'Morning People' versus 'Night People'

I am not a morning person. I am not out-right nasty. I do not require avoidance of human contact until I have caffine in my system. However I AM not a morning person. And I do need a cup of coffee to give me a boost. (Tea is my beverage of choice if I am cold or not feeling well.)
I do not bound from my bed, and look forward to embracing the day. Nor do I all but skip in to my office, greeting each co-worker individually by name, and feel the need to say 'hi' to them 3 times before I sit my ass in my chair to tackle the work load.

So I am offically going on the record to say it puts me in a pissy mood to have to be assaulted with my mother's nonstop chatter in the morning as I attempt to get out of the house. And it isn't like she is telling me anything of drastic importance. She just is talking to hear the sound of her own voice....as she does that at night too. And it isn't that I want utter silance or avoidance when I manuver in my house. That would just be silly. I just don't need to feel like you are jumping on me and not giving me time to come to grasp with the fact I have to plow through yet another mundane day.

I am no longer a night person either. Once upon a time, I could stay up all hours of the night, and greet the following morning with no problem. I had more energy in the evenings, enjoyed evening programs on the tube, and just did not want to go to sleep. I do not gain energy as my day progresses, and I am in bed, at a decent hour (anywhere from 11:00-12:00). If I am on the computer i.m.'ing with a friend in Arizona, usually am on the computer until 1am and not being very coherent at that point. If I am out, on vacation, or for the evening...I can go for hours. Not looking forward to getting home to bed....so it isn't that I am an old fuddy-duddy.

But why is there such a vast difference between those people who are 'morning people' and those who are 'night people'? And why can't these two 'teams' of people comprehend the other groups moods and needs? And what are those people who belong to neither grouping fit in?

I Support and Promote the Philly Swirl Company!

WOULD YOU LIKE A FREE 1 DAY PASS TO SAM'S CLUB?CLICK Here----> http://www.phillyswirl.com/aboutus/1day.cfm

Philly Swirl is an ice company which has regular and low/no sugar ices and pops. From a web site I frequent, discovered them last year, and have to say that their products are quite tasty and refreshing in the summer heat. For those of you who are not fans of the 'artificial sweetner after taste', can reassure you that Philly Swirl does not have that.

This summer the company is offering the above promotion, and I attempted to get the 1-day pass to Sams Club. However, the club in my area for some reason no longer carries this line and I recieved the following e-mail from Philly Swirl co-founder:

Dear Rose!I just noticed your email. We're a small company and it's times like this that I am very happy that I personally respond to all of our email. Unfortunately, Medford Sam's has discontinued selling our product, however the following Sam's in New York are still selling it. Are any of these close to you?
I look forward to hearing from you.~ Alex Plotkin- Owner/Co-Founder

WATERTOWN, NY CLAY, NY(315)652-8676PLATTSBURGH, NY(518)566-7769SYRACUSE, NY(315)449-9233LATHAM, NY(518)783-1481KINGSTON, NY(845)382-1320MIDDLETOWN, NY(845)692-5100HENRIETTA, NY(585)427-8880JAMESTOWN, NY(716)483-1508NIAGARA FALLS, NY(716)298-1580VESTAL, NY(607)770-6200

My response:

Hi Rose!!
Thank you so much.

If you ever go to any internet message boards (Weight Watchers, South Beach Diet, Low Carb, NutriSystem, etc.), please do me a huge favor and post something that will let the people know that I would be happy to send them a few FREE 1 day visitor passes so they can try our product at any Sam's Club in their area. Please keep in touch with me.~ Alex


----- Original Message -----
Sent: Sunday, June 25, 2006 11:03 AM
Subject: Re: 1 Day Sams Pass
Hi Alex,
Thank you for such a prompt reply. Unfortunately, all the Sam's Club's you mentioned are in Upstate, NY. I live on Long Island, which is aprox. 1 hour east of New York City. I do enjoy your products, and think that my Costco may carry your line. Will check them out.
I thank you for your assistance, have a great day.
Yours truly,
Rose

My point is this: for a company co-founder to take the time to contact a potential customer themselves says something about their concern and care for their customer and potentials. I did not get one e-mail but 2, and I would like to pass this along. Not only are the Philly Swirl products YUMMY, but the company is pleasent. More corporations should take heed and be more like this one! Please support Philly Swirl!

Silly question...yet I am asking in serious curiosity

I tried to Google this subject this morning, yet nothing had come up. So I will continue to try and research this matter, but I was wondering if anyone else could share insight, opinion or knows of any documentations. And yes, this is a cat-related issue....and no I am not going wacky. I just find this very odd....especially for Pooka.

When we first got Pooka and his sister (Cro`i) he was a very stand-offish cat. Not mean but he wasn't one for cuddling or being held. However he was always loveable and a good cat. Over the years his personality HAS changed, and we affectionatly refer to him as a 'Momma's boy' although he is still not as cuddly as Cro`i. Cro`i is the type of cat that needs body contact, and has made it a habit of sleeping between my knees on a nightly basis. Pooka rather sleep near my feet or not far off but in eye's sight.

Anyway, Saturday night Ida, me and the cats settled down to watch the horror movie 'Dark Water', and Ida drifted off to sleep as did Cro`i. So there is me and Pooka, after midnight, sitting in the dark watching this movie. And like I said...I LIKE HORROR flicks. Slashers don't frighten me as much as the supernatural stuff does. And 'Dark Water' has a ghost....a little girl ghost...who is very strong willed. (Don't want to give away any secrets for those who have yet to see this movie.) And I was getting scared, or if not scared...let's go with spooked. Well, next thing I knew, Pooka came and sat on my lap...and needed to be petted. Joking around I asked him if he was scared, and he stayed with me a bit, then slept hugging my feet. On SUnday, I joked around with mom and Ida stating that Pooka and I were scared together fromt he movie.

Last night, Ida, me and the mc-kittens (who are going on 4 years old I believe), watched: "Anaconda's: Search for the blood orchid" or something to that effect. 3/4 of the way through the movie (which I was not scared of except at one point I jumped, Pooka came to me again. He needed lovin's, and kneaded me like they do their momma cats when nursing. This morning as I was waking up he did it again.

And here is my question: Is this just a coincodence? Is Pooka just wanting more time with his 'momma' and wants to play? Or can it be that horror movies can affect animals, and Pooka is scared? And no, I am not taking him to a pet pschychologist.

Childhood cereal's

Sometimes things from your childhood make you smile no matter how old you get. For me it's my childhood cereal. To this day, no matter how health-concious I get...or how clean I want to eat...long for my childhood cereal. And it wasn't just because of the prize that would come in the box...because for me more times than not, the prize was always a let down. Some of my favorite cereal's are:

1. Boo Berry (Franken Berry and Count Chocula are still available by me, but not Boo Berry.)
2. Frosted Flakes (Now I eat the reduced sugar ones)
3. Lucky Charms (How can you not like Lucky???)
4. Sugar Smacks (I always refer to them as Diggum's as that was the frog's name.)
5. Now I like and I swear to God they exist, Pirates Of The Carribien

What about your cereal? Or childhood favorite things?

When it rains it pours!

They say what goes around comes around, and I tend to believe that. I try to treat people the way I'd like to be treated. So as I sit in my office, practically all alone as it was my turn to work a full Friday, I faught sleep and boredom....counting the minutes until I could get out of here, read (and finish my book) then get to yoga.

Fate has different plans though. One of our messengers calls and asks if I like baseball. I answer with a resounding 'YES.' The short of it is, he was given tickets to tonights Yankee game, and he can't go. So he is giving YOURS TRULY the tickets!!!

I have no idea who is playing...all I know is Ida and I will have a rip-roaring time tonight. Maybe even catch Derek Jeter. Oopps. I mean catch one of Derek Jeter's fly balls.

Random Ramblings and trivial thoughts

So as i sit at my desk, inindated with things to do...have the need to escape to blog-land. Why do I have this need? Because I am tired, and just feel like it. Plus because one of my co-workers isn't around and I can yap about her. Anyway, here are some of the topics I feel the need to share with you. Comments from the peanut gallery are totally expected and welcomed!

1. 'Big Bad' is a too faced, truly vile creature. If it is that he is not turning in to one then it means he has been one all along. And this makes me sad. Because I liked him when I was hired...and thought he was a truly amazing man. These days he just critisizes, chastises, and skulks about with a suspicious look, like he is planning on catching his 'team' doing something they aren't supposed to be.
2. 'Big Bad' is ACTUALLY gunning to have 1/2 the thorn in my side canned. Now don't get me wrong: I have spent numerous hours ranting and raving about said co-worker's lack of pulling her weight both on my blog, and via conversations with friends and family. But the thorn in my side is actually a nice woman who happens to be having a very trying time with one of her children. To the point where her sonhas recently ben hospitalized, and she is now trying to find him a new school so has been taking more time off. In stead of working 4 days per week, she is working 3 days. But 'Big Bad' doesn't seem to care. And at this week's snor-a-thon meeting that he holds actually tried to get me to nail my co-worker to the cross (without her being there to defend herself.) When I ever so smoothly refused to do such, 'Big Bad' got annoyed and attempted this with another member of our 'team' who also wouldn't put the last nail in the coffin of our co-worker.
3. it is summer. And it is hot. granted not as hot as some area's of the country but hot none the less. Today I wore my coral stripped pants. And now I realize that whenever I look down at my legs, feel like I am wearing Steven Tyler pants. Needless to say have Aerosmith on the brain due to announced concert tour with Motley Crue.
4. I may talk alot about my two cats, and sometimes it sounds like I am overly humanizing them. But can rest assured that I am not 'crazy-cat-lady' and that my cousin is. My cousin who has joined numerous cat rescue organizations, argued with cops about her cat rallies, and even 'mugged' a boy for the case he brought a stray in to her because he wouldn't leave a donation for her accepting the cat.
5. Uuummm, family are just odd. The latest in my family: (a) One Uncle thinks he is due anything and everything in my house and has gone on the record to say 'he can get in to my house any time he wants.' (b) One cousin marrying her roommate in the very near future. However it is not a marriage of love, yet one formed to 'protect their assests.' (c) 'Crazy-cat-lady' will not communicate {yeah Claire where have we heard this word mentioned} with me unless I e-mail her. And she has gone as far as to ask me if I knew about my surprise b-day party that my mum and Ida threw me this year...in an accusing tone of somewhat.
6. A certain hallway in my office building smells like feet. DIRTY FEET, as there are lockers with dirty, sweaty uniforms fromt he janitorial and packaging staff. Sure, it isn't people's faults that they sweat. However I have mentioned several times that this hallway (which is where I use the ladies room) SMELLS LIKE FEET. Sure it was noted...but have they done anything? Hell no!
7. Still trying to find a way to incorporate black-eyed pea's into a meal. I guess my first step is to actually buy some. Huh?

Christmas HAS come early for Orelinde!!!

Taken from AOL this morning:
Posted Jun 21st 2006 8:37AM by Jessica Robertson
Filed under: Rock

Veteran rockers Aerosmith and Mötley Crüe are teaming for what's sure to be a raucous fall tour dubbed 'The Route of All Evil.' The North American jaunt kicks off on Sept. 14 in Holmdel, N.J., and runs through Nov. 24 in West Palm Beach, Fla.
Aerosmith racked up the miles over the past year, having been on the road from last October through February. However, the classic-rock icons had to cancel the remaining dates of their Rockin' the Joint tour when frontman Steven Tyler underwent throat surgery in March.

The Crue, like Aerosmith, have been road-doggin' it, spending much of 2005 on their Carnival of Sin tour in support of their latest, 'Red, White & Crue.' The hair-metal vets recently wrapped a two-month North American jaunt.

As for 'Evil,' between Motley Crue's affinity for pyro and Aerosmith's elaborate stage construction, expect nothing less than sensory overload.
09/14/06 PNC Bank Arts Holmdel, NJ
09/19/06 Jones Beach Wantagh, NY
09/23/06 Tweeter Center NJ Camden
09/26/06 Tweeter Center MA Mansfield
09/30/06 Nissan Pavilion Bristow
10/05/06 First Midwest Bank Chicago
10/07/06 Alpine Valley East Troy, WI
10/11/06 DTE Energy Center Detroit, MI

So, you can only imagine my JOY over this news. My favorite band, and Motley Crue...together. This should make quite an interesting line-up. Aerosmith can still rock, and Motely has a kick-ass personality too. What I would love to see is a drum-off between Tommy Lee and Joey Kramer, perhaps with the two of them in cages. I think that would be interesting. And even though the boys in Motely are younger, Joe Perry can still smoke them, with his electric hands any day. But unlike the Aerosmith/Kiss tour....I do not think this one will be a let-down.

I just hope that Steven Tyler isn't rushing back to the stage too fast after the throat surgary.

Why annoy your customer?

I am sure 'Big Bad' would so agree with this one. Speaking of 'Big Bad' and totally going off topic, have yet ANOTHER of his snor-tastic marathon meetings. I now actually try to find alternative escape routes so as to NOT say good night to him when I leave the office.

Anyway, last Thursday Aunt Ida and I went up to Salem, MA for a fun-filled trip to get our shares of thrills and chills. On one hand I was slightly disappointed as Salem, was indeed NICE. It was a quaint seaside village, which yes had loads of cemateries, wax museums, and spooky things to do. But they did not shove witch craft down your throats. It is so nice, we (and that includes mum and the cats) are going to go up there in November for Thanksgiving. If anyone does want to go to Salem, MA...I strongly suggest staying at www.TheSalemInn.com

Last Thursday, we had dinner at a resteraunt I found called Strega, which proclaimed they were 'Italian with a French Twist'. Ok, why not I thought, although the reviews I read were mixed. So upon entering I tell the hostess that we have reservations for 8pm to do a foot tour, and need to be out of the restaraunt by 7:30 the latest. Not a problem, we're told as we're seated. Ida got psyched because she saw a pasta dish HER grandmother (my great-grandmother) used to make, and ordered it.

Up until the main course came, we were enjoying the place, the appatizer of fried calamari was great, my drink quite refreshing. Then the meal comes, and IT IS NOT WHAT IDA REMEMBERED HER GRANDMOTHER MAKING. It turned out to be spaghetti with meatballs. The waitress sees Ida's face fall and questions her, and Ida tells her such, BUT also says she will KEEP IT and does not make a fuss over the disappointing turn of events.

Well, instead of the waitress just letting it go, EVERY TIME she comes to check on us, she berates Ida that this is what the dish is. Ida and I said to her, it isn't, but it's ok. In fact Ida liked the spaghetti & meatballs, and told the waitress. The waitress came back and said Ida had no idea what she was talking about, because the pasta wasn't even spaghetti, but linguini. And if Ida wanted, she would "show her the box the pasta had come in." WHAT??? Why would an 'Italian restaraunt' even admit to using boxed pasta when they 'pride themselves' in making evrything fresh?

Needless to say, when we go back to Salem, in November, will NOT be eatting at Strega. Shame on me, for taking a chance when the place had mixed reviews. But why? Why berate your customer who isn't making a fuss over a dish you serve which is not the same dish from her childhood? And even if Ida was wrong, would you not let it drop? Whatever happened to the saying ' the customer is always right'?

Now I have heard EVERYTHING!!!

Cats to compete in reality TV show in New York
By Sarah CoffeyTue Jun 13, 10:04 AM ET
Ten cats in search of owners will spend the next 10 days in a New York store window, their every move caught on camera for a reality TV show on which they will compete for best sleeper and mouse-catcher.
The show is the creation of a petfood company and will be shown on cable channel Animal Planet, as well as on the Web site www.MeowMixHouse.com where viewers will be asked to vote off one feline contestant each day.
The cats, chosen from shelters around the country, will compete for loudest purr, most prolific sleeper and who can catch the most toy mice. Kitties who get the boot will be adopted into permanent homes.
Meow Mix, owned by Del Monte Foods Company, hopes the show will promote cat adoption -- as well as their products, which will be the only thing on the menu.
Passerby taking a gander though a specially rented storefront on Madison Avenue in midtown Manhattan can watch the cats lazing about a luxuriously outfitted cat-sized house that includes scaled-down sofas, beds, a fish tank (with fake fish), kitchen and a porch, all put together by an interior designer.
"It's a Disney World for cats," said Meow Mix's Ryan Reed, in charge of ensuring the cats are well-cared for and well-behaved. Volunteers from The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals are also on hand to attend to the needs of the kitty stars.
Enjoying their final day of obscurity on Monday, the cats seemed unfazed by attention from visiting media -- most of the cats were asleep on the set, which will be unveiled to the public on Tuesday.
A cat named Sam, from Dallas, Texas, stood guard on the home's welcome mat while Romeo, a Los Angeles native, lazily stretched out his six-toed paws before swatting a toy.
In the tradition of reality shows, the company will hire the top cat as "Feline Vice President of Research and Development," responsible for taste testing and product feedback.
Biographies of the cats play up their personalities, but in reality, they're all pretty mellow, if not a bit dazed from all the attention.
"In real life they're all very sweet," said Meow Mix's Keith Fernbach. "But we try to give them a personality for TV."

Bad mood

*Scowling* I am in a foul mood. Let me repeat. Foul. Mood. Me. Don't talk with me. Because in person, if you talk to me...I will probably be snarky or not very polite bordering on outright NASTY. Then I'll feel guilty and have to apologize to you, only to get annoyed that you did not sense I was in a foul mood.

*Shrugs* Don't ask me why I'm in such a bad mood. Because I do not really know. And by my not understanding what has set me off this morning, only pisses me off even more. Last night I had to quit yoga early because I thought I was going to puke my guts up. But I think I got myself dehydrated. Went home, made myself some broth and ate saltines. Dreamt that Mick Jagger came to my house and gave a private concert, only to have him and me shag inthe car. Why the hell I dreamt this is TOTALLY BEYOND MY COMPREHENSION because I DO NOT find Mick attractive at all. Let me repeat. Mick Jagger. Ugly. To me. As Sin.

*Scowls deeper* So I have no idea what set me off, because although I had such a horrid dream as that. I found it funny. I am going away on Thursday, and won't have to put up with the idjits that I work with. (Most of the people are idjits that I work with, sans a few.) 'Big Bad' is not in today, so that should make the day great.

Some of the factors that I can ONLY think of to have put me in such a foul mood:

1. The pollen. The friggen pollen that will not stop falling, or drifting or whatever. It is clogging up my nose, filling my sinus, making me sick, Sick, SICK.
2. The asshole's who feel they must mow their pitiful lawns every day. EVERY DAY! What the hell is that all about? I don't see the grass shooting up over night that warrents another mow the following day.
3. Traffic. Traffic sucks! It seems that these days the jerkwad's on the road are in a contest to see who can drive SLOWER. And if you feel compelled to drive in the left lane, please be well acquainted with your gas peddel. Otherwise face my wrath.
4. People who are insanely happy. What the hell drugs are you on to make you this happy? And why aren't you sharing them with me? Because if you come over to me, to share your jubulant state of bliss, get ready to be cut to shreds with my sharp tounge or get acquainted with my fist in your face.

See! I told you I was in a foul mood! Actually, after venting all this, feel slightly better. Maybe. I dunno. It may pass. *Scowls & shrugs*.

The Mc-Kittens are on to me!!!

People are broken down in to two catagories: "Dog-lovers" and "Cat-lovers". I have come to find that where most dog lovers do not like cats....most cat lovers like animals in general. And there is also the argument about how smart animals actually are. How much do they understand, and do they just like the people who feed them.
Well, I must say that my two cats, Pooka and Cro`i ARE smarter than your average bear. :-)
They are waiting for me by the front door when I get home from work, and if I stay out late, Pooka is usually waiting for me by the door as if to say 'where were you, young lady?' Both he and his sister will then proceed to 'tie' me in bed, with Cro`i taking her sleep stretched over or between my knees and him over my ankles as if to say 'ha-ha...we've got you trapped in bed now. No escaping us!' If I am sleeping and they try to wake me in the morning, and I tell them '10 more minutes', they will go away and come back in exactly 10 minutes. And ok, that may just be a coincodence (that they can tell time) but it is still a cool fact.
Well, anyway, this Thursday I am going away for a long weekend. And I am taking Ida with me. So this means not only will we both be missing the mc-kittens....but mum will be in charge of taking care of my two lumps o' love. This can either be THE bonding moment for those three or be the cause of several nervous breakdown's. Any-who, this is why I think the mc-kittens are on to me.
Yesterday I had gone out for brunch with my cousin Maureen, and upon my return to the house, found mum and Ida gone. With the house to ourselves, and being exhausted from a wild weekend of a surprise birthday party thrown for me (on Saturday), and being out late Friday night I needed a nap. Normally Pooka and Cro`i sleep with me, and I wouldn't have it any other way. But yesterday afternoon, they were curled by my feet and along my side as if to say 'we need to feel you momma'. Then again last night, I had the two of them with me, being little bed hogs, because if I scooted to get more space, they were scooting to be closer to me. Thus I sometimes contorted my body in to odd posistions so as not to disturb them, yet to have my space. This morning when I got out of the shower, Pooka was in the bathroom, wanting nothing but lovin's, tolorating my kisses, and giving pitiful meow's that broke my heart...should I not acknowledge him.
Yeah, yeah i know what you all will say. By not kicking them out of bed, I give them total control. By going on and on about them, I sound a bit like 'crazy cat lady'. But they are just soooo cute. And there are so many things they do, that make them seem 'human' at times. As for their behaviour from yesterday in to this morning, I think they both know that I am going to be going away yet again. And I think they're trying to get as much 'mommy time' as their little bodies can absorb. So yeah, I think they're on to me.

Care Bear's live? What is the world coming to???

Ok, I am a dweeb...a self admitted dweeb. I still watch Scooby Doo, and one of my guilty pleasure's is watching 'Josie & The Pussycat' movie, mainly because of Alan Cumming. At the holidays, I long to catch The Yogi Bear Christmas, and get annoyed when it seems to be bypassed for a Grandma Got Ran Over By A reigndeer cartoon. I did collect smurfs back in the day....and I currently own a Care Bear.

But today, when I checked my company's theater ticket discount program cringed. I cringed for the reason that I see there is a new LIVE show:
CARE BEARS LIVE: CARING & SHARING FRIENDS
Take this Brand New Magical, Musical Journey to Care-a-lot!
Your children will sing, dance, clap and play while learning the special values
that the Care Bears represent. Along the way, they’ll hear songs like “With a
Smile, Smile, Smile” and “Everyone Loves the Care Bears.” The show tells
the story of Lindsay, a little girl whose best friend has moved away, who
learns to make new friends when she’s magically transported to Care-a-lot!
Tickets are $15-$25, regularly $18-$28. Nassau Coliseum 6/16-6/18, 1255
Hempstead Turnpike, Uniondale, NY, (631) 888-9000. Tickets are $16,
regularly $20. Continental Airlines Arena 6/23-6/25, 50 State Route 120,
East Rutherford, NJ, (201) 507-8900. TO ORDER: Online visit
www.ticketmaster.com or Call # above & use code PLUM.* Or bring this
Guide to appropriate venue. Limit 8 tix/ord. $3 facility fee incl. in Nassau tix.

Now why? Why subject yourself to a show like this? Why subject your children to a show like this? Because either a kid who sees this is going to (A) be afraid of the GIANT Care Bear's that are acting like sugar-crazed 'people or care bears', (B) is going to WANT to live in Care-A-Lot and not understand why it isn't a real place, or (C) hate on any children picked out of the audience for participation if it isn't them. And if the whole purpose of a show like this is to TEACH A CHILD how to cope and work through the relocation of a friend....isn't that the parent's job ???

My point is, before people go out and reproduce, they should really understand what being a parent is and what their duites are to their offspring. And although I would still go and see a Disney On Ice show, if I thought it cool enough...am so NOT lining up for a Care Bear Live action show. Because I am not that much of a dweeb!

Birthday-palooza 2006

There is no two ways about it. Growing up and becoming an adult SUCKS. I'm not going to lie and I'm not going to sugar-coat it. It sucks. You have to work (full time) to make a living, and most of us have jobs that we don't even enjoy. Of course there are exceptions to the rule. Celebrities who thrive being who they are, and millionaires and billionaires who don't need to get out of bed to make bucu bucks. But let's face it. There are more of US than there are of THEM. So for most of us, growing up and becoming an adult sucks. Responsibilites just grow to be more and more, and we often worry about where will we wind up in life, if people REALLY like us, and if we will find that 'perfect' person. And so, from the time I was 15, until this year, I never really looked forward to my birthday.

Maybe I should explain: (15th birthday) went upstate to where my family has time sharing, and not only was no one in the condo, but when I tracked my mother day, she was DRUNK. Not tipsy, not feeling no pain. DRUNK, and she is a nasty drunk. (16th birthday) the shit hit the fan with my biological father, and it was just all around bad times within my family, (24th birthday) my Uncle Frank-who acted as my 'dad' passed away. So you can understand a bit why I hate my birthday rolling around. Each year, something happened, and I just couldn't believe how as we get older...bithdays suck.

Yesterday, I turned 30. Yep, I am finally admitting to the number. And 30 isn't a bad number. I kept telling all my family and friends that I was O-L-D. I did not want to acknowledge my birthday AT ALL. I did not want a cake, I did not want a party, I did NOT WANT TO CELEBRATE. I am comfortable in my skin (for the most part), and I pretty much know who I am. Of course I want to improve myself and evolve, because once we stop growing, we cease to learn. I will not lie about my age...becaue I do have to say, I do not look my ago. But I wouldn't volunter my age right off the bat either. Anyway, I have to say that turning 30 has been a TURN-AROUND birthday. Full of GREAT friends, laughs, great memories, and an awesome day. I am blessed to have the friends I work with, who did not listen to me. And my Aunt Ida is just a great person to have in my life on a daily basis.

And, so let me clue you all in on BIRTHDAY-PALOOZA 2006

Last weekend, Claire took me to have my cards read as my birthday gift. Then, on Friday (June 2nd) The girls at work: Claire, Debbie, Lisa, and Lenora surprised me with a delicious and beautiful birthday cake and most generous birthday gift. Then we finished off the evening at Meson Ole, having sangria, and tons of laughes. I was at dinner surprised with various gifts of: a rose quartz necklace and braclete, pink roses, and a Playgirl magazine.

Yesterday I had a day planned in NYC for shopping and dinner, just Aunt Ida and I. So we started off in The Village, where I buy my perfume, and I hung out with my sales guy Aubry for a bit. From there we walked down to Chocolate Haven- the new chocolate factory & store owned by Jacques Torres. If no one know who Jacques Torres is, I strongly suggest you watch his show(s) on www.Foodnetwork.com and without a doubt check out his web site http://www.mrchocolate.com/default.aspx Without a doubt, Jacques Torres is THE WILLY WONKA of the real world. Anyway, when we got to Chocolate Haven, was surprised to see Jacques in the cafe talking to some of the people. In my glory, and after I confirmed with Ida that my eyes did not decieve me, went and introduced myself to him, and told him it was my birthday. Not only was he pleasent, wishing me a happy b-day, but he even made the trip even sweeter (no pun intended) buy posing for a picture with me. (Ok, I am a geek!) After we wrapped up our stop there, Ida and I hoped a cab and headed to SoHo, where the cab driver informed us we couldn't hide it from him, we were BOTH party girls! Did some more shopping in SoHo, and then decided ti was time to eat dinner. Went back to the Village, attempted to find our resteraunt I had chosen for the birthday dinner. As we walked, a U.S. mail truck beeped and waved to me (wow!) then I asked 3 guys if we were headed in the correct direction. Had some laughs with them and moved on. As we continued to walk, and I started to doubt my sense of direction asked a cop (on a horse) if we were headed the right way. Not overly friendly he said yes and we walked on. About 2 minutes later, the cop GALLOPED down the block to us yelling...'you two behave yourselves. No too much drinking!" Uh, ok, that was bizaar yet funny.

We came across this Mexican place and I asked the matre d if we were close, and it turned out it was one storefront down. We ate at this place called Dragon Fly, which was so yummy, serving Chinese and Thai and Fillapino foods, and decided to stop at Jeckyll & Hyde's for a drink, as at the last minute decided not to go to the Brandy Library as we had planned to. On our way back to J&H, the matre d from the mexican place asked us how we enjoyed out dinner and we talked to him. He then asked me if anyone has told me I look like: Karen Lynn Gorney from Saturday Night Fever (which I have been told that in the not too distant past.) I laughed and he proceeded to tell me he thought at first that that was who I was when I spoke to him earlier. http://imdb.com/name/nm0331186/ Now, I'm not saying that I do look liker her, or that I think I'm all that and a bag of chips. But having him say it to me, was such an upper for my birthday. I asked Ida (when I showed her the picture of Karen Gorney, and she said I do look like her slightly. After we had a cocktail headed home, and conked out, because when you hit 30, 1am is WAY past your bedtime!

Today mum gets home from upstate, and we may or maynot go to dinner at Gatsby. Either way it is fine with me, no matter what we do. I do want to go get a 3rd hole in my ears, as I can't act my age just yet. Today wraps up the end of Birthday-palooza 2006. For a birthday I did not want to acknowledge, it has turned out to be AMAZING. I love my friends who did not listen to me and made me celebrate my birthday. I had an AWESOME day yesterday. And even though only one cousin called yesterday to wish me a happy birthday, and Michelle...I do not care. I have friends both on the net, and in my daily life...and I have recieved b-day wishes from everyone of these people, and they know who they are, (Piccu) is given a *smiling* shout-out. So you know what I learned? Birthdays and growing older does not necessarily suck. And I do not mind where I am in the world...because when you have love, and feel love that's the best gift you can ever have.

As promised....the e-mail from 'Big Bad' and other stuff from yesterday

From: 'Big Bad'
Thursday, June 01, 2006 9:11 AM
To: 'The Team'
RE: Work ordersImportance: High

We Are Broken In a BIG WAY?

We have 3 to 4 People Looking at WORP tickets and screens and are starting to look Silly. When is enough enough??

The Number of Work Orders escalated is at 168..

We have other sites looking at this and advising the Help Desk to close….

WHY?

See you all at the meeting
'Big Bad'
Director Of 'Driving his co-workers insane'

**I had to omitt his name and change his title, and renamed the recipients to protect the innocent and ensure I still had a job.** But you all get the jist. The body of the e-mail however has NOT been altered.

More random things I noticed in my day, yesterday

1. At one point during the meeting last night, I go to hand Claire something and notice something 'odd' about the sleeve of my sweater. Now mind you I had just commented to Claire how she and I both color coordinated. Anyway, as I again look at my sleeve, notice what it is. I WAS WEARING MY SWEATER INSIDE OUT! No one had noticed, and I had gone like this all day long. My point is, this must surely be a sign of old age fast approaching.
2. Pooka, my 'boy' cat has to race you to the toilet, and as you do your business, he must purr and demand you to pet his head as he waits for you to finish. I have no idea where he has gotten this from, as he never used to do that. Pooka has picked up the habit, and I thought it was just a phase. Now I realize this is something he feels he must do for you, almost as if he is cheering you on for going potty.
3. People in cubes have no respect for their co-workers. As I may play my music, off my computer at a low decible, aware that not everyone may enjoy my music...my two 'wonderful' co-workers must crank theirs. Without hesitation, and without asking if it is too loud.

Random things I have expierenced in a supposed 'normal' day

1. Came in to office, late as usual because as it seems no matter what time I leave my house...traffic is piled up. Anyway, 69 work orders are sitting in the que awaiting assignment. GREAT! 2. Recieve e-mail from 'Big Bad' who actually mass e-mailed the 'team' demanding to know why we had 166 work requests escalated. Random use of all caps being used and I can almost hear a whining tone to it. I will have to post the actual e-mail tomorrow as I can't access it from home for some reason.
   3. My jackass co-worker...1/2 of the the thorn-in-my-side went completely insane on me yesterday, screaming that he would only talk to me on business related stuff. I told him (in a very calm manor) that was fine by me. So uh, yeah...for some unclear reason, jackass is TOTALLY speaking to me. Why? Because it kills him to not talk!
   4. On my way to yoga tonight saw some dude peeing, right on the side of the road, not trying to have any privacy at all. This took place like 500 yards from the property that I work on. Nice huh? Hey...I don't think I've ever used this color when posting an entry. See I can be wack in my old age. So any-who, it's almost Friday, and tomorrow is my turn to have 'summer' hour's on Friday, meaning I BREAK OUT of the office at 12:15, noon. Yep...that'll be me. Gone. Making like a tree and leaving. Big, big plans for the birthday weekend, even though I really wanted to not celebrate...and instead just keep busy. My girls at work are taking me out to dinner tomorrow night, to Meson Ole. It will be fun....as long as one person shall limit her alcohol intake. And if they try to make me wear a sombrao and as they sing feliz complanos, I'll die. Saturday it's off to NYC with Ida, to buy my purfume...(and see my sales-boy Aubry)...dinner at Dragon Fly, some more shopping, cocktails at Brandy Library and then home. On Sunday mum is taking me to dinner at Gatsby's, which I have been aching to go to. Of course she has mentioned to me numerous times how expensive it is, so I in turn have told her we don't need to go. Mind you, come Saturday, it will mark 15 years of her not celebrating my REAL birthday with me, due to her vacationing in the catskills. Monday, I have taken the day off as I am O-L-D, as of June 3rd.But I have TOTALLY gone off today's topic! Ok, on to business: I am only going to post in bulleted list, as that may come off as being way funnier for readers on this one. Oh yeah, and enjoy the above photo of my sweetest of sweet's, the mckitten of all mckitten's...Cro`i up above. I'll have to post her brother's photo next time.