Kryptonite

My Aliza Claire was born at 4 lbs. 13 oz. She was baby "B" in the miraculous situation at the hospital on that February day. She was tiny. When I say tiny, I want you all to know that I was actually nervous about changing her diaper because she was so small. She has had some drama, given that every 6 months she sees her cardiologist for a heart murmur, but beyond that she has not been sick besides the occasional cold or cough.

When her fever got to about 104 and she was just lying there not crying, not talking, just slightly moaning, I knew she was sick. Then, while I was at work, I get this call from my mom. "Aliza has this little rash on her cheek". No biggie. I wasn't concerned. The next call came from my husband saying that the rash is now all over and the fever will not go away. That warrants a trip to Urgent Care.

They took a urine sample. Good little girl, peed in that cup like a pro! They did a quick strep test and we waited. What the doctor came in and told me next was still jaw dropping. "We think it's Scarlet Fever!" My mind automatically tried to find some reference to scarlet fever and I only came up with Little House on The Prairie and praying for the baby who had "the fever". Huh? Scarlet Fever, really? Then she showed me a paper with all the symptoms. Aliza was a textbook case. Everything on the list, she had. I am still shocked by the diagnosis.

So how do you treat Scarlet Fever? Well, I will tell you. You get the biggest, thickest, nastiest shot of Penicillin right in the butt. I am not sure Aliza will forget that one. Her poor little butt cheek is one big bruise. Then, you take penicillin three times a day for 10 days. It is horribly rancid tasting stuff. Amoxocillin at least has a flavor, but this was like water with ground up aspirin. Needless to say, she is not taking it well. Scarlet Fever. Yup. As I told a friend of mine, she and I just started to laugh. With everything Athena has had and now this? GOOD GRIEF!

So, it is finally Friday and pouring down rain! I will have something warm and spicy for lunch and get home to my babies. I will make cocoa with marshmallows and we will chill out together. It almost sounds like the perfect weekend.

FYI - to those of you keeping tabs on the living situation. We will be moving on December 7th into our new place. A home for Christmas is all I want.

Mirth & Merriment...

Angel of the Morning

I have always liked the word “Bitch” in any context. I prefer Son-of-a-Bitch, but just Bitch will do. I gave my friend Teresa a birthday card this month that said “Only the good die you…We bitches live forever!” So it is apropos that I am now reading “Why Men Marry Bitches”. The author, Sherry Argov, using her own estrogen-fueled dictionary lays it all out there on page 2 of the Introduction. She defines bitch this way:

“A strong woman who has her own identity and is secure with who she is. She is plenty happy giving him “Space” because she enjoys having hers. She is clear about what she will or will not accept. She’ll back away at the slightest whiff of disrespect, and this makes her more exciting to a man, not less.”

Yeah, that sounds about right. So all of you of the female persuasion who are reading this, raise your hand if that describes you. Yea, I thought so. I’m a bitch, too.

I was asked by my sister why I chose this book when there are rows and rows of fiction that I could sink my teeth into. Well, Julie…I am an attention grabber. Shocker, huh? I like the undeniable shock factor in things and when I saw the title of the book, I read the introduction and walked to the register. It is just that simple. With my current marital status hanging on by the metal of our wedding bands, I thought it might be an interesting read. The subtitle of the book is “A Woman’s Guide To Winning Her Man’s Heart”. Although if I haven’t won his heart after 8 years together, wtf! It battles topics like how men manipulate relationships and why they deliberately push our emotional button. Need I say more about why I am reading it? I didn’t think so.

So, I am past the Introduction and will let you know about Chapter 1 tomorrow. Until then, Rise Up, Bitches!

Mirth & Merriment.

A New Day

(Warning: I am on a soap box!)

Is there anything more important than family? I was an Aunt long before I became a mother and I once told my sister-in-law that I would die and kill for my nieces and nephews. That was not a lie. If something ever happened and I was put in a situation like that, do not doubt for a minute that I would find a way to make it better.

In the fall of 2000, I became a mother for the first time. It was an experience that I will not forget and I love to tell the story of the happiest day of my life to anyone who is bored enough to listen. While holding my newborn son that night, I thought back to holding my nieces and nephews when they were babies and I became overwhelmed with emotion. I would still do anything in my power, as well as enlist the help of others to protect them from evil, but having your own child puts quite a different spin on things.

I was reading this morning about the little girl who had washed up on the sand in Galveston, Texas. Well, she has been identified and I for one, am grateful that she is no longer “of this world”. What her own mother did to her makes me sad and angry. How could you hurt a miracle? How can you possibly take the life of something that came from within you? I am devastatingly amazed at parents who abuse and murder their children. It hurts my heart to see the headlines and I try my best to look away.

So how, as a society do we stop this hate crime from continuing? The Safe Haven Law is in effect where I live. It states that you can bring a newborn to an Emergency Room, Fire Station, Police Station and leave it safely in the arms of a human being with no questions asked. I applaud lawmakers for passing such a bill. I very rarely applaud the politicos so this is big for me. However, there are still stories of babies found in boxes, in garbage bags and in dumpsters. I try and imagine being 14, 15, 17 and being pregnant. Yes, it is true that my parents would have been angry. Yes, it is true that I would have hidden it from them as long as possible. Yes, it is true that they would have discussed my MANY options to childbirth at that age. But to place human life in a place where they will not be able to survive is something that I would have said no to. Never. What kind of human does that to another? Perhaps they aren’t human. Perhaps there are no emotions. I mean, if at 14 if they are already having unprotected sex, they are already damaged in some way and on a path, from which they cannot return. So thanks for passing the law, but is it working? I don’t think it is. What else can we do? I don’t know is my best answer.

So, while I am kissing 3 beautiful miracles night-night, I will thank God for every moment that I have with them. Thank God that I was given such an amazing opportunity to be a mother. And I will continue to pray for the unwanted children out there, that their tiny souls might find a place where they can be loved. And I will continue my hate and discontent for those who neglect, abuse and kill their own. I will not pray for you. What you deserve is my pity.

Ok. I’m done. Sorry if this was too deep and dark. I am just in that mood.

Mirth & Merriment….

Come Together....

While talking with my sister Kim over the weekend, she and I both came to a few realizations that I knew but just didn’t want to admit. I love literature. I love to read. I love to curl up with a good book and finish it in one sitting. In fact, when I first fell in love with my husband, we were reading “Hannibal” to each other in bed. It was wonderful. However, times have changed. Along with stretchmarks and fundraisers, I gained less “me” time and I have to admit that I have not finished a book in almost 4 years. I also never have the door closed when I pee, but that is another story. WOW! I hate myself right about now.

Well, I am starting a resolution in this the first full week of my 37th year. I vow to read a book every month and let you know about it. It won’t be easy, but I will do it. If I have to lock myself in a closet with a flashlight and some Fiddle Faddle, I will do it.

To help me with this promise, I was at Barnes & Noble on Saturday and purchased 2 books. I will start reading “Why Men Marry Bitches” tonight and hopefully, fingers crossed everyone, I will blog about it on December 26, 2007. I am always interested in finding ways to better myself, along with the occasional belly laugh. Careful, I am still recuperating.

I would love for you all to join me. No, I am not starting Oprah’s Book Club, rather I would like to know what you are reading, besides the People Magazine in the bathroom. Let me know what you would like me to read. I will definitely take suggestions.

So, wish me luck. Did I mention that I will be getting my new glasses this weekend, too? So not only will I be reading, but I will actually be able to see the print.

Mirth & Merriment…..turn the page!

The Bitch Is Back

I am going to sit at my desk today, trying to accomplish the task of filing since the phone has not wrung since I got in at 7:30 a.m.

Thanks for asking. Surgery went well and was successful in knocking me to my knees on several occasions for several different reasons.

First of all, I know now that I am not good with demerol. It doesn't like me and personally, I don't care. Ya know...with friends like that who needs enemies...right! I threw up from the minute I took my first sip of water in recovery to approximately 10 pm that night. Not fun. I would rather be dripping with cat urine and feces than to be nauseous and vomiting. I hate it! HATE IT! However, the next morning, Cream of Wheat went in and stayed in. Yea! Soup stated in. Yea! This wonderful beef tip, mushrooms, gravy and mashed potatoes that Mom made stayed in. Yea...I'm back. I am not in any pain, except for the occasional sitting too long cramps.

Secondly, while washing dishes on Thanksgiving, I did something that I do at least 3-10 times every single day and I think nothing of it. PESHAW! A simple sneeze, brought me to tears. I was literally dropping silverware in the kitchen while toddlers danced around me. It was like a twisted Twin Peaks episode and yes, there was pie! I had forgotten that there was an incision made in my lower regions that I should be holding together for instances like coughs and sneezes. What have I become?

So, other than that I am well. Thanksgiving was a wonderful day full of food and family, but not exactly what it should have been. My mother, knowing full well that I didn't want to have to leave the house, made me and my family a Thanksgiving dinner with all the fixins. We had the turkey and HAM, sweet potatoes, stuffing, mashed potatoes with gravy, cranberries, jello-salad...everything and it was great! She is awesome! Then she left. That's right, she left. The dinner she made was for my husband and our kids. The little one's decorated the house with Native American and Pilgrims and Matthew made our name cards. It was fantastic. It was better than that.

Another Thanksgiving has come and gone and I am truly thankful. I am thankful that I am not living on the street with my children and that we are all healthy. I am thankful for all of you who are constantly sending me your best wishes. You are all appreciated.

Mirth & Merriment...and some Christmas shopping, perhaps?

Funkytown

As you know, tomorrow marks my 37th birthday and I have a surgery check-in time of 6 am. That being said, I am posting my birthday blog today to give you something to read while I am recovering.

I have given birth to 3 children, but I am a mother to 4. Being a Mom has given me the greatest joy and fear that I ever imagined I could ever have. I am thankful for Areyani, Matthew, Athena and Aliza. I love you all so much!

I have been married only once. It was a beautiful clear, cold January day and it changed my life forever. We have created a wonderful family together and for Anthony, I am forever thankful.

I am a child of a breast cancer survivor, although you would never know she was ever diagnosed. My mother is a remarkable woman who has always found time to teach her children and grandchildren vocabulary words that we will never use, but we do remember them, Ma. I am thankful for you.

I almost drowned once while going down a water slide in New Braunfels, Texas. It was only by the grace of God and my stepmother’s feet, which held me above water, that I am still here. I am thankful for you, Shirley.

I have eaten the very best homemade salsa and eaten it with chips and had very, VERY large glasses of wine with my sister, who actually married my brother, so she is technically my sister-in-law, by my sister nonetheless. I am thankful for you, Julie.

I have been able to karaoke with one of the greatest voices I have ever heard in a tavern in Seattle, Washington. I was shaking like a leaf, but we sang “Unforgettable” just as good as Nat King and Natalie Cole. I am thankful for you, Dad.

I am the little sister of two great siblings who taught me about curling irons and model Death Star. My sister still talks to me even though I threw all her makeup out the window and read her diary. My brother, well, I think he just likes me…period. I am thankful for Matt and Paula.

I am a very proud older sister to a woman who is one of the best mom’s I have ever known. She is in control, even when she had two little one’s running around. She is also a great coupon-clipper. I am thankful for you, Sherry.

I am blessed to have a Dad that did not impregnate my Mom. Wow…TMI! He has shown me nothing but love and support since he met my Mom and he is just plain wonderful. I am thankful for you, Daddy.

I have ridden in an ambulance on several occasions, but only once for myself. I have had stitches, but there were due to childbirth. I broke my arm in 3 places (right, Mom?) when I was 3 years old when a little boy ran over my arm on a bicycle. Damn boys! I have horrible sinuses and I hate the Santa Ana winds because of it. I used to bite my nails. I have 4 piercings in each ear and 2 tattoos. My belly button is an Innie.

I was born a blond. It’s true…I have pictures. I am now a brunette, only because that is how I chose to cover the grey I had to use something strong…super duper strong. I have been blond, platinum blond, audacious cherry, aubergine, auburn, brown and once, just once, green. My hair has been permed and is naturally curly and I dislike it immensely. I prefer to straighten it. But today, it is curly.

I was also skinny once and blond. I am not skinny now, but I vow that I will be this time next year. My boobs are blah…blah….blah.

My eyes were blue when I was born and are now more green. They change color depending on what color I am wearing, but they usually stay blue-green-gray. Go figure…both of my parents have brown eyes.

My shoes are a size 10. Yeah. Nothing else to add to that.

I have lived in Hawaii, Arizona, California and Texas. I love to visit Seattle because of the fresh air and in 2008, I want to take my children out of the state to show them what is out there for them to enjoy. I do not remember Hawaii or Arizona. Thank God…it was, after all YUMA! I am a Marine Corps brat. Born in Tripler Hospital in Honolulu, Hawaii @ 5:30 p.m. I know this because my Mom often reminds me that she missed out on dinner due to my great arrival.

I had my wisdom teeth removed right before New Years when I was still in High School. Thank God for In-n-0ut milkshakes. I still have my gallbladder, appendix and tonsils.

I have watched the sunrise while holding my newborn son in my arms and it is a memory that I enjoy reliving, even though the thought of it makes me teary-eyed. I love saying "good night" to the moon with my daughters.

I have had a child in the hospital and it is something that I never want to experience, nor do I want any parent to have to watch their child suffer.

I have waited by the phone for a phone call and gotten good and bad news and the good news is always better.

I have lost all of my grandparents, friends, family and pets and each of them has some place in my heart.

I have yet to leave the Country, but I will do that someday and I will take my children with me. I want to show them everything I can before they get too old to truly hate me for it.

I have played Yahtzee until my eyes were sore. I play Trivial Pursuit to win. Maybe that is why nobody plays with me?

I have driven in a car with 2 teenage girls from California to Texas. Oh the times we had. Such joy at someone else's expense.

I have had my heartbroken 5 times that I can think of and each time hurt just as much as the last time. I have been cheated on and I have cheated on someone who trusted me. I am sorry for that.

I drank before I was 21 – gasp - !

I have had the privilege of feeling life move inside me.

I wore tube tops and legwarmers..together!

I have suffered from depression, although I did not know what it was at the time and I was pretty sure I was losing my mind. I am good now.

I have seen a Shrink…a couple actually. You gotta find the right one.

I have driven drunk. I have been arrested. I have done Community Service and live to tell the tale.

I shook hands with Madonna just two days after my Grandmother died. She is beautiful in person.

I got to see Duran Duran in concert which, when I was 12, I never got to do, but when I was 33 I did. It was better because I appreciated it more.

I had a seizure in the Denver Airport.

I have never been on a cruise. I have been on a boat and I got terribly sick. Don’t know if it was the motion or the drinking!

I have had ice cream for lunch with my son because you should enjoy every minute of life and I truly enjoyed that.

I make pinky promises about being my daughters very best friend and I hope that they never forget these moments.

I am not old enough to remember the assassination of John F. Kennedy, although I have been to Dealy Plaza and felt the emotions of it all. I don’t remember the murder of John Lennon, but I know it pissed off my brother. I do remember when Ronald Reagan was shot, when River Phoenix died that Halloween and when Kurt Cobain killed himself.

I have seen the space shuttle Challenger leave the earth and never come back…twice. I have watched the Berlin Wall come down. I remember the Iran Hostages. I remember reading a book of letters that kids wrote to Amy Carter about what life was like for a kid in the White House.

I remember holding my baby while watching the Twin Towers coming down on September 11th. I remember questioning what kind of world I had brought him into and then looking into his fat, white, round little smiley face and knowing that he could make a difference.

I remember Nadia and Mary Lou Retton winning all those medals in the Olympics and Andre Agassi winning Wimbledon. Sorry, Julie..I had to throw that in.

I remember wearing clothes that glowed in the dark with black lace fingerless gloves. I remember that I had a shirt that said BOY TOY on it, which my Mom never let me wear to school..I get it now, Ma. I remember wanting to be Madonna, Cyndi Lauper and the Wilson sisters from Heart all rolled in to one hip chick.

I remember fishing trips where I never caught a single fish. I remember camping trips where I got eaten alive by mosquitoes. I remember my gramps being a superhero in my eyes and that is when I learned that even superheroes get cancer.

I remember that I have been in 2 weddings only. In one I wore lavender and in the other I wore a lovely shade of blue. Each of them were my siblings and each of them are still married. Maybe I am good luck?

I remember being a little girl and going to see my brother perform in plays at the High School. As I recall he always played the bad guys. What’s up with that?

So there you have it. I have a whole life ahead of me to take trips and experience life and I plan to take a big bite out of it.

LIFE IS A BANQUET…and MOST POOR SUCKERS ARE STARVING TO DEATH!

Mirth & Merriment…and Many, Many More!

I Want You To Want Me...

1.You're in the hospital, of those who read your BLOG who comes to see you?
GOSH...if they had a way to get here, I will be in the hospital on Tuesday, anyone?

2. If alcohol were banned, what would your reaction be?
Excuse Me, I don't think I heard the question...can you please repeat that6?

3. Your CD collection is repossessed. But you may keep one.
HELLO...Sarah McLachlan "Fumbling Towards Ecstasy"

4. Do you believe world peace is possible?
For my children's sake, I sure hope so.

5. I'm a genie. Name your wish?
I think enough money to pay off and live debt free is good...can I get an ETA on that?

6. Name something about the opposite sex that automatically turns you off?
Bad breath

7. Name one thing about the opposite sex that automatically turns you on?
Eyes

8. Speaking of sex, what did you think about Brokeback Mountain?
I thought it was well done, but not sure what all the fuss was about!

9. What are you obsessive about?
My eyebrows

10. Leather face is in the kitchen, what do you do?
I go get Matthew and he takes care of it for me. I LOVE MY SON!

11. Do people underestimate you?
I think that they do, but then I seem to blow them away!

12. When you're in a bad mood, what will always put you in a better mood?
My kids

13. What do you hope to have accomplished by the end of the year?
To have my family in one place

14. Do you have any really crazy relatives?
Give me a break...most of them are reading this right now.

15. Pretend you are 5 shots of tequila under the table, describe what you would be doing?
God...my mom is reading this. Probably singing The Rose by Bette Midler

16. Does anyone in your life know the real you?
Yes, there are but a few

17. What would you like to be eating right now?
Doritos and Cherry Coke, maybe coconut creme pie on the side

18. What is the most ridiculous fear you have?
That my heart will just stop beating.

19.When is the last time you ate Peanut butter and jelly?
Last weekend, but just the crusts that were cut off the girls sandwiches. Does that count?

20. When did you last have a home cooked meal?
A few times this week. Gotta love Mom.

21. Have you ever gotten naked at a party?
What kind of girl do you take me for? Party of two? Yes!

22. Will you have sex today?
Nope.

23. Are you named after a grandparent?
I am named after my Great Aunt and Great Grandmother.

24. Who loves you?
Lots of people...mostly small ones!

25. Have you ever broken a rib?
No, but I cracked a few in Elementary School doing a cool trick on the jungle gym.

26. If this was the last thing you ever type, what should it say?
Why do you have to be so morbid? Let me think.....oh. Wait. Does that count? I wasn't done!

Mirth & Merriment....

Barracuda

To say that today has been a bad day is truly the understatement of the year. It started this morning before I even left the house and the stress has worn me so thin that I have cried twice and have had little to smile about.

However, tomorrow is another day, Miss Scarlet! Speaking of which, the other day I forced the 2 men in my life to watch old movies that I just adore! Matthew just happened to come into the room about 30 minutes before the end of Gone With The Wind and I basically held his eyelids open so that he had to watch it. After all, it is a Classic. And there they were, all the characters in their amazingly talented glory and when she says her famous last line....Matthew just rolled his eyes and called me something like "goofy" or "crazy" or "psycho" or he said "that sucked". I can't remember right now, as my brain is fried and I can't focus on anything important.

Earlier that day, my beloved husband, God help him, had to sit through one of my very favorite Hitchock films Rebecca. Now, if you know this one, raise your hand? Nobody? Ok. Well, it stars Sir Laurence Olivier and Joan Fontaine and the title character, well...she's dead...but she is that spirit that haunts the new Mrs. It is suspenseful and best of all, black and white. I love it. Him....not so much. He said it was too drawn out or complicated or something. WHAT to the EVER!

So, this being Thursday, give me your all time 3 Favorite old movies. "OLD" is defined as something that must be, at least 15 years old. I know...but I have some youngies who read this blog.

#1- Bringing Up Baby. I love Cary Grant, God help me. He is just adorable as a geek and Kate Hepburn is even more precious as a flighty woman who falls in love with him. The 2 together make me laugh out loud. Absolutely lovely.

#2- Psycho. Obviously if you know me, you know that I LOVE SCARY MOVIES. This one is the best! When I first saw it on Channel 5, it was cut up and not as scary as it should be, but I still can't shower without thinking of the shot of the drain blurring into her lifeless eye. OOH...spooky!

#3- Bells Are Ringing. A MUSICAL!!!! Starring the hilarious and definitely not a size 4 Judy Holliday and Dean Martin. Now that is how you spell adorable. This is great with Judy starring as an operator at an answering service who falls for the incredibly handsome Dean Martin, but she must hide her identity.

Go rent them all! Honorable Mention...well.....Citizen Kane, Rear Window, Poseidon, Lady Sings the Blues, Meet Me In St. Louis, The Wizard of Oz, Star Wars, The Philadelphia Story, Topper, Auntie Mame...should I stop?

Now, it's your turn. Tell me what you like to watch that nobody else gets....

Mirth & Merriment....and popcorn!

Working for the Weekend

I truly believe that besides our children and family, it is the people we meet along the path that we have chosen that make all the difference in the lives that we live. I have met those who have left scars and those who I continue to wish the very best for. I have laughed with many, cried with few and I am proud to call all of them my friends.

One of those ladies I met about 6 years ago. We met over a phone call and she hired me on the spot. I was shocked. She simply asked me how I would answer the phone if I were working for her and when I did she answered “Come in on Monday”. It was a job that I needed and a place that I would quickly call home. She is just about my age, but I will compliment her and tell you that she is younger than I am. She is a very hard worker. She is courageous and strong. She is funny and smart. She is a mother and a wife and that makes her work even harder when she isn’t “on the clock”. She is beautiful and captivating. She was once my boss and now is a co-worker and soon, she will just be my friend…I will have to deal with that. This office will not be the same without her. She brightens up the room. She has a way of making everyone work harder than they want to and enjoy every minute of it. She is always interested in how you are doing both personally and professionally and what she can do to help in either situation. She is a great woman… PHENOMENAL, even! She has taught everyone who has been under her wing that we can all accomplish whatever we set our minds to. She had us believing in ourselves when we were doubting it...what a gift that is!

She has decided to leave us, abandon us, if you will for bigger and better things. More power to her. Although we will all miss her more than any Hallmark greeting can say, we will go on, because that is what she taught us to do. So, Marcy….good bye, my friend. I wish you nothing less than a wonderful life. I wish you health and happiness for you and your family. May all of your dreams come true.

And to you…Mirth & Merriment…..

XO

Guilty

I look to the weekend with no anticipation at all. If I had the choice, I would curl up in bed with my kids and chill out. No worrries. No complaining. But, I cannot do that because I have no bed. So this weekend, I am off to finalize a move out date. I must leave my parents house, not just because I can no longer stand the guilt of being there. Anthony said it best "We all seem to have worn out our welcome everywhere!" I am grateful to my folks and to his grandmother for allowing us to intrude and destroy their calm existence for as long as we have. I do not think that my relationship with my Mom will be the same once I leave and I don't think that's a good thing. I don't feel comfortable having the babies with me at my mom's because they are so loud and so ALL OVER THE PLACE and she does deserve some peace in her life. But, they are my babies and the only time I get to see them is on the weekends, so I will have to find a place where we can all be together without conflicts of any kind. Wish us luck.

I also have a 7 year old boy birthday party to get Matthew to on Saturday, which he is thrilled about and I am wishing I could just drop him off and pick him up later. Matt needs more friends that he can just hang out with. He can't just play with his sisters forever! I would also like to get to know the parents of his friends so that sleepovers and out of school events can be planned. I think that would be great. He definitely could use the time away from me. Having me around him constantly without another guy around is taking its toll. He will recover, he is stronger than I think.

I am also preparing for an upcoming birthday that will most likely not involve any candles. The surgery that I have been waiting for authorization on is finally happening...on my birthday! I guess I am fine with that. To start a new year of life without one problem will be a great relief...bring on the 2 million other problems I have. It looks to be a very hectic two weeks as I find a place to live and move and have surgery and work and celebrate Thanksgiving and work and recover.

So, that is it. Does anyone have any great plans? Be safe.

Mirth & Merriment.

From This Moment

Today is Thursday, duh, and it is time for Your Daily Dose of something. I want each and every one of you reading this to answer this. I have noticed lately that I haven't gotten one single comment in the past week. Let me know if this is all too much for you to handle, k?

So, today I have decided to list my top 3 favorite lines from a song. I am a lover of music of any kind, yes, including country and more than that I am great listener of music. I like to hear what goes along with the melodies...that is what matters to me. So, here goes. I would like also to apologize, in advance, if you are disturbed or shocked by the lyrics that I choose...but, Hell it's my Blog!

#1- Precious Things by Tori Amos. Now, Tori Amos has a special place in my heart because I have never heard a songwriter express herself so deeply and without concern for others feelings. I love it. My favorite line, of all the breathtaking one's she has put on paper is:

"I wanna smash the faces of those beautiful boys

Those Christian boys

So you can made me cum

That doesn't make you Jesus"

Enough said, right?

#2 - One Week by The Barenaked Ladies. I love BNL! I wish they were around more. Their songs are fun to listen to and I have never, not never ever never, gotten unhappy when listening to one of their cd's. Favorite line goes a little something like this:

"It's been one week since you looked at me

Threw your arms in the air and said "You're crazy"

Five days since you tackled me

I've still got the rug burns on both my knees"

#3- Full of Grace by Sarah McLachlan. Sarah is by far my all time favorite artist. She is graceful and powerful and has the ability to lift me when I am down, even though the song might seem like a zoloft-starter. Her music brings back memories that can be good and bad, but it doesn't matter...she lifts me and that is it!

If all of the strength

And all of the courage

Could come and lift me from this place

I know I could love you much better than this

Full of grace

Honorable Mention: Glycerine by Bush, Not the Doctor by Alanis Morrissette and Because of You by Kelly Clarkson.

Go ahead....tell me!

Mirth & Merriment...and MUSIC!

No More Words...

Things have been actually extremely boring lately, so I don’t have a whole lot to talk about, so in the interest of something my amazingly intelligent stepdaughter said today I would like to speak about something that will always be an issue for people as long as we speak to each other.

Sometimes words hurt more than a slap to the face. I honestly think that I would rather be thrown across the room or have someone hit me with a metal chair than to have someone say one hateful word. I think as a woman, or maybe men feel it too, it lingers with you, this word vomit that comes at you like Speed Racer down the track. Perhaps those who speak the words think that you will not remember it or that a romantic dinner or jewelry can make you forget…but it does not work that way. And trust me…I love jewelry! I would just once like to have a recorder on me when a sentence comes out of someone’s mouth that is meant to hurt you and play that back when they think you have forgotten. That would be sweet!

Or how about those who say hurtful, stupid things even though they have no idea that they have said them. For instance, there is a co-worker today that was walking behind me who said “Oh, are you losing weight? Or, no…it must be the fit of the clothes!” HUH? WTF? Who says that? There are certain cultures that speak their mind. I am guilty of speaking before my mind has clearly thought of what is about to come out. For that, I apologize to everyone who I ever insulted or hurt with my words.

There is never an excuse to hurt someone. I have been hit by a man and I have been verbally assaulted and each of them have left their mark. Most of the time the things that are said are funny to hear but they still are in the back of my mind when he is kissing my neck. Will that go away? Probably no. In the movie “Matilda” there is a lie that says “sometimes a small lie to make someone feel better isn’t necessarily a bad thing”. Do you agree? I do. Sometimes if you are trying not to hurt someone, do what you can to save their feelings, especially if you have been hurt by words before.

So before you say it….yes, you! Think before you speak!!!! I’m done.

Mirth & Merriment….

HELLO?

No comments lately, huh?

DOWNTOWN

I was deeply dismayed that none of you at least made an attempt to do Friday's Six Degrees. For shame on all of you. FYI - here is how I did it.

Burt Lancaster in Field of Dreams with Kevin Costner
Kevin Costner in Rumor Has It with Jennifer Aniston
Jennifer Aniston kissed Winona Ryder on an episode of Friends.

I know..I am boring.

Not much to say about the weekend. Everyone is healthy..knocking on wood as we speak. Got to catch up with my sister Kim....the prayer circle has begun!!!!

My mother, in her inifinite wisdom (and we all know it is infinite!) purchased me a new wardrobe this weekend for my birthday. For the next week or so I will be going to work in clothes that nobody has seen me in before. I love it. Mom, thanks so much. It brightened my spirits. Don't worry...I'm getting out of the house...

Mirth & Merriment...

Just Like Heaven

Well, it's Friday and time for Six Degrees of Separation. Today will be easy as we are all coming off of a sugar-high that Courtney Love would be envious of. So, here goes.

Winona Ryder to Burt Lancaster

Mirth & Merriment...

PS - Does anyone have anymore Milk Duds?