Have Another Doughnut...

MOVED

2006-05-19T15:39:00.000-07:00

It's finally happened - I got my own web site. It's still in the works, but it'll do for now. The blog will be posted on vijokins.com from now on. So, cruise on over and check me out there! Like I said - not too much to see now, but Scott is working a kick-ass design.

See you there! -Vi

Boatin' With Da Homies

2006-05-13T16:24:00.000-07:00

Friday - my buddy, Mr. Naughty Pants, invited Scott, Sammy and me to chill with him and his lady out at Lake Topaz on their wakeboard boat. I couldn't say no, for two important reasons; 1 - I really enjoy hanging out with the Naughtys; and 2 - I love boating and knew Scott would like to learn how to wakeboard. We planned on heading out right after school, but we were a wee bit behind schedule because of me. But before you judge, allow me to explain why I kept everyone waiting. I had gotten out to my car to get my change of clothes and then I went into Mr. Naughty Pants's room to change. There seemed to be something odd going on in Mr. Naughty Pants's room, all the desks and chairs were moved and put up out of the way. Mr. Naughty Pants was not in there and because his bathroom door has issues with the lock - I didn't want to chance it. I had left my keys in my car, so I jacked Mr. Naughty Pants's keys and went to the hall bathroom. Mr. Naughty Pants's keys didn't work, so I went to the front desk to borrow Mrs. Bitch Pants's keys. When I got back to the bathroom, I realized why Mr. Naughty Pants's key probably didn't work - someone was in the bathroom! Back to the main office to use the bathroom there - I was thoughtful enough to give Mrs. Bitch Pants Mr. Naughty Pants's key, figuring he would come looking for them (he did). I changed and had to chat with a few folks on my way out. I finally got out to my car, and there was Sammy all decked out in his bathing suit garb ready to get on that boat! It didn't take too long for us to haul ourselves out to Lake Topaz (on the border of Nevada and California). Mr. Naughty Pants's nephew came along with a couple of friends, Mikey and Renee. Mrs. Naughty Pants was going to meet up with us a little later, with the Naughty sons. We got the boat out into the water and set out to find the perfect spot for Mr. Naughty to hop into the chilly water to pee. Nephew Naughty explained to me that that's how they judge who wakeboards first - in order of who needs to pee the worst. Mr. Naughty Pants didn't want to wakeboard just yet, he just needed to relieve himself. Sammy saw Mr. Naughty Pants get into the water and he wanted to join him! We held him back long enough for Mr. Naughty Pants to do his business and for that business to dissipate. Sammy was side by side with Mr. Naughty Pants looking out over the lake. Sammy was at awe with the lake and he was telling Mr. Naughty Pants all about it. Mr. Naughty Pants was really awesome with our little fella - he talked to him, went swimming with him... Heck, Mr. Naughty Pants even let Sammy drive his prized posession - the boat! Sammy was quick to find the horn, a little red button. I was freaked out, because anyone else would have been all over Sammy, telling him to stop that and whatnot. Not really understanding the pure joy of a little red button. So, I was telling him to stop it, but Mr. Naughty Pants was like, "Why? It's just the horn." That was the coolest thing ever! He truly understood the joy Sammy was feeling with the little red button. Most people kinda act like Sam is an alien from another planet and they don't know what to do with him, or say to him. Mr. Naughty Pants treated Sammy like another important human being on the planet Earth and we really appreciated that! Mrs. Naughty Pants and the two Naughty boys weren't far behind. The Naughty nephew was the only one who had some wakeboarding action, in the form of kneeboarding, before Mrs. Naughty Pants and the boys arrived. There were 10 of us on their boat - it was a little crowded, but we worked it out. Sammy found the good spot on Mrs. Naughty Pants's lap. It was the perfect view of the wakeboarders, the Naughty boys were second and third to go (they also did the kneeboard). In the second and third grades, these boys were awesome! They kicked some serious kneeboarding butt! After, it was time for the big boys to show us how wakeboarding is done. Mikey went first with a few tricks, but nothing to ooh and ahh at. Then Scott went... He didn't make it out of the water. This is a typical issue beginner wakeboarders have. The other problem Scott faced that others usually do not was that he had never skateboarded nor snowboarded before. He was totally clueless to what needed to be done. They tried to explain it to him, but being in the water and being away from the boat, it was hard to hear and understand what the folks were trying to say. Maybe next time Scott. It was time for Mr. Naughty Pants to show everyone how the big boys roll. He caught some air and looked like an old pro out there on the water. I had never seen (or really heard of) wakeboarding before, so little impressed me. Although, Mr. Naughty looked like he was Mr. Wakeboarder out there as he made it look really easy. Mr. Naughty Pants let his bud, Mikey, go again since he and his lady, Renee, had to leave early. Mikey got out there and showed everyone up with his leap over the wake. Mikey kicked everyone's butt as he bid farewell to the lake. Mrs. Naughty, the youngest Naughty son, Sammy and I found a comfy spot in the front of the boat. It started to get cold as the wind picked. After we dropped off the Naughty nephew, Mikey and Renee - we climbed into the back where the wind wasn't as bad. Mr. Naughty Pants offered Scott and I the ultimate power - a chance to drive the boat. Anyone with an ounce of a controlling personality knows that is where the control is! I jumped to the opportunity to drive the boat, but I was really careful and gentle with it. Scott got behind the wheel and ripped into it! Then I got jealous and needed to give it one more try - but I was too afraid of flipping the boat, so I never really got to rip into it and get the bow wet. Maybe next time *wink* Thank you Naughty Pants family! We all had a great time on the boat and atempting to wakeboard. Sammy had fun going swimming with Mr. Naughty Pants and Scott cannot wait to hit the wakeboard again! We really enjoy your company. You are good folks and we are lucky to know you all. The first day of school, when I met Mr. Naughty Pants for the first time, I knew there was something special there. I am SO happy I really got to know him, he is an awesome teacher and a great friend. Life is better with the Naughtys in our life - and next year when I go to the high school, we will see the Naughtys all the time!!! This is a friendship.

What's In A Word?

2006-05-07T21:56:00.000-07:00

Hi. There is so much power in a few simple words. So much can be accomplished with just telling someone something from the heart. I recently wrote a post about our vacation down to southern California and the annoyances we encounted with a few people. I am totally aware that I offended - pretty much everyone. I definitely feel outcast by the Schrantz clan at the moment. Although it was NOT my intention to end up as some asshole the family hates. I just needed to vent - out loud. Anyhow - this is not what I wanted to write about. I wanted to talk about how one of the people I vented about - probably the most and worst - came to me and said three simple words, "I am sorry." She came to me and wanted to talk about what happened. At first I was thinking it was going to be a "who's wrong" match, and I was going to end up yelling at her and slamming her even more - in person (via AIM). It was nothing like that - I yelled a little, but that's me. She explained herself and then she uttered those three small words that caused my heart rate to slow as I became calm and collected. We are two different people and will probably never agree on some things, but for the most part things went so very wrong due to lack of communication. After talking to her online about my blog and about the wrongs that happened on the trip - had she just opened up to me on the vacation things would not have been as bad as they turned out. I feel a little sad, because she may have her odd things, but for the most part she is a nice girl. I think had we met a different way and had a chance to "get to know" one another first, things would have gone so much smoother. The simple fact that we cannot travel back in time and change events around - we'll never get the opportunity to know what could have been... The vacation was painful for all of us - I do not think (now) one person involved didn't get hurt in one way or another. I cannot be sorry for what I wrote, it was feelings that came from my heart. If the others involved want to talk things out or even shed light on what was going on in their heads at the time - as Susan did - I am here and willing to listen. Thanks, Susan, for being the big person and for coming to me to apologize for your actions. We will never be on vacation together again - but we understand it's for the best. So, it's a good thing, and there are no hard feelings between us. I have the biggest problem with people just not communicating with me. I let it be known that I love to talk, it's really no secret. Yet, I don't know what it is about me or who I'm with or what on earth keeps people holding things they need to say inside. I am an extremely understanding human being - bring it! Although, I must warn, if you want to attack me personally then don't doubt I won't defend myself. What person wouldn't stand up for themselves if another were to begin telling them negative things about themselves? I am just a normal human being - boring, I know. I just want answers for why - is that so wrong? Like my brother-in-law, he read the "Some People" blog, and wrote that he hopes I sit on a pin. Well, why did he act the way he did in the first place? It's not a lot to ask - is it? Communicate with ME! Try me - it's not going to hurt. Wonderful things happen when two people sit down and talk - understanding starts happening. I cannot force the people I care about to talk to me - I can only ask. There's so much power in the things you say to people - the little things. "Have a great day." Sends a positive message that someone cares that you have a good day. "I am sorry." sends a message that you didn't mean to do what you did and want to make things right. I hope you all have an awesome life! I care about you and I really want you to know that. I mean, didn't the intro to this blog entry feel personal? Like I was talking right to you? It's words man - they are groovy. "The pen is mightier than the sword." How true is that?! It's great and I love words. Come on, let's talk soon. Bye, bye for now.

Party At The Naughty's!

2006-05-07T20:44:00.000-07:00

Mr. Naughty Pants was just telling me he thinks there needs to be more blog entries about him - he likes to be center of attention. I don't blame him, so do I. We went over to the Naughty's for a BBQ and to just hang out with awesome folks. We had such a great time! Mr. Naughty Pants had asked that all the guests bring a side dish and some drinks - no problem. I don't do well in the kitchen - I mean, I cook stuff but nothing fancy. Whenever there is a party at school I just go out and buy something. I don't want to subject anyone to what I create - then have them hate it. I was at the store shopping for a party we had at school and I asked Scott if I should try to make a side dish for the Naughty's BBQ? He was all over that idea, running around the store getting the things I'd need for potato salad. The last time I tried to make potato salad I ended up turning the potatoes to mush and had to abort the mission! I do cook, and the few items I make, I make them well. I am always afraid to go beyond what I know - because usually they turn out bad. I decided to make the potato salad on Saturday - so if it turned to mush again, I would have time to rush out to the store and get something else. To my surprise it turned out pretty good - yay! We hopped in the car and headed over to the Naughty's house for the festivities. Mr. Naughty Pants BBQed tri-tip steaks - yum! It was such a nice afternoon there, talking with Mrs. Naughty Pants (getting to know the other half of Mr. Naughty Pants), meeting the nephew Naughty Pants and some new pals of the Naughty's. Sammy had a blast with the Naughty children (ha ha ha - I crack myself up sometimes), playing in the backyard and in their rooms. Sammy even got to bring home some building blocks that the Naughty children don't play with anymore - Thanks! Although according to the Naughty nephew, Mr. Naughty Pants stays up late, and plays with the blocks when everyone is asleep. So, maybe Sammy broke Mr. Naughty Pants's heart - stealing his secret toys.... No, I won't even get started with what I think Mr. Naughty Pants's secret toys are. (eew!) They have a very nice home and I learned that Mr. Naughty Pants is a talented artist! Although I am sad to say we didn't get pictures of the party - maybe the next time I am over at the Naughty's I will try to get a picture of this awesome painting done by Mr. Naughty himself. It's of Noah's Ark - and I couldn't believe that I couldn't stop looking at it. It was really a work of art! Kudos Mr. Naughty Pants. Scott had a great time playing with the two Boxers (doggies) that the Naughtys have. They were rough housing in the back yeard and the Naughty pup was charging at Scott trying to knock the 6 foot 6 inch man down - and the Boxer is just powerful enough that it almost succeeded a few times! What awesome looking dogs - the older one (about 6 years-old) was tri-color and the puppy (1 year-old) was tan and white. The puppy's mouth was about as big as our Baxter puppy! Mr. Naughty Pants had his doggies under control and harmless - he has two young boys and the dogs get along great with the kids! There was a baby and the Boxer pup was licking him clean! It was really cute - the baby wasn't going to need a bath tonight! The baby was chewing on one of the building blocks and he was willing to share with the Boxer - too cute! Although Scott came away from the Naughtys with a few Naughty habbits - not to worry, I'll have him back to the way he was before the Naughty experence before he knows what happened. No one spanks me and lives to tell about it! (*wink*) It was a nice day with yummy food (thanks for the comment that you enjoyed my salad!), and great company! Thank you to the Naughty Family!

Life Before Sam...

2006-05-06T20:29:00.000-07:00

What an odd thought - life before Sam. When I was a teenage girl hanging out at the pool with my friend, we talked about what our futures would be like. Normal teenage girl talk, trying to envision our adult selves. We both agreed we wanted to have boys, who we'd dress in the latest styles and be the coolest moms ever. I wanted to name my son Sam - because it was a cool name and he wasn't going to be a dork! It's weird that it all came true - like we were channeling our future selves - I only wish I knew what ever happened with that friend. When I hit my mid-twenties I started to realize something, a common ground among many of the friends I had. No one really respected their parents - blaming them for the hells in their lives. This was telling me that the parents were at fault for the children's lives being a mess. I made a decision that I really didn't want children, I never wanted to be at fault for screwing up a life - I didn't want to be responsible for that. I made up my mind that life would be better without children, the world was a nasty screwed up place anyways. Then I met Scott who was up front about the way he felt about the whole kid thing - no way! That was perfect - I was with a guy who thought the same way I did and there would be no pressure and life was going to be childless... Then, one fateful night, Sammy was created without any warning. I remember feeling like my body was screaming, "You're pregnant!" and I kept thinking it was a lie. Then the monthly little annoyance did not arrive and my heart started to sink as the realization that my body just might be telling me the truth. I had gotten one test and took it - there was no wait because the result of the test was immediate. I felt as if someone had hit me with a baseball bat - a nightmare was coming true. I didn't believe the test, so I went right out and bought another one. It was just as fast with its result - but this time I felt a tiny little spark of joy deep within my soul. Of course I didn't listen to it, this couldn't be a happy time. There was a child coming into this world - I was going to be its mommy and it was going to hate me. The worst was telling Scott, he was not at all joyful about the idea of becoming a father. As soon as the information became clear to him, he could only think of one thing - get rid of it! I explained that there are two kinds - ones that get abortions and ones that do not. There was no probable cause to do that and I could never do that just because we were afraid. We had nine months to try and figure out what not to do when this life arrived. I also kept figuring that I would miscarry - as my mother and just about every female in my family had. It was also on my mind that I was the one who lived - I was the baby who made it out alive and I was the baby that had fixed whatever was wrong with my mother. My brother was born 14 months after me and everything was fine with his pregnancy. Maybe I was the one who would change the fate of the women in my family - and I was. Scott was having a hard time accepting this whole idea, but I explained to him that as soon as he accepts the idea and accepts that it's going to happen - the sooner he'll have fun planning for it. I just told him to stop fighting it - he wasn't going to win. It was at that moment he let every bad thought and every panic he was obsessing about - go. He got himself ready and his whole outlook at the child thing changed for the best. He threw himself into learning everything he could, doing everything he could, to try to be the best father he could be. So, we read and went to classes and went shopping (that had to be my favorite part). He went to every doctor's appointment with me and we did everything together for this little life. I was thinking that the day Sam was going to be born, and how my mother would be here, but Scott's wouldn't. Scott is closer with his mother then he is with his father (and it seems natural as Scott's brother Tom seems closer to their father. Like they each picked a parent to bond with or something) and I felt he wanted his mama to be there when his first child was born. So, we contacted his parents and asked if she could come down and be here when the due date arrived. She was concerned that she'd be in the way - but we assured her that would not be the case at all. (I get along pretty well with Scott's mother). She was happy to come down and be a part of the day our family changed for ever. I was going to have a C-Section and so we knew the day he would be born - we got to pick it. The natural due date was really close to my grandfather's birthday (my grandfather - with whom I was really close - died when I was ten), so we picked his birthday. We also picked Sam's middle name after that grandfather - again another thing I figured out as a teenager (creepy). The night before Sam's planned arrival, we all (Scott, me, his mother and my mother) spent the night at the Circus-Circus Hotel and Casino in Reno. The hospital is right across the street from the Casino, so we were able to simply walk over to our 6am appointment. It was the longest walk ever - we had to walk across the street, then from the doors of the hospital clear across to the opposite end to the maternity ward. Scott's mother and I were laughing the whole way! I had been feeling a lot of pain and discomfort the whole night before and thought it was nerves - it turned out to be the beginning of contractions. Sammy was meant to be born that day, C-Section or no C-Section he was going to be born that day! How awesome is that - to know that it was as if everything was falling into place, like a puzzle. It was fate - the power that no matter what, this day had been mapped out since the day I was born. I was ready to get this child out of me! It had been a long nine months and I knew we were both ready for the separation to happen. They numbed me up, brought in Scott and cut my belly open - Sammy was out within four minutes! As soon as our eyes saw Sammy for the first time - that was it! Sam turned our mommy and daddy switches to "on" and we were parents! He was healthy and doing well - I wasn't so lucky. I had some complications - nothing serious, but ended up staying in the hospital for a week. I had no idea what was happening to me, but good god the hormones were racing and every inch of my body had this uncontrollable impulse to hold Sam and stay close to him. I didn't want anyone to hold him - and when they did, it was like a screaming alarm in my head saying over and over "get him back!" until I got him back. When I held him all was calm and everything was good. I didn't mind Scott holding him, for short intervals at a time, but I was being controlled by something I couldn't control. He was mine and I was his mother and it was the best feeling in the world. I look at him now, (two and a half years old) obsessed with the Toy Story movie, and I can't even imagine life without Sam. He gives me reason - to wake up, to live, to be the best mom I can be. When he first came home we were trying to play by the book and everything we "heard" to do, but in the end (when nothing was working out) I listened to my heart and my body. I let the baby tell me what it was I needed to do for him, and I did everything I felt to be natural. We got a lot of heat for they way we choose to parent, but that's okay, because anyone who knows Sam, knows how happy and healthy he is. He has changed our lives so much - for the best. He is the greatest thing that ever happened to both of us - and I wouldn't ever want to go back to life before Sam!

Some People...

2006-04-28T16:10:00.000-07:00

Some people were born to kill the party - and no matter how much kindness you spill over their heads - they are still going to kill the party. We went on vacation and met up with most of Scott's family while we were down there for the final five days of the trip. Scott's mother and father, along with Scott's brother, Tom, and a friend of Tom's, Susan, all drove down to Anaheim. They stayed with Scott's grandmother at her one-bedroom apartment. I had chatted with Tom's friend, Susan, online through AIM and was worried that spending a few days with her might be a nightmare - but, believe it or not I was trying to stay positive and think that she wouldn't be as bad in person as she was online. Let me give you the precursor to this trip... We had gone up to Washington State (two years ago) to visit Scott's parents and had gone over to Tom's place for a quick hello. Tom pointed out that he had to hide all pictures of his friend Susan. At that time we thought it was a bit odd, but whatever. Fast forward two years, Susan, came online (AIM) and wanted to ask Scott and me not to take her picture while we were together in Anaheim. Okay, fine. Then she went on and on about us not taking her picture for two fucking hours! Oh good god! She asked if I was mad at her - and thinking ahead to how we would be together on this trip, I wanted to keep the peace. Although, I let her know she was being annoying. Then another time she wanted to chat about how my in-laws were going to treat her. I guess she was afraid of them hurting her feelings? I assured her that wouldn't happen. Although she became annoyed with me because I had to go and sign off. She wanted to set up an appointment on the AIM to ask the rest of her questions. Okay, I went along - being the fucking nice mother that I am - and planned to meet with her online. I was online earlier than I had made the appointment with her for and started to chat with her - well, that annoyed her because she would have to start the in-laws conversation all over again, since I cut her off before and she needed to recall all that she was saying. Then she told me there was no need because she had gotten all the answers she wanted in the FIRST conversation! *deep breath in, and slow release* So, now you get a small idea why I was worried about meeting this girl and spending the week with her. Plus, she seemed to want to set down a motherlode of rules - forgetting that she was in fact coming along on our family vacation. I had heard that she didn't like children as well, and I was a little worried she might be obnoxious about Sammy and Keirra (my niece). The day finally came to meet this girl person-to-person. We met up with Scott's parents, Tom, and Susan in Hollywood at the very yummy Hamburger Hamlet. I had invisioned her being well groomed and petite, very precice and gentile. She wasn't anything I thought she would look like - but it wasn't like she was ugly as sin either. She was a plane Jane - nothing special and nothing horrific. She hardly said hello to us and sat at the far end of the table. When her hamburger arrived, she grabbed the glass Heinz Ketchup bottle and started to pour it onto her burger... You know that TV commercial that was on a few years ago, where the man put the Heinz ketchup bottle on top of the building, then ran down to the street just in time to catch it on his hot dog? Well, you know that it needs help coming out, because the ketchup is slow (or stuck). But Susan wanted to sit there and see how long it would take for the ketchup to come out without help. So she sat with the bottle at a 45-degree angle, just waiting for the ketchup to come out. And waiting. And waiting. The rest of us were just about finished with our meals and there she was, still waiting and munching on a few fries. I guess someone told her that we were almost done and didn't really want to wait around for her to do this experiment. She had a flat-out tantrum! No, she didn't fall to the floor kicking and screaming, but she stuffed the burger into her mouth (minus the ketchup). She was pissed off that we weren't willing to wait there for her - ummm, welcome to reality! Now I was a little worried again, thinking the trip was going to be filled with ketchup incidents... and more or less I wasn't wrong. The next day we met up with everyone at Disneyland and they wanted to hit all the "fast" rides first. I guess Susan doesn't like fast rides and Tom wanted to go on them, but not alone. Tom wanted to go with Scott and because Tom seems to be the General; he ordered that we run all over the place so that he could go on the rides with Scott. While I thought that was a bad idea, everyone else seemed to be onboard with that idea - and we ran all over the place trying to get onto all the rides that Susan wouldn't go on for Tom (big mistake!). If you know Disneyland, you know that the fast rides are scattered around all over the place. So we had to drag our whole group from one end of the park to the other, averaging about one ride per hour. After Tom and Susan went off by themselves we thought we would do a few things we wanted to do (again, big mistake!). We went on a few rides and were paid with a guilt trip later due to Scott's mother and Grandmother having to wait for us. First they were mad because we ran them all over the place, and then they were even more angry because all the rides we were going on were ones they didn't want to, like the roller coasters and the Ferris Wheel. We felt like a lot of crap was brought down on our heads due to Tom and Susan and their brilliant idea to run to all the fast rides! Nice... Well, that night we told Scott's parents and grandmother that we didn't like the whole running around idea either, and that we wouldn't be doing that again. They were on board with that idea. THEN the next morning they met up with us (BTW we had two day park hoppers for Disneyland and California Adventure) and the first thing they said was that we were going to run around to a few of the fast rides that Tom didn't get on the day before. I was like, "NO." and they tried to fight me but there was no way in hell I was going to back down! I learn from my mistakes (most of the time) and I was not going to take the heat for Tom's selfishness - again! Of course Tom and Susan were all annoyed at this - I mean who the hell was I, making a stand against the General? I won and I have to say it felt good - and the day was a lot more relaxing - that is after we got back from meeting up with some friends... Precursor to the friends hook-up: A few months ago we had this trip planned out, and then we found out that our friends (who have a daughter Keirra's age) were also going to be at Disneyland on one of the same days we were! We thought it would be a blast to meet up and hang out for a while at Disneyland. I made sure everyone knew about it - no surprises. Back to our second day at Disneyland... Our friends called us when they were in the park and we said we'd meet them. We wanted to head over to California Adventure to catch this kiddie show. We had told the in-laws on day one that we were going to want to head back to California Adventure and they seemed understanding. But once the time arrived, and we told them them we were leaving to spend time with our friends for a bit - they were all over us about not getting to spend time with Sammy and go on rides with him - they forgot to thank Tom for that! Not that Tom is completely at fault - they were the ones who went along with his orders (or plans). We met up with our friends and Scott seemed uneasy, then he started to complain about being there and wanting to go back and then he started getting loud and annoying. I knew that his parents were in his brain, their voices geting louder and louder - FINE! I explained to our friends what was going on and they seemed very understanding about the whole situation. The rest of day two was okay. I think that not having Tom and Susan around helped a lot! We went on rides and had fun with Sammy. I was almost brought to tears at one point though - when we finally got to Toon Town (inside Disneyland) and found that Toon Town was closing for the fireworks and we only had 40 minutes to explore. This is probably the one main place I knew Sammy would have the most fun - and this was the one place we didn't get to. Too many other things going on, too much focus on the fast rides and who wasn't hanging out with whom. I was really upset because my heart was ripping in two. I had wanted to hang out in Toon Town and I took the only chance I had to go there... When we do go back - Toon Town will be one of the first places we take Sammy. I realized about two and a half years ago life was going to be about this little boy. So when I agreed to going to Disneyland, I knew it would be all about Sammy... That was until Tom was invited. The next day I woke up and my body had decided to strike - and not work with me. It figured I had abused it for two days in a row and now it was payback time. The pain was unbelievable - it was all over, from head to toe. My hip really felt as if it had popped out of joint! Taking a shower and getting ready took me twice as long as normal. Yeah, I am guilty of turning off the alarm clock, but on any normal day we would have still had plenty of time to get ready and out of the room. That day we were scheduled to go over to Scott's grandmother's house, and then over to the senior center for a group visit with Sammy and great-grandma's friends. I thought we were okay, because the evening before Scott's grandmother had told me the visit was only for ten to fifteen minutes, and not to worry about it. As long as it happened before noon, because that's when they served lunch. I thought we were safe - with enough time to try to manouver my screaming body out of the hotel room and over to the center. Scott wasn't helping the problem with his nonstop computer addiction that morning. I'd ask him to help and he'd half-assed hear me then blow the whole thing off. So, when his mother called to see where we were I told her that Scott was causing us to be late - really I was pissed off that he was on the damn computer and not helping me out. I used him as a scapegoat - although he was guilty as charged. I was just as guilty - but it was out of my control (body pain). Then his father got on the phone and was yelling at Scott about how his grandmother was crying and that was causing everyone to become upset... Now I felt bad for blaming it all on him, so I called them back and told them what grandma had told me the night before. We blasted out of the hotel room and I zoomed us over to the old folks center within ten minutes! I was definitely speeding - but it's southern California, no one noticed. We had fifteen minutes with the gals and it was the perfect amount of time. For fifteen minutes Sammy was all into making them laugh, but as soon as the clock struck noon he was done! He got down and ran away, and didn't want to take any more pictures. So, see, it all worked out in the end. (When someone does something nice for you and then they expect something nice in return - let them know, "Hey, I'm buying these for you - you better be here on time for me! I think it's not nice to do that - but if you're going to, let us know... and we'll buy it for ourselves in the first place.) We went to the beach that day and had a lovely time there. We went to dinner at the Old Spaghetti Factory and I thought I had a really nice conversation with Susan. I was almost passing out from a nasty migraine I had, but with the help of pain killers and aspirin I was able to hold it together long enough for dinner. I started to think that all my worries and fears were not so real once I got to know her... The next day - Friday - we brought lunch over to Scott's grandmother's apartment. We had just finished eating when Tom came into the kitchen and started to close the hall door. I asked him what he was doing that for and he said, "To keep Sammy out of the bedroom. Susan has things in there she doesn't want Sammy getting into." I assured him that wasn't going to happen, simply because Sammy cannot turn the doorknob (and that bedroom door sticks, so he really couldn't open it even if he tried). Tom shot back, "There's always a first time and I don't want this to be it." He then started to close the hall door again. I told him to stop it, and if he closed the door I wouldn't be able to see if Sammy did go into that area if the apartment. Tom yelled, "NO!" and slammed the door shut. That was my cue to get out, because I knew Sammy was not welcome anywhere Tom and his GIRLFRIEND Susan were - so we went outside. I was so pissed off because Scott and his father were sitting right next to me and neither one said one word in my defense - thanks guys! Later that night we went to dinner with two Uncles, one Aunt and a cousin from Scott's mother's side of the family. Susan kept dodging out of the way of the camera - hey, not our fault you have issues. Scott loves to take pictures and his family is important to him - he wants to keep these memories. So, we ingored her and when Tom said something I told him, "Too bad, her problem not ours." And, at the restaurant we even had a repeat of the ketchup incident! Like she had to confirm her earlier findings that ketchup will not come out of the bottle without any help. Good God. And Scott's poor cousin had to sit next to her...you could see the pain on his face. Then later we went back to Uncle Jim's place for some cake, and Susan was having one of her fits - once again I was trying to be nice to her and talk her down from the "poor me" high she was on. I tried to show her through conversation that we all have issues and gave her a few examples... Oh mother of god! I don't know who fucking told her what but me opening up only fed the fire of things wrong with me. She was like keeping some bizzare mental diary of everything she could put together wrong about ME! I guess Tom or my in-laws had told her things that weren't adding up to things I was telling her. So, instead of saying, "Hey, you say you hate to be late but... I hear from Tom (or whoever) that you are always late." She just sat there allowing me to talk to her like a fucking idiot. She was collecting ammo for the later attack... That was it for the trip - but when I got home and was online Tom asked me what I thought of his friend, Susan. I told him that she seems nice and I had a nice talk with her at dinner. Then Susan came online and was like, "Hello. Tom told me I should chew you out." I have to say that I was curious and inquired as to WHY???? She went on and on about my parenting style, things that I know for a fact she never saw me do and we did not talk about! How would she know this information if someone didn't tell her? I asked her who she was to judge me on child raising when she didn't have any children herself. I guess her mommie helped her to understand that my parenting was somewhat okay. Then she went into what I was talking about that evening at Uncle Jim's house not comparing correctly with the things she's heard about me. Needless to say I was yelling at her - and my damn brother-in-law for setting her up for the attack in the first place! Then there's Tom... I don't know if he was trying to impress his child-hating girlfriend or what, but the last night we were there Sammy went to give the ass a hug and he just stood there like a fucking pole! Poor little Sammy had to hug his leg - and don't you know the assmunch didn't even smile, touch Sammy's head - NOTHING to show compassion back! Yeah, that right there sliced any respect I had left for him to zero. I don't think that'll even affect Tom - he seems to have zero respect for anyone anyway (including his parents). I am so angry at people - I feel (right now) that there is a full-blown War On Viola. I am the enemy to so many people at this moment - and I do not fucking understand WHY!!! What can I say? Thanks for fucking up my vacation you bastards! I used to have a lot of respect for my brother-in-law for the simple fact that he is my family. He pretty much lost my respect for him. He lied and argued with me - not cool! I can understand if there was probable cause, but there was none and he should have had enough respect for me to take my damn word that Sammy wasn't going to get into the bedroom. Then he was mean to Sammy - that right there is enough for me to be as mad as I am right now. I can take a lot of shit, but don't dis my son! This doesn't even begin to explain the other crisis in my life right now, what my best friend thinks of me at the moment. I'm pretty sure that if she's reading this she'll say it's all my fault for being selfish... I don't know. I just know that life has this way of beating down on you all at once - I know I am not alone in the world here! Life is like nice and sweet with a little shit here and there, but nothing one cannot control - but good god, it's pouring shit right now! I just need to deal with one pile at a time and hope I can dig myself out. It's like an evil test life is giving out, "If you can make your way out of this pile of shit, you should be good for another five years." Yeah, well bring it on! I am happy to be alive and I will not be beaten down! I have to end with a PS - Scott's parents apologized for the first day at Disneyland and the whole senior center thing. No one else has though... I also assured Susan we would never be on vacation together again! Tom has a long way to go before I give him the time of day... I will never go on vacation with him again either! And just so everyone else understands - I refered to Susan as Tom's girlfriend - she isn't, even though I think she should be! The real reason I said that is just because they get all worked up when you call them boyfriend and girlfriend. PSS - If I made anyone cry with what I said, I just have to say you broke my heart too. My intentions weren't to go on attack - but to express my frustrations.

The End... I hope.

What A Trip!

2006-04-28T15:39:00.000-07:00

I have been back for a week now and I have been overwhelmed with a bunch of stuff - therefore I have not had time to blog. I really wanted to blog the journey, but as it turned out by the time we were ever back at the hotel room it was past night-night time. We would, more or less, drag ourselves into our room and walk from the door to the bed and crash for the night. It was a vacation filled with early mornings, late nights and "what not to do again" lessons. We had fun - don't get me wrong. It was just too much stress and crap that happened that was a massive killjoy for us. I will not focus on the negative, but on the positive things that we did while in sunny Los Angeles - don't worry I will go into the crap - but not right now. This blog is going to be full of pictures and then a little caption to go along. Although, if you know me, you won't be surprised if some of the picture captions get a bit long - for I love to talk! It was ten days of pretty eventful events - so I have a lot to report. This is the waterfall we stop and check out every time we head towards Placerville. Depending on the time of year and the precipitation the waterfall can be roaring or trickling down. I love it when it's roaring! At the Twin Peaks in San Francisico we took a few minutes to admire the awesome view of the city below. We made a few stops in San Francisico for a few different photo ops. My niece, Keirra, (on the left above) was born in the San Francisico General Hospital, and so we got a picture of her in front of the hospital. Then we drove by the apartment where my brother used to live and then up to the Twin Peaks. We traveled across the Golden Gate on the way into the crowded city - it's all about the experence. We made a pit stop in Salinas, California for the night before completing the drive into Southern California. (side note: if you ever stop in Salinas do not spend the night at the Good Nite Inn.) The morning of Friday April 14th we left early, and headed west to the PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) and then south towards Los Angeles. The drive was awesome and breathtaking as the ocean was our tour guide most of the way. Friday night we met up with some old friends I grew up with at the Cheesecake Factory. It was in Woodland Hills, CA - that's the town we spent 3 nights at in the Valley. On the left side of the table and from from the back to the front: my niece, Keirra; Marie, my mother's best friend growing up and our neighbor for most of the 18 years of my life living in Southern Cal.; Sheila, Marie's daughter who is 6 years older than me and was my baby-sitter and my friend. On the right side of the table: Scott; Sammy; ME; and Jonathan, Marie's son who was born when I was 12 years old and I baby-sat him. Saturday was loaded with fun and a little stress as Sammy became really sick of riding in the car for hours at a time and then having very little exercise. We went to Santa Paula, California to visit with a friend of mine, Lita. We met in the second grade and had not seen each other in like 15 years! Lita's family moved from Encino, California up to Oregon! I was 16 when they made that move and I was devastated - I lost my bestest friend in the whole world! We were the best buddies ever! Then after (I think) a year Lita's mother didn't like the rain anymore and wanted to move back to Southern California - so they moved back, but to Ventura, California - which was like an hour north from the Valley. So, even though she lived close enough, we never saw each other. Then a few years ago she found me online and gave me a call - I was so happy to hear from her! I was beside myself with the joy of seeing her finally after so much time! Lita still had our fourth-grade class picture - and even though it shows what a nerd I was, I wanted to share because it's cute! I know it's kinda hard to see - I will not make you guess which kid is me. In the front row from left to right there is a boy, Lita and then ME! I really liked that teacher (Mrs. Dempsey) and the school was Encino Elementary. I changed schools in the fifth grade due to the fact that they changed grades around and sixth grade went up to Junior High School. So, I changed schools in order to stay at the elementary level one more year - and my fifth-grade teacher hated me and was forever yelling at me and throwing me out of the classroom. I changed schools and even though the teachers were nicer and I was able to hang back for one more year - none of the kids there ever warmed up to me... Yeah, it was sad. When I entered seventh grade - Lita and I were reunited! Then she changed schools - but this time we stuck together - talking on the phone every night and hanging out whenever possible. I hope now that we have been reunited once again - it will last forever! Happy Easter! We had plans, but they fell through at the last second, so we spent Easter just the four of us. We drove around the Valley checking out a few areas from my past. Then we went into Hollywood and saw the new Disney movie, The Wild. We saw it at the El Capitan Theater across the street from the famous Grauman's Chinese Theater. Disney owns the El Capitan and they put on a show before the movie (usually). I think it's only for opening weekend, but I'm not 100% on that. The live show before The Wild was a bird show - Sammy loved that! He sat through most of the movie, had to leave once and then came back to catch the ending. He's still a little fella and we have to respect that he doesn't have the attention span for a full movie. We then came back to the hotel and hung out in our room for a bit before walking across the street to PF Changs for the yummiest dinner! When we returned to the hotel the kids wanted to go to the heated indoor pool - we were there until 10:00pm! It was good because we all were having a blast. One of the places we went to see Easter Sunday was this ugly building - I called it home for 17 years of my life. I had a lot of good times there - and a lot of bad ones as well. Because of this ugly building I would never want to live in an apartment again. Although when we move up to the Seattle area we'll probably do the apartment scene until we find a house. The difference will be it will be a nice apartment building - nothing ugly. and only for a short time - not 17 years! Although this was home, it was safe and warm and I will never forget it. Monday, April 17th, we left our hotel in the Valley (good bye wonderful Marriott - we'll miss you...) and went back to Hollywood Boulevard to meet up with Scott's parents, his brother (Tom), and Tom's friend (Susan). We met up at Hamburger Hamlet - which just happens to be next door to the El Capitan theater. That's some seriously yummy food! After, we walked around Grauman's Chinese Theater for a bit and then split from the rest of the family to head down into Anaheim and check in to our third and final hotel. (again, side note: when in Anaheim do not stay at the Good Nite Inn in Buna Park). After checking into a real-life version of the Tower of Terror (that's a ride at California Adventure where the elevator speeds up and down. Our real hotel was slightly less thrilling...the elevator doors just wouldn't close all the way), we headed over to Downtown Disney for some dinner, walking around and shopping. We went to the Rainforest Cafe and checked in - it was an hour and fourty-five minute wait! Trust me the food is worth it! So, we went walking around during the wait. Keirra went to the Build-A-Bear Workshop and stuffed a cute little doggie, then she washed it, dressed it and adopted it. It's truly an awesome place to go - a little costly, but worth the smile on your little girl's (or boy's) face. Keirra named her puppy "Miss Woof". We also hit the World of Disney store where I got a sweatshirt and Scott got a book and Keirra wanted this little thing that when you put it in water it expands into a normal sized washcloth. We finally ate dinner and made a stop at the hair wrapping stand before leaving - Keirra got a pretty cool hair wrap. We left and went to Scott's grandmother's house for a quick hello and an Easter egg hunt. It was late to bed and early to rise... 5am came quickly the next morning, Tuesday - Disneyland/California Adventure day one. We were going to meet Scott's family (parents, Tom, Susan and grandma) at 7:30am. The park opened at 8am and closed at 12am. You better believe we were there a half hour early and left about a half hour later! (about 17 hours) I made sure to find the local Starbucks to stop at on our way to Disneyland - it just is better with nice warm cup of caffeine-loaded joe in my tummy! The rest of the family arrived and we went into the park. It was a stress-filled day - I will go into that in a different post - but we had fun, saw a lot and went on a few rides. This is the picture they take of you on the California Adventure ride Tower of Terror. It's an awesome ride - it drops you as fast as it pulls you up. You can see our clan in the back there - ME, Keirra and Scott. Then right in front of ME is Tom and holding onto his glasses is Scott's father (John). Still at California Adventure we took Sammy on the carousel - yep I went on one of the fish too! It was fun - and a nice restful ride. Scott, Keirra and I had just been on California Screamin' - the roller coaster - it was so much fun! I think Keirra was a little freaked out, but she wouldn't say it. While Scott's parents and grandmother went into the 3-D Muppets show at California Adventure, we went into this art place where they show you original drawings of some of the characters from the Disney movies. It was actually pretty groovy! And as you can see Scott was getting the vibe from Tinker Bell... We headed back to Disneyland and watched the awesome Fantasmic water show at 11:30pm. The park closed after the show was over and we walked down Main Street and collected our things out of the locker and left. We were so beaten down by the day's events (stress and just walking between the two parks) that by the time we got back to the hotel we crashed! 5am came faster this time! We thought ahead and had Sammy half-dressed the night before so that we wouldn't have to wake him to dress him. He slept until we parked in the parking lot. We, of course, made the morning stop at Starbucks and made it to Disneyland in time for the gates to open. We had some fruit while waiting for the rest of the family to arrive and slopped on the sunscreen. (Both days were really warm and sunny - it was the most important thing to protect our skin first!) The family arrived and wanted to start off the day running around again - I had to say no to this (again, another post), so we went onto It's A Small World - twice! The first time grandpa (above with Sammy) didn't get the seat he wanted, so we did it again (line was short) and this time grandpa got to hold Sammy! It was cool, Sammy really enjoyed the ride. On the first day at Disneyland Sammy and Keirra got these laser guns after the Buzz Lightyear ride - we brought them back for day two. Sammy became a pro marksman while taking out great grandma at the bench outside the bathroom. We had some friends from home who were also at Disneyland that same day - and we got to meet up with them for a small amount of time. They were so kind and took Keirra with them for the rest of the day - they have a daughter the same age as Keirra (7). I knew she would have a better time with them then hanging out with all us adults. We went back to Disneyland after dropping off Keirra - and Sammy got to go on a bunch of rides. There were a few rides we never got to go on - but that's okay, we'll hit them next time. We left the second day and the pain of the two days was so bad. That night was hard because of the pain, but we got well-deserved rest. Thursday, April 20th, was the day after... The alarm went off, but I had to shut it off - probably one of the biggest mistakes I made on the entire trip (another post). We met up with Scott's family for a day at the beach - or an afternoon anyhow. It was awesome - we went to Laguna Beach, California. The day was sunny and warm - a typical California day. We went and played chase with the waves, fell down a few times and had a blast. It was nice to forget about all the stress from the past two days and that morning - to just sit back, relax and enjoy the beach. The beach is my favorite part of Southern California - I want to live on the beach - I hope that dream comes true someday up in Washington State - although nothing will compare to the awesome beaches of Southern California! I will forever go back to visit the beach! After the beach we went to the Old Spaghetti Factory, where I had the worst migraine! I couldn't even eat my pasta and by the time we got back to the hotel I thought I was going to lose my cookies! I went to sleep and recovered... Friday, April 21st, we went over to Scott's grandmother's apartment - This is a shot of poor little Sammy who was (more or less) kicked out of the apartment. His Uncle Tom made him feel very unwanted - so sad because Sammy loves his Uncle Tom... We brought lunch in and mid-afternoon we headed out to Scott's Uncle Jim's house in Irvine, California. We met up with Scott's Uncle Ben and Aunt Linda and their son Brady. (They lost a son, Jason, last year to cancer. He was 24...) It was so nice to see them and we all went out to dinner - it was nice to sit back, relax and enjoy the company. We tried to take a group shot, but it didn't turn out too well. Aunt Linda brought a birthday cake for Scott's father and Uncle Ben - from Costco... yummm! Sammy was enjoying his cake - especally the blue balloon! Silly little guy - but it was damn good cake! You can never go wrong with Costco cakes - never! Saturday, April 22nd, was the trip down to Universal City to see The Wiggles Live! We were so excited and everything seemed to be going well, until we were at the exit on the freeway - that's when Scott remembered where the tickets for the show were! They were in his suitcase back at the hotel in Buena Park (over an hour away)! Everything seemed to slow down as I could feel my heart pounding in my throat! I was more pissed off than I had been the enitre trip - and trust me, I had reason to be angry this trip! I called the box office and inquired about seats still available. They had a few and they were nothing to write home about - but I didn't care. Damnit we got my son all excited about seeing The Wiggles - he was going to see The Wiggles! I have to say that Scott is just damn lucky we were able to buy tickets for the later show - I just might have left him over this mistake. We had gotten tickets for the second show and so we had a little time to go eat lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe at the Universal City Walk - it was hella good food! The Wiggles were wonderful! Sammy was dancing and singing along with them and he got so excited when they came on stage - the nightmare that once was, was not gone, but had diminished a lot. Sammy was so happy and that makes me happy. The show was 70 minutes long and Sammy was done by that time, he was ready to say, "Good-bye Wiggles." We went back to Anaheim and stopped by Scott's grandmother's apartment to say good-bye. We tried not to stay too long as Uncle Tom might have freaked out again. Scott's father was brought to tears as we left - don't worry Greempa, we'll see you again soon! Sunday, April 23rd, ten days after we started we were headed home. It was a long drive, but I think we were all ready to go home that no one complained the entire drive. It was a fun trip - with a few massive glitches. That's okay, we know what not to do for the next time we go on vacation. Thanks for hopping on for the ride of this giant-sized blog! Keep watching for the next posting - of what happened, to clear all the "another post" statements I made throughout this blog. This is the end, but for a few of my favorite pictures (88) you can go check out the gallery on Flickr.

Welcome Home... For The Moment.

2006-04-08T07:59:00.000-07:00

Friday we went up to visit our little Baxter boy - as usual. We took him right out for a walk, because the weather was nice and I think it's a good idea to get him used to the leash thing. He had fun with Ebony and Romeo (my friend's dog - they went out of town and we are doggie sitting) running all over. Scott made the comment that Baxter is looking more like a dog now. His eyes have started to change color, his face is maturing along with his little body. He's such a small little guy! I don't think he's going to be very big. If I remember correctly, he was the smallest pup out of the two litters. Helen (owner of K9 Fitness) pulled up when we were getting ready to say, "Good-Bye" to Baxter. We told him we would see him Wednesday - and that would be our last visit until we get back from vacation and get to take him home! Helen had a great idea! She said, "Why don't you take him home until Wendesday? Then bring him back and I'll watch him until you get back from vacation." My eyes grew wide and I think I may have started to drool! The only word I could get out was, "Really?" She justified it by saying that we were coming back on Wednesday for a visit anyway - plus he was adopting them as his family and he really needs to start bonding with us. I looked at Scott and asked him what he thought of it, and he more or less said that he wasn't an idiot, he knew I was already on board with the idea - there was no way in hell he was going to say, "no." We piled into the car - our neice (Keirra), Sammy and the giant black bitch in the back seat, the far back was harboring Baxter's crate, Scott, Romeo, Baxter and I were in the front seat... full house! We had to make a few stops before heading home, and Baxter just hung out in his crate while we were in the store. When we got back to the car it smelled pooish! Little Baxter had gone in his crate and then stepped in it and smeared it all over the place - yucky! Sammy was having a cow in the store - I think he was tired. So, we left the store a lot earlier than we had intended to. Probably a good thing we did - who knows how much more poo that little guy would have been covered in. I bought some puppy shampoo so that I could clean the little guy up. It was the longest ride home knowing the dogs needed to get out of the car and that they needed to eat. We finally made it home and everyone was more than happy to get out of the car! Baxter is now home - for the moment. I know that we have to take him back, and it doesn't break my heart, because I know he'll be safe and happy while I am away...

Welcome home little fella!

Spring Break!!!

2006-04-06T19:22:00.000-07:00

I am officially on spring break - and I couldn't be happier it's finally effing here!!! Don't get me wrong - I love what I do and I enjoy the kids I work with, but good god we all needed a break! Spending every day - five long hours in their face can get very wearing on a person. We are all pretty much to a point of, "If I don't get a break here soon, I am going to hurt someone!" A good long two-week break is just what we need. Friday was our last day for two weeks, and you could feel the tension - the air was thick and it was hard to breathe. As soon as the bell rang at 2:06 there was a release and adrenaline rushed through the halls and poured out of the doors. I was also on a high, leaving school I had this wide grin of pure joy covering my face - it was an awesome feeling! I called Scott from the car and just let out a loud, "Yeah Baby - Spring Break!" We have big plans for spring break and Easter. Thursday we are leaving - with a lot of hope - at the butt crack of dawn. Driving over to San Francisco for a few photo opportunities, then down to PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) and over to Monterey - where we'll head inland a bit to Salinas for the night. Friday morning we head out and take PCH all the way down into the San Fernando Valley where will stay until Monday morning. While in the Valley (where I grew up) we are going to see some old friends and visit the surrounding areas. Then on Monday we head down into Anaheim for the rest of the week - leaving on Sunday. We are going to meet up with Scott's family (mother, father, brother, brother's friend and grandmother). His grandmother lives in Anaheim and we normally stay with her when we go down, but it is a small apartment and pretty uncomfortable. This time we are staying in a hotel - yay! We will be going to Disneyland with a two-day park hopper. We will also be going to the beach to play "tag" with the ocean waves - cannot go to Southern California and not visit the beach! On Saturday we have a date to see the Wiggles Live! Then finally Sunday morning we are heading home... It's going to be an awesome trip. Spring break is here!

Another Visit...

2006-04-01T13:47:00.000-08:00

We went into Reno Friday afternoon - it has become a ritual for us to go visit our Baxter (PUPPY!). Sammy hasn't been feeling great all week, but was doing pretty good Friday. The only thing he had against him was the thirty-minute nap he had before going into Reno. I thought he'd fall asleep in the car - nope. Then, there was the picking up of Keirra (our niece) who excited Sammy. Then, of course there was the pit stop for ice cream... You see, there were plenty of reasons he didn't fall back to sleep. When we got to K9 Fitness I thought Sammy would be excited to see his little Baxter boy - think again! There is a toy slide for the doggies to play with - and on one of our Baxter visits Sammy was allowed to play on the slide because all the dogs were in their kennels. Ever since then - all Sammy wants to do when we go see Baxter is play on the toy slide. No interest that there is a cute little puppy that wants to play with Sammy - the only thing that has any importance there is the damn slide. Friday was no different - Sammy was screaming because he wanted nothing more than that slide - but couldn't have it because (and this was cute) the doggies were playing on it. Scott had to take Sammy out to the car and watch a movie - this worked for a while. Poor Scottie, didn't get to spend quality time with Baxter. I was having a lot of fun with our little Baxter. I had put him in my hoodie sweatshirt and popped his head through with mine. We were the two headed circus freak - but a cute one! Ebony came for the visit - and she was still unimpressed with the little puppy. I really don't know what it is that she is so freaked out about - it might just be too overwhelming with all those kenneled dogs in the background - barking and freaking out. I know, for sure, it'll be different when he comes home - into her house. For now, she just doesn't feel good about anything in that place... I understand. The weather was windy and cold Friday, so I told Helen (the K-9 Fitness owner) that I was bummed out, because I wanted to take Baxter for a walk. She said that it didn't matter that it was cold out there - go ahead and take him - SO I did! We went for a nice walk - it was his first walk (awww). He did not like the leash thing - but he'll get used to that. I carried him down to a lawn area and then let him down on the grass - he didn't know what to think of it - I think that may have been his first time on grass as well (again, awww). At first I was trying to force him to stay on the lawn - but I figured I'd let him just walk and I'd follow. He walked me right back to K-9 Fitness! He would sniff as he walked and he totally followed the scent right back to his home! Good Boy! I knew dogs did that - but I guess I didn't expect him to be able to do that since he's so little and young - surprise! When we got back, Helen's husband had driven up with the horse trailer. Helen helped Keirra up to see and pet the horses and Scott held Sammy up to see them - and I held Baxter up. He didn't seem too excited about it... Baxter was looking in - from the outside - at the sea of doggie faces as if saying, "Look who's outside now boys!" It was cute that he just sat in front of them as they went nuts. I'm sure it was some kind of puppy empowerment. We stayed so much longer than we ever have before - and it was so nice. They close at 6:00 and even though Helen was still there and obviously not leaving for a little while - we didn't want to get in her way of closing shop. We said good-bye to our little guy and he was happy to hang out with Helen - at least I know he's in good hands. We left Reno and headed into Carson when Sammy announced he was starving - poor little fella. So, we called Chili's and put our name on the list - it was a 40 minute wait! So, the naughty parents that we are, we stopped at a fast food joint and got them some chicken strips to hold them over until we got to dinner. We left Chili's and it was raining out - yay, we are welcoming of the moisture falling from the dark and cloudy sky. We were in the store less than thirty-minutes and as we were walking out we noticed there was a blizzard going on! Where the heck did this come from?!?!? We made it to the car - it wasn't easy. Then we drove home traveling about twenty miles per hour - on the highway where the normal speed limit is sixty-five. I am not complaining - just giving an idea of how slow traffic was moving. It was so hard to see where we were going - following the mini-van in front of us. I told Scott if the mini-van were to drive off the road - I'd probably go too, because I couldn't see jack. We got home - finally - and Sammy was yelling at me to go to bed (poor little sleepy guy). I bought a mini leash at the store for Baxter (so cute that everything is mini) - for when we see him next week. The countdown has begun - we have three weeks and one day until Baxter comes home!

The Question That Broke My Heart.

2006-04-01T08:30:00.000-08:00

I work with two boys - one I have to Interpret for because he is completely Deaf, but the other one is Hard of Hearing, so I am just there to make sure he's getting all the information and understands what he has to do. These two boys have grown to trust me - a lot. When they have questions they feel uncomfortable asking any other adult on the planet - they come to me. I'd be lying if I didn't say this makes me feel really special. They have told me and asked me things that would cause a normal person to blush - but they are teenagers and going through a very confusing time with their bodies (and life) - someone needs to help them understand it's all a normal part of growing up. My Hard of Hearing student (15 years old) is from Mexico - he was born there. His parents immigrated over here a few years after his brother was born - they then had two more children after they had moved to Lake Tahoe. My Hard of Hearing student is very proud of where he came from - he is also very proud to be an American now. So, he is a proud Mexican/American - though this brings up a lot of problems, with racism. A few months ago he found himself in the middle of a gang-related (yes folks, we have gang problems in small town USA) issue. Both the boys found themselves in the mist of it - but my Hard of Hearing kid was a lot deeper into it than my Deaf kid. But, it's because the Hard of Hearing boy is having a big identity crisis - a large one! He's a Mexican - so the "white" American people don't accept him - He's also an American, so the Mexicans don't accept him either. The Indians won't accept him because he's Mexican/American - I guess they don't like that (I don't pretend to understand it). To top it all off he has a disability - and everyone hates that! On Thursday my Hard of Hearing student came into sixth period, sat down, looked at me and asked, "Why do all the white people hate all the Mexicans?" BOOM! (Let me just give a little information here - sixth period is Study Skills and only the Deaf student, Hard of Hearing student and I are in the room...normally. Sometimes the teacher shows up. The boys won't ask me personal questions in front of her - she is not someone they trust.) He let the bomb down with the teacher in the room! He needed answers and he needed them right then and there! I looked into his eyes and I saw so many different things - pain, confusion, anger but mostly sadness. My heart broke into a million pieces - he was asking me the million-dollar question. How do I answer this? The only thing I ever try to be with these boys is honest and truthful. His eyes were fixed on mine - the world around him (at that moment) didn't exist. I took a deep breath in and sighed a little with compassion - I said, "We don't all hate you." The mean truth is that there are too many people who hate another ethnic group - different is bad. I asked him, "Why? What happened?" Well, I guess there is a new immigration law that is in the process of being passed. (with a few others behind it just in case that one won't work) My student was feeling the pressure from this because he is a proud Mexican and his whole family was focusing in on it with strong feelings. Plus, at school my student has heard negative things such as the old favorite, "GO HOME!" Well, he is home. His father passed the green card test - but his mother has not. His biggest worry will be that his mother will get fired (or worse sent back to Mexico - alone). He loves his family and doesn't want to see anything unjust happen to them - I totally understand that. I tried (the best I could) to explain to him that the Mexicans weren't the only Immigrants in the United States - they just happen to be the largest population of immigrants. He then said, "All the American people think we are stealing their jobs - but we're not! We just want to work hard and earn enough money to live." I tried to explain that America has only a certain amount of jobs available - more than that, there are Americans out of work - then more than that we have immigrants coming over and working for cheap and taking those job - in the end (and inadvertently) there are less job for the Americans - who are here legally. I told him I understand why people come here - they want a better life for themselves and their families. He wanted to know why they can't have open gates - allowing anyone who wants to come live here - where is the freedom that America promises? (oh boy) I explained to him that not everyone is good and honest - there are just too many people who have made that "open gate" deal a bad one. I made sure he understood that Americans are also at fault of that - taking advantage of other countries. There is no one country out there that is not at fault of this. I told him that slowly all countries are starting to "close their gates" to outsiders. It's understandable though - I cannot blame them. Trust has been stepped on and ripped apart - they need to put up the forces and protect themselves. My student wanted to join others in a "walk out" on Friday, to protest and show his support. I could not sit there and tell him, "No - that's a bad idea." Because, it's not a bad idea - we are still a free nation and if he wants to show his pride and support something he feels strongly about - I would be anti-American to stop him. The teacher sitting there and listening to our conversation was quick to let him know that it was indeed a bad idea, and if he did it he would (possibly) go to jail for being truant. I assured him that probably would not happen - although I didn't know how the school would treat it. In the end he didn't want to get in trouble - and no one ended up walking out Friday. I needed him to understand that he'll always feel the pull from the Mexican community and from the American community. Anyone who comes from another country and is proud of where they came from - and proud of where they are now - will always feel that pull. I also wanted him to know what an awesome thing it is to have passion and pride in his soul for something - and I told him to never let that die. This teenager could teach us all a great lesson - if only more humans thought the way he does - we'd be a more peaceful nation. He's an awesome kid - and if I can learn anything from him, I know I'll be a better person for simply listening... Life isn't fair - we all know that. Life hurts a lot - because other people make it painful. It doesn't have to be this way - but this is a fight that will probably never end. It breaks my heart to watch this boy - who is so pure and loving - being attacked by the place he calls home.

Monday, Monday.

2006-03-29T09:03:00.000-08:00

Monday was a busy day - more than usual. I went to work and called Sammy's doctor to change his appointment time - Keirra (our niece) had an eye doctor appointment in Reno and we couldn't make both. I then called Scott to tell him I had changed the time - and he said that while taking Sammy to school he vomited in the car! (Yuck!) I called the doctor back and was able to get Sammy in earlier. I had to leave work half way through the day - and missed having lunch with Mr. Naughty Pants and his girls (*pouty face*). I met Scott and Sammy at the doctor's office where Sammy was pumped with energy! He was running all over the waiting room and playing with the toys. The doctor said it was probably just drainage from his sinuses (again, Yuck!). Sammy didn't have a fever or anything bad, so we went home and ate some lunch. Then we went to get Keirra from school and headed up to Reno for her eye appointment. Sammy fell asleep in the car - so I took Keirra in while Scott stayed in the car with sleeping Sammy. It took like an hour before we finally saw the doctor - and everyone seemed confused by why we even had an appointment. We had been to see the eye doctor just six months ago - and normally when you have a good clean visit it's years before you have to come back (as a child). I didn't know (or remember) why they made the appointment - I just went with it. Who am I to second guess the doctor's requests? So, I was a little annoyed that we were there - waiting for over an hour - and no one seemed to understand why we were there. Then to top it off - the doctor (who was like, "What are you doing here.") decided to put drops in Keirra's eyes. That was supposed to take a mere twenty minutes - but ended up taking almost another hour! I went out to the car to tell Scott that we would be another twenty minutes (or so) because of the drops. Sammy was waking up - so I got him out and thought he would enjoy playing with the toys in the waiting room. I left Scott, Keirra and Sammy in the waiting room and went to the bathroom - when I came out here comes Scott, carrying Sammy, running into the Men's room. Our poor little fella had vomited in the waiting room... Scott cleaned him up - as best he could - and after came back into the waiting room to tell the ladies who had to clean up his vomit, "Sorry 'bout that." In the mist of his sorry he started to vomit again! Scott was able to get him to the Men's room in time. After he came out I took Sammy back to the car and left Scott to stay with Keirra. Sammy seemed okay after that - we were in the car and he was playing. We left the eye doctor and headed over to see our Baxter (Puppy!). We were bringing him his new crate and fancy new collar with I.D. On our way over to see Baxter, little Sammy vomited again (oh my, Yuck!)! We pulled over and cleaned up - we had run out of a change of clothes, so he had to wear his jacket. This worked out pretty good - it's waterproof (easy to clean vomit off of - allow me to add yet another - Yuck!). We finally made it over to see Baxter. He was pretty happy to see us - and what a good boy, he came to me when I called him. He was waiting in the office and I opened the door and called him out into the little entree area - and he came right to us! I showed him his little toys, collar and his crate. I put the collar on him and the other two puppies in the room wanted to eat his collar! So, Baxter was under attack - they were trying to chew off his new bling (Oh no! Not that!). I took it off and put it on top of his crate. I figure that we can put it on him every time we see him - and the owner (Helen) can keep it on him when he's going to be apart from the pack. Baxter didn't like the crate idea too much. I'm just happy I'm not the one training him - because my heart would melt and it would never get done. Helen (the owner) assured me that he'll be just fine with the crate by the time we pick him up. Helen had also gave Baxter a bath - oh what a soft little fella! Our little Sammy was not doing well - our visit with Baxter was really short. Scott was holding Sam just about the entire time. He was just not feeling good - so we went home. Stopping to pick up a take-n-bake pizza. Sammy's temperature spiked when we got home and he vomited again! He had a pretty tough night and ended up sleeping with Scott on my La-Z-Boy in the living room. I have been home for two days now with our poor sick fella. It's good during the day, but as soon as evening hits - it's all downhill! Sammy was asking to go see Baxter - in a state of not awake and not asleep with a high temperature... My sweet boy!

I Believe In Dreams...

2006-03-27T13:14:00.000-08:00

I believe in dreams, and that when you dream you are dealing with real life - in an abstract form. I think that everything you dream - no matter how bizarre - has something to do with your life (something that's on your mind). It took me a while to figure this out, but after putting sense to a dream that haunted me as a child - it all became clear. As a teen I had so much fun taking my friends' dreams and trying to make sense of them - I was a novelty. This comes up because the other night I had a dream - and I woke up falling... in love. I dreamt that I flew to Seattle with a friend (Miss. Hotsy-Totsy Pants), for some school related reason. We checked into a hotel and went to the school we were visiting - where we ran into a bunch of folks from the school I work at (so, a bunch of friends). We had a blast touring this school - reasons unknown - goofing around, joking and simply having a nice time. After, I went with my friend (Miss. Hotsy-Totsy Pants) to buy two little dogs for Sammy. We went back to the hotel and then I went out to meet up with Scott (who was already living there in his parents' mansion!). We went to some shopping/market place where I realized the two dogs I had bought for Sam were missing! They had been stolen! I was very upset - crying and trying to figure out just when and where it had happened. I was back at the hotel telling my friend I would meet her at the airport at 5pm for the flight back home. I had time and I wanted to see Scott again before I left. So, I meet up with Scott and realized I needed to shower before I left. He took me to his parents' house (mansion) - there was a large pool with like 5 cabanas! Each had a changing room with a bathroom (toilet, sink and shower). I told him that when we got the house we could tear down most of the cabanas (3) and build a guest house out here. Most of the cabanas didn't work anyway... Then we were looking out at the pool, the awesome view and the cloudy sky - I looked at Scott and simply said, "Yeah, we're home." Analysis: First of all, everyone who knows us knows we are planning to move up to the Seattle area in about 3 and half years. So, that's where Seattle comes into the dream. Scott and I really miss our future place of residence - we love it there so much! With everyone from my school meeting up at a different school - it's because next year I am moving up to the high school, leaving all my pants friends and everyone else I enjoy seeing daily, behind. It's sad, but it's a move I have to make. I am forever telling them that the entire staff from the middle school needs to change places with the entire staff at the high school - that way we can all still be together next year! No one has gone for the idea - yet. So, in my dream I was taking everyone with me (when I move to the high school or to Seattle - or both). The buying of the dogs comes from adopting our little Baxter and then wanting to take home a second puppy (don't worry, we're not). Then I lose them - I think it's because we haven't brought Baxter home yet - and also with the tragic accident causing me to be a little paranoid that our Baxter will be in a similar accident. The shopping we did was in a place I vividly remember from our last trip to Seattle. The area I am remembering is where the monorail track runs over the street... why I put a shopping center there - I don't know. It was near Pike's Place Public Market... My in-laws live north of Seattle on Camano Island - so that's where they come into play. Their house is nice, but no mansion. So, that last part may be a simple wish of what I'd love to have when we do move up there - I know the reality of it, and I cannot say I'll be moving into a mansion. Although, if Scott or I do something and become millionaires - then maybe. For now, only a dream... It was that line at the end of my dream, "Yeah, we're home." That says it all right there - I have always felt this strange sense of a welcoming calmness each and every time I am in Washington State. I have always felt complete when I have visited there and each time I left I have this strong sense of sadness would blanket over me. I was fifteen the first time I flew up to visit my mother's cousin. It was like as soon as I stepped off the place I had this, "Welcome Home." feeling. Scott feels the same - I had never met anyone else who loved Seattle (and the west coast of Washington) as much as I do. It was like fate was telling me, "Here you go, you don't have to fight to be in Seattle - just come." I believe in dreams - I also believe in fate. I believe we each have a purpose and a reason here on earth - we just have to listen to the forces around us and follow our hearts.

Happy Anniversary!

2006-03-25T09:18:00.000-08:00

Happy Anniversary, Happy Anniversary

Happy Anniversary - HAAA-PPY anniversary, Happy, Happy, Happy, Happy, Happy Anniversary, Happy, Happy, Happy, Happy, Happy Anniversary. Happy Anniversary, Happy Anniversary, Happy Anniversary - HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!! -Hanna-Barbera (The Flintstones)

Yesterday - March 24, 2006 - was Scott and my fifth year wedding anniversary. It went by fast! We are pretty darn happy together - and then adding Sammy to the mix made it that much better! We went to visit our little puppy - Baxter - yesterday, before dinner. He's gotten so big - and we just saw him on Monday! It was a nice visit - although something tragic had happened this past week to one of the puppies. Where the puppies are at is a kennel/day care for doggies - and I don't know how, but one of the kenneled/day care dogs got a hold of one of the puppies - and killed it... I know, it broke my heart too. I just wanted to hold Baxter tight and bring the little fella home - where I can trust he'll be safe. There was another puppy adoptee there and she was concerned about her puppy as well. But, we talked out our fears and figured that it was a freak accident and they (the owners) will be a lot more careful with the puppies (we have our fingers crossed). We were more concerned that the two litters equaled 12 and now there are only 10 - one was killed and what happened to the other one? The owner said the other puppy went home - the only reason this brings up a question is that we were told that we couldn't bring our puppies home until they were 8 weeks old - at least. I just hope that other puppy is safe... After we were finished freaking out - we sat down on the cold, dirty cement floor and played with the 10 puppies. They were all over us, biting us and just being the cutest little puppies ever! There are still puppies that need homes (hint, hint)! The other lady and I came up with a great idea - we are going to crate train our pups, so we are going to bring in the puppy stuff in Monday. This way our little puppies can have a safe haven and be able to eat their food inside their crate - not having to fight 8 other puppies for a bite of food. The other puppy owner and I have the smallest, thinnest puppies out of the litters - they are also the calmest puppies and don't really want to fight for food. So, we are going up Monday to see our little Baxter again! YAY! After visiting our little Baxter - we went to the best grocery store ever, Trader Joe's! I cannot say exactly why it's the greatest - but it is full of fresh and organic foods. They also carry a lot of foods from around the world. They are a little expensive - but it's well worth it. Scott is the kind of person that'll go to five different stores just to get the best deals - and he has no problem shopping at Trader Joe's and spending the extra cash for the better quality foods. (Hey - Mr. Naughty Pants - where were you? I bought some more burritos - yummmm!) Then we went across the street to Macaroni Grill for our 6:30 reservation. My mother met us there - we had picked up my niece from school and took her with us to see the puppies (where she had a blast running around in circles as the puppies ran after her!). We got to the Macaroni Grill a few minutes early and when we checked in they gave me a buzzer and asked me to wait! They have a card that says, "RESERVATIONS - no wait, your table is ready, relax." Yeah, I had to wait with Sammy who was all over the place - there was no seating because the restaurant was full, so I was standing and I was really tired - we were not relaxed! When my mother and Scott asked why we were waiting when we had a reservation - they said they were waiting for the people to leave (at the table they wanted to seat us). Well, I like to linger sometimes after I have finished eating - so I couldn't get mad. They sat us and the evening went really well. We got good food - had a nice conversation and the evening ended with the hostess singing opera (something about an anniversary - I didn't hear what it was about, because I was too busy trying to get the camera ready to record her beautiful voice.) They brought us a chocolate cake (oh my god - it was so good!) - it was a nice dinner. Then - we went over to PetCo and bought Baxter a bunch of stuff! A pad for his little kennel - a yummy little bed - a few toys - a couple feeding dishes and a collar. Sammy picked out the collar and one of the toys - but when we got home we realized the toy Sammy picked out never made it to the check out - he probably threw it out of the cart. So, we have an excuse to go back and get the toy that was lost and a name tag for our little Baxter's collar. It's going to be hard to wait another 4 weeks to bring Baxter home - but it'll go by quickly. We have had a good five years thus far - and I expect another awesome five years (plus sixty). I know we have had stress on our marriage - but we have never once thought of ending what we have. The stress has never been us - but outside stress (such as insurance not wanting to cover me because I was married... yeah, stupid). We were able to work past that hell and I know we'll be able to conquer anything that comes at us. We love each other - have an awesome little boy - life is good...

BIG DOG - little dog

2006-03-21T16:47:00.000-08:00

We got the "okay" to bring Ebony in to meet her new little puppy! Ebony was... well, afraid of him! I thought Ebony was going to be excited and happy to meet this new little guy. It was so cute to watch Baxter chase Ebony around the little room we were in. You would think he was this big mean bully of a dog the way she was reacting! That's our Ebby, though, she has issues. She is pretty much afraid of everything - now. It wasn't this way when her buddy Jasper was alive - she was more or less fearless. Her courage passed away when he did, and I really hope that little Baxter can remind her that her courage never left... Baxter has grown so much! He was attacking all three of us - trying to eat my face! He is a playful puppy - but his energy didn't last too long, reminding us that he is still a small little puppy... My Ebby knows she is important to me - hey, if I didn't love her Baxter wouldn't be coming to live with us. We love our animals - and it's crazy when others don't understand that. I just don't understand how you could not love these creatures! They are like kids - you don't want to have more than you can handle - you want to be able to afford to baby the ones you do have. Ebby was enjoying a moment of calmness while Baxter ate dinner. He is a slow eater - but he cleans his plate (Good boy)! Yes, Ebby, we love you! Sammy and Baxter are becoming great buds! Baxter was following Sammy all over the place - just like one of his pack. Sammy was more interested in Baxter this time - I think the older Baxter gets, the more real he becomes to Sammy. This has been such an exciting event for us - going up to visit Baxter and being able to watch him grow. It is a little painful each time when we see him and cannot leave with him. I would rather feel this little bit of pain now then not go visit him at all - I know when the day does come that he leaves with us - he'll be so much more relaxed than if we just showed up and took him. This way he knows us and trusts us.

What's Up With the Doughnuts?

2006-03-19T08:47:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we were out with some friends. Their daughter and my neice are good pals. It works out because the girl's parents and Scott and I are great friends as well. So, whenever my niece and their daughter want to play together - Scott and I know we get to have fun too (hanging out with our friends). So, yesterday we went up to Reno and played a little bipolar weather mini-golf. It was sunny and snowing, often at the same time! Scott was having problems (he's a big guy, 6 foot 6 inches tall!) hitting the ball too hard. I had to keep reminding him, "Mini-golf!" I think he was playing real golf as he hit the ball into the parking lot! It was a lot of fun - and after we went over to TGI Friday's for dinner - yum! After dinner my friends asked me where we were going - I told them we wanted to hit Krispy Kreme for a doughnut. (We love the fresh hot glazed - Yummy!) Their reaction to doughnuts was that of disgust. I can totally understand why - deep fried in oil... There is nothing a doughnut has to offer - except fat and artery-clogging ingredients. They described the way eating a doughnut made them feel - on their teeth and then inside their bodies... I have reasons for my doughnut love - passion - obsession! I told my frined (Zook) that I could eat myself to death with doughnuts - and die happy. Of course he wasn't going to understand that - but I do... When I was a little kid (about six years old) my parents divorced. Before they divorced, my father and I would make special trips to go get a doughnut. He would get a doughnut and cup of coffee and I would just get a doughnut - sometimes we would eat it there at the doughnut shop or on the drive back home. He would often allowed me to drive (put me on his lap), when we got onto our street! It was great times and awesome memories - memories that never faded with time. Whenever my mother would go get doughnuts - or my grandmother would bring them over - we would all get excited! We would all meet at the dining room table and hover over the box. It was just so much fun - a moment in time when we (my mother, grandmother, brother and myself) were all happy and together. (of course there were other times - but I am talking about doughnuts - therefore bringing up the doughnut memory.) The box would open and there was always one apple fritter - I always wanted that one, but it was known to all that it belonged to my grandmother. That was her favorite doughnut (another sweet memory of my grandma). My mother said that the apple fritters cost too much and she could only afford one - that was okay, we got a doughnut - that's all that was important *wink* Later - after I married - Scott would bring me a doughnut every Wednesday. (Wednesday was doughnut day at his work (RCI)) He brought me a doughnut because I was stuck at home from back to back surgeries and staph infections. I was down and out for a long time! The doughnut became the special thing he did to cheer me up - isn't that sweet?! He knew how much I loved doughnuts - he knew it would make me happy. I did, finally, get better and had to stop eating doughnuts - due to the size my booty (and the rest of my body) was becoming. I had to stop eating anything naughty - for a little while - until I could get my booty back down to normal Vi-Jo size. I have just about made it back - would like to go lower - but I get my doughnut treat every now and then. My favorite Southern California doughnut stops are Yum Yum Donuts and Dunkin Donuts (drool...). Doughnuts have always linked me to some special time in my life. A time when life was sweet - even for just a moment. Yes, I know how they are made and what they will do to your body. I never overeat the oh-so-powerful doughnut - I never abuse it. BTW - the term "Have Another Doughnut" was born when I was overweight. All I needed was another doughnut! It was a poke at my weight - not literal, just funny. Now you know...

Yay! So Much Fun!!!

2006-03-18T10:36:00.000-08:00

Friday is normally our day to drive up to Reno and visit our puppy - Baxter (Puppy!). Yesterday was going to be just like any other Friday - get off work, go meet up with Scott and drive the whole family up to see Baxter (Puppy!). Then the entire staff at my school decided to get together at a local bar and grill to celebrate the end of a long testing week. So, I told my (pants) friends that I would show up for a short time, but then I was going to leave early to go see my puppy. Mr. Naughty Pants and I went, after school got out, and were the first ones there - a few more people showed up and we all enjoyed a beer and some nachos. Before we knew it everyone was there and the party really started to take off! Of course, I was getting ready to leave as everything began - and when I told everyone I was leaving they all voted for me to stay and party! So, I was bullied into staying and not going up to see our Baxter - we'll go Monday and Friday of next week. Mrs. Bitch Pants and a few other fun folks were playing pool and asked me to play too - so we tried to team up equally (although I think my teammate got the bad end of the deal when he got stuck with me - I suck at pool). Although I must report that even though my teammate did most of the work - I was the one to sink the 8 ball and win the game! We drank, ate, and were merry! Mrs. Smarty Pants and I hung out and enjoyed ourselves - drank beer and ate chicken wings and zucchini sticks. Yeah - we had fun. Then everyone started to leave and I thought it was time for me to go too - but as I made my way around to say, "good-bye" I stayed and talked more. Then - as fate had it - Mr. Naughty Pants (who I had arrived with - first ones there) and I were the last ones to leave. It was funny how it worked out that way. Then as Mr. Naughty Pants and I were walking out to our cars together he announced to me that he had been needing to fart for some time and then he let go! Loud and long - yeah, thanks Mr. Naughty Pants! I had a great time with all the folks I work with - what a fun crowd of people! They are young and wild and know how to party! My Pants friends are the ones to thank for asking me to go in the first place - THANKS!!!!

Let It Snow, Let It Snow....MAKE IT STOP!!!!

2006-03-16T18:20:00.000-08:00

I love the white stuff - it's pretty and crisp and fresh and fun... And now it needs to stop! I am totally sick of the weather here in Northern Nevada - I have had it - enough! I cannot handle the bipoler disorder the Northern Nevada Mother Nature has. Someone needs to give her a little blue pill to chill the fuck out! One day it's spring, the next winter - and one day is was a total winter blizzard outside and within an hour it was spring time out there! Come on! If the weather was more stable it could do anything it wants - snow, rain, be warm (not hot - yuck), as long as it is stable! Here we are in another week from hell - with snow and wind that's so cold it sings as it hits your flesh. I am sick of the snow! It is debilatating - when it snows (even a little bit) the world has to stop and wait for it to end before slowly making it's way back out into the great wide open. The snow will start falling and folks will run and hide inside their houses and wait for it to stop. Then once it has stopped they are like cute little meerkats peeking out of their holes to see if the cost is clear from the big bad snow. The mystery that has fallen from the sky making everything cold and slippery. It will rain here every once in a great while - and when it does it's usually at night and only for a few short hours. The folks here act like it's acid rain and then complain for weeks (over exaggeration) how gloomy the weather is and how depressed they are because it has rained - in the middle of one night for a few short hours... Every Friday, for like three weeks now, we slip into a "winter storm warnning" as eveyone awaits this big bad boy storm - that never fucking shows up! Then it'll snow for a few hours and everyone will freak out! (see a pattern?) I understand no matter where you live - the weather is going to annoy someone. I also understand that in other places the weather is a lot more stable - for more than just a few hours! The only time the weather here is close to being stable in in the summer when we go weeks and weeks - then months and months of boiling hot weather - when day after day it's close to a hundred with no break! How the hell could that not make you crazy??!! Anyhow - tomorrow it is, now here's the suprise, supposed to snow! Winter storm warnning... Yeah...

It Hurts When...

2006-03-14T18:39:00.000-08:00

I don't work with the special education kids - but I am really close and I am able to watch others work with them. Not all of them are mentally retarded, autistic or physically handicapped - some deal with serious emotional issues. I watch a friend of mine (a few friends actually) deal with these kids daily - and I watch as these kids have good days and bad days. On their good days you can see the pride fill the eyes of the aides and teacher as the children tell them they love them and thank them for the help they get. Then there are the bad days... The pain that fills my friends' eyes when these children are cold and mean to them is just unfair. I was just talking (last week) how I rationalize reasons the kids I work with act the way they do (sometimes). I have to tell myself that they are just teenagers and that they do not really hate me. There are days when they make coming to work a treat - then other days they are a nightmare to be around. I work with the "normal" children whereas my friends work with kids who could hurl a chair at their face at any second. Again - not totally their fault. My friends have faith in these children and believe in them - where no one else, even family, does. Someone has to - right? I can feel the love when I enter their room - and I can feel the pain. Today my friend was dealing with one of his kids with emotional problems - all day long this kid was yelling at my friend. This isn't anything out of the norm for this kid - he pretty much goes around and tells (whomever he pleases) off. He's awfully rude to the front office lady - who is one of the sweetest people ever! But, it's my friend it hurts the most. He has so much faith in this boy and so much love in his heart for this boy - he would take him home if he could. He gives this boy a person of understanding and trust to come to whenever he needs to talk. He provides a couch for the boy to take a nap on, knowing he didn't get any sleep at home. He's the best thing this boy has ever had - and will probably ever have. So, when the boy has nothing but abuse to dish out all over my friend - it's hard for my friend to take. The boy probably feels safe and figures no matter what he dishes out to this teacher - he won't leave. Or - he's thinking that everyone in life has turned their backs on him - he's just waiting for this teacher to do the same. My friend will never - no matter what - turn his back on this boy. My friend cares so much about these kids that sometimes he snaps at the aides who help him care for them - inadvertently, I'm sure. The aides (my friends, too) know he's not really attacking them - but it hurts just the same. It's almost a violent cycle - the children annoy the teacher - the teacher snaps at his co-workers - everyone is now sad. I hate these days - but I know it's par for their course. It sucks for them - but these folks have it within them to take it and let it go. They make each day a new day - a fresh start - and harbor no hard feelings. I couldn't do their jobs and I wouldn't want to, but that is why they are in the position they are in with these kids who need them. My friend had a great big heart - enough room for his family, friends and any child who comes his way for help. He's an awesome guy who needs an acknowledgement. His co-workers (aides) also need a great big "Thanks for everything you do!" by the entire staff. I hope they know they make me proud each and every day - good job guys! BTW - this guy I'm talking about here is none other than the Mr. Naughty Pants we all love, and his ladies (Mrs. Bitch Pants, Mrs. Smarty Pants and Miss. Hotsy-Totsy Pants). I just hope Mr. Naughty Pants never gets immune to his job and is forever as wonderful as he is now with the kids he works with.

A Little Life Brings Great Happiness...

2006-03-10T20:49:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was Friday - and I gotta say that Friday started out pretty crappy. I left work feeling a little blue - and then came home and wrote a little sad blog. But then Scott, Sammy, my neice (Keirra), our dog (Ebony) and I hopped into the car and headed for Reno, and there we met with the sweetest thing on four paws - BAXTER!!! No matter what sadness I was feeling - it was forgotten as soon as I saw his sweet little face. He's gotten so big! He was running all over the place - he was a mess from playing in his food... he was perfect. Baxter was just what I needed to lift my sprits off the cold dirty floor. I held him, I played with him and once again he fell asleep in my arms as I rubbed my face across his. Baxter is so damn cute - I just want to take him home! He's already 5 weeks old (or will be on Sunday) - can you believe it?! Most of his brothers and sisters have also been adopted - but there are still like five that have no homes yet. I'm sure those sweet faces will attract people really fast! We still have about eight weeks until we can bring little Baxter home - but we'll keep visiting him each and every week leading up. We are going on vacation for a week - so there will be a week that we won't see him - but as soon as we get home from vacation we get to go pick him up and bring him home! It's a rush of pride knowing I am going to be Baxter's mommy - he's such an adorable little guy. The owner of K9 Fitness Center, and the Corgi rescue, hung out with us for a while playing with the puppies. Another couple - who adopted two of the puppies - came in and it turned out to be one big puppy party! Sam found himself being followed around by the puppies - after all he's the closest thing to their size. Sam also found himself on the bottom of a few dog piles - silly babies! What had to have been the warmest part of the visit was watching Baxter follow his new monkey owner (Sammy) around. Baxter was really getting to know Sammy - and Sammy really didn't want too much to do with the puppy. That's okay - I'd rather have him relaxed and not get too excited over the puppies. I wouldn't want him to pick them up and carry them around, and be absoultely annoying with them. Sammy did pet Baxter, tell him that he loved him, and held him in his lap - it was heart-melting! I know that Sam and Baxter are going to be great buds! As for me and Baxter - yeah, he's my little buddy. It's all for Ebony - but we all know that is probably not the complete truth, as it has a lot to do with me too. We might try and get up to see Baxter more than once a week - if the weather permits and if time permits as well. A little life brings great happiness - as I was quick to forget the hells of the day and bathe in the glow of this puppy's pure and happy spirit... Yeah, life's good.

Life's Tough

2006-03-10T15:21:00.000-08:00

Everyone knows this saying and everyone on the planet Earth feels this way from time to time. I find myself fighting a lot with people who just don't understand. I have a job no one else in my entire school has - and it's very hard and very lonely being me. I have the kids on one hand and the adults on the other. I have to carefully juggle them - we don't want them crashing and hurting one another. What they all tend to forget is that they are all very heavy and I am hurting so much just trying to keep them up and moving. No one sees me for what I do or even who I am. Sure I have friends and we have fun - but I see that as an event outside of work. I feel that when I go hang out with them - I leave my job and go hang out with fun folks. Then I go back to what I do - Interpreter. The job I do is very demeaning as you are supposed to be an invisible robot. I don't do that well - and if you know me you know that. I am a very social creature who needs to be seen, heard and viewed as a normal human being. There are some days I listen to people talk to me and know they have no idea what I do. They are there every day with me - but they have their own jobs to worry about. Cannot blame them for that. I know for a fact that being an Interpreter is not what I was born to do. I want to stay for a few more years, allowing the boy I Interpret for to graduate high school, and then move on with life. I have come this far with him and now I need to see him finish. He is the sole reason I keep this job. If it weren't for him I would have told them long ago to kiss my large white ass as I walked out the door... Anyhow - it's a lonely world for me at work. I just wish I could get the people I juggle (kids and adults) to see me as a real person and respect me as a real person...

Resolutions...

2006-03-09T21:42:00.000-08:00

I take New Year's Resolutions very seriously. When I was a kid, my mother was always on my case for talking too much. So, on New Year's I pledged to be a quiet person. All year I was the opposite of what I normally was - and everyone was so concerned that I wasn't well. I thought they would all be so happy that I had finally shut up, but it seemed that talking (as much as I did) was a part of who I was. Though, I could not end my resoultion early - it just didn't seem right. I waited until the next year and made a resolution to be myself - and my mother began to complain again... I take to heart one major thing I know I must change about myself - because it's not making me or the people I am around happy. I can do anything I put my mind to - my will power is pretty strong. This past New Year's '2006 I made the resolution not to be so damn negative. I wasn't going to share my personal hells with anyone else - I was going to be happy and positive. It was working - but I slipped and I want to apologize to my friends for being so damn negative. (especially with this blog) I realized today, when talking to Mr. Naughty Pants, that there are a lot of things I am just going to have to deal with in my head. Some things I need to let go of and walk away from, not give so much heart into. There are going to be problems and people that no matter what I try to do - I will not be able to change. I can make life a little eaiser for the time I am there - make it fun and positive. Make life worth living even though there is a darkness looming around. I am really sorry to my friends (especially Mr. Naughty Pants, Mrs. Smarty Pants, Miss Hotsy-Totsy Pants and Mrs. Bitch (named by Mr. Naughty Pants)). I really enjoy being around you guys and I thank you for allowing me (a non-pants) to be a part of your everyday life. I want to have fun with you all - I never want to pull you into my personal little hell. Mr. Naughty Pants - I know what you're saying and even though it doesn't seem like I'm listening - I really am. I always try too hard to make my point - when I need to shut up and listen to yours. I heard you today - and I have been thinking about everything you said. I know that you strive to see the good in people and I respect you for that. I also know you are a reflection of light - that when others are around you they cannot help but to be happy and have fun. It's you that made this happen - and I hope you know that. I will try to stop bringing my shit your way and try to enjoy this time we all have together. Okay, so this post ended up being one big fat shout-out to my buddy Mr. Naughty Pants (and his girls; Miss Hotsy-Totsy Pants (who's single by the way boys), Mrs. Smarty Pants and Mrs. Bitch (named by Mr. Naughty Pants). I know Mr. Naughty Pants is probably rolling with laughter reading this - for he is the creator of the "Pants" people. "Smile, laugh, be happy, and fart." - Mr. Naughty Pants.

Mr. Naughty Pants

2006-03-07T20:38:00.000-08:00

It's got to be the best feeling in the world when you meet someone you click with - right away. I think as soon as I met Mr. Naughty Pants at the beginning of this school year - I knew we were going to have a great time together. It took a while before we got to spend time together - but as soon as it happened it has been great fun! I get kind of sad when he's not there - or if he's feeling blue (no, not balls!) about something. I look forward to lunch time - because I know I am going to go hang out with a small group of people who make all the hells of the day disappear. The bell rings, I grab my lunch and dash down to Mr. Naughty Pants' room - and as soon as I walk through the door I feel this nirvana. Then when the bell rings again, letting us all know it's time to get back to work - I always get a little sad, because I want to just hang out with Mr. Naughty Pants and his girls. (I'll explain his "girls" in another post - it'll take a whole post to do that.) Let me to get to why I have dubbed this friend of mine Mr. Naughty Pants. Well, first and foremost, he's naughty. He has got to be one of the sickest people I know - besides myself. He's so much more naughty than I'll ever be - and how could I not admire that?! Then, it was per his request that I call him something to do with "Pants" in the title - because he thought it would be funny (an inside joke). Mr. Naughty Pants has a loud booming personality that everyone (who is normal) really enjoys. He will go down the halls singing loud and clear, and when he stops everyone is calling out for more. He's a great person with a bigger heart than anyone else I know. He's Mr. Tough guy on the outside - but I know the inside is cuddly teddy bear. (awww cute) He has to deal with a severe and profoundly Autistic child daily (who loves Mr. Naughty Pants) and sometimes the boy becomes violent. Mr. Naughty Pants is forced to have to become physical with this boy (never hurting him), restraining him so he cannot hurt himself or anyone else around. After these episodes I can see the pain in Mr. Naughty Pants' eyes - as it kills him a little inside having to treat this boy that way. The boy has improved 150% since the first day of being with Mr. Naughty Pants - because he loves him so much. We are lucky to be a part of Mr. Naughty Pants' life - as I hope it lasts forever... If you have ever watched The Family Guy you can kind of get an idea what Mr. Naughty Pants is like. Though he's a Peter Griffin with brains. So, he's the smart guy telling you to pull his elbow because he's got a sudden painful cramp - then he farts and laughs until his face turns a bright red. He'll belt out something sounding so awesomely brilliant, leaving the room awed and speechless - then turn around and start dancing the robot accompanied by a little beatboxing. He has taught the kind girl next door how to say, "beeyotch." He had a childhood no child should have to endure - he grew up with an adolescence of trouble and problems and then made a 360 degree turn and created a life to be proud of. So, no matter how awesomely smart and talented he is - he always brings you back down to the fact that he is only a human being - who is enjoying life.

BAXTER!!!!!!

2006-03-03T20:49:00.000-08:00

Every once in a while your heart cannot help but to fall in love, become attached and be ready for a life time commitment. As soon as I picked him up - as soon as I held him close and as soon as I looked into his eyes - we were one. His sweet kisses, the way he nuzzled my neck and when he fell asleep in my arms - Yeah, I knew...he was mine. Pure, unconditional love comes in a few different forms - this one is the best of the best as I know he will never judge me for the way I look - how annoying I can be or even how much money I have. All he'll care about is my love, affection and attention. Of course food, water, treats, a roof over his head and a walk for exercise will be much appreciated. We took only a week to pick out a name for our cute, new, little PUPPY!!!!! We were going over names like Rocco - but that reminded Scott of a cartoon kangaroo. Scott's doggie who passed away last summer was named after a national park up in Canada - so Tom, Scott's brother, brought up a few of the other national parks in that area. They all sounded pretty good - but a painful reminder of who we lost no too long ago (Jasper). Like I said before we are not replacing him - we could never do that - we are only adding onto our family. The Canadian national park name idea made it seem like we were replacing him... (they were cool names though!) Scott's mother and I were chatting on AIM one evening and going over names - kinda being silly about them. She said, "Nothing too tough - you want him to be kind and gentle around Sam." So then names like Tinker-Bell and Snookums came up - she said gentle not lame. SO, then she wrote, "No, something like Baxter would be cute." That was it! As soon as I read it off the screen I knew that was the name for our new little guy!!! I began to yell the name out loud - to tell Scott and to hear myself say it. Scott's response was, "Yeah, that sounds like a good one." Over the rest of the week we talked about it - but I truly think the fact that my mother hates the name so much made Scott really think about it - and then love it. Yesterday (Friday) when we went to visit our little fella - it was the true name test - if it didn't fit, we were going to have to rethink "Baxter" for his name. Oh my gosh! as soon as we saw him - we knew it was the right choice! He looks like a Baxter. YAY! Baxter Schrantz was born on February 6, 2006 to a Corgi mommy named Annie and a Border Collie daddy - gigolo (this guy not only knocked up Annie - but her sister Corgi as well. The two bitches gave birth 9 hours apart!) On February 24, 2006 Baxter was adopted by US! We just cannot wait to take him home! At the end of April - after we come back from our spring break vacation to Southern California - we'll go get our little guy! Ebony will get to meet him in two weeks! That'll be exciting - I know she'll love him, take him under her wing and teach him all her bad habits (not too many - she's a good girl). We love our animals so much and we know they love us just for who we are - animals are the BEST! Welcome to our family Baxter!

Act vs. Handicap

2006-03-01T20:59:00.000-08:00

I am guilty! I am an avid watcher of the evil American Idol - and I like it! I'm not a crazy fan - I do not call in to vote - it's purely for entertainment purposes. The reason I am saying out loud that I watch this show (I am a closet reality show junkie) is because of this one guy - Taylor Hicks. He made the 24 to be judged by America, on his way to the final 12 - I hope. He is really different than the other contestants on American Idol - he has gray hair (age 29), he's not the sexiest guy on the show - and he has some odd moves that seem to annoy people writing comments online. Most of the people making comments online think it's all an act - he's a wannabe Ray Charles or Stevie Wonder... The thing about those guys is the reason they move like that is due to their disability. I truly believe that Taylor Hicks has a disability as well - I think he may have cerebral palsy (brain damage causing spastic muscle movements). He has characteristics in his movements that point to cerebral palsy. I don't want to sound like Miss. Professional cerebral palsy person here - but I do have a little knowledge on the subject (personally). I would hope that the morons on the forums freaking out - about the way he moves and calling him a wannabe - would feel badly if they found out that this great (high spirited) guy has a disability. They won't and I will not let that bother me, but I'd love to e-mail Taylor Hicks someday soon and ask him the truth. (I have yet to find a working e-mail address for him.) He just makes you feel happy to see him - he's got the right spirit for this game/competition, and I give him Kudos for his effort! I really hope he makes it to the end - but I'm not worried, because even if he doesn't win American Idol, he's already won America's hearts...

Mama Bear Syndrome

2006-02-28T19:59:00.000-08:00

I am a total mama bear when it comes to the kids I work with. I don't mean to be - it's just after spending so much time with them I almost feel like a second mama to them. I want to make sure they have food, water, everything they need for school...ect. I am with this one kid all day and then if he has activities after school (sports, summer school...) I do it all with him. I am just superprotective of these two boys - that sometimes I forget that I am just the Interpreter. I feel like so much more though - I know they trust me more than anyone else at school, and they respect me as a peer (great honor). When they need to talk to someone or they have questions (both personal and scholastic) they come to me. So, maybe you could understand why naturally I want to protect them. Their families are awesome as well - very tight and loving. Last month when our school was having big problems with gang-related activity - my boys found themselves smack in the middle of it. These guys are wanting to belong to a group so badly - to be accepted for who they are - teenage identity crises. They found a clique, a group of friends who accept them for who they are - they just happen to be a part of a gang (wannabes). There was some tagging on a bathroom wall that was a little out of control - and even though these two boys had nothing to do with it, their names were brought up to the police as being part of it. I felt like crap as these two boys were pulled into the office, questioned and as their stuff was searched and confiscated. Their anger quickly turned into pain and fear - they couldn't hold back tears and the feeling of being violated. What could I do? Nothing. It broke my heart just the same. I have been there for them - explaining things to them and helping them to understand why the adults were attacking them. These are good boys and they don't want to be in trouble - they have been very good at listening and understanding. What, actually, brings me to this topic tonight was a friend of mine at school who called me on being maybe too protective? I think my actions were correct - but he had a great point. Here's what happened: Today my Deaf student and I were in the special education room talking to the teacher (my friend) when one of his students approached my Deaf student and began to make loud noises in his face. We all stopped talking and watched with bewilderment - what the heck was he doing? So, the other kid in the room told the one making the noises, "What are you doing? He's Deaf." Then they both laughed at the whole thing - that's probably what pissed me off more than the noises. My Deaf student looked at me with a puzzled look - he didn't know what this kid was doing. Then there they were - the two (special education) hearing kids were there having a good laugh at the expense of MY STUDENT! So, without thought I looked scornfully at this boy, and told him that was rude. He tried to explain (give his excuse) but I didn't want any part of that - what he did was wrong and I wanted him to feel it! I told him he owed my student an apology. He told me, "But, he's Deaf." I told him that didn't matter - he needed to look at my student and tell him he was sorry - I would sign behind his back. He did and my guy was so confused. I quickly explained what was going on and then again later when I had more time to make sure he understood what had happened. His face dropped when I explained what had happened, he thought that kid was pretty cool - and to know that a kid you think is cool just made fun of you, to your face - that just sucks. My friend was saying that I was a little too protective - not a bad thing - but I should have allowed my student the chance to take care of it himself. This is true - I should have. I cannot say that it won't stop me next time someone is moronic, but I'll try to remember - once again - I am just the Interpreter.

Know what pisses me off???

2006-02-27T19:05:00.000-08:00

If you don't know by now, I am a Sign Language Interpreter for a ninth grader at a local middle school. Technically he's a high schooler - but the high school here is too small so they keep their ninth graders in the two middle schools. Thursday - of last week - in Health class they watched Super Size Me as an introduction to what eating junk food can do to your body. The teacher (an awesome teacher btw) popped in the DVD and hit play - forgetting about the whole captions thing we need for my student. So, like I usually have to do, I went up to him and requested the captions be turned on. He said sure and handed me the remote control, gesturing that he had no idea what to do. I told him it should be simple, just hit the subtitles button and voila! Nothing. Crap, now I had to stop the movie, go to the menu and try and turn on the English subtitles that way. The only problem now was there wasn't an option for English subtitles - only Spanish. What the eff was wrong here?! So, I gave up the battle and turned the movie back on for the rest of the class. They didn't finish watching the movie on Thursday and so on Friday I went in early to see what I could do - the teacher even brought in his 15 year-old son to try to figure it out - no luck. What I wasn't getting was the very simple fact that the damn DVD does not have English subtitles. DVD's do not talk to the TV the way VHS tapes communicate with the TV to turn on captioning. Captioning and Subtitles are two different technologies - one is built into the TV (captioning) and the other is built into the DVD player (subtitles). It's hella complicated to try and figure it all out - and if you really want to know you can go ask the Computer-Vet, he knows. I just could not wrap my mind around this DVD not having captions - er oops, sorry, I mean subtitles - so I went out over the weekend and rented the damn thing! (It was a free rental - I had a coupon. I didn't care wasting it since we have joined Netflix.) So, in the end I realized the stupid thing is not equipped with English subtitles, and therefore my Deaf student cannot watch the film and will be unable to enjoy the movie like his entire class of hearing kids got to - how fucking messed up is that?! I am so pissed off at assholes who won't fork over the extra dough it takes to put the god-damn subtitles onto a DVD so that all of effing America can enjoy their films! It broke my heart today when I had to tell him that he wasn't going to be able to watch it because it did not have the English subtitles. He looked sad, said it was okay, but I could see that he was disappointed. He really wanted to see the documentary - and because people are cheap he couldn't! It's 2006 and the hearing world is still shutting out the Deaf community - how jacked up is that?! Please - let me know what you think about this. I want to write a letter to the filmmaker, Morgan Spurlock, and I would like to include any and all comments I get. My husband (Scott) is also posting this on his site and I hope to get many angry people commenting (on our behalf). This should not be an issue in today's world - we've come too far from the days of segregation - this is still a form of segreation, we are still keeping them out. If you could have seen the look on my student's face when I told him he couldn't watch it - it would have broken your heart too.

Good night sweet Prince...

2006-02-26T21:17:00.000-08:00

Although when Shakespeare used this in Hamlet he was referring to the death of a Prince - here I am referring to the sweet little boy lying next to me. Samma is the greatest gift life ever gave me - a lot of crap happens in life and it's when I look into his sweet blue eyes that it all goes away. The fact that I am his mommy and the most important person in his little life - fills me with pride. We were watching the Olympics when we both fell asleep - not that they were boring, just on too late for us. Sweet dreams!!!!

RSVPing...

2006-02-26T15:24:00.000-08:00

Yesterday (February 25th.) we hosted a birthday party for my 7 year-old neice at Pinon Plaza Bowling Center, here in Carson City. We got the invitations out a week ago last Friday - giving parents plenty of time to RSVP. Only two families RSVPed the weekend the invitations went out (thank you White and Berger families!) - the weekend came and went - no calls. Monday, Tuesday - no calls... I am begining to worry that no one is coming to the party except the two families mentioned above. Wednesday afternoon a woman called RSVPing that her grandson would be there - and then the nice lady on the answering machine apologized for calling so late. We had another message from a mother saying that her daughter was coming - yay! Okay, so now I had four out of the eight invited who RSVPed and were coming. Thursday no calls and I started to panic that this was going to be it and how much that sucked for Keirra (my neice) that her friends weren't coming to her party. Though I almost looked forward to the small amount coming - this way Keirra could hang with her friends and I would have a chance to hang with mine (White's and Berger's). Friday I didn't care anymore - figuring it was for the best - plus, we went to see the puppies and who could worry about life when you're holding a two week old puppy in the palms of you hands? When we returned home Friday night we got one more call from a parent (whom later I found out that their plans were to go away this past weekend, but had changed at the last minute - I forgive you.) saying their daughter was coming. Now we had five out of the eight invited - that isn't bad - right? I thought it rude of parents who couldn't make the party not to call and RSVP with no's. It would have been really nice to get eight phone calls for the eight invitations - I probably cared more about the no RSVPs than who was showing up. Although, I would have been a little pissed off if everyone RSVPed "no." Saturday morning we all got up early - showered and left the house at a good time. Had to stop at the store to pick up the cake and balloon bouquet (which took like 20 minutes to get together!). We got to the bowling alley right on time for the party to begin! I brought a few extra goodie bags - never know who might bring a brother or sister. Then a little into the party a father stopped by with his daughter, said her name, said sorry they were late and left. No RSVP, no "Hi my name is..." Just here's my kid - see ya later. I was like, "What?" The little girl had nothing to do with the way her father handled things - so we took her over, got her set up and had a wonderful time. The White's knew this family, and I guess there's a nasty divorce going on and parents are unstable... I guess I can understand maybe forgetting to RSVP - but he never apologized for not RSVPing. I don't think the father would have even let me know he was taking his daughter home - had I not approached him. He was the last parent to come pick up - but, I was kinda busy talking and didn't notice him come in. I looked over at the girls and saw him standing there waiting for his daughter to put her shoes on. Just makes me wonder, what are they thinking??? The party was fun and I think all the children had a great time. There were a lot more children that showed up than I had planned on having - but in the end it all worked out. I want to throw a thanks out to my friend, Victoria White, who helped helped me with party things - Thank You! I just think parents (or who ever for what ever) need to RSVP to a party - even if you are not planning on going! It's the polite thing to do - plus we want to make sure to have enough cake! *wink*

PUPPY!!!!

2006-02-24T20:24:00.000-08:00

Almost seven years ago Scott and I went to the pound in search of a new puppy for Scott's ten-year-old dog, Jasper. There she was, a beautiful black and white puppy, waiting for a family. She was with her brother in a kennel - they had been abandoned in a local park together. Someone found them in a box (in the park) and took them into the pound - where we found our Ebony! She was the best thing we ever did for Jasper - not only did he get someone to play with, he got a life long confidant. They were a fit - like two puzzle pieces coming together. When we took Ebony with us on vacation (she was still a puppy) and left Jasper at home they both were sulking and depressed. As soon as we reunited them they were the happiest doggies - we never separated them again. Not until last summer when nature took its toll and ended Jasper's 16-year life. Life's not fair - and when your pet passes away it sucks more than anything! There's nothing right about it - but with all life it must come to an end. Jasper lived a lot longer then he probably should have - he was a big dog (a big medium really). The reason he lived longer was probably because he had Ebony keeping him young. After Jasper passed, Ebony became depressed. We figured she needed time to greive and deal with her feelings. We have been giving her more attention and doting over her - it has been about eight months and our Ebony has only gotten worse. (poor Ebby) We asked the Vet what we should do and she told us to get her a puppy. So here we are back at the beginning - life has come full circle. We got Ebony as a puppy for Jasper, and now we are getting a new puppy for Ebony. I saw in the Reno paper a Corgi rescue had two litters of puppies who were in need of homes. I called - we went to go see the two-week-old puppies Friday afternoon and by the time we left, we had adopted a new little member of our family! He's the cutest little thing! He's a tri-color Corgi/Border Collie mix - he'll be short (we hope). There will be plenty of pictures and plenty of entries here as we visit him each week until we bring him home in the end of April! We are very excited - we love animals and we want the very best for ours. If it's going to make Ebony a happy doggie again - then we'll do it! We'll never be able to replace the pets we have lost - we'll never stop loving them. We can grow and expand our hearts to others who enter our family - somewhere in the end we'll all meet up again and be forever together. (Rainbow Bridge).

Rude People Suck!

2006-02-23T16:23:00.000-08:00

I cannot stand rude people - they piss me off! I am a very nice person - you treat others how you want to be treated in return. So, I am always nice and understanding - but sometimes it's hard to be pleasant to those who are...well, assholes! I encounter rude people all the time - as I am sure does everyone. I notice that with some rude people when I show that I'm not going to take their shit they change their tune. Example - yesterday I called my son's doctor, because I spaced it and forgot his appointment (oops!) I know they hate it when you do that - and I figured they weren't going to be praising over the phone - but I thought they would be nice... They lady answered and as soon as I said that I wasn't going to make my appointment at 3:00 she became pissy. I asked if I could reschedule, she misunderstood me and said - rudely - "It's almost three o'clock now!" I answered - just as rudely - "Yes, I know that! I want to reschedule!" Her tone changed and she was the nicest person for the rest of the conversation. I don't want to have to be rude in order to get the respect that's due to me right off - damnit! If I give you respect - I expect it back.