 

****Disclaimer: All dreams that I write here are written directly as it happened in my dream. Grammar & spelling will not be accurate & correct. I am fine with it as it is. If you have an issue, please erase my dream from your memory. Thanks. 

Saturday, December 7, 2013

Pokemon X Update

I've been playing the shit out of this game. It is so much fun.

I've beat all 8 gyms. I've collected 171 Pokemon. I even gotten the legendary Pokemon.

I got Eevee to evolve to Espeon and Umbreon. I have another Eevee and hope to evolve it to one his other forms.

I fell in love with Wonder Trade. I'm actually anxious to find a Gengar and Abo...(creature in the Frost Cavern). I have the mega stones for them.

I am currently going thru the game again leveling Pokemon that I like and collecting ones I missed.

This by far is the farthest I've gotten in a Pokemon game. I am so waiting for the PokeBank. They need to hurry and bring it to the US. I want to transfer my past Pokemon into X.

What I am lacking while playing is a Pokedex. The one I had on my iPad boinked. They never upgraded for iOS 7. The original one is way too expensive. So if anyone knows a good, cheap Pokedex, please leave a comment.

[Nintendo 3DS]

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Pokemon X Updates

Pokemon
Captured: 18
Gifted: 2
Total:  88

Gyms
Current:  3
Total: 6


Evolutions
Current
Torchic -> Combusken
Eevee -> Umbreon

I haven't played for a few days so my capturing is low. I did succeed in beating 3 gyms though! 2 more left to go!!!! Can't wait to get legendary!!
I traded with friends who have the game. Learned about stats. Tomorrow at work, we are having a Pokemon Party!!! Trading ahoy!!!!
I'm always learning.

[Nintendo 3DS]

Monday, November 11, 2013

Pokemon X Updates

Pokemon
Recent Captures: 20
Gifted: 2
Total Captured: 68

Gyms
Current Beaten: 2
Total Beaten: 3

Evolutions
Current:
Braixen -> Delphox
Charmelion -> Charizard
Past:
Weedle -> Kakuna -> Beedrill
Fennekin -> Braixen
Charmander -> Charmeleon
Fletchling -> Fletchinder

Current Party



[Nintendo 3DS]

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Tiger vs Fly

Fly: Ooh I'm gonna buzz by this human's ear while she's on the can.

Me: what the hell? There's a fly in here. *sigh*

Fly: ha ha she stuck on the toilet. She can't get me. But still my hand's dirty let me perch so I can clean it.

Me: where did that fly go? (Looking around after finishing using the toilet) I see you but you are difficult to get to. I'm gonna splash you with water.

Fly: What the hell? Water? Oh shit she saw me. Let me move.

Me: where's a flip flop when you need.

Leaves bathroom to retrieve flip flop.

Me: now where did you go fly? It's me or you. One of us are going down.

Fly: maybe if I stay still she won't see me. But I have to readjust myself.

Me: ah ha!! Found you.

Fly: oh shit oh shit. I better go thru the door.

Fly flies right into the mirror.

Fly: (stunned a bit) oh shit that was a mirror. That fucking hurt. Ok, I see the path clearly now. (Prepping himself) so I'm gonna look tough and make a mad dash towards the human. She is in the path to the door.

Fly makes his attempt.

Me: boy are you bold. Take that!

I swat fly with flip flop. He sails and lands on top of toilet.

Fly: ow ow ow that fuckin' hurts. She's really trying to kill me. Oh my God Oh my God oh my God I need to get outta here. But I can't seem to fly correctly.

I swat the fly again.

Fly: what the fuck just happened (coming too from being knocked out) oh shit, it's coming again. Let me play dead.

Me: it's finally dead. Let me flush it.

I use the flip flop to scoop the fly into the toilet.

Fly: ok it doesn't look as if she going to swat me but that shoe is definitely coming closer. Maybe I'll grab onto it.

Me: oh you're alive. Let me fix that.

I swat then dump into the toilet.

Fly: oh shit!! I'm gonna die. I'm gonna die. Ooh shit I'm in water. I gotta get out here!!!!

Me: ta ta motherfucker!!!

I close the lid to the toilet and flushed.

Fly: Fuck Me!!!!

I open toilet when the flush is done. No fly.

Me: Ah.. Heavenly. Told you it's one or the other. I knew it wasn't going to be me.




Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Pokemon X - Updates



"I am going to change the format of these posts. I will just update with my stats. I will do separate posts if something interesting happens."

New Stats 

Pokemon:
Captured Current: 15
Total Captured: 47

Gyms:
Beaten Current: 0
Total Beaten: 1

Evolutions:
       Weedle -> Kakuna -> Beedrill
       Fennekin ->Braixen
       Charmander -> Charmeleon
       Fletchling -> Fletchinder




[Nintendo 3DS]

Pokemon X -Days 6 & 7

Day 6:

I go thru the tunnel hoping to hit the next town. Instead I hit Route 8. I start going around collecting Pokemon and trying to get myself past the route. This by far the 1st day of high frustration.

1st frustration, these level 13 to 14 Pokemon are wasting my money. They are being difficult to capture. It takes 2 tried to capture. Then I happen on another horde battle with level 8 Zangoose. I kill all except 1. I weakened the last where it was barely alive. It made me waste 8 POKEBALLS!!!!! And I still didn't capture it!! What the fuck!!! I was cussing that damn Pokemon for a couple of minutes before I realized my next frustration. I eventually happened on a level 14 Zangoose and got him on the 1st try, what the hell?

2nd frustration, is where the fuck am I going? I'm collecting Pokemon and I started noticing that I am running around in circles. How in the hell do I get down off of the excavation site that is Route 8? I stop collecting and make concerted efforts trying to find my way. Random battles are now pissing me off because I have no interest in them. I just want to find my way. At this point, I have 3 fainted Pokemon and very few pokeballs. I want to get to a Pokecenter pronto. I can't figure how the fuck to get past this area!!! With my frustration I saved game where I'm at and got off. Bah!!!

Day 7:

Earlier at work I was discussing my issue with a coworker, who's playing Y. He said there's a path that you won't notice if I keep heading south. He would show me, but I didn't bring my 3DS to work.

I get home late, and I pick up my DS while my hubbypants was playing FFXIV. I resume trying to find the path. It took me a while to find it. I walked the southern most I could. By accident, I hit my circle pad and my character jumped onto a rock thing. I didn't know I could go on those. So I finally found way down. It wasn't a path but a series of jumps, lol. At the bottom is a PokeCenter. Sweet mother of Jesus!! I couldn't be happier. I go heal my Pokemon and buy supplies (PokeBalls and potions).

My hubbypants decided we should go upstairs and get ready for bed. So I closed the lid because I was just going to pick up playing when I get in bed. After awhile, I'm ready to play again, I pick up the DS wrong. Guess what happened? Just guess. The cartridge came out. So I'm going to have to do this all over again. I'm so glad I didn't do a lot. It'll be easy, but at that point I just went to bed.

My stats really didn't change. I did capture some more Pokemon on Day 6 but I wasn't able to check my computer (in PokeCenter) to see how much I caught. I don't even know my current levels.

Gyms Beaten: 1
Pokemon Captured: ???
Pokemon Gifted: 2
In Party:
Pansage ??
Pikachu ??
Beedrill ??
Panpour ??
Charmeleon ??
Braixen ??

[Nintendo 3DS]

Monday, November 4, 2013

Pokemon X - Day 5


Today was about organizing. I was told that I would get the same Pokemon as in Black 2. That way I wouldn't have to wait for PokeBank. So I sat down & made a list of Pokemon I got in X & Black 2. I don't have any overlaps. I don't have any of the same Pokemon. So I was misinformed.

On the game, I reorganized my boxes where I stored my Pokemon. I am now keeping a box just for newly caught Pokemon. That way it will be easier to see how much I catch in a day. Easier for me to track. Yes I know I'm anal about this. Pokemon does feed into my collector spirit.

I came across this very interesting article on ReadWrite.com about Pokemon. It's dead on. Read it here.

So I finally made it into Caphier Town. I got past the Snorlax. I wish I was able to capture it. I tried all of my PokeBalls. Wasted them. The Pokemon are getting a bit harder to capture too. Lots of wasted Balls. That's the only part of this game that annoys me greatly. Wasting Balls is wasting hard earned money. I also got into another horde battle with Charmeleon. I ended up capturing one of the Scraggy's. I am right outside a cave I must enter to get to next town. Woo hoo.

I am still enjoying the hell out of this game though.

My Stats:
- Pokemon Captured: 29
- Gyms Beaten: 1
- Pokemon Gifted: 2
- Party:
    Pansage 19
    Pikachu 22
    Beedrill 22
    Panpour 22
    Charmeleon 26
    Braixen 27

Until next time.....

[Nintendo 3DS]

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Pokemon X - Day 4

Played until my 3DS told me to stop. I think I must have a current addiction. I wasn't planning to play this game until PokeBank was released in North America, but the call of the wild Pokemon was strong.

They made the game a little bit easier. The experience share is awesome. In Black 2, it was an time you had to have a Pokemon hold, now it's an item you as the player hold and everyone in your 6 Pokemon party gets experience. Leveling is fast!!!

I am discovering more lands. I have encountered a horde battle. I don't have any multi-mob moves on any of my Pokemon, so it was a bit hard, but Braixen handled it like a champ. I also had two evolutions:
- Charmander evolved to Charmeleon (1st evolution)
- Fletchling evolved to Fletchinder (1st evolution)
I also made my first World Trade. I traded a Bug type that starts with P (I don't remember it's name. It was level 2.) I got another Pansage. So I released it.  I figure the wonder trades will always be blind so I will be weary of them. I just may collect 2 of each Pokemon and save the the dups for World Trades or regular trades.

My Stats:
- Pokemon Captured: 24
- Gyms Beaten:1
- Pokemon Gifted: 2
- Party:
    Charmeleon 22
    Pikachu 19
    Panpour 19
    Pansage 16
    Beedrill 18
    Braixen 25


Until the next post........

[Nintendo 3DS]

Saturday, November 2, 2013

Final Fantasy: All The Bravest

So my husband told me there is a free Square Enix game available in the App Store on iOS. I ran to grab game because that's nearly unheard of for Square Enix. They have one the worst price logic on iOS. People look forward to some of their old games, but not for $20 (includes tax, $16.99/$17.99 without tax). Anyway, I digress. This post is not to complain about prices but to evaluate (review) All the Bravest.


When you start up the game, after title screen you get a bit of a story before you get to actually get to the option page.


This game has Game Center access with achievements if that's important to. When you hit start, you get 12 characters to start with.


The object of the game is to kill mobs (monsters, beasts and bosses) with your crew of characters. The caviat though is that your characters can only take one hit. You loses. Lot of characters like that.  You have to wait for characters to respawn. There is one in app purchase and one timed advantage to help you out.
Timed advantage - before you start a fight there is a red banner above mob that says Fever. Once you hit that, the room goes red and you have unlimited hits and you do not get attacked. This lasts a short while and it's very handy against bosses.

In-app purchase - at beginning of game you are given 10 hour glasses. These bring back your characters back immediately without waiting. After the 10, you have to purchase more hour glasses. It costs $0.99 for 3 hour glasses.

You fight thru multiple levels and multiple worlds. ****Spoiler: the last world is like a space/inter dimensional world. To go further in game, you have to buy more chapters.

I actually finished this game.

My opinion:
This is a mindless game. It appeals to Final Fantasy fans. The jobs of the characters are jobs you see thru-out the series of games. You can also buy premium characters too; for those you love Sephiroth (however you spell his name) you can buy him. To me, the game is not worth it. All you do is run your fingers up, down and across to get your characters to attack. There's really no plot. Just a mindless finger swiping game. It really isn't worth buying the extra chapters unless you really really love mindless games.

Final Fantasy: All The Bravest - found in iTunes App Store for free.

[iOS]

Pokemon X - Day 3

It seems the only time to play Pokemon is in the evenings.

This evening I decided to hunt a little and explore. I can't pass Route 22 until I beat all gyms, so I head towards Lumiose.

I beat professor Sycamore and obtained Charmander. I got to choose between Charmander, Squirtle and Bulbasaur. I wish I could keep all three. It was a tough pick.

My Kakuna evolved to Beedrill. This is the 2nd evolution. Yay!!!

I am supposed to go to another city but first I have to meet a friend at a cafe in Lumiose. I got off game frustrated that I couldn't find the damn cafe.

My Stats:
- Pokemon Captured: 17
- Gyms Beaten: 0
- Party
Braixen 19
Pikachu 14
Fletchling 13
Panpour 12
Beedrill 12
Charmander 10

My 3DS power didn't drain on me this time.

Until my next post....

[Nintendo 3DS]

Friday, November 1, 2013

R.I.P. Ron Caldwell

This week we lost a memorable figure in my husband's family. He was Jason's father's friend since Kindergarden. He pretty much was family.

He had a huge personality that was bigger than life. He was warm and kind. I got to meet him before Jason and I got married. Due to health reasons, he was not able to attend. But if he was, I'm sure he would've been the life of the party. When we met, he accepted me as a person and not just Jason's fiancé.

As I am writing this, tears are running down my face. This is for a man who is worth it. He was a kind soul who is now free from earthly pain and will now look over us as the angel he is.

I wish I can write more on his life, but I can't. I can write that, like all of us in this world, he had ups and downs in life, but he managed to keep up a warm wonderful personality.

The world lost a wonderful human being.

Rest In Peace Ron Caldwell Oct 30, 2013. May we meet up again in the future.

Pokemon X - Day 2

Once again, glued to my couch I turn on game. I start learning all the menu functions.

I used PlayAmi. I played games with my Pokemon and I tickled and pet Braixen.

In the actual part of the game, I ran back to the city to heal up my Pokemon. I also went back to previous forest so I can find another Fletchling. I also re-arranged my team. I continued on my quest.

My stats:
- Pokemon Captured: 14
- Gyms Beaten: 0
- Party:
Braixen Lv 17
Pikachu Lv 11
Panpour Lv 10
Kakuna Lv 9
Pansage Lv 9
Fletchling Lv 8


One thing learned, this game drains my 3DS battery. I keep getting the notification. That's only thing that curbs my playing.

Until tomorrow....

[Nintendo 3DS]






Thursday, October 31, 2013

Pokemon X - Day 1

Buy Pokemon X

Get home, open it up, insert cartridge into 3DS.

Start up game, then back out to install the 1.1 update.

Get back into game.

Plastered on the couch for at least an hour.

End Results:

- Fennekin evolved to Braixen
- Weedle evolved to Kakuna
- Pokemon Captured: 12
- Gyms Beaten: 1
- In my party:
Braixen
Pikachu
Panpour
Pansage
Kakuna
Bunnelby

Until Tomorrow...

[Nintendo 3DS]


Monday, October 21, 2013

Church... Do you accept me?

I had a very interesting Sunday. I had a house full of guests. However, as exciting the day was, it brought some aggravation and disappointment. I also find it disappointing when conversations turn to the following:

My sister was discussing her church happenings. Her church is looking for a new paster so they've been inviting ministers to guest preach each Sunday,followed by an interview.That's a bit backwards to me, but I digress. Well she was discussing today's guest minister. Apparently he "seems" gay to her and fellow church mate. This was the start of a whole big discussion, which got me heated. My mother and sister are religious, but they are not of the same denomination. My sister is Baptist and is more vocal about her religion. My mother in nondenominational and she's not vocal but you can tell from her behavior and demeanor that she is. Both my mom and my sister do not believe in homosexuality in the church. They both are quick to say that there's nothing in the bible that approves homosexuality. So I'm going to try to write out this conversation as best as my memory can go.

Sister: so this new minister came today to guest preach and he was sweet

Mom: Sweet?

Sister: yeah, you know (fingers snapping in the formation if a "z") "hey"

Mom: oh you think he's gay

Sister: yeah, so we're not going to grant him an interview

Me: why not?

Sister: we do not believe in homosexuals in the church

Me: you have to interview him period

Sister: why?

Me: that's discrimination if you don't. You must treat him the same way you would treat any other candidates

Sister: (gives me a quizzical look)

Me: yeah? A gay person can't believe in God?

Mom: which God do they believe in?

Nephew (who also attends the church): it's not that. He's just not a leader he needs more experience. He's needs to learn more about being a leader. He's just not ready.

Mom: see that is the proper answer (pointing to my sister) yours was not the correct answer

Me: personally, I don't care. As long as he's doing his job to the fullest, whatever he does in the privacy of his bedroom is no concern to me

Sister: he's not ready to lead and we can't have a gay minister. We don't believe in homosexuality

Me: you don't believe in having them in leadership role or part of the congregation?

Sister & Mom: in a leadership role

Me: you made it sound like all parts of the church

Niece (who also goes to the church): the church is very closed minded, when the youth at the church wants to do something, the elders of the church automatically shuts us down without even hearing us out

Sister: (clarifying) this church is an old church. It's over 50 years old. It was created by southerners

Me: do you have any white people in your congregation?

Sister: no

Niece: we've had a few but they are not regulars.

Me: southerners and old people tend to not be kind to interracial relationships, do you think they would accept Jason and myself?

Sister: I don't know

So this whole conversation made me look at my sister and the church a whole lot differently. My sister says she has no issues with gay people. She works with a lot of them and are really close friends to a lot. My mom also says she has no issues with gay people. I really don't know. I wonder how they both would've reacted if my niece or nephew came out as gay. Would they feel the same?

I remember a few years back, my sister came by and she told me that our cousin came out as a Lesbian. I said ok, a bit disinterested. She was a bit incredulous. She couldn't believe it. She was in shock. I didn't really care. My cousin is my cousin regardless of her sexual preference. I will treat her the same regardless. Nothing of importance has changed.

I believe in treating people as people and not by their sexual preference. Sexuality should not be basis in anything. Hell, it shouldn't even be an issue in the news. All people should be able to do anything they want; marriage, children, whatever. People should fall in love with whomever their heart quickens for. This discrimination will not allow for us to grow as people. It just makes us bitter, uncaring people.

Let us try to be tolerant of everyone. Let's make this world a better place for all to live.




Friday, September 20, 2013

End of 2 Decades. What the Hell Happened? -UPDATED "Due to Drama"



I met Angie in college. Some guy decided to pit us against each other. He was interested in her. I was interested in another guy and I just happened to think her guy was cool. That was about it. We ended up sitting next to each other on a trip and we became great friends. We continued our friendship thru out 20 years. We don't speak often but our friendship never faltered. We all have grown up and have lives that has prevented us from being in constant contact. That's just life. No one has the same leisure time like in college years.

So I'm in New Mexico to see my in-laws and her. I can't come and not see her. So she texts me to call her husband when we get to the New Mexico State Fair.  I did, he came by for a while when we were eating lunch. I gave the man a hug, introduced him to my husband and his family. I asked how was "his daughter" and Angie. He showed us a video of Angie Zip - lining. He started to drill my in-laws about living in Socorro and saying how can they still live there. He left the 1st chance he could get. He only goes back because of family. I thought that was so rude to make someone feel bad about where they live. I like Socorro and don't see anything wrong with the town. He discussed his agency, discussed newspaper articles on the fair and he spoke about who he knows. It felt more like he was selling himself. He didn't need to. It's not like we met for the 1st time. I had a wonderful time sitting and talking with him though. He had to go back to work and we went about our business.

Yesterday afternoon I texted Angie about what time we were goi g to come by. This morning, I woke up to this:



































What the Fuck? This came out of left field. My in-laws, my husband nor I was rude to this guy. I have never been accused of something that I have never done like this. If we were so rude, why did he sit with us for so long? This smells fishy. However, I've come to an age that I don't need any drama. I have enough drama at work to last me a life time. If Angie didn't want to see me that was fine. That's all she had to say. My feelings wouldn't have been hurt. Since her husband decided to lie to her and she's going to stand by him, then let her. After all our years of friendship, why would I be rude to her husband. I have respect for her not to. Whatever my feelings were, I'd keep it to myself. So somewhere somehow she lost sight of our friendship. If she wants me to beg for our friendship, she picked the wrong person. I'm just as stubborn as she is. And it's now easy for me to just walk away. And this is what I have done. My last tweet to her was me walking away.

Update due to drama
1. I inadvertently left Angie's # on a picture, I removed it.
2. I removed her daughter's name.
3. I took out our history because I just felt like it now. History now is of no concern to me. I live for the future without her.

Before boarding my plane back home I get a series of texts from Angie about my post. She contacted a lawyer because "I had no right to post anything about her".  Frankly I told her to bring it on since I have a right to speak my truth. There isn't any incriminating facts in my post (except for the inadvertent picture which I have since corrected). It doesn't contain her full legal name, her address nor the full legal name of her child or husband to tie back to her. I have a right to say what I want when I want. At this point, I am leaving my truth of this situation and that's all.

At the end of Angie's texts, she told me to go to hell.

Well Angie I'll see you there.



Wednesday, September 4, 2013

1 Year Natural

I have gone natural now nearly a year. One of my oldest friend has been natural for couple of years now. However, people forget that I went natural for years when I lived in California. I just never wore it out. Kept it in braids mostly. I was very insecure about how my natural hair looked then.

You grow up and all around you people tell you that your natural hair is ugly, you begin to believe the hype. I would've described my hair as straight off the boat from Africa in my past. My parents both have hair that are mixed with some Spanish hair so it behaves very differently than mine. My brother also has my type of hair. Him, being a boy, cuts it in a short Caesar. I don't like my hair short. Not because of some society rules, but because I have experienced it. Short hair requires more work unless you get a Caesar. I don't like messing with my hair.

So for years I was ashamed of my hair. I constantly had it hidden. I didn't know how to style hair. When I moved back to NY, I fund a perm that was supposedly plant based; phytospecific. My hair took to it really well. It kept my hair straight longer and my edges didn't revert as fast. I tried to style the hair, but I ended up just attempting to put a pony tail in it using pieces. My hair wasn't very long. It didn't grow any longer either. So what I did was just perm my hair then braid it. It was much easier. But it was not healthy. My hair broke more often than not.

I made a deal with myself. I would go natural after I get married. I wanted everything to be perfect for my wedding. I didn't want any curly edges. For my wedding I got this beautiful, soft human hair braids. They lasted thru my wedding great, but it didn't last thru my honeymoon. I came home with 1/4 of the braids intact. The minute I got my hair wet it was a wrap. Hair was falling out as I walked around the resort. It was so embarrassing. When I got home I was a bit miffed. I paid a good penny for the hair and the service and it only lasted 2 1/2 weeks!!!! Issue the decision then that I am spending way too much in getting my hair done. For what?

I was a bit nervous how my husband would react to my natural hair. He said he didn't mind me going natural. He said I am beautiful regardless how I have my hair. So I started to braid my hair more so I could grow out the perm.

When I reached 2 inches of natural hair, I truely saw my hair pattern. It wasn't as bad as I remembered it in the past. It is still a thick as can be and tightly coiled. So I decided to try to wear my hair out naturally. I then started having serious tangling issues with the 2 types of hair on my head. The permed edges tangled so badly that I would lose chunks of hair. The natural hair didn't tangle. I was getting frustrated and turned to friends, mom and the web for help; especially curlynikki.com.

One co-worker suggested a beautician she goes to. I went there and had the courage to just chop off the perm. To me it was a big step because I planned to cut at a length where I can put my hair in a ponytail. I cut it when my hair was 2 inches or so unstretched. Since the chop, my hair does not tangle a lot. It barely does. I would have had to mingle a lot in my hair to get it tangled. I do shed like normal which bothers me. Because the shedding is in tight coils instead of strands. So it's annoying seeing them around or stuck to me husband. At first I thought it was breakage but I had my hair looked at and it's in good health. I keep my hair moisturized.

What I like is that I have a lot of people around me who supports my natural hair journey. People at work are encouraging and will talk about my coils with respect. They don't tease me; calling my hair nappy or the like. Half of the people don't really give a shit. Only person that I will have to conquer is my father. My dad grew up in the glamorous era. He believes in long straight hair. He hasn't seen me natural since I was a kid. He hates braids and dreads too. However, I got him to tolerate braids with the threat of going dread. However, I'm sure he'll adapt.

What I can say about my journey so far is that it is one and I am happy that I am making it. My wallet is equally happy.



Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Why I stopped following BlogHer on Twitter

I have mixed feelings when it comes to BlogHer. Sometimes I find the site and/or group of women on the site to be extremely rude and snobbish. Sometimes I find them to be very insightful. Sometimes I find them to be all about money. So my outlook on BlogHer was to follow them in Twitter.

I don't have time to sit at my computer to read blog pages and community pages. I rely on Reeder (for blogs), Apps for community pages) and Twitter for everything else. BlogHer tweets require you to click thru to their page to read their posts. I get that, I do it to. Most of my reading is on Reeder like I said, and BlogHer's feed are not full. They only give you a paragraph then you have to click thru to the site. I read solely on the train (no data underground) so I can't read thru. But I do pay attention to the titles on Twitter.

What I notice about their titles are they are based on hot topics that catches attention. Sometimes it's good and sometimes it's darn rude. So this brings me to why I'm writing this post. I am sitting here on the train going they Twitter and I see the following tweets from BlogHer:

@BlogHer: Why is #SmartBlackWomenOfTwitter trending? This - > Smartest Women You Should be Following on Twitter http://t.co/XVUH97IwQs -Momo

And

@BlogHer: (And, they're almost ALL WHITE.) The Smartest Women You Should be Following on Twitter http://t.co/XVUH97IwQs -Momo

I took offense of these tweets. Yes I didn't read the article. It may be an uplifting article but the way the tweets are written I find to be a bit "racist". I know they are trying to gather attention so they can get click thru's. I just think this type of attention seeking is just wrong. Why alienate races in the tweet? The tweet pits Black women against White women. Why do that? It just makes online community more defragmented. Isn't BlogHer supposed to bring women together so we can uplift each other? These tweets don't sound so. Do I want to be a part of this community? No. Give me a community where we can all come together for the common good.

I will end this post with the following: No race is smarter than the next. It's all about who wants to apply themselves to learning and bettering themselves.

So long BlogHer, it was an experience.



Friday, August 9, 2013

Spirit of New York

On July 25th, my hubby and I were invited on the Spirit of New York. It a dinner cruise on a yacht that leaves out of Chelsea Piers. A current vendor we use at work, Matthijssen (MBS for short) was thanking their customers. It was a nice gesture.
Only people I knew in the cruise were the people I've met during business meetings with them. One thing I noticed is that my hubby and I are bit socially awkward. We are good with who we know than who we don't. It's just funny how alike we are. I've definitely got my match.
The cruise itself was very nice. The weather wasn't great. It was a very drizzly day. The closer you got to water the chillier it got. We were on water so it was cold; well to me at least. We sat inside to eat for a while. Hubby and I were at a table by ourselves. The food was good. They had a variety that would suit all.
MBS had a raffle for 2 iPads and a Kindle. Of course, with my luck, we didn't win a thing. I got $20 bucks tho. I had a good time. I enjoy being with my husband at events or on vacation. I just feel comfy and at peace. That's a great feeling because I don't feel like that often. It's great to have a person who I can let my hair down with.
The cruise ended at 10:30, so getting home was a bit of a chore. By time we got home we were exhausted. I had to work the next day so I had to rush to bed. All in all this was a great evening.
Thank you Matthijssen.


Wednesday, July 31, 2013

FML Musings July 31st, 2013

Today, a group of friends and I went out to a fancy club together. The doorman checked us out and let everyone in. Everyone except me, that is. The doorman's reason: "Her face looks like a baboon's arse." My "friends" all went in anyway, leaving me to walk all the way home. FML

If your friends leave because you can't get in the club, then they really aren't your friends.

Today while at my job as a store clerk, I walked by a family. I smiled at their little boy, who responded by flipping me off. As I was walking away, I looked back in time to catch his dad give him a high-five. FML

This is why our kids are so rude and violent today. Parents are teaching them the wrong things.

Today, I finally got my laptop back after my friend broke it a few weeks ago. As I walked back into our place with my laptop in my bag, the same friend burst out and tackled me. My bag fell and slammed into the floor. Guess who has to pay for another repair. FML

Sorry to say, your friend is a douche.

Today, after mowing my neighbor's lawn for 3 years for free without being asked to, he finally came out while I was in the middle of it. Expecting a "Thank you" or some cash, he instead said, "You missed a spot" and walked back inside. FML

This would be the last time he gets a free service from me. He definitely was taking your nice gesture for granted.

Today, my dentist dropped dead of a heart attack. This depressing event was made worse by the fact that he collapsed while his hands were in my mouth. FML

Traumatizing. I'd be so shell shocked. One would think I had PTSD.

Today, the guy whose son I babysat for six hours straight confessed to being broke, then actually asked if he could pay me with sex instead. FML

He's a pervert. He was never really trying to pay you. He wanted sex. You should've called him out or request the money from his wife.

Today, my phone went off, reminding me to take my birth control. Instead of vibrating as per usual, it rang. The ringtone had been changed to my boyfriend singing "It's birth control time, birth control time, take your pill, or I'll say it ain't mine." I was sitting in a quiet waiting room. FML

How embarrassing. I would've died.



Thursday, July 25, 2013

Think Like a Man

So I watched Think Like a Man for the second time. It was on TV and I was trying to multi-task. I saw it in theaters originally. I liked the movie a lot. It was a good adaption from a self help book.

The characters were well put together based on the stereotype role in the book. You have the dreamer, player, mama's boy, single mother, career focused to name some characters. The characters are extreme versions of the role. But let me tell you what struck me this time.

Before my husband, I was the extreme version of "career focused". I didn't want a man at a lower level than me. He had to bring the same to the table. So while I was waiting for "Mr Equal" I was messing with less than. I was solely focused on money and not character. I wasn't putting myself in the environment where I could find them. So in actuality I was not helping myself. I was becoming bitter and crabby that I couldn't find my equal. I was Taraji Henson's character.

I had the definition of Mr Equal wrong. The incorrect definition was:
- a man whose salary was comparible to mine or more
- a man who worked Wall Street or a top bank professional
- a man who can take care of his own without asking me to loan him some money.

There was nothing in that definition about my current version of the New Mr Equal:
- a man who puts me first
- a man who loves me
- a man who will protect me
- a man I have a lot of things in common with
- a man I can be completely myself around
I can keep going on with this definition, but I don't have the room. Don't want you bored off your ass trying to read the long list.

So I gave up on men for a while. To be honest, I really wasn't interested in stuff that Mr Equal would have been interested in. I hate politics and sports. I don't like talking about money. I'm an accountant by trade but I hate reading business stuff. I do it, but don't enjoy it. So what would Mr Equal and I have in common? Nothing. I'd probably be bored and unhappy.

When I met Jason I felt completely at ease. There was no pretense at all. We meshed so well, that people thought we were married. I was 100% myself. He was 100% himself. There wasn't any need to put on airs. We met on friend basis that quickly led to much much more. I would say that my husband is my New Mr Equal. We have so much in common that it's scary. We have 90% the same interests. We have some of the same traits. I found my male equivalent.

Just like at the end of the movie, Taraji and I found our love of our lives.

My advice to those who are looking for their love. Find the guy who completes you. Someone who is your best friend. The guy who you can be yourself with. The one who gives you fireworks in your heart. And remember don't put any false expectations on him. Don't try to change him. He will change on his own in order to make you happy.

Take care...




Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Quote of the Day 7/24/13

Marvin: One thing I know for sure are women and covert ops
Frank: That's two things, Marvin
Hahn: (to Frank) No, Grasshopper...(shaking his finger)...it's one
- Red 2

Currently in theaters.

Awesome movie. Go see it!!!


Friday, July 19, 2013

FFXIV - BETA Again

I was only able to test FFXIV Beta once this weekend. Time has been flying and I've gotten much busier. However, I was able to play for a minimum of 2 hours. It's not much time. This BETA lasted longer than the others. I missed out greatly.

This run? I decided to finish up quests, take on new quests. I did travel a bit further in the map than I had before. I got new crystal points and learned Teleport. I died probably 4 times trying to finish quests. I didn't take aggro, but the mobs I took on for the quest kicked my butt. I was having difficulty attacking this day. Auto-lock was not working as it should. My hunt log has been filling up. What's great in the game is you don't have to sit and heal. You gain your HP back as you move on to next mob or back to town. You're not quite so vulnerable like in FFXI.

I bought some new gear because a quest required me to. Also, I learned how to check your messages. I had 2 messages that I couldn't for the life of me find how to read them. There's a moogle in town that allows you to. In FFXI, you had to go thru PlayOnline viewer to read your messages. I also haven't found how to take screen shots. So I take the pics with my phone. I only took one glamor photo this run. I like my character. She's pretty.




Next time.

Saturday, July 6, 2013

Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn - BETA



So I had an opportunity to beta test the new Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn (FFXIV), this & last weekend. I had played the original FFXIV for a very short time. Both games are a MMORPG (massive multiplayer online role playing game). This type of game allows you to play with people around the world to accomplish tasks within the game. Since it's social, you get to meet people and have fun. You also encounter the hardcore gamers who are all about hardcore gaming; only seeking folks like themselves. 

The original FFXIV startup was very displeasing. You are thrust into battle without knowing what the hell was going on and had to keep two in-game characters alive. I started that game twice. This new version is completely different. The opening story is different. You can suffice it to say, this new one is a completely new story and game.

What I liked:
1. Like all the FF games, I love the graphics. Square Enix make kick ass graphics.
2. Scenery is beautiful. The world is beautiful.
3. The game seems like it is built for both the casual gamer and the hardcore gamer. You can play alone too. From what I tested, it doesn't have to be a time sink.
4. Quests now give experience points.
5. Quest people have tells. Map on the screen. Some of the same functions from FFXI carries thru to this game. All this makes the game a bit smoother.

What I didn't like:
1. So far nothing.

The characters from the game are similar to FFXI. There are Hyur (humans), Elezen (elvaans), Roegadyn (galkas and has a female version), Miqo'te (Mithras and has a male version) and the cute little Lalafell (Tarutaru). 


In FFXI, I was Elvaan. In XIV I chose to be a Mithra. I hope the normal assumption in XI that Mithra girls are really guys do not apply. Hopefully guys will pick the male version. 



Gameplay is pretty easy with onscreen assistance. I don't know if they will be on in the final version of the game. They may be just for the beta so people know what to do. There a lot of stuff on the screen too. The macros of old are now on the bottom of the screen too. 

My husband and I are thinking of maybe joining the game when it's full time. I'm also hoping I get to keep my character from all the betas to the live game. 

If you are looking for me in the future, I'll be on the Cactuar server. Most people know me as Tigerkirara on XI. My name is Tigerkirara Junkie on XIV. This goes to show that I'm married to the guy who's surname on is also Junkie. 



I used to have a blog dedicated to my adventuring in FFXI, but I don't think I will for XIV. I'll probably post them here on this blog. This blog us all about gaming & technology. Just look for the tag, FFXIV for all posts related to the game.  Until next time. 


Friday, June 28, 2013

Do Onto Others

Whether the following is true or not, it is a beautiful story!!!


Good morning said a woman as she walked up to the man sitting on the ground.

The man slowly looked up.

This was a woman clearly accustomed to the finer things of life. Her coat was new.. She looked like she had never missed a meal in her life.

His first thought was that she wanted to make fun of him, like so many others had done before.. "Leave me alone," he growled....

To his amazement, the woman continued standing.

She was smiling -- her even white teeth displayed in dazzling rows. "Are you hungry?" she asked.

"No," he answered sarcastically. "I've just come from dining with the president. Now go away."

The woman's smile became even broader. Suddenly the man felt a gentle hand under his arm.

"What are you doing, lady?" the man asked angrily. "I said to leave me alone.

Just then a policeman came up. "Is there any problem, ma'am?" he asked..

"No problem here, officer," the woman answered. "I'm just trying to get this man to his feet. Will you help me?"

The officer scratched his head. "That's old Jack. He's been a fixture around here for a couple of years. What do you want with him?"

"See that cafeteria over there?" she asked. "I'm going to get him something to eat and get him out of the cold for awhile."

"Are you crazy, lady?" the homeless man resisted. "I don't want to go in there!" Then he felt strong hands grab his other arm and lift him up. "Let me go, officer. I didn't do anything."

"This is a good deal for you, Jack" the officer answered. "Don't blow it.."

Finally, and with some difficulty, the woman and the police officer got Jack into the cafeteria and sat him at a table in a remote corner. It was the middle of the morning, so most of the breakfast crowd had already left and the lunch bunch had not yet arrived...

The manager strode across the cafeteria and stood by his table. "What's going on here, officer?" he asked. "What is all this, is this man in trouble?"

"This lady brought this man in here to be fed," the policeman answered.

"Not in here!" the manager replied angrily. "Having a person like that here is bad for business.."

Old Jack smiled a toothless grin. "See, lady. I told you so. Now if you'll let me go. I didn't want to come here in the first place."

The woman turned to the cafeteria manager and smiled....... "Sir, are you familiar with Eddy and Associates, the banking firm down the street?"

"Of course I am," the manager answered impatiently. "They hold their weekly meetings in one of my banquet rooms."

"And do you make a godly amount of money providing food at these weekly meetings?"

"What business is that of yours?"

I, sir, am Penelope Eddy, president and CEO of the company."

"Oh."

The woman smiled again. "I thought that might make a difference." She glanced at the cop who was busy stifling a giggle. "Would you like to join us in a cup of coffee and a meal, officer?"

"No thanks, ma'am," the officer replied. "I'm on duty."

"Then, perhaps, a cup of coffee to go?"

"Yes, ma’am. That would be very nice."

The cafeteria manager turned on his heel, "I'll get your coffee for you right away, officer."

The officer watched him walk away. "You certainly put him in his place," he said.

"That was not my intent. Believe it or not, I have a reason for all this."

She sat down at the table across from her amazed dinner guest. She stared at him intently.. "Jack, do you remember me?"

Old Jack searched her face with his old, rheumy eyes. "I think so -- I mean you do look familiar."

"I'm a little older perhaps," she said. "Maybe I've even filled out more than in my younger days when you worked here, and I came through that very door, cold and hungry."

"Ma'am?" the officer said questioningly. He couldn't believe that such a magnificently turned out woman could ever have been hungry.

"I was just out of college," the woman began. "I had come to the city looking for a job, but I couldn't find anything. Finally I was down to my last few cents and had been kicked out of my apartment. I walked the streets for days. It was February and I was cold and nearly starving. I saw this place and walked in on the off chance that I could get something to eat."

Jack lit up with a smile. "Now I remember," he said.. "I was behind the serving counter. You came up and asked me if you could work for something to eat. I said that it was against company policy."

"I know," the woman continued. "Then you made me the biggest roast beef sandwich that I had ever seen, gave me a cup of coffee, and told me to go over to a corner table and enjoy it. I was afraid that you would get into trouble... Then, when I looked over and saw you put the price of my food in the cash register, I knew then that everything would be all right."

"So you started your own business?" Old Jack said.

"I got a job that very afternoon. I worked my way up. Eventually I started my own business that, with the help of God, prospered." She opened her purse and pulled out a business card.. "When you are finished here, I want you to pay a visit to a Mr. Lyons...He's the personnel director of my company. I'll go talk to him now and I'm certain he'll find something for you to do around the office." She smiled. "I think he might even find the funds to give you a little advance so that you can buy some clothes and get a place to live until you get on your feet... If you ever need anything, my door is always opened to you."

There were tears in the old man's eyes. "How can I ever thank you?" he said.

"Don't thank me," the woman answered. "To God goes the glory. Thank Jesus...... He led me to you."

Outside the cafeteria, the officer and the woman paused at the entrance before going their separate ways....

"Thank you for all your help, officer," she said.

"On the contrary, Ms. Eddy," he answered. "Thank you. I saw a miracle today, something that I will never forget. And.. And thank you for the coffee."

God is going to shift things around for you today and let things work in your favor.

God closes doors no man can open & God opens doors no man can close..

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

FML Musings June 26, 2013

Here's another segment of my musings at FML. 


Today, I went to a water park with a group of friends. As I went down the water slide, some complete turd waffle of a kid in the water kicked his leg out in line with my crotch. The moment I hit the bottom was the moment I think I became sterile. FML


Where are the consequences for the kid? Kids are just getting bad nowadays. They have no conscience; nor do they receive any reprimand if they done something wrong. This is why society now is breaking down. Everyone behaves as if there are no consequences. Every action will have a consequence. When I read this, I automatically thought that the kid needs an ass whooping. I think the guy should've reacted automatically and gave the kid a punch. Then he would learn his consequence of his action. However, I would just press charges. Let the kid get the fear of life in him when the cops come to arrest him. 


Today, I went into labor a week earlier than expected. My husband is four hours away on business, and my sister refused to take me unless I paid her $1,000. I had to call 911 and almost gave birth in the kitchen. FML


I say that this girl's sister is a piece of shit. No matter the differences, you should be be there for family in an emergency. I can understand not wanting to deal on a regular basis. I was just shocked at this. I wouldn't wish this on anyone.  Having a baby is a stressful enough time that ends in joy. The sister not wanting to be a part of that is her loss. Hope this woman just gives up trying to be friends with her sister. She doesn't seem to be worth it. Not all siblings have to get along. 


Today, my boyfriend and I had a threesome. He suggested we have another guy. It ended up devolving into a twosome, and I wasn't part of it. FML


Really, you didn't think this will happen? Most straight men want a threesome with "2" women. They have no interest in men or to share their woman with another man. They are selfish creatures. They rather have you and another girl. So a man suggesting another man, he is trying to test his sexuality because he's already iffy about it. Threesomes do not work for committed people though. Someone is bound to feel insecure and go ape shit. They are best to have as a single person. No attachments and you can move on. (No, I've never had a threesome, for those who may think so from my comment. I don't share.)


Today, being near-broke, I resorted to shopping at Walmart. Barely ten minutes in, an obese sack of lard posing as a human being shoved me away from the bacon I was looking at. I fell, busted my lip, then got screamed at by another woman for not watching where I was going. FML


As I said in an earlier comment, society is really breaking down. Where is the compassion for your fellow man? The man was assaulted and the second woman couldn't assist or show any compassion? Basically, nowadays you have to just go on with your life if someone assaults you? I just can't do that. I would assist the guy and get him medical help or even call the police if he wished. What's the use to scream at him for being in my way?  Assist the person or move around them. 


Friday, June 21, 2013

My 1st Anniversary!!

So I made it to my first wedding anniversary on June 16th. I still can't believe that I'm married, yet 1 year into it. I am still very happy. However, it feels like I've been married for over 5 years. Not in the bad way though. It's more like that I am so comfortable and JH is so ingrained in my life that I can't imagine him not in it.

I never felt comfortable, so unrestrained, before him. He has gotten my trust so easily and gotten me to try daring things; stuff I would never have tried.

For our 1st anniversary, we are on a cruise. We are on Carnival Liberty. We were to stop at Cozumel (Mexico), Belize, Roatan Island (Honduras) and Grand Cayman. However due to a tropical depression (very bad weather) we lost ports Belize and Roatan Island (Honduras), but we got Ocho Rios, Jamaica to make up. It would've been nice to add another stop, though. Beggars can't be choosy. At least we got one island back in return if losing 2 islands.

In Cozumel, JH and I did an ATV excursion. We chose this package thinking that I would sit behind him as he drove. So, yeah that didn't happen. The ATV were single passenger only. Meaning I had to drive my own. I was not planning on that. Lucky I bought my license with me. So yeah, I drove an ATV. OMG it was sooo much fun!!!!! I so want to do it again. I now understand why people love motorcycles, scooters and the like. The thrill of the wind against you as you drive fast is exhilarating. However, this excursion has brought us days of suffering. We got bit by a shit ton of mosquitoes. Everytime we came to a stop, we were swarmed with mosquitoes. Our stops were not fun at all!!! After we were done, my battle scars consisted of a cut on my left pointer finger and bruise right behind my knuckle on my right hand.







I never flipped over at all. I was not placed in the back with he beginners either. Not bad run for a newbie (pat myself on the shoulder).

In Grand Cayman we chose to go on a sea trek. They put on a helmet over your head and you walk on ocean floor. How cool is that?!! Once again my expectations were dashed again. I assumed we were going to walk from at least 6ft deep waters into deeper waters. Nope! That's not what went down. We got on a boat, to bring us to another boat anchored in the ocean. People, we had to climb down a ladder on second boat to 28 ft deep water!!!!!!! I was having a slight anxiety attack so I chose to go last. As I started climbing down, my fear subsided. Once I hit the bottom I enjoyed myself immensely. I got to hold shrimp and a sea urchin. Little fish tried to get into my bathing suit. I had the best time. When it was time to go, I was disappointed. I wanted to stay longer.

On Ocho Rios, we climbed Dunns River Falls. This was not new for me. I've done it in my past, but it was new for JH. I had a great time though. We got bombarded with folks trying to sell us junk. That was the only downside of the trip.

After each excursion we went to the beach. The beach in Cozumel was the only one we didn't care for. The water smelled funny. So we ended up going into the pool there. Beaches in Grand Cayman and Jamaica were the best.

As I write this, we are on our last day at sea. We dock in Miami bright and early in the morning. Wish we could cruise a lot longer. Not looking forward to returning to the real world. Gotten spoiled on the cruise. Who's going to make up and turn down my bed everyday? Who's going to provide all three meals and snacks daily? Reality is beginning to suck.

Reality is a necessary evil though. Can't go on vacation if you don't slave away 50 weeks a year.

Congrats to JH and I for making it 1 year strong!!!

I will update this post with more pictures when I have access to them!

As our captain says, C'iao.

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

FML Musings June 5, 2013

I love the FML website. There are some hilarious items there as well as some boring ones. But I decided to comment here on some posts that had me ranting or commenting in my head when I read them.

"Today, in the middle of our one year anniversary dinner, my boyfriend's ex-girlfriend showed up declaring her love for him. They left together and I had to take the bus home. FML"

If the above happened to me, boyfriend better not even call me. Seriously, if he has the gall to leave me in the lurch for an ex in middle of dinner, he's not worth anymore of my time. If he has some stuff at my place, I will box the shit up and drive it to his family or friend's house. Then leave him the message where to find it. No other communication needed.

"Today, my 6-year-old son was so angry at me for not buying him overpriced candy at the airport, that he told a security guard I had a machine gun in my suitcase. The interrogation was not pleasant. FML"

Ooh if that was my kid. He would get such a spanking and be on lock down for at least a year. If he thought he had toys, iPad's, etc, I would donate them to the needy. His consequence for pulling crap like that. I don't plan to raise a spoiled brat, so I would not have this issue. People forget that children are not your friends. They are your child. You are to raise your child with love, discipline, and manners that would make them productive adults. When your child becomes an adult, you can be best friends. Children should know their boundaries. Enough said. I got heated when I read this, lol.

This will probably be an ongoing series.

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Michael Douglas... Seriously?!

Seiously?!! Stop misleading people!!! Don't announce things without explanation. "I got cancer from oral sex."

Men have been heading south for centuries and they have not gotten throat cancer!!! What is likely in your situation, you messed with the wrong chick, who may had an infection which led to you getting one.

Oh... Ok so your press people tried to say that you contracted HPV, which led to your cancer. That falls in line with what I stated above. This is a better explanation. I can let you off the hook.

HPV is a virus wildly spread thru various acts of intercourse. The past 4 to 5 years, they have been promoting a vaccination for teenagers and kids. There's none for adults. HPV is one direct link to developing cervical cancer in women.

I believe you now Mike. If it causes women cancer it can cause you cancer. Just please refrain from saying something without proper explanations. You make yourself look like an idiot. Which results in social media blasting responses and comments about your stupidity.

Thanks for sharing though. Now I have a bad mental image of you heading down south. Ugh.. Gross.




Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Mrs Know It All

I have issues. I know I do. I had an epiphany this morning. An insight as to one way I alienate people. I have this flaw that if I see something incorrect I have to correct it. It makes me a know it all and it makes people keep their distance.

Last night around 2:00 am I took it upon myself to respond to an acquaintance's FB status update. It was for a Neflix show. But as read thru the comments left, I had the compulsion to correct her. I wasn't trying to prove her wrong, just wanted the facts out there correctly. 2 am is not a time anyone should comment on anything and it's certainly not a time to start an argument either. Acquaintance didn't argue back. Has she shunned me? I don't know. She's still in my friend list. So I probably didn't chase her off.

At this point, I deleted my comments because I regretted them and feel ashamed of it. I normally let my comments stay. Looking at it after the fact, I found it to not represent who I believe I am; a smart, kind and lovable person. There's always a better way l can make my point. I'm, however, the one who says what's on her mind unless it's about my feelings. I never censor unless I am trying to keep my job. But, buyer be aware, I'm a silencer on a gun. I'm very straight to the point and get what I need to say across without a loud uproar. I do on occasion take the silencer off and got off like a shotgun.

Most of my life I've been a loner. Had only a few people around me that I considered good friends. These people are still my friends and understand my compulsions, lol. We may bicker about it, but they know I am not trying to do them any harm. I think it's hard to get to know me sometimes. So in process of getting to know someone, this compulsion may pop up and then I really end up alienating and losing a potential new friend. My friend thinks it's a defense mechanism. I don't want to run people off, I want to get to know people; build relationships. So I really don't think it's a defense mechanism.

Maybe I should come with a disclaimer, "caution, will correct you if you are wrong". That way people know what they are getting into and where I'm coming from. I will try to work on this compulsion. You know I'm always a work in progress.





Thursday, May 16, 2013

Review: Dead Ever After


Dead Ever After
Dead Ever After by Charlaine Harris

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Charlaine Harris wrapped up her series nicely. The ending I expected since book 7. She did a good job. Most series doesn't give you the closure you need. However, this book closure made it as if life goes on. There will always be a world in Harris' mind where Sookie & company may return. From this book I can count 6 different spin offs that could be made without Sookie.

Good job Charlaine,looking forward to pieces (short stories) or other books that may include characters from this series.



View all my reviews

For all the detractors:
1. Sookie loves the sun, how could a relationship between Eric & Sookie last?
2. If you didn't see the ending coming, you should re-read the series.
3. Sookie does not rebound to previous boyfriends.Would you?
4. Death threats to authors are ridiculous. Let the authors move on in peace. The series was supposed to end when Bill was going to die by all the silver from the fae. Charlaine was bullied to write more books. You got a good compromise. If you miss Sookie, think up stories in your head.
5. Enjoy the book, it's not a brilliant read. It's just a good story.

Thursday, May 2, 2013

The Scarest Thing This Morning.

As I am running late this morning, I get off of the 5 subway line at Atlantic Ave, making my way to the stairs to make a transfer to another train, there is a lot of commotion by one door. I automatically assumed someone was sick. I couldn't fathom something any worse, until I saw it with my own eyes. A old apparently was exiting the train and her foot slipped between the train and platform. You have people trying to hold her up so she doesn't slip down any further. You have woman screaming and running to the conductor "Stop the train! Don't move the train!"

There were enough people there to assist her so I didn't need to stop for assistance. I tried to tell people on the way down that the train won't moving any time soon due to the incident. That was my way to get people to seek an alternative route. Some people acted sympathetic and some people acted like jackasses. That's how people are; some like to be jerks than positive with a moral compass.

I am now currently on my alternate train and my adrenaline is still flowing. I want to cry for that poor woman. I wish her safety and that she will be safe and not lose her foot. I hope the MTA, NYPD, EMS and whomever comes assist her with grace and humility. She is scared and she needs to be handled with care. The rest, I leave in God's hands as I make my way to work (late).

Thursday, April 25, 2013

So Much Drama

Things are happening so fast lately, I've found it hard to blog. Work has picked up to point, when I get home all I want to do is veg out. One night I left work at 10:30 pm trying to catch up. This is my first non-system related extreme overtime. I'm also down a man. So what's been going on in my brain and the world.

Boston marathon was bombed
OK this act of terror has been talk of the town. I think since being part of 9/11 I'm pretty unmoved about it. I already see evil & violence. Our world has become so violent since. It's like 9/11 broke the seal on evil. We've had the Oklahoma bomber, the crazy nut who shot Gifford, to name a few. When will all this violence end? It probably won't until we are all dead. Right now, I just want to enjoy what life I have with my family than be forever heartbroken because of the evil in the world. I may sound callous but it's what I need to remain productive and normal. I just feel bad that groups of people are blamed because of a few. Americans & people need to realize that a few people do not represent a race or religion. Just because a few Muslim radicals did evil things does not make all Muslim's evil. Learn to see the difference. Now people of Chechnya is going to feel the hate. This is just wrong. This is what nurtures the evil. I also learned that our news sources are a bunch of idiots. CNN WTF? Fox, seriously? Zooey Deschanel was the 19 year old bomber? People get your acts together.

Fight breaks out in subway car.
A fight between 2 girls broke out in the subway car I was in. It was the quietest fight I've ever heard. Wonder if the girls were trying to be classy? If so, it flew out the window when they decided to fight in a crowded subway car. It was nice to see 2 grown father figure type men break up the fight and the girls listened to them. I just don't like girls fighting each other. We have so much against us in life for us to attack each other.

Racial Slur Fetish?

Controversial letter goes viral as readers discuss ‘race play,’ a sexual fetish involving racial slurs


I'm involved in an interracial marriage. I never heard of this fetish nor has my husband. There is so much crazy fetishes out there, I'm sure I would be floored by the craziness. However, there's a paragraph in the article that was a comment to the original post.

Quote:
There is only one reason marriages between black women and white men last longer than other marriages,” one reader opined. “Black women become submissive to white men. They view his whiteness as the ultimate validation and their half white offspring as superior to black children.

Seriously, whoever left this comment has to be an idiot. If you have met me or any other woman in an interracial marriage, you'd know there is no submission. It is very hard to be in one (even though my marriage is not very hard). You have so many outside influences that try to tear you apart. For example, when we go out to eat, the people at the register refuse to acknowledge the we are together. I'm seriously offended by the comment than by the fetish. The commenter probably can't hold a relationship together, therefore had to make up some bullshit to make herself feel better. What it really is, that she is prejudiced. She's never been in a relationship with a mutual respect without some sort of game playing. A good chunk of men like to play games. I can go ranting on and on, but I'm going to stop here.

My friends just had a baby or having one:
So I have a few friends in the family way. Two just recently gave birth and one due in August. I am very happy for them. However, it's more pressure from mom. I do want to have a baby with my husband, but I'm scared that I may never have one. I am not jealous of my friends at all. It just makes me reflect on my life to see if I have what it takes to raise a child. I think I did a good job assisting with my brother, niece and nephew. I do have a nurturing disposition. Am I ready for one.

At one point I thought I was pregnant because my period came late. For those 2 days, I was hit with 2 emotions: fear and happiness. I was scared if I was able to carry a baby, health reasons. I was happy to be bringing a little one that was a mixture of me and my hubby into this world. I wasn't pregnant and I had a profound feeling of disappointment. I didn't really know I wanted one so badly. I just fear that when I do, they will not meet their grandparents. Plus, my age is creeping. The years to menopause are getting closer. Sometimes I think I don't I deserve a baby. I may be dealing with the karma of my past. I don't know at this point. I will just have to live happily thru my friends and their kids.

Book update:
I have printed out and saved my poems. I have started to write anecdotes to a few of them; 4 out of 40 poems. I am behind schedule a bit. I planned to publish on July 25th. I will try to uphold that deadline. Reading thru owns bring back such memories. It is a bit weird to see how I have matured. I am sure looking forward to reading more. Excitement is still here.

Later Gators.



Monday, April 8, 2013

Searching for Dracula

Ginger and her boyfriend Anthony had planned a week vacation in Transylvania. She has been wishing to go since she was a kid. She figured they'll tour the countryside where Dracula supposedly came to being.

Two days into the trip, the locals in the countryside were distant and downright rude. She wonders if somehow she or Anthony offended them in some way. Little she did she know that the town has been experiencing a rash of burgurlaries in the past month which has everyone on edge. Anthony suggested they hit up the local pub. They can regroup and plan a new course of action.

As Ginger walks in to the pub, all eyes were on her. There may have been 20 people in the pub including the staff. Ginger and Anthony head to a table in the farthest quarter and sit down. Anthony opens and spreads their map on the tabe. Ginger points to an area on the map.
"Do you think we can hit up this town tomorrow?" she asks.
"I don't see why not. It's only 4 hours from here. We can get there in no time." Anthony answers.
"I can't wait. It'll be the biggest score yet!!!"Ginger says all giddily with excitement.
"We need to find a place to sleep tonight first." Anthony says trying temper Ginger's excitement. He turns around to signal a wait staff. A grumpy old man comes up to take their order.
"Sir, by any chance do you know where we can lay our heads for the night?" Anthony asks politely.
"I only serve the liquor, if you want any other information you can ask the bartender. He will probably tell you what you need to know." The man answers.
"Thanks, I guess" Anthony says as he gets up to go talk to the bartender.
"Is there anything I can get you!" Grumpy asks Ginger.
"Oh no thanks." Ginger answers.
"Well, if you need anything, the names Vladimir" grumpy offers.
"Thank you, but I'm good" she replies.
"So what brings you into town?" Vladimir asks.
"Looking to make a huge score." Ginger answers smiling, with a dreamy look on her face.
"Score huh?" Vladimir asks.
"Yep. We just finished plotting our agenda for tomorrow. I can't wait." Ginger says. "By any chance do you know where we can find some large bags that can fit a human?"
"I don't know where you can find such a bag. If you don't want anything else, I'll be on my way now." Vladimir gruffly answers. He walks away and signals the sheriff who happened to be sitting at a table close to the bar.

Anthony comes back to the table just as the sheriff exits the pub.
"Did you order anything?" He asks.
"Nope. Did you find a place to stay? I'm a bit tired." Ginger asks.
"Yep. He said there's a little inn 20 minutes north of here. If you are ready to go." He answers as he picks up his stuff off the floor.
"Let's go babe." She says as she stands up and gathers her purse.

The 2 walk thru the bar holding hands like a couple on their honeymoon. Once they made it thru the door, they notice 3 squad cars in front and a man yelling "Freeze, put your hands up where I can see them". Anthony & Ginger drop their bags and put their hands up. They are confused as to what's going on. An officer walks up to Anthony, pulls his arms behind him and cuffs him. Another officer does the same to Ginger. Both officers leads them to the back of each squad car. The sheriff picks up the couple's belongings and follows the other 2 cars to the police station.

Once they arrived at the police station, the officers sat them down together in an interrogation room. Apparently, they only had one.

"Hey babe, do you know what's going on here?" Ginger asks Anthony.
"Nope. All I did was ask for a place to stay. Didn't know know asking questions in this country was illegal. Did you say anything out of the norm?" Anthony asks in return.

"Not really, told the waiter guy that I was excited about our trip tomorrow." Ginger answers as 2 officers enter the room.

"Do you know why you are here?" Officer #1 asks.

"I'm guessing this town doesn't like strangers I guess." Anthony shrugs as he answers.

"Oh, so you're a comedian?" Officer #2 heckles. Anthony shrugs his shoulder.

"Where were you 2 evenings ago?" Officer #1 asks.

"One a plane." Anthony answers straightfaced.

"Really? You weren't over the Mishka's house making a score?" Officer #2 asks.

"What are you talking about? We don't know who Mishka is. We were on a plane coming from the US." Ginger answered.

"From the US huh? You can't score there, so you come to our nice little town." Officer #2 chides.

"What are you talking about?" Anthony asks.

"Let's back up here, we are going no where fast." Officer #1 says trying instill some peace in the room sensing it's getting hostile fast. "So what brings you to our town?"

"We are traveling to what we believe was Dracula's birthplace." Anthony responds. Officer #2 snickers.

"Yeah, it'll be the biggest score ever!!! To actually sit where he sat! To walk where he walked!" Ginger exclaims with such excitement that the officers were stunned.

"So you are looking to steal from Dracula's estate?" Officer #2 asks refusing to recognize the innocence in Ginger's exclamation.

"Absolutely not!!! I want to see the place with my own eyes. I'm a huge Dracula fan. How can you not be, living so close?" Ginger asks feeling insulted.

"You must understand Dracula does not have the same irreverence to us as it is to you. He was a tyrant. He murdered thousands of our people. Your Hollywood has romanticized him so far from his true self." Officer #1 answers the question.

"Are we free to leave?" Anthony asks.

"Yes. Just stop calling your adventure a score. We've had a rash of robberies in town. A score here is meant as robbery. We understand it may have multiple meanings in the US. This misunderstanding has brought you here, fish out of water, wondering what you can possibly done wrong." Officer #1 responds.

"I'm sorry. Thank you very much for understanding." Ginger says.

"Thank you" Anthony says.

"We are just letting them go?" Officer #2 asks disgruntled.

"Yes. We have no reason to keep them." Officer #1 says putting #2 in check.

"You are free to go. Like I said please make sure you mind your language on your journey." Officer #1 says getting up and opening the door.

"Thank you so much." Anthony and Ginger say in unison as they walk out the door.

***** This story was created using Brainstormer App on iOS. See my review here. It gives you 3 concepts you must use together. My 3 were Transylvania, Police Station & Fish Out of Water.