I'm BAAAAAAAACK!!

Hey Blogging world I'm finally back to updating this ol blog of mine. I just needed to step back for a little bit to find my mojo again. Things have been like a rollercoaster lately, with some UPS and some DOWNS. It's a good thing that I love the rollercoaster otherwise I might be puking in the garbage by the hotdog stand at the amusement park. But I digress, let's play some catch up shall we, oh where to begin?

Let's start with family... Mom is back from Finland it was a rough trip for her, she too had some UPS and some DOWNS, my grandmother is doing well, my mom has made arrangments to make sure my grandmother is checked on daily and that she gets the help that she needs, this wasn't an easy task, my grandmother was VERY against the whole idea (at first), but my mom stayed strong and basically gave her two options, either you let someone come and help or you go into a nursing home, your choice. I'm proud of my mother, this was not easy for her, my grandmother, well she can be down right MEAN to my mom, she has always been very kind and loving to me, but not my mom. Grandma can be tough to deal with but man oh man she has all of her facilities still and at 90 years old that is pretty awesome, she is still sharp as a tool and knows more about what is going on in the world then my mom & I put together (which really isn't saying much since I know nothing HAHA). Here is a picture of my grandmother at her 90th birthday party while my mom was in Finland.



She also is not on any medication either well they just recently put her on 1 pill a day to help her from getting UTIs, but otherwise she is healthy as a horse, but stubborn as a mule. (Gee I'm so witty today, I feel like me again). Anyway, so mom is back and it is good to have her home (except for the smoking), we went up to Portsmouth, NH this past Sunday her friend Julie and my friend Gosia came along as well, it was a perfect day, until the restaurant I hostess at called and asked if I would come in to work, I felt bad for Pierce he really sounded strapped and I said sure but I won't be there until later we are just leaving NH. Remind me to tell you about the CRAZY lady who came in.

So the rest of the family is doing well also, dad and I are getting along pretty well lately, last Wednesday I went over for family dinner all the kids were there even Christos the adoptive brother (he's not really adopted he's just someone my father has sort of taken under his wing), my father also had this Greek guy over that he knows from the flower shop (he's a customer) his name is Stamatis he was a nice guy, I think Katerina was trying to fix me up with him, I'm like um no that's okay I don't date Greek guys, but I did invite him to come with us for Friday night sushi, he lives near where we go and everyone is invited. Anyway, so Wednesday night dinner was good, the kids are doing so well, and check out the picture my brother Vasilis took, he is a freshman in highschool and taking a photography class, this kid has an eye, he is such an artist by nature, you cannot believe some of the drawing, paintings and computer art that he has already done.



Now that you are caught up with the family lets talk about my trip to Portsmouth, NH, last Sunday my mom, Julie, Gosia & myself went up to Portsmouth for the day we left around 9:30am and went to the Sheraton for a nice brunch, from there we took a walk all around Portsmouth, I never realized how pretty it is up there. There were a lot of sights to see and we took some beautiful pictures. Here are a few but the rest you can find here





The weather started out a bit cloudy and chilly but as the day wore on it turned to blue skies and good temperatures. All in all it was a great day, my mom said that Portsmouth during Christmas time is absolutely breath taking, so if we have the time we might drive up one night to check it out. I like these little day trips we have been taking I am learning so much about New England and love to learn the history of these little towns. It still amazes me that we can live in a city like Boston yet drive an hour out and be in a town that is still small, you can't get much better then that.

The next place that I think some of us are going is Salem for Halloween, Gosia being from Poland has never really experienced Halloween so I say the best place for it, is Salem, MA, there is so much to do this month there and I'm trying to figure out which event will be the best one. So things are finally getting to be a bit normal again, I'm still working on some issues but overall I think I'll be okay I tell you it has something to do with autumn I always get down this time of year because I know the darkness and winter are coming, I'm not good during the cold months. But this year I'm going to try to not let it get me down. Wish me luck, and it feels good to be back.

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Name this kitty

Hi All,

My friend Sandra has a new kitty she is black with green eyes and is only 9 weeks old. Here's the dilemna what to name her.

So I am asking the blogsphere for any suggestions, she is a fiesty little kitten who loves to chase the dogs around. She is very curious and likes to see what is going on around her.

So please leave me your suggestions for names and any questions you might have about this kitty in the comments.

NAME THIS KITTY

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Friday Picture Day: Volleyball anyone?

Today's Friday Picture Day comes from the restaurant I work at part time. Every Thursday night a group of volleyball players come in after their game to unwind, have some food, drink and just hang out. They are a great bunch of guys and gals. Over the last few months I've gotten to know them pretty well, and this past Thursday I sat with them for most of the night. I know isn't the hostess supposed to be standing up front? Well, I was being hospitable yeah yeah that's my excuse and I'm sticking with it.

The picture is a bit dark because my work is dark but from left going clockwise, Doug, King, Jane, Mike & Jim.

The group can be from 5 players up to 10-12 players, it is always a good thing to see them, they are nice, fun and from what I hear they tip well too (and I know a few of you in this picture are probably reading this, so yeah that's a good thing HAHA!!).

Ronnie one of the waitresses that usually closes on Thursday nights takes this group, she knows that they are going to be there for the long haul so usually the closer gets them, and if it was a slow night, Ronnie knows that at least she has the "regular volleyball team" come in.

We also have a promotional gimmick on Thursday nights called Coin Toss Appetizer, what that means is if you order an appetizer with your meal, I come over flip a coin the customer calls it (in the air) and if he/she gets it the appetizer is free. Well every week, the Volleyball team gets an appetizer and I swear they are jinxed cuz they hardly ever get it, I feel bad cuz I really want them to win but I'm also honest (see Teresa if you are reading this, I am honest). One of these weeks they will get it.

So last night we were sitting around the table and chatting and I found out some really interesting things about these folks, but I won't put it all out there for EVERYONE to read, but I will say that they are all very smart individuals, one is learning to be a pilot, one is looking for a girlfriend, one is a coach, one has been married for 26 years and one well didn't say much about themselves, I'll have to get more information about this one person, I'm intrigued now.

It's funny when you tell people about your blog, after you explain what a "blog" is and why you write it the very next question is, "Have you wrote about me?"

I always think that one is funny and I usually say, "no, not yet"

"Well why not?" they will ask.

"Um I don't know, I don't really write about work and I don't want anyone to feel weird about it."

Last night that was sort of a conversation topic so I said, "Okay I'm writing about you and I'm even going to take a picture." So here you are guys your very own post about the Volleyball team that comes into my restaurant every Thursday night. Thanks for being such a fun bunch of people and I enjoy when you come in, maybe next week you'll finally get that appetizer ((wink wink)).

Thursday is my long day, I leave my house by 8am and don't get home until almost midnight, so it is always a good thing to have something to look forward to and these customers are a favorite for not just me but the rest of the staff too. Last night Ronnie was on vacation so Erik had the table first but when he was cut they cashed out and Jenn picked it up. This was Jenn's last night so the group were trying to get her to sit and relax a bit, they even offered her a beer, but Jenn said no, I reply to that, "what are they going to do fire you? HAHA" but she wasn't going for that either (btw I didn't drink it wasn't my last day so I had to play by the rules). It was a good night and it made the night go by fast, last time I had looked it was about 9:30 next thing I know Michelle is coming over to tell me to lock the door we do that at 11:15pm, wow time really does fly when you have fun.

One of things that amused me was that Mike kept asking me what kind of guy do I like, I'm thinking he's trying to fix me up, well my type is definitely the Mediterranean look, I like my guys stocky, strong arms (not muscle crazy arms) nice butt, I don't mind a little belly I like my men with meat who wants a man skinnier then them. I love facial hair goatee or some sort of stubble, I like a man that is a manly man, I don't normally go for white collar I like a man that works with his hands, I think it is weird when a guy has softer hands then me. I want someone that can laugh at themselves and have a good time but is also someone who knows when to be serious. So Mike if you know someone like that let me know.

I hope they liked this post and if any of you (volleyballers) are reading this you better leave me a comment. See you next Thursday!

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Can we talk about something else now

I never realized that my post from yesterday could attract so much attention. I just have a small blog that I write for myself for friends and family and for those that are not near me so they can keep up with my day to day (it's really not that exciting). I went to Blogher to meet some of my favorite bloggers, to meet new bloggers and to learn more about the blogging world.

When I wrote the post I was just trying to stick up for my friends who felt snubbed and left out, because I would never want anyone to feel like that. I wasn't trying to call anyone out or make anyone feel bad. I was writing on my emotions right at that moment it's called venting and I thought this was the right place to do it. I try not to censor myself too much but that can backfire on me. I appreciate all the comments good or bad

I'm over it now, it's all good, let's talk about something more fun shall we?

Even though it is Wednesday already and I still haven't gotten my blogroll post up yet (I'm working on it I swear), can I tell you how awesome this past weekend was.

On Friday I had dinner with Aislynn, saw my friend Jeff from Florida who was up here for his yearly check up (we both had Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma), we had a nice visit even if I was really really late.

On Saturday, we had some friends over for a barbeque, it was really great to see them, Mike, Lauri, Michael Jr & Gino are the sweetest family ever, we had great food, great company and I made some killer margaritas.

Once Gosia got off of work she came over had some food and then we went into town and met up with Alyssa and went out dancing.

We started at Alyssa's restaurant, we waited for her to finish up her shift, from there we went to Sanctuary had a couple of drinks (Gosia didn't drink cuz she was driving). The music was okay there, mostly hip hop which is fine, but I was in the mood for more dance music, house and trance. So we left Sanctuary and Alyssa called her friend to find out what is good (it has been 7-8 years since I was in the Boston club scene) she told us of a place called Underground, by now it is almost midnight and Gosia has to go to work in the morning, so she opts not to come with us. We feel bad, but Gosia is okay with us still partying without her, we hop into a cab and head over to Underground. We get there and there is a LONG line and I say to Alyssa, "I don't care about paying cover, but I am NOT waiting in that line."

She asks, "what are you going to do?"

"Watch." I reply

I go up to the bouncer and sweet talk him a little bit and he lets us right in. Alyssa laughes and says, "You still got it."

We go in, and unfortunately we have to pay cover but give me a few weeks I'll get it so we don't have to pay cover either.

We get in, order a drink and head over to the dance area, this is my kind of place, older crowd, great music, international people. We had a blast we danced for the rest of the night.

I thought about Kristie cuz we were supposed to go dancing together in Chicago but we didn't get a chance to go and how I wished that she was there with us. We left the club and saw a couple of my old friends from long long ago. We caught up with them for a bit said goodbye and then headed home (via taxi of course). I didn't get home until 3:30 in the morning I felt like I was 22 years old again, until I woke up on Sunday and said, "UHHH I'm so NOT 22 anymore!"

It was a great weekend and a great time.

NOTE: Okay so I re-read my post and it's not my best work, but I wanted to get it done, promise to have better writing for you. Oh crap I just remembered tomorrow is Thursday Thirteen think quick what should I write about?

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I didn't know

I have been reading a lot of posts lately about how some bloggers felt that they were snubbed or felt left out because of how some of the more "popular" bloggers treated us. First and foremost those people can SUCK IT!!!

I did notice on Thursday nights get together upstairs at the W there were a few people that couldn't be bothered with me, but you know what I had such a great time with the people that I did meet, I said FUCK IT who are you to snub me, I'm a nice person and if you are too much of an asshole to meet new and interesting people then I have no desire to meet you either, and you can bet that if I read your blog I'm not reading it anymore.

In a weird way I'm kind of glad that I got sick and missed out on all most of that bullshit highschool crap. I was never the popular girl and I probably never will be. But you know what I met some great ladies at the conference and even though I haven't had a chance to a) say hi to everyone I met b) update my post lately c) reply to some of them I just want you all to know that I think of you daily and that I am so glad I met you.

Please do not take me not responding or leaving a comment as a snub on my part. The only excuse I have is that I've been so busy with my two jobs that every time I sit down to write I either get interrupted or fall asleep I have no idea how you mommy bloggers do it all, you'll have to tell me your secrets.

I swear I have been trying since I got back from Blogher to just get my blogroll updated and to write a post with all the business cards I got and to list all of the blogs, websites and everything and anything I got.

Let's see if today I can finally get all these drafts posted.

But my new friends from the conference you know who you are and you know that you are in my heart. You made my first experience at Blogher a memorable one and I hope that we get to see/talk to each other again. If I forgot to add you here I will add you to my blogroll post, I don't want anyone to ever feel left out.

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Blogher Pictures galore

I have finally gotten most of the pictures from Blogher from Melissa and a few from my camera as well.

I have to say that I love to take pictures and be in them too but this trip was the first in a long time that I actually didn't mind how I looked in those pictures, I think Weight Watchers is finally working. WOO HOO!!!

First I just want to say that I am so happy to have met everyone, even though I was sick I still got to meet and see so many people!!

I met my two blogging idols J from Othejoys & Y from Joyunexpected check out the cheesy smile I have, they were both so kind and did not mind that Melissa and I asked to take a picture with them.




There were so many other great ladies too and oh the cleavage...





Can you guess whose cleavage belongs to who?

Check out all the other gorgeous ladies I met.



>

I have been adding every business card that I got to my google reader and wow I can't believe how much I have to catch up. So far I have to say, everyone's blogs are amazing. I'm never going to get any work done.

I am going to write a post with every single website I was given I will also add it to my blog roll too so you can find them whenever you want.

If you want to see all the pictures from Blogher you can go here they are on Melissa's flickr site I figured it was just easier to link her then upload all of them again.

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WOW What a trip

What a great night Thursday night was, I met some great women, and great bloggers. We drank, we talked, we laughed, we pointed (oh my gosh that's so and so and I read her blog).

I accosted quite a few ladies with, "Oh my GOD I read your blog!!!!" Sorry about that, I just get all excited to finally meet some of my favorite bloggers. So far everyone has been really nice and didn't roll their eyes at me too much.

As the night started to end at the W some of us decided to head out for breakfast at the Tempo Cafe, it was a yummy breakfast and definitely needed, to help us sober up.

Friday morning I woke up and so did not feel well I figured it was the booze from the night before and once I eat (again) I would feel better. We head over to the Navy Pier and the Grand Ballroom, get our badges and our SWAG and sit down for breakfast. I ate a breakfast sandwich and started to feel better, but then all of a sudden I started to feel WORSE really worse, by 1:30 2pm I was just to nauseous I couldn't stay any longer at the conference. I headed back to my room, and went right to sleep. I awoke a few hours later when my roomies came back. Unfortunately I wasn't feeling any better, I had to skip the cocktail party, Melissa and Megan skipped it as well, but party girl Amber went.

On Saturday I woke up and thought maybe I would feel better, but NOPE!!! Amber joked that maybe I was pregnant, to which I replied NO WAY can't be that. I relaxed on Saturday tried venture out for a bit but pretty much stayed at the hotel. At least the room was a nice one with really comfy beds. So if you are going to get sick and stay in bed, the W is a good place to do it.

I got to say bye to some of the ladies I met and I wish I could've hung out more, but I promise to check out every single blog I was told about or given a business card. Sunday Megan and Amber left in the morning for their flights and Melissa and I went to the Un-Confernece which I have to say was quite fun, and I met even more cool ladies. I also learned a great deal about how to make my blog better and what it is like for other bloggers to write about personal relationships and personal stories, whether they censor themselves or just let it all hang out. Overall it wasn't a bad trip, just a few bumps in the road but I will definitely be back next year.

I will also write about and post all the cool pictures I have from the cocktail party and from the W. Thanks to everyone who made me feel so welcomed for a new blogger and a first time blogher attendee. I hope that we get to talk more and keep in touch, and if you are ever in this neck of the woods please look me up.

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We are here let the festivities begin

Wow I can't believe how many amazing women I have already met and the conference hasn't even started. I got to meet one of my blogging idols Othejoys and let me tell you J in person is even cuter then she is on her blog.

Melissa, Megan and myself got in on Wednesday to get settled in and check out the city a bit before everyone arrived. Our room mate Crazy Bloggin Canuck got in late Thursday come to find out a lot of flights were either delayed or flat out cancled, poor CBC she got stuck in St. Louis and was 5 hours late. But she finally got here and we are so happy to finally meet her.

Thursday started with a meet at PJ Clarkes where we had finger foods and drinks. Hosted by Babycenter.com. We met Slaker Mom, Midwestern Mommy, The Plain Jane Mom Blog and so many more. After PJ's we went back to the W (which btw is amazing the room we have is so beautiful and I love the decor) and headed up to the 33rd floor to the Whiskey Sky bar where we had more drinks hosted by Parents Magazine and Othejoys and Izzy Mom. We took so many pictures and I met a kindred spirit in Corinna This Lush Life who also is a Greek Woman, what was really exciting is she knew who I was. Me little ol' me, I tell you I felt like a Rock Star. I can't even believe how much we still have to see and do. I will keep you updated throughout the day. And if I didn't mention you in this, trust me I haven't forgotten you, I'm just tired, some of us didn't get in until after 1am and I'm still half asleep.

Promise to post all the pictures I have really soon.

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Sand Castles & BBQ

On Sunday my mom and I went to Revere Beach to look at the annual Sand Castle competition they have, we tried to get there as early as possible and it was a good thing, because the beach was already packed.

The detail that go into the sand castles just astonishes me, it is true art and quite beautiful.

Here are few pictures but if you want to see all of them go here.



After checking out all the amazing sand castles we head home and I relax for a bit and then go to my father's house for a BBQ to celebrate Katerina's birthday. My dad had a seafood medley of tuna steak, crab legs, scallops wrapped in bacon, sushi, roasted veggies, there was so much food and lots of people. It was a great time. I got to see a few people I haven't seen in YEARS!! Like John Manjoe, what a great guy he is. My family has known him for at least 20 years, and I probably haven't seen him in at least 10. He is a flower designer that has worked for and with my father (and ex stepmother Jayne) on and off for the last 2 decades. Well he is back helping out my father a couple of days a week, and he is really trying to help to expand my fathers shop. There has been talk about renting the space next door and making that part into a gift shop, that sells high end gifts, from cigars, wine and if I can my friend Jennifer's baby cakes.

Jennifer has this great little business she is starting called Hit of the Party Gifts and she makes these amazing baby cakes and wreathes and other products so you are the hit of the party. Most of her products are catered to babies, pregnant women and new moms. But she can also make any gift basket that you want. Here is her website and here are some pictures of her products. I will be writing a full post about her and profiling her business, but I figured I'd slip this in so you can check her out.

Back to John and the BBQ, so John and his partner Joseph (whom I had never met before but absolutely adore now) came to the BBQ and we just talked and talked, it was so nice to see him and to catch up on all that is going on. They live in Hull and invited me to come down one weekend, and you know I think I will take them up on that when I get back from Chicago.

It was a great day, with great food and great company, I'm so glad that my father and I are really getting along and that so far everything has been going well (Knock on Wood!!!). He and I are trying to communicate better, I'm trying not to be so sensitive and he's trying not to be insensitive. It's a good combination.

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Giving Back

Last Wednesday I had the opportunity to give back to those less fortunate then myself and I have to say the experience was amazing. I met this girl Aislynn a while back who is just someone that is very inspirational. She gives so much of herself and to others, that you can't help but feel all the good energy coming from her.

She and her mother, (Linda) run a soup kitchen every Wednesday for anyone and everyone that needs a little help, a person to talk to and a warm meal given with love, and compassion!!! Aislynn invited me to come and help out, to volunteer my time and I have to say that I am so very thankful for her letting me come and help.

I arrive at the kitchen around 5pm and find Aislynn, she introduces me to some of the other volunteers and gives me a great t-shirt that says Abundant Table on the front and this great saying on the back:

Meal: 100 dollars
Supplies: 75 dollars
Clean Up: 50 dollars
Dinner with friends: PRICELESS!!

It is so true, the people that came to the dinner, were all so very sweet, most have developmental challenges and live in an apartment complex together. The rest were low income or homeless folks that just needed a good meal and a warm smile.

After I was introduced to the other volunteers I jumped right in and asked "What can I do to help?"

Someone said, "The gravy needs to be made"

"You got it."

Now the kitchen and dinning room is in a hall at a church and for some reason that I'm not sure about, someone had taken the key to unlock the a/c controls so needless to say it was HOT and HUMID in there, but you know it didn't bother me much. I gladly stirred and mixed the gravy trying not to make too much of a mess, one thing about me I love to cook but make a mess usually when doing so.

The menu for the night consisted of chicken patties, brocolli or corn, rice and gravy, with pumpkin pie and strawberry surprise for desserts. After making the gravy and the people started to come in, I went around with other volunteered and made sure that everyone had something to drink and to see if they needed anything else. I met some really wonderful people and listened to their stories. Dinner was passed around and everyone enjoyed the meal, seconds and thirds were asked and we more then happily served more. Dessert came around and I was quite surprised to see that just about everyone wanted the Strawberry Surprise (I named it that, because we were't exactly sure what it was, it was the color of Pepto Bismol Pink and had some strawberry flavored custard or cream on top of sponge cake, it was VERY VERY SWEET). But everyone seemed to favor that.

There was this one woman who brought her dog with her, who was unfortunately without a home right now. She and her dog were living in her truck, now this woman was very worried about leaving her dog outside, so Aislynn sat with the dog for most of the dinner, and then these two young girls that were there with their mother's sat with the dog. Come to find out this woman was having some financial troubles and was trying to get back on her feet but due to circumstances was not able to find a place to live, so what did Linda and Aislynn do, they invited this woman to come and stay with them in their home. See I told you they were amazing.

What is even more incredible is this isn't the first time they have invited someone to stay with them, until they can get back on their feet, and you know what I'm sure it will not be the last.

Here is a picture of Aislynn and her Mom Linda, thank you for letting me be a part of the great work that you do, and I will definitely be back to volunteer some more.

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Writers Block and so much more

I can't believe it is 2 1/2 weeks until Blogher and I'm frigging' having writers block, what's up with that. I tell you this last week or so, I just can't think of anything to write, nothing good at least. I have started posts and then deleted, I've started typing and then erased. Seriously what the hell. This should be the time for me to explode as we get closer and closer to Chicago (wow that sounded a bit dirty) "explode as we get closer" hmmmm maybe that's my problem I need to hee hee "explode"
No seriously there have been some fun things that have happened, some new adventures, some I can talk about and unfortunately two I can't at least not right now. One I really really want to share but this isn't the right place for it, and the other is new and exciting but again can't share it yet. It's frustrating to me because I want to let the whole world know but then sometimes you realize it's best to keep your mouth shut and let me tell you that is not easy for me. I love to share, hell I talk way to much and sometimes (most of the time) just don't know when to just STOP!!!

But I can tell you about this past weekend, Melissa and I had a slumber party like when we were teens, it was a lot of fun, we watched movies, we talked, we giggled and we ate. Oh did we eat!! It was great fun, we meant to get up the next morning and go car hunting for Melissa but we were both being lazy bums, so we relaxed for a bit and finally got up and went to the mall. Now if you know me at all, I hate the mall, but I figured why not I need some new shoes. One thing I don't mind doing is buying shoes, hate to shop but shoe shop oh the love I have for shoes, someday I will get my Manolo Blahnik yes I will. So we head over to the mall, but before we get there, we realize we are hungry and stop at this BBQ place for lunch. OMG the food was soooo good, we had St. Louis style ribs and I had the combo with pulled pork. Yummy!! We finally get to the mall and we decide to get mani's and pedi's I tell you these little Asian women sure know how to UP SELL, we ended up getting the deluxe package which included a foot scrub and foot mask sort of thing that made my feet tingle. It was great, so needed too, my toes were looking pretty bad, and if I'm going to be wearing some cute sandals don't need my toes looking all jacked up. GROSS!!!

Pedicure is finished and she brings me over for my manicure, she tries to sell me tips but I don't like fake nails I used to wear them when I was younger but I can't type with them, and I have a hard time doing stuff, I love how they look just can't deal with them on me. (Though on a side note, how do some women who have those REALLY long acrylics do anything, I barely can pick up anything with short ones let alone 3 inch long nails). So the manicurist asks me "would you like fan?"

"Fan?" I ask,

"Yes, fan make your nails look longer and natural." she replies

"How much more is it?"

"Only $5.00 dollar more, you look good with fan."

"Okay sure, why not." I say having absolutely no idea what she is talking about.

She starts the manicure and I love that feeling, my nails were looking pretty ragged, I so need to do this more often. Well she then starts to paint my nails in a french manicure style and I say to myself OH french not fan. (laughing inside at myself not her).

I swear if she had at least said, flanch or flinch I would've gotten it, but no clue with fan. I have to say they came out really pretty, and my toes too. I haven't bitten my nails since either, if I have nail polish on and get a manicure I usually don't bite them, but when they are all ragged and I'm stressed yup I bite.

Oh I also got my eyebrows waxed, I've been pretty lucky in that aspect of my life, I don't have the "GREEK" hair, I got the Finnish hair, blond and thin body hair so I don't have to shave my legs every day (I know you all hate me now) and I don't get the uni brow. But they did need some shaping and it will probably last me a good 2 months. So needless to say what first started out as a $34.00 mani & pedi turned into a $61.00 beauty overhaul (not including the tip). Up sell Up sell I tell ya.

So after we get our fingers and toes remade to look all presentable again, we head over to Payless Shoes, they had the buy one get one half off sale on everything in the store. Woo hoo. I saw the cutest pair of sandals for only $12.00 and then I saw another pair for $9.00 which means I only paid $4.50 for the second, and as I was about to check out I see they had some really cute belts $7.99 each, so the second was only $3.99 that means for $28.00 I got 2 belts and 2 pairs of sandals can't beat that I tell ya. Melissa got 4 pairs of sandals (one pair like mine too cute to pass up) and she also bought some t-shirts and shorts over at Lane Bryant. I wanted to get some new clothes but right now money is tight (plus my mom keeps buying me these cute little outfits she keeps finding on sale so thanks MOM you know my style). I know "yo mama buys your clothes does she dress you too?" Hey hey now she knows what I like and she finds the cutest clothes so you know what I'm happy to have her buy me clothes, I hate to shop and I hate to look for the bargains I get bored. So thanks Mom you the best!

After shopping we decide to go see a movie we head over to the theatre and decide to see Transformers, I know so many people think "CHEESY" but let me tell you best freakin' movie EVER!!! Okay maybe not ever but it was awesome, Melissa and I remember watching and playing with Transformers, she had a little crush on Optimus Prime I always liked Bumble Bee. The movie itself was fantastic, it had action, comedy, thrills and chills. The whole audience was laughing and you could hear the excitement in the air. Overall a definite movie to bring your sons to, they will love it. I love action movies especially when they throw in comedy, the special effects were amazing, most of the time you couldn't tell it was computer generated, like some movies it is so obvious but not with Transformers.

I guess I've finally beaten my writers block (at least for right now). I'm already stressing about what to write next and oh crap I need a good topic for Thursday Thirteen any suggestions? What to do, I know I'm not a great writer but I hope I keep you entertained even if it to laugh at me and not with me as I've said before as long as you are laughing it is all good.

I Want More...

That's Enough!

Friends, Family, and Fireworks

I don't know why but the last few days I just haven't felt like writing, I haven't felt inspired for some reason, and I don't feel like I have anything very amusing to talk about. So I took a break for a few days. Hope no one missed me. LOL.

But I'm back now, at least somewhat, unfortunately I just couldn't get a Thursday 13 done in time to post today, I promise to get a good one for next week, (any ideas, topics anyone anyone).

So today I think I'll write about my 4th of July it couldn't have been better. Melissa and I got to spend it together and I can't remember when the last time we spent it together, me being gone for the last 6 4th of July's and right before I left she was newely married so they spent the time together and the year before I was in the hospital. We had a great time, we met at her house after Ali and Maman left for Montreal we made some brownies to bring to my dad's house for the BBQ. We lounged around a bit and watched Eddie Izzard on BBC America while the brownies were baking. We decided that Friday I would come over we'd watch a whole bunch of movies and I'd spend the night, since Ali and Maman will be gone. Slumber party like when we were teenagers, though Margaritas will be involved this time.

Brownies are done, we stop by my house to get my mom's FAMOUS potato salad, it really is the best potato salad I have ever tasted. We head over to my dad's and we pull up and can already smell all the wonderful food. One thing is for sure about a BBQ at my dad's there is always good food, good drink and lots of Greek music. We eat, we drink, we laugh, we chat, we take a nap. My father had gone up to NH and bought a crap load of fireworks for the 4th and Oh my GAWD did he have a ton, I kept saying oh we are so going to have the cops here. Melissa the pyrotechnic tied all these firecrackers together and set them off, it was awesome. I'm sure the neighbors loved us yesterday. My father and uncle acted like they were 14 year old boys, hell my 14 year old brother was more calm then they were. It was great, he had all sorts of fireworks, big, small, loud, bright you name it he had them. I said to Melissa we are so going to be a darwin award.

My siblings were there, a few of my brothers friends were there. My brother Yianni left for a BBQ at his friends house so Melissa and I were in his room (he had more fireworks up there) and he had this horrible music playing on his computer so Melissa gets on to turn it off and starts going through his history on the computer, you know seeing what websites he was on. Well needless to say they were mostly typical 16 year old boy websites, if you get what I mean. It was funny, my other brother Vasilis was telling us that it was not right that we were "snooping" our reply, "hey if he doesn't want us to see he should delete his history."

My friend Gosia came by around 7 or so, to meet us so the 3 of us could go into town to see the city fireworks. We left my father's house and as we were driving away we saw the big fireworks that my father bought going off above in the sky. It was a perfect way to end our time there. We head into the city and meet Melissa's co-worker Tara who runs a building not far from where the festivities were being held and since none of us like crowds Melissa came up with the idea that the best place to watch the fireworks was on the roof of this building and she was correct. We had the best view (though I'm sure any view was spectacular) of the fireworks. It was an amazing show of lights and designs and color. Melissa and I were saying how far they have come since we were kids. I don't remember such a beautiful display of fireworks ever.

Well that's about it, not the best writing I've done but you get the idea, we had a great 4th and I hope everyone also had a safe, fun and relaxing time like we did.

I Want More...

That's Enough!

Chocolate Cream Pie, a Movie & a Friend

Last night I was still in a bit of a funk, I just have so much going on inside my head (the voices keep trying to take over, okay just kidding, or am I oh those damn voices LOL).

But I called my friend Melissa and she could tell just by my "Hi" in that blah sort of way that something was wrong. I told her, "I don't know I'm just stressed and I just feel blah. Do you have any plans later, I don't want to just go home and lie in bed watching TV and feeling sorry for myself, but I really don't have any money."

"Well what do you want to do?" she asked

"I don't' know, maybe get something to eat, or I don't know." Can you tell I really was just not myself?

"Well I have to go over Hoo-hoo's tonight to hook up his computer to the TV, but after I'm free."

"Okay, well call me later and we'll figure something out. Thanks."

"Okay bye."

I finish the rest of the day and still feel blah, I hate it when I get like this, it just makes me feel worse, because I am a very lucky person and I have been through so much worse then what I'm going through inside right now so then of course I feel even worse for feeling bad about such trivial stuff. But I'm a complex person inside and I have a tendency to over dramatize and over think things so you can imagine the inner turmoil I was having with myself.

People laugh at me (or with me, no probably at me) because I talk to myself a lot, not like conversations with the air, or a voice, but I'll just think out loud, when I first met my ex Devon (boy that's a story for another time), and he moved in with me, I would be in the bedroom watching TV and he'd be in the living room watching TV and I had been living by myself for a while and I would just talk to the TV like they could hear me. "What are you stupid, he's right behind you?" or "No no ack I can't believe they are doing this to me." (some storyline I didn't like) and he'd yell, "What are you saying to me?"

"Nothing honey, I'm talking to the TV."

"You're talking to the TV?"

"I know but you should know by now that I can't keep quiet."

It took Devon awhile to get used to me mumbling to myself but after awhile he figured out when I was "thinking" out loud or talking to him.

Back to last night, so I'm on my way home and Melissa calls me and says, "I don't have to go to Hoo hoo's house you want to see a movie?"

"Sure what's playing?"

We go through all the movies that are playing around us and nothing really seemed all that appealing or were too late. So I said, "Why don't you call me when you get home, I have a Netflix movie at home, you can come over and we can watch that if you want?"

"Okay that sounds good, I'll call you in a bit."

I get home and get the mail and see a letter addressed from Dr Wang (the doctor that did my root canal), and I think to myself, "great what did the insurance not pay for this time that I'm going to have to pay." But when I opened the letter there was a check in there for $91.00 I guess the insurance paid more then expected so I got a reimbursement from my co-pay. WOO HOO!!! I was jumping for joy, my biggest funk all week has been that I'm broke and that I keep getting more and more medical bills because my last insurance company FUCKED me in the ass big time (sorry to be so crude but they did oh did they ever).

It just made me feel like maybe things were going to be okay, then Melissa calls and says, "how about I stop at Stop-n-shop and get some salad bar stuff and I'll be over?"

I say, "that sounds like a plan, I have some left-overs from my fathers house that Katerina made and its good, we can heat that up and watch TV or a movie."

Melissa comes over, with not just salad bar food, but a movie and a Chocolate Cream Pie. That girl sure knows how to make me feel better.

We eat, watch 2 Brothers and a Wife (also named A Foreign Affair, a weird movie, she got it from the bin at Stop-n-Shop) and just relax. Sometimes all you need to make you feel better is a good friend, a weird movie and Chocolate Cream Pie. Thanks Melissa you really made me feel a lot better, the check helped but you were really the reason I feel better today. Its good to have friends that know you so well and can tell when you just need a little Pie and company.

I Want More...

That's Enough!

A Friendship Rekindled

Last night I called my friend Jenn who I hadn't spoken to in over 10 years. It wasn't awkward, we didn't feel like we had to look for things to say. It felt like we never stopped talking, it was great, we spoke for about a 1 1/2 hours.

Jenn and I didn't stop talking because of a fight, or some misunderstanding, we just sort of lost touch. I moved back to the Northeast, and though we tried to stay in touch, life happens. But after last night I swore that would never happen again.

So much has happened these last 10 years, Jenn got married to Scott in 1996 or 1997 but unfortunately he passed away last October, and I am so very sad for her and for me not being there for her, when she probably needed me most. I remember Scott well, how they met and how much she cared for him, right from the beginning.

Scott had been sick as a child, fighting off a rare type of cancer that he was 1 of only a few that beat it more then once, Scott was a fighter even from a young age. Because he had this disease as a child it stunt his growth and he always looked much younger then he really was. Jenn, always loved younger guys, and she loved Scott, pretty much right from the beginning, I remember her telling me how much she liked him and how much she wanted to be a part of his life. They had their first kiss on July 4th in 1994, and the rest is history. They started to date and we used to pick on her because he was 5 years younger then her, and if I remember correctly he was barely "legal", there was an Offsprings song called, Keep'Em Separated which we used to say to them because she was older then he was.

I guess about a year and a half ago, Scott started to get sick, he lost a lot of weight and just never felt right, he was in and out of hospitals but no one really could give them a definitive answer as to what it was. Unfortunately in October of 2006 Scott lost his battle with the no name disease that was taking over his body. Jenn was the one to find him and she and her father tried everything to save him, but Scott's body just couldn't take the disease anymore. He is now in a better place looking down at Jennifer, and I know my friend is having a very hard time with his death, they were partners, lovers, friends and soul mates. I cannot imagine the pain she is feeling, but I also know she is a strong woman and though will never get over his loss she will also not let it beat her down. I am here again for her, like she was for me when we were younger.

We talked for so long last night and I tell you it didn't feel like it had been 10 years it felt like it was last week, we laughed, we cried, we shared, but most of all we rekindled our friendship which really never disappeared, we thought about each other often and always wondered where the other was and how could we could find each other. She sounded exactly the same, if she had called me and I didn't know it was her, after about 3 words I would've said, NO way this is Jennifer N..., because that voice brought me back to a different time, she said the same about me, and I saw a picture of her now on the web and she looks exactly the same.

We still have so much to catch up on, but I am just thankful that I have a second chance with a friend I missed so much.

I Want More...

That's Enough!

Friends Come and Go but sometimes they Come Back

It has been an interesting couple of weeks. Last week I received an email from a friend that I haven't spoken to in I'd say about 6 years, before that it was probably another 7-8 years, basically since I graduated highschool.

Once I left AZ I didn't look back, other then visiting my mother and my best friend Melissa I didn't keep in touch with anyone from highschool. It wasn't because I didn't want to, life happens and I got the hell out of Phoenix as quickly as I could. Some bad things happened right before I left (actually why I left) and I pretty much disappeared for a little while. Only a select few knew where I was going. It wasn't too hard to figure out, but I did not leave any forwarding address and told everyone that did know not to give it out.

I thank god every day though that I never lost touch with Melissa, I don't think I'd be the person I am today (good or bad) if she had not been there for some major milestones, or to just kick me in the ass and say Wake UP!!! this isn't you.

But I missed some really great people in the process of cutting ties from Phoenix, and I regretted that, but that seems to be changing.

Last week I received an email from my friend Kim who actually lived with me the last few months of our senior year because her living situation wasn't very stable and my mother being the awesome person she is, opened our home to Kim and invited her to stay with us. Actually my mother took Kim to ASU on her first day and got her settled into the dorms. Way to go Mom. Well, Kim just had her second child and she sent me pictures. I hadn't spoken to Kim for a long time and then one day about 6-7 years ago I get an email from her on classmates.com I was so happy and we got to talk again, but then I moved to FL and she moved from NJ (where she had moved after college) and we lost touch again. But fortunately not too long ago I found her email and I emailed her. Now every so often I get an email and the one I got last week, was to announce and show pictures of her second child a daughter. I realized it has been about 4-5 years since we last talked and I don't want that to happen again. So this time I'm going to stay in touch with Kim. Congratulations to you and your family.

Then there was Jennifer, Jenn was a girl I met during my freshman year but we didn't become friends really until my sophomore year. She had already graduated, the year between Freshman and Sophomore year. We hung out all the time and went to a ton of concerts and met bands together. It was a great time, the first time I ever got drunk was with Jenn, I was 19 and she was 22 and she bought the booze, Wild Berry Punch to be exact. WBP is a 2 liter bottle of what tastes like Fruit Punch and I pretty much drank the whole thing, very quickly. All I remember from that night was telling everyone I loved them, how I liked being naked and everyone should be naked (no I didn't not get naked though) and kept saying that I was SOOO DRUUUUUNK!!!

And then on the way home I made her pullover and threw up all of the Wild Berry Punch I consumed, but as I was heaving out her car door, I kept saying, I'm (puke) not (heave) getting (gag) it on (puke) your (heave) car. I might've been drunk but I still had manners. And Jenn the good friend that she was, just rubbed my back and made sure that my hair didn't get in the vomit. Well I haven't talked to Jenn in about 11 years, since a wedding I went to in AZ. I was always upset with myself for not trying harder to stay in touch with her, and the only excuse I have is that sometimes, it just happens, but guess who I got an email today from, none other then my friend Jennifer!

She also found me on classmates.com and emailed me, I was/am so excited to catch up with her. Come to find out she has been searching for me and Melissa on and off for years what's funny is I had wondered and searched myself for her. Well she found me, and Melissa, I am going to call her tonight and catch up with her. I will let you know how it goes. I am so thrilled I feel like a teenager again. I can't believe that I knew her when I was a teenager and now I'm in my 30s. Gosh life does happen and it happens quick. I think I'm going to try to find some others from high school I didn't go to my high school reunion because I really had no desire to go back to Phoenix, and I'm okay with missing my 10 year, but I think when my 20 year comes up which really isn't that far away since next year is already 15 years UGH, I might just go back.

I Want More...

That's Enough!