Infinite Crisis

Once upon a time, I had a best friend named Nicole. Nicole and I got close in 4th grade and were pretty much inseparable until our third year in high school. I look back now and I'm filled with self-loathing - not because I instigated the break up but because I was too stupid and timid to put a stop to it.

I won't go into details about what happened but I'll say a conflict broke out between Nicole and our other best friend Angel. About a week into the cold war (of which I was neutral), Angel started telling me things that Nicole supposedly was saying behind my back and soon enough it seems like Nicole was distancing herself from me. That's how it seemed at the time - now that I look back, I think I was letting my paranoia bout certain other friends' of Nicole color my perception of reality.

Simply put, I took Angel's side. That was my first mistake. It wasn't that I was mean or said things about Nicole - because I didn't. I was still behaving as a neutral entity BUT I didn't split my time between them and - for some STUPID reason - I actually listened when Angel ordered me to ignore Nicole.

I don't even have the excuse of youth because I KNEW at the time that I was making a big mistake but I kept going - stubbornly - because I truly believed the whole thing would blow over in time.

It never did; and Nicole and I never spoke again. The loss of our friendship was and has remained to be the single most powerful regret of my life.

Fast forward to 2006. Nicole's wedding announcement was published and my mother received an invitation to the wedding. I didn't know if that invitation was extended to me; but I got Nicole a present anyway and planned to attend.

I was living in Lafayette at the time and took off a little early from work to get dressed and make it in time for the wedding. Because I saw this all as an opportunity to apologize to Nicole for my deplorable behavior in high school, I had written a letter taking responsibility for my actions and asking her forgiveness for any pain I may have caused during that time and stuffed it into the box with her present.

Unfortunately, I never did make it to the wedding but instead spent the night at the urgent care clinic due to my retarded health problems at the time.

About a week later, I received a thank you note from Nicole telling me that she had always thought of me as her friend and that she looked forward to a time we could reconnect. I felt . . . good but I knew I wouldn't feel really better about it all until I had seen her face to face.

She got pregnant in 2008 and gave birth at the end of that year - after the hurricanes - to a baby girl named Isabella. I would see her mom Ms. Liz and her younger sister Sarah sometimes in the grocery store and always made time to say hi (which is a miracle for me because I have an avoidant personality).

I thought of calling her mom for her number or trying to look her up . . . but I never had the guts.

Then, yesterday, I got a call from my mother while at work. I immediately had a bad feeling because my mom never calls me at work and the tone of her voice pretty much confirmed my bad feeling. She said "Mr. Donald died last night." Now, my brother has a friend named Donald so that's what I thought she meant at first then she said his last name and I realized she was talking about Nicole's dad.

This man was like my second father during our friendship. He was always extremely nice and funny and treated me like one of his daughters. And I just sat there in stunned silence as I tried to process this then I immediately thought - I need to see Nicole.

So, today my mother told me the wake was tonight from 6-9 and I had already decided to be there, regardless of the dread in my gut. We went but as we were walking in, Nicole was walking out with her daughter and husband. I didn't want to approach her from the back like a sneak so I decided to go pay my respects and give my condolences to her mom and sister and wait till she came back.

Ms. Liz was inconsolable (Mr. Donald's death was the very definition of unexpected) and Sarah was adamant that I needed to stay and see Nicole. I'm not a touchy-feely person. I prefer not to hug or be hugged but I have each of them, the hardest, most encompassing embrace I could muster.

Later . . . just as I was about to leave, Nicole returned to the front to greet visitors and I made my way up there and when she saw me, she shrieked my name and I just reached out and then she was holding onto me and sobbing so hard both of us were shaking (she had been somewhat calm before that) and I held her just as tightly and rubbed her back and kept saying over and over "I'm so sorry" and she kept saying, "Thank you so much. I'm so happy you're here."

And I wish with everything I had that it hadn't happened this way in that place under those circumstances . . . and that I had thought - at the time - to offer help if she or her family needed anything. And even if we didn't really talk and even if we didn't exchange any kind of contact information. I'm still glad I was there for her even for that one microscopic minute.

And I desperately hope that Mr. Donald is up there somewhere, watching over her and Ms. Liz and Sarah. I know it's going to be extremely hard for them for awhile yet.

R.I.P.
Mr. Donald B.
Nov. 23, 2009

- Sandy

!!!!!HAPPY
BIRTHDAY
emaniahilel!!!!!

and a very
!!!!!HAPPY
BELATED
BIRTHDAY
to
kelkatan!!!!!

- Sandy, who is so very thankful for such wonderful friends

So, I was checking out some of my memories when I came upon a five year old entry that still makes me laugh out loud and wonder what the hell was a sniffing that day:

Party Hardy Seto-sama!


*ahem*

KYOUYA APPROVES!

- Sandy, who is extremely nervous about her doc appt. tomorrow.

Wow, no sooner do I rename my journal "Infinite Crisis" than ANOTHER crisis breaks out in my life - thought it's not so much an actual crisis as the precursor to a POSSIBLE one.

Nearly two weeks ago, ten people were laid off at my office. This after they started cracking down on attendance, created a ridiculous daily standard that if not met means termination, and fired 7 people within a week due to said standard. Then they make this announcement -- that because certain accounts create more revenue, they are getting rid of the accounts that DON'T make that much revenue. The accounts they got rid of makes up about 80% of our work. I literally had 600 accounts one day and zero the next.

In other words, there isn't enough work to go around which will mean more cuts.

So far I've been assigned "permanently" to Medicaid claims which is new and somewhat harder than commercial insurance claims in some ways. And after a whole week of being in the Medicaid division, I only just ran out of work today.

Then promptly CREATED work for myself after asking - and getting - more work from my supervisor. Hopefully that will tide me over for another full day . . . Maybe.

If not, I've already asked to be taught how to key claims (which only night staff does at this point, but hey - I need to work!).

The workplace has become very tense. I'm sure you can just imagine!

In other news, about three weeks ago, my brother goes fishing in his (still new) boat. About an hour later he comes back, soaked, muddy, smelly and pissed. I ask him, "What happened? Why are you back so early??"

He says, "The boat sunk." Which sends me into a tizzy. I ask if he's okay, if I need to call the coast guard, is the boat out of the water??? And he assures me that he's just pissed and is going to wash the boat then take a bath.

He does.

The next day . . . My uncle Marty comes to deliver some money for the ice plant and before he leaves says, "When your brother gets home, tell him, 'if you're going out in the boat, don't forget the plug."

I'm like, "You mean, yesterday when he said his boat sunk, it was because he forgot to plug it!"

Yep.

So, when Matt gets home, my mom and I double team. He walks in and I say without lookingup from my book, "Hey Matt, if you go out in the boat, don't forget the plug." He grumbles, takes two steps into the hall as mom is coming out of it - they meet and she says, "Matt if you go out in the boat, don't forget the plug."

Matt: "You bastards!" grumbles down the hall.

We have been telling him this same line EVERYDAY and it is HILARIOUS!

. . . So if any of you have my phone number, please feel free to call, ask for Matt and tell him "Don't forget the plug."

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Other than that, I'll have pictures up of me in my impromptu (but fabulous) gypsy costume that I wore to the Girl Scouts Me and My Pal dance we threw this weekend.

I'll also have more fic and - possibly - art XD (I've been a posting fiend of late!)

- Sandy

EDIT: New title is up for inspection BWAHAHAHA. Now to figure out what to do about the bio . . . /edit.

So, my laptop doesn't work anymore - it's not crashed or anything but it doesn't really move from the desktop screen to anything else in a reasonable time table. That being said, I'm going *spits* shopping this weekend.

In Lafayette.

UGH.

There is nothing worse than having to drive 4 hours on your day off just to go shop for a few measily items that you probably could have gotten online for the same price plus shipping. But I'm a masochist so I guess I have no one to blame but myself.

In addition to laptop shopping, I'll also be getting a few items for my very anticipated Halloween costume. And the best part about my costume this year?

1. NO ONE (here) will ever guess what I am because it's something only you and I would actually "get" *wink*

2. It will require lots of coffee binging on my part to be really authentic.

3. Some of the costume is edible.

4. I will come with my own SOUNDTRACK! (No! Really! SOUNDTRACK! . . . which means I'm also going to have either buy or borrow a portable stereo >_<)

Anyway, in the midst of the laptop silence from HELL, I'm all gungho to write (*sarcasm*Of. Course.*end sarcasm*) and I can't.

Well, ok, I could but that would require file transfers and conversions and whatnot and I am notoriously lazy about fandom.

There. I admit it.

I am a lazy, lazy fic writer . . . and an even lazier fan artist now that I think it. Cuz, DUDE, I haven't been doing ANYTHING lately. I don't even have an excuse . . . well, ok, I DO have an excuse as in the tried and true "I've got other things on my mind" explanation.

ANYWAY - sorry keep getting sidetracked - I have a new fandom and OMG WHY DOES THIS ALWAYS HAPPEN TO ME!? and it's The Big Bang Theory which - I have to agree with another fan - should be retitled the Penny and Sheldon show (see icon, I is not makin' these up) cuz I literally shiver with anticipation waiting for their scenes together.

I am SO not lying.

And - despite the fact that my back feels like it's been broken in half - I have managed to read EVERY SINGLE Sheldon/Penny fic on ff.net and am now working on the fics I haven't read that are posted on the Sheldon/Penny community here on lj.

Yes. I am THAT insane-in-love with Sheldon/Penny. OH HELL, I'm THAT insane-in-love-in-lust with Jim Parsons!!!!!!!!!!

I'd have his babies.

Him and Cardinal Chang. Cardinal Chang for the sex and Jim Parsons cuz I know he'd take care of me and the kids ;P

And if you don't know who the crap I'm talking about (Cardinal Chang) get ye to your nearest bookstore and look up Gordon Dalquist The Glassbooks of the Dream Eaters.

YOU WILL NOT BE SORRY.

. . . . . until you get to the end of the Dark Volume (or so i'm told) because it ends on a huge cliffy and there is some question about whether it will be continued. T_T

All that being said, I'm in supreme need of an lj/deviantart/photobucket/life-in-general retooling/(fall?)spring cleaning. I have already begun by choosing another lj design. I'm working on changing my lj title but I can't really decide on what it should be. I also need to start looking up (or making) new icons as the BBC BROKE MY HEART then trampled over it while playing Taylor Swift on the highest volume possible (Taylor Swift's voice makes me want to cough up my intestines then eat them). I'm still going to get the second season on DVD but I am BOYCOTTING the third season. Period!

Hope everyone else is having a rip-roaring time ^_~

- Sandy

Wow, it's been a REALLY long while. Longer than I imagined. So much has happened, but I won't bother you with details. The big things that kept me from writing were thus:

1. my uncle (real one, not honorary -- he's the second uncle I've lost) died and I've been struggling with spiritual issues

2. back pain has once more flared up and doesn't seem to want to die.

3. my laptop is on it's very last legs (I got it in 2003, I'm shocked it lasted this long). I'm in the market for a new one but when I get it . . . well, that just depends. In the meantime, I'm using my parent's old comp and due to the hurricanes they don't have any programs compatible with my story files OR .jpgs (for editing).


At this point, I'm not making ANY promises. *sigh*

- Sandy

You had the vacation entry and now we're going to have the aftermath entry. It hath sucked all the life outta me and then some.

I returned to work on July 28 and on that day - when I thought to myself, I'm going to catch up on all the work that I didn't get before I left, fate said "Fuck YOU, Sandy" and suddenly I was bombarded with other stuff.

Allow me to explain.

I work in insurance collections. Basically I am assigned to a certain set of hospitals in New York and I work outstanding claims that have yet to be paid by insurance companies. Seems simple right? Well, it's not since most insurance company reps are expected to reject/deny the vast majority of claims that come in. It's a fight to get anything out of these companies so most of my time is spent on the phone haggling.

My current REGULAR assignment is fairly straight forward as I don't have access to medical records or anything of that nature - if it's needed, I have to request it and that in itself is a fight with the actual hospital. But that is neither here nor there. Regardless of what system we work, we're expected to work on at least 50 accounts/claims per day. Usually, I have no trouble meeting that number; however . . .

When I got back to work, my supervisor told me my big boss asked specifically that I be temporarily placed working another set of hospitals in Indiana. I had worked these facilities before so I knew what was expected (they are EXTREMELY difficult - I'll explain in a moment). However, then they dropped the bomb that the director of these hospitals wanted 3000 accounts worked by WEDNESDAY. That's THREE DAYS. So, my bosses ended up pulling like 20 people from their regular work just to try and get these claims worked.

Now, this wouldn't have been as difficult as it initially sounded if it were POSSIBLE to get 50 accounts done per day with these particular hospitals but the fact is in order to actually FINISH with the requirements the director had set up - each account takes an average of a HALF hour to work. At my BEST, I only ever got about 20 done in a day and that was working overtime.

So we were told that to complete these damn near impossible assignment, overtime was unlimited. I committed to coming in at 6am and working to 6pm on these days. Well, Wednesday rolls around and we hadn't even made a DENT in the 3000 so the director decides to give us one more chance and one more week to get this done. I was given a list of 85 accounts to work and extra instructions to try and expedite the process and overtime schedule continued.

By the end of th week, I wanted to bite off my own arm. Then the weekend -- which I honestly don't remember -- and more overtime with these retarded accounts and finally Wednesday which - we still weren't finished BUT my boss said we were so we had to work EXTREME overtime the next day to finish up the loose ends.

By the time last weekend come up, I was ready for some scream therapy cuz basically in order to "finish" an account we would have to basically summarize the entire HISTORY of the claim (and some of these go back to 2006!!!) then write a concise paragraph stating what has been done, what is keeping this from being paid, etc. then you have to call the insurance company get all the new info including policy specific info, check the contract against what the rep. says then write all THAT down then decide what the fuck you're supposed to do from there. And they don't accept that sometimes it just WON'T get paid whether because of the hospital doing something wrong or the patient. This particular assignment, you have to prepared to work it till it's DEAD. So, I was especially worn out and surly as a result of this pressure-filled nonsense.

And then the weekend came and I told everyone to leave the fucking lawn alone cuz Sandy needed to take out her aggression on SOMETHING and the lawn needed to be cut. I was out there for six hours and wore myself out in the process so I was all nice and ready for a long bath and an early night.

This week has been marginally better since I'm back on my original assignment and most of the insurance reps know me by now and - generally speaking - I'm very pleasant even when they're giving me flack about this or that denial which makes them more agreeable to work with me on things. It's just a lot of long hold times (today I was on hold for an hour and 45 minutes during one call and only got three claims done for my trouble). It's still kind of mind numbing work.

On top of all that baby Alex was ordered to see a specialist because the doc thinks there is fluid on his brain (I don't think so because he's a very curious, active, awake, well-behaved baby and the only "symptom" he has is a large head). He was supposed to go this Wednesday but the hospital cancelled so now it's scheduled for next week.

Then there is the Girl Scouts -- I'm not leading but I got suckered into helping out with the Service Unit and already I have four events I'm going to be taking part in this month.

And the sorority -- I have an event for that this month on the same day as one of the Girl Scout events, then the regular meeting and my pledge training (which I need to finish my reading for the last two training sessions since I missed last month!).

There are other things going on but they escape me at the moment because my brain is DED.

Oh yeah, got a papsmear and GOD DID IT HURT -- must remember to do kegels next time and schedule closer to ovulation time for that natural lubrication. I have to call for my results on Monday. Please Jesus let it be a good sample!

I'm still debating on returning to school to learn how to make costumes. If I do it'll probably be through Penn Foster since they include tools and books and everything in the tuition price which isn't at all bad. ($799.00 for the entire program - that includes a sewing machine and books and online tools).

We'll see as with everything else.

I also found out I have high cholesterol (overall) again so I'm finally going get a full blood screen to find out the breakdown and whether I need to be on medication for it. In the meantime, I've been chomping down on oatmeal and wondering if I really wanna go through the hell of taking garlic pills again (they make me belch like you wouldn't believe -- although ginger was much, much worse).

And . . . and there may be an opening coming up at Halliburton under my old supervisor. I've already emailed her and she said she'll definitely let me know when the job comes up (if it comes up).

So much crap to think about. All that and I need a new laptop AGH!

- Sandy, whose period started today and she is not taking it well. She really wants to play on her new Wii Fit but people are watching tv T_T

P.S. As soon as this god-forsaken period is over, I'm going on one of my infamous liquid fasts. I already have a bunch of bottles of apple and orange juice stockpiled in the kitchen BWAHAHAHAHAHA.

P.P.S. I'm going spend the night at the 'rents house tomorrow (cuz I plan on getting the brows waxed early Saturday morning) and hope to get some more fic finished. I'm on this FINISH EVERYTHING kick. We'll see how long THAT lasts.

P.P.P.S. My ipod is now glassless because I dropped it on the carport and the glass protecting the screen was DECIMATED. Still works though.

I actually wrote this a long time ago -- I can't remember if it was before or after the hurricanes and I wasn't going to post till it was finished; however, I'm almost finished the last part so I think it's safe to actually post it here. I'll hold off on posting to ff.net till later.

A little about this piece: I know most won't read it. It's Azar centric and I know many don't really care about non-characters; but it's always struck me how Azar is hardly ever seen in the comics and never in the Teen Titans series yet she always manages to be present.

Here's her story . . . also an offshoot/prequel of the Walk on Water universe, since Azar becomes a pivotal character in her own right in that fic.

Title: The Venerable
Fandom: Teen Titans cartoon/comics
Genre: General
Rating: K+
Spoilers: None at this point.
Summary: In her mind, she knows that she has been baptized as 'Azar,' but her family and Master Theyador call her Leeba; and she likes that name better as it marks her in a way she finds more suitable and attractive for it is foreseen that she is the last of her line and is as the preferred name implies, 'beloved.'

( The Venerable, Part I: Leeba )

To be continued...


Expect more (or something different) tomorrow ^_^

- Sandy

WHAT YOU SAY?

Thas right folks. FIC.

And it's BLEACH!fic zomg!!!! (geniusgirl this is my official challenge to you for IchiHime goodness!)

Title: The Way to His Heart
Fandom: Bleach
Pairing: Ichigo/Orihime
Genre: Romance/General
Rating: K for Kid
Spoilers: Everything from the manga and anime.
Summary: He wasn't stupid or dense or oblivious. But honestly, how was he to know he was falling in love all this time when his life was filled with distractions?

(  ...the way to his heart had boiled down to one thing: her smile. )

More coming tomorrow . . . either in this fic, a general entry, or something else. I have fic coming out of my ass but the vast majority is unfinished XD

- Sandy

I am completely behind on posting. And I wish I could say I've been busy, but I'm always busy so that's no longer a valid excuse.

In any case, I had a vacation from 7.20.09 to 7.25.09 since I swore I was going to be off for my b-day this year. Unfortunately, I did what I ALWAYS do on vacation and it's notably not resting (although some of the not resting was for a good cause!). On Monday I cut the cleaned my 'rents new house (they went away on a cruise that same week) and cut their lawn. On Tuesday I cleaned out the frig, freezers, and pantry at my house. On Wednesday I cleaned my car and . . . did something else I had been meaning to do but can't recall at this mom -- OH YEAH, I organized my room (it hasn't been officially organized since we moved back in and that wasn't exactly the greatest job I've ever done), did my filing (which had built up over three months), and cleaned all my dirty clothes, dried and folded them. Thursday I cleaned the house, swept the patio and driveway, exchanged b-day gifts with Matt (he got a WII FIT OMG *squee*!!!!!!) and went pick up emaniahilel from the airport (she was supposed to get in at 11:45pm but ended up being delayed till about 12:30am).

And so started my birthday ^________^ We got back to my house around 2:30 am and talked for a bit, she gave me my b-day and Christmas presents (THANK YOU AGAIN EM!) then went to bed. We knew we'd have to get up early.

On Friday, I woke up and made Em some eggs (my body runs on military-like meal times so I never eat a meal late or early if I can help it - since I had slept in, I ultimately skipped breakfast) before making a chicken and sausage gumbo for lunch. We took a walk in my yard (ask her, it's HUGE). Then I drove her down the bayou to show her my paw-paw's ice plant where I had mad visions of maybe locking her in the ice house (it's ok, there's a handle on the inside that works even if the outside is locked).

My uncle told us that my brother had won a birthday cake via a radio station cuz Carol (who works at the ice plant) put his name in. So we not only had a cookie cake to look forward to but a chocolate cake from Rouse's bakery. Once we returned home, we took a walk across the street to my maw-maw's house since the woman has been wanting to meet Em forever (we've known each other for 4 years now! How time flies!!!)

Now that I think about it, I feel kinda badly that I wasn't a better hostess. I had everything scheduled in my head so I was like, "let's move along, MOVE ALONG" the whole time. I'm sorry Em!

Anyway, Maw-maw loved her and she kept saying my Maw-Maw was sweet (cuz she is ;P) and then we had to go pack and high tail it for our reservation at the Hotel St. Marie in the FRENCH QUARTER!!!!!

The drive there wasn't all that bad considering I've never driven to the FQ before (last time I was there was when I was 11-ish). And along the way crabbieabbie called so we had her on speaker and cutting up (first time I had ever really TALKED to her -- I'm glad we finally did! even though I think I may have spooked her with trying to fix her up with my bro! XD) And even though I had several moments of doubt when I was exiting onto the Vieux Carre, we got there safe and sound the first time around so it was all good!

We had a double deluxe room and it was beautiful even if the view left a lot to be desired. Em immediately went to shower cuz she hates feeling sweat all over (it's hot in Louisiana yo, hot and humid, a lethal combination) and I relaxed a bit, watching tv then talking to Tressa who called to say Happy Birthday!

I took a shower too cuz I wanted to be prettied up for the bars (do not take that statement seriously. SERIOUSLY.) And then we were off after doing hair and makeup and all that jazz! Of course, I didn't know the shit where anything was and Em admitted her directions may be alittle rusty but we ended up eating at the Hard Rock Cafe and I was STOOPID and admitted within the first five minutes of being there that it was my birthday to the bartenders (we were seated at the bar though Em didn't have anything alcoholic and I wanted to get an early start on the night with a Raspberry Lemonade w/ Bacardi!) So we eat, toast, drink, and make friends with the girl and guy at the bar, jamming to the music, and conversing in our jokey way when LO we ask for the ticket and I feel a tap, tap on my shoulder.

I look behind me and there's the bartender dude we have befriended (he had green hair which I think is AWESOME - I always wanted to dye my hair green *wistful*). He has a sundae in his hand and asks me my name then asks me to step off the stool and stand with him so I do and the music is cut off and he says, "I'd like everyone to meet my new friend, Sandy! It's her birthday today so let's give her a huge Happy Birthday welcome!"

*crickets chirp*

"I SAID LET'S MAKE HER DEAF!"

"Happy Birthday!"

>-<

So, after a short argument with Em about who was eating the Sundae XD Em paid the bill *grumble grumble* And we left for Pat O'Brien's, which was hilarious cuz we walk in and they're singing "Piano Man" then directly after they play "Sweet Home Alabama" which Em SWEARS is like karma cuz everytime she goes to Pat O's that's what's playing! But I can't help but remember also there were three old ladies (they were sisters) and each had a brightly colored feather boa and they were partying like it was 1999. They were HYSTERICAL. I don't think they even sat down!

Anyway, Em and I started with a Hurricane and a Margarita respectively then I ordered two Tequila shots and we toasted XD Then I ordered a SECOND Tequilla round (cuz I am that crazy) and dude next to us was all admiring *LOL*

And NO we did not get drunk. We were just feeling goooooood but still very much sober thank you very much ^_^

We stayed at Pat O's for . .. maybe an hour or two? I can't remember time was FLYING. And we left to go check out the Cat's Meow which I'd never been (of course not, I had never been to the FQ!!!). For those unfamiliar, it's a karaoke bar and damn it was PACKED but it was FUN AS HELL cuz all those drunk people couldn't keep up with the songs XD BUT I have to say, most everyone was singing int he joint so it was hard to hear the actual contestant anyway!

The night would have been perfect but it hit a snag at the CM. Em and I had managed to snag two stools near the entrance when we got there and maybe about 30 minutes after we got there, she says (yells) to me, "WE NEED TO MOVE!"

Me: WHAT?

Em: WE NEED TO MOVE!

Me: OK!

Em: THAT GUY IS HUMPING MY LEG!

So I look at said guy and he's a silver fox (to borrow Chelsea Handler's term) only he's pretty much just silver and not much of a fox. He's also extremely SHIT FACED and he kinda backs away when I shoot him my patented *look*.

So, we move the stools a little and I get a little closer to Em cuz I'm not as girly as her, I'll punch yer lights out given the proper provocation. And everything's going fine until I feel something hot behind me then a hand smooth over my hips and GRAB MY ASS!

Me and Em BOTH jumped off our stools at exactly the same time and I shoot *DEATHGLARE* to Mr. Shitfaced who puts up his hands like saying, "I'm innocent!" and Em kinda gets my attention and says, "LET'S GO TO THE BATHROOM!" So we go cuz - dude - I dunno about Em but I didn't realize how much I needed to go until she said something. (Well, that and I REALLY Didn't want to get thrown out of the bar - or worse - arrested for punching Mr. Shitfaced).

While we were in the bathroom we heard that some dude was getting arrested for leaving his kid out in the car (I KID YOU NOT!) and Em tells me she just needed to get away from that guy. So we go back to the scene of the fun but on the otherside and this time there were no incidents. We jammed out and danced and had a beer each and some water then we left at around 1 am for Cafe Du Monde for some coffee and beignets!

SCRUMPTUOUS.

By that time, I think we were feeling a. the boose, b. the sleep deprivation, and c. our ages (LMAO I had to say it ok! I'm on the last step to 30 ;P). So, we trudged back to the hotel (after debating on whether to get a cab -- Em's shoes were cutting into her feet and the soles of my feet were sunburned (DON'T ASK!). We ended up walking (cuz I'm cheap) and when we got there Em says she's going take another shower (cuz she's girly like that ;P). Me? I don't give a shit if I stinky or sweat is caked on my skin, I went to BED cuz I was TIYAHD.

Of course, since I'm such a light sleeper I didn't get to snoozing very soon after going to bed because someone was drunkenly YELLING on our floor. At one point of temper induced delirium, I think I heard Em say "Report them." But I just grit my teeth (which was a bad idea after a night of screaming and singing and talking) and MADE myself sleep.

ON SATURDAY morning we rose early since we wanted to eat breakfast, have a bit of coffee, pack, and checkout in time to get back to my home town to pick up my cookie cake. We - again - had no trouble finding our way to the interstate (thank YOU TomTom!) and made a detour to Best Buy in Clearview cuz I wanted to buy myself a b-day gift and I did -- more BLEACH!

We got home with time to spare, picked up the cake and when we got back to my house, Em said she was tired and went to take a nap since I was expecting some family members over for cake. I took the time she was asleep to clean up a little, do some laudry, and start sorting my doodles for scrapbooking. And Em woke just about the time everyone started arriving -- everyone being cousin Michelle, her husband Sam, and baby Alex; Aunt Faye and Uncle Marty; and Maw-Maw. Matthew even made it AMAZINGLY - he hadn't committed to being there so I wasn't expecting him.

It was really a lot of fun. Em got along well with everyone (which I knew she would cuz my family is insane, her family is insane WE ARE ALL NVTS like a wonderfully healthy and delicious package of trail mix!) We had cake and drinks (non-alcoholic . . . well accept for Sam and Matt who had beer). And we watched Matt's first haircut on DVD (cuz I wanted to embarrass the hell out of him - he turned 25, remember!? It was his b-day too XD) to which Maw-Maw and Aunt Faye looked at as child abuse (his first haircut not me playing the DVD) to which I had to point out that the boy is not traumatized, he gets a haircut ever two weeks!)

After everyone but Michelle, Sam, and baby left, Michelle, Em and I just sat around and talked for awhile - Sam was asleep on the floor (he does that at EVERY family function -- sleep, not necessarily ont he floor) and Alex slept for awhile on Michelle . . . until she woke him to feed him (before that he pretty much stayed with Em). Michelle verbally adopted Em which I thought was fantastic since she's my fav. cousin ya know XD

Anyway, they left around 10ish that night and once they were gone and we had gotten comfy in the pjs, Em and I decided to watch "Grave of the Fire Flies" since she had never seen it and I owned it. Of course, before watching, we popped some corn on the stove (my first time OH YEAH!) with some microwaved butter on top XD And after that I got her started on Mythical Detective Loki Ragnarok (cuz it's just that awesome -- though there were SO MANY TO CHOOSE FROM!) WE watched the first volume then we both called it a night.

On SUNDAY I allowed Em to sleep in a little though as she so elegantly put it "we have different definitions on what sleeping in means," and I asked her if what she wanted for lunch - I was willing to cook a jambalaya or whatever she wanted, and she said she would be cool with sandwiches so that's what we did. To spice things up I asked her if she wanted to try some deer sausage and went fire up the grill (ok, Matt did but I did all the cooking ok?).

THEY WERE DELISH though I think Em could have done without (and she mostly did) cuz it's WAY spicy (they have jalapenos in thar). After all of THAT it was like 1pm or something like that and Em gave me another card she had stowed away somewhere that made me all verklempt ^_~ Then I badgered Matt into taking us out in the boat.

Which he did. For a little over an hour OMG and thank God the weather was good. I think Em enjoyed herself - it's really beautiful back there. He went to Lake Boudreaux which is behind my house and on the way to the Gulf, and he would have brought us to Little C------ but we were running out of time so we ended up going back home to pack Em's stuff in the car for her return trip home T_T.

Of course, I had to leave some spare time to try to find her some Rosebud Salve (cures any skin ailment!) which I couldn't GRRRRRRR. And I also brought her to LA CAJUN STUFF - a store that sells souvernirs from the area. I even gave her a quick (and incomplete) tour of downtown H---- and then we were OFF to the airport again.

It wasn't until we got TO the airport that she realized we hadn't thought to check her in on-line >-< And we got there JUST IN TIME For my parents' arrival . . . and to find out that her flight was delayed a whole two hours!

Mom and DAd were thrilled to be able to see her and we went eat dinner together . . . at Wendy's >-<

Then we went stay with Em while she waited at her terminal (before security) and said our goodbyes T_T.

I really wish she had stayed longer. I mean there's not much in the way of entertainment over here but it's a good place to relax and she didn't get to do any of that because I was such a militaristic bonehead ushering her from place to place >-< I'M SORRY EM! Hindsight is 20/20!

But the FUN DOESN'T END THERE. It would have the perfect ending to a pretty perfect week/weekend but reality waits for no man and while we were on our way home from the airport, my dad, mom, and me witnessed someone get hit by a car.

I KID YOU NOT!

It was a miracle the guy lived but the car only actually rolled over his leg which was OBVIOUSLY broke in that facing-the-wrong-way kind of broken . . . in two places - his knee and his ankle. We were not the only witnesses and while Dad was calling 911 two other cars converged and gathered around this guy. Meanwhile his "friends" left the scene to go buy some more liquor (dude who got hit and the friends were all drunk) down the road at the 7/11. Mom put her beach towel on him since it was raining and some dudes pulled him out of the street (which was probably a stupid thing to do (you're not supposed to move someone with those types of injuries). And we just waited for the cops/ambulance. Once that was taken care of, we made our way home and when we got there I texted Em to see if she had gotten home (she had) and then I went to sleep.

^_^

I'll have a more recent update tomorrow XD

- Sandy

P. S. A GREAT BIG THANK YOU to kelkatan and [Bad username: the_sweet"] for the lovely virtual balloons! I really appreciate the thought and lovely birthday wishes ^_^ It was possibly the best birthday I've ever had (barring when my bro was born - that one is in a league of it's own). Again, thank you both!

P.P.S. During my vacay I also managed to reduce my 700+ emails to sixty-friggin-two -- now it's 69 but DUDE, the DIFFERENCE!!!!! XD XD

First, I'd like to wish a big heeping HAPPY BIRTHDAY to angelica_love.

Second, to the loved ones of Farrah Fawcett, my condolences. I wasn't a fan; but I appreciate that she was a much beloved icon and will be sorely missed.

Third, to the loved ones of Michael Jackson, my heartfelt condolences. It's surreal. I'm not quite sure I really believe it. Michael is one of the many entertainers that serve as a sort of clock for my life. I'm not sure how to feel. He was and will always be one of my favorite musical talents and performers.

Fourth, on a more personal note, I'd like to send up a prayer for my honorary Uncle Mike who passed away tonight after a long, ugly battle with cancer. I hope Christy was there to embrace and welcome you into Heaven. Take care of each other. We love you both and will miss you.

- Sandy

OMFG I have 512 messages in my inbox.

!!!!!512!!!!!

*head/desk*

- Kysra, who has internally vowed that she will tackle the Leviathon come vacation (or sooner, depending on my cleaning reflex).

P.S. I need some new icons . . . BBC's Robin Hood kicked ass at one time but then they killed Marion and my heart is broken. Any suggestions??? (I was thinking a whole slew of Ichi/Hime icons but I think I'll settle for just one or two so there's a whole lot more slots to fill!)

I am STRESSED.

In fact, can't remember the last time I was quite THIS stressed (Hurricane induced stress does not count - that is a category in and of itself). Unfortunately, I can't really talk about the stress factor. I will say this though - if you're on my f-list, you probably already know.

Speaking of my f-list, there has been like six people who have added me as a friend that I have no idea who they are and kinda suspect were actually bots . . . they seem to have been DELETED.

I am TIRED.

I've been working overtime for the last THREE WEEKS and this week, I've managed to put in 12 hours a day. I realize that many people make hundreds of hours during a pay period and my measly few might mean nothing but it's significant for ME. Speaking of - I realized that the reason I dislike pretty much every job I've ever had (with the exception of my job at Halliburton) is because I'm not really CHANGING jobs just workplaces. And I know that seems pretty basic to have taken 11 years to finally figure out. What can I say? The computer ate my brain.

I'm tired but I'm about to take on a lot more responsibility. My parents are semi-moved out so I have to keep up the house (which I'm used to) but also the yard and everything in both. My brother is only a minimal help. Then there's the subject of the "I am STRESSED" thing above. And I'm going back to school though not for anything scholarly this time. Nope, I'm going to school to learn how to sew all the costumes in my head. And it won't be right away. I have to see how certain things pan out first. I'm thinking even though I'm stressed and poor and tired, I deserve to see where my potential takes me for once, even if I don't ever make money off of it or get recognition. I want to feel like I did something for my own improvement and growth. It's kinda like how I got into Girl Scouts and we all know how that turned out. It's still one of the best things I've ever done and continue to do even though I won't be a leader next year.

I am HORMONAL.

Only a few days from my period and today I ranged from bubbly happy to near tears to angry as hell, all in the span of five minutes. You gotta love the progesterone/estrogen switch out.

- Kysra, who is eating another spectacular culinary experiment meant for the recipe books! My very own veggie based spaghetti sauce!

So, exciting news! Em's coming to my house in July! FOR MY B-DAY (or the anti-bday XD), I'm going to attempt to make a dream come true this month, I'm writing fic and drawing, and I HAVE AN HONEST TO GOD TAN!

The tan thing is especially special because I haven't had a real - lasting - tan since I was still in the SINGLE DIGITS! Ever since then I've been library pale but since my parents have semi-moved out of the house and my bro pretty much works everyday of the week (seriously - it's trawling season and he works at an ice company - do the math), it falls to me to cut the grass. To give you an idea of how much YARD I have, I put the lawn mower in gear 6, rabbit pace (fastest you can go which is about 15 mph I guess) and it takes me 4 hours to finish the entire yard without stopping.

That's a lot of time in the sun so I'm alternatively getting burned then the burn warms to a nice golden brown. I'm ridiculously excited about that (and yes, I DO wear sunscreen+suntan lotion.

Today, I was less HOT than was beset by the multitude of BUGS that seemed to be out while I was cutting the grass. It was like every friggin blind/non-blind mosquito, gnat, wasp, mud-diver, horse fly, etc. zoned in on my lawn-mower and myself GAH!

And no, I was not screaming or otherwise freaking out. but I was pissed off that I kept having to swat and got dead bug parts stuck under my nails. EW.

I nearly mowed my ipod though . . . and my beloved Cabellas cap (my first cap personally owned EVAH >>>>>> yes, I know I'm ridiculous) and considering this was only my SECOND time driving the riding mower, I did a fucking good job. Didnt' hit ANYTHING this time around and didn't almost drive onto the road. (Seriously).

In other news, my scouts had their bridging ceremony so now I just have summer events to worry about. First up! The MYRTLES bwahahahahahahahah.

Oh and last weekend was A-kon which was fantastic! Vic cosplayed as Wolverine!!!!! And he looked GOOD in that leather outfit. And let me tell you, when I walked into that dealer's room, I went into overload instantly. I had NO IDEA what to buy/look at! I must have spent over 5 hours in there over the weekend and in the end I came out with: a Kon plushie (which I'm giving to baby Alex for his first Christmas; the first 7 volumes of Eyeshield 21, volume 4 of Bleach; two novelty shirts (I wanted a Bleach shirt but the one I wanted, my size wasn't available); and an Urahara hat. I wanted more but couldn't make up my mind what I wanted MOST so I am filled with regret that I didn't get that corset or that manga or that (insert anime related item here).

I did learn something while I was there -- how to open a bottle of Ramune - which took me FOUR HOURS. I kid you NOT. And I also learned that those packages of flavored bread DO have the flavor printed in English. ;P

I also learned that I am much more confident when isolated than I usually give myself credit for, and I CAN go to a con pretty much alone and still have a great time. I also learned that Anime Hell is TEH SHIZNIT! (if you are over 18 and want to laugh your ass off and aren't easily offended, get ye to A-kon and Anime Hell next year!)

I was kinda disappointed with the cosplay contest though. The outfits were a lot better than past years but there were only like four skits O.O Whut?

Speaking of costumes, the weekend before A-kon I went see my baby cousin, Sarah's dance recital and seeing the outfits made me realize something -- I want to be a costume designer. I think I always did but I never gave it serious thought cuz I knew I probably wouldn't get anywhere since there isn't a market here for that sort of thing and I don't want to move.

But . . . I might look into classes for that sort of thing . . . I mean how to MAKE clothes not how to design them . . I think I have that part pretty well taken care of, it's the actual MAKING them that I'm totally blank on.

I was actually moved to tears during one song because of the clothes and the music together and I just had this sense of understanding all of a sudden that the reason I'm not happy with what I do (calling insurance companies demanding payment for hospitals thousands of miles away) is because I'm not making use of my potential. My mother has told me for years that I should be a fashion designer or ANYTHING really that makes use of my drawing ability but I always resisted. I'm not into fashion but I LOVE costumes. I love dressing up. I love making up my costumes with bits and pieces with what I already have (which is why I haven't paid for a Halloween costume since I was 12!), so I'm researching online classes as well as classes held at different fabric stores to see what would be of most use to me.

As my mom has said, I don't have to move, I could always make costumes for people here . . . there's a local theatre group and I could always do it on the side while keeping my day job.

So . . . maybe.

And speaking of designing, one of my girl scouts, Emma, wants to be a fashion designer - she even got a sewing machine for Christmas and she's doing the "Project Runway" program at GS camp this summer! I told my mom that I'm tempted to ask if she wants to make my cosplay costume for next year's A-Kon as part of her badge work as a new Cadette. (I'd pay for all the materials and everything as well as furnish the design). I'd have to ask her mom first - of course and see what the guidelines are for the badge work. But she always gets REALLY excited when I ask her about her future career so I doubt she'd say no.

Anyway, I hope everyone is doing well, and I apologize that I'm so SILENT lately. I've been working a LOT of overtime and the last thing I want to do is sit in front of a comp after work nowadays (unless it's to watch more Eyeshield 21 YA HA!!!!).

I'm gonna try to post up my newest fics this weekend ^_^

Ja ne!

- Kysra

I'm only going to say this once (ok, that's a lie, I'll probably say it even more as time goes on):

If you have not seen or heard of Eyeshield 21, you need to get educated.

YESTERDAY. (I did . . . well, ok, it was Saturday, whatever.)

So, get thee to thy nearest YOUTUBE and watch it, READ it (the manga!), LOVE IT.

( DEIMON DEVIL BATS FTW! FUCKING FRIENDS LIST! )

Seriously, people, go look it up. YOU WILL NOT BE SORRY. (and Hiruma won't have to blackmail you. He's everywhere ya know.)

- Kysra

It is REALLY REALLY good.

How can it not be? The weather is FANTASTIC and summery, big plans for . . . well, can't say on here, artwork is getting done, fic ideas are coming, and Girl Scouts is almost done in an official capacity (I still have summer events to look forward to).

It is TRULY good.

And this morning I had my end-of-the-year Leader interview with my SU leader and the Member Rep. We have this Volunteer Expectation form that we fill out partially at the beginning of the year and then we're "graded" (really, it's more like a review) at the end of the year and told how to improve if we've done badly and told to keep it up if we've done well.

I did FANTASTIC (even if I do beat myself up a lot that I often can't give the girls what they want or what I hoped I'd be able to give them).

As for other GS news, we had Girl Sports day last Saturday which is like . . . well, it's for the older girls to bridge. The object is to get older scouts with younger scouts so that the older ones can teach the youngers about teamwork and good sportsmanship by playing a variety of outdoor games. In this case we had Daisies (k-1 grade), Juniors (4-5), and Cadettes (6-7) so we played jump rope (and I couldn't remember any jump rope songs!), Chinese jump rope (it's been a LONG time since I played that), kick ball, dodge ball, tag, and duck,duck,goose.

I think they all enjoyed that last one more than anything *LMAO* It lasted 3 hours and as a result I got:

THE FIRST SUNBURN OF THE YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And boy, ca ce TRES TRES MAL!

On the upside though, it seems to be darkening into a tan which like NEVER happens to me since I . . . was . . . so fair. My arms now have a nice base tan. My LEGS however are still white as a ghost despite the fact I've been cutting the grass every week. If only I could wear shorts at work!

As for summer events for GS, well, my dear troop needs to have their Bridging ceremony which should be soon enough - I'm aiming for late May or early June -- I'll have to talk with them about that at our LAST MEETING this coming Friday; and at our second to last meeting, I got them to narrow down their choices of summer activities to just 5 (there were like TWENTY) by vote for most popular and they have chosen:

1. The Myrtles Plantation http://www.myrtlesplantation.com/
2. A New Orleans Haunted Tour http://www.hauntedhistorytours.com/
3. Ice Skating http://www.hockeyplex.com
4. LIGO http://www.ligo-la.caltech.edu/
5. Blue Bayou Water Park/Dixie Landings http://www.bluebayou.com/

alternate - Blackstar Ranch http://www.theblackstarranch.com/home.htm

These are pretty much listed by most popular. These children want to give me a heart attack by haunting. I'm bringing my calendar with me to the last meeting so that we can tentatively schedule all of this. *le sigh*

And yes, I can and will bring them to these places. But first, BRIDGING.

EDIT: And I totally forgot to mention! I made it into that sorority! THEY LIKED ME THEY REALLY LIKED ME!

- Sandy, who hopes this is the last of her predominantly GS entries!

Whoa this week=whoaness.

Holy week is a BIG DEAL in the world of Cajun Country. It's bigger than Christmas and the inherent Catholic character of our culture is only part of it. Holy week is a true celebration of Jesus' resurrection and an excuse to get the extended family together for a family reunion. People prepare for this for MONTHS in advance. Believe it.

Good Friday is usually the BIG DAY. Crawfish/Crabs and whatever other type of seafood is to be served is usually ordered/caught a weeks in advance then everyone decides to get together at one person's house (usually the person with the biggest yard - and that another thing, down where I'm from, everyone from the 'old bayous' have HUGE yards . . . .like mine) and on Good Friday they all chip in helping to prepare the food, help keep the kids outta the way, bring dyed eggs and candy for the Easter Egg hunt, and set up games to play after the meal is over and cleaned up.

It's a huge production and in my particular family we also have the tradition of sitting out on the patio after the Easter egg hunt (which, this year, we only had one hunter - Sarah XD but she had a blast *snicker) and making ice cream from scratch.

As for my subject line, it's directly related to my Good Friday experience. I decided to dye my eggs on Wednesday and this year, I felt adventurous and bought a tye-dye kit. Unfortunately, I didn't heed the advice on the box and ended up using my HANDS for everything so I looked like I was wearing multicolored gloves for the next few days as my skin was dyed along with the eggs.

Good Friday though - was EXTREME fun and laughs and just good wholesome family fun like usual. I was really into it this year even though key members of the family were absent . . . Two of my aunts and uncles were out of town - and one of my cousins wasn't there (his family wasn't either) due to work.

I said at one point when the family chaos was at a peak, "God, I love this family." and my fifteen year old younger cousin Hunter just gave me this look like, "Whhyyy?" *snicker* I just said, "You'll understand someday."

And the warm and fuzzies just continue despite my impending period. It's common knowledge that I left the Catholic church at sixteen. I haven't really looked back since but there are two masses that I don't miss during the year - Christmas midnight vigil and the Easter candlelight vigil. And I didn't miss the candlelight vigil this year either.

I don't miss them because even though I don't believe in the church, I do believe in God and hail Jesus as a great teacher. I have faith that the BASE MESSAGE of the faith is sound, and I want to visit with the religion of my family if only to remind myself of my root faith.

This year's celebration was different than most. It started outside where a fire was built then we proceeded into the dark church where the unity candle (lit by the blessed fire outside) was then used to light OUR candles. And that, the church lit up only by our candles, was beautiful. The rest of the mass - however - was almost mournful. I was always struck by that . . . how in OUR church (I'm not saying all Catholic masses are like this) the hymns were so quiet and low key even if the words were things like "Rejoice" or "Be joyful" or "Glory to God". Somehow that . . . dichotomy of the words saying one thing and the tone saying another really god to me this time. I felt like we were all doing Jesus a disservice. I mean, here it is being preached to give praise for not only his sacrifice but his acsension and it sounds like we're droning mournfully at a funeral.

It was singularly depressing, and I kind of felt this deep void because of it, like I was missing something absolutely vital and I was only feeling that way because it was reflected back at me by the way the service was handled. It also struck me that . . . when we pray in church, when we sing the psalms, and follow in the responses . . . we're not really COMPREHENDING the message of what we're saying and what the psalms mean.

And that's pretty damn horrible. I also think that is the very ESSENCE of why the church has lost so many people.

The whole experience - despite my griping - actually taught me something that I hope I have the wherewithal to follow up on. One: It reminded me of why I left the church in the first place and Two: It allowed me to admit that I do need some spiritual outlet and a congregation of my own to start discovering my faith again.

I've always been a spiritual detective. I try learning about different religions in order to learn about myself and my own faith; but somewhere along the way I became complacent and stopped learning. I think I would do well in a Universal Unitarian church . . . but I'm not sure if I want to drive an hour and a half every Sunday . . . then again, I have to make a decision of whether my spiritual health is worth the time sacrifice. If anyone out there has other suggestions of different religious houses I should maybe look into, please comment and let me know!

So, this has been a fantastic holy week. And I think it'll just get better tomorrow.

Happy Easter everyone - even if you don't celebrate it. And after all this . . . there's also the boat blessing to look forward to which is kinda like Good Friday part II in these parts.

*hugs to all*

- Sandy

EDIT: PIC CODING IS FIXED!!!!!!!!!!! And added two pics!

And I think only TWO of these are fanartz. Everything else is original so I'm trusting everyone to play nice and not steal.

Loves to you all!

WARNING: GRAPHIC INTENSIVE!!!!!

BUT FIRST!

( ma house under water )

( raven and star )

( sandy's wall )

( the novel in progress )

( taking death (aka eurydice - remember her?) )

( shadow and the flame aka fimia and sancha )

OMG DONE!!!!!!!!!!! and ENJOY!!!!

- Sandy

Nope.

Couldn't think of anything this year.

T_T

Why?

Whoa, this weekend was at once productive and . . . exciting.

Saturday I was pretty much on the road all day collecting supplies for the Girl Scouts Rededication/Investiture and Bronze Award Ceremonies we're holding on Friday. Well, that and I bought four new shirts from It's Fashion (aka the hoochie store cuz I LOVE the tops they have in there, I always feel SEXAY when I leave that store), three of which were on clearance for 7.00 bucks!!! Then it was off to Michelle's cuz it was her b-day and she was having a small party.

After THAT, I went with my parents' to Wal-mart cuz I needed their advice about a plant for Chewy's grave (I promised him after the hurricane crap was over, I'd plant something nice and green on his grave cuz it's just . . . depressing right now). So, at first I was thinking something that flowers but now I'm thinking I'll get him a nice sturdy shrub with colorful leaves or something.

SUNDAY . . . God, Sunday. I woke up at 4:30am or I should say I was WOKEN up by my dad coming in and whispering my name (which scared me more than if he had just said it in a normal voice). Anyway, he says, "Sandy, I need you to get up. I'm bringing mom to the hospital."

Me: *awake* What? Why?!
Dad: She's having another kidney stone.

This is the like the fourth, okay. So, I get up and go see if she's okay, i.e. I go watch her as she tries to pee . . .but nothing was coming even though she said she had to go and it was hurting so bad . . . They left after a few minutes and dad gave me the phone to keep with me.

Dad woke me up again at around 5 to let me know they had made it to the hospital then he woke me AGAIN at 9 to tell me to watch mom so that he could go get her pain meds.

Well, at that point, I just got up and started doing housework. I managed to make my bed, do my laundry, file all the CRAP that's been building up on my desk and dresser, sort through my Girl Scout stuff for Friday (took me FOUR HOURS), write the invitations for the GS Ceremonies mentioned above (took me two hours), washed my car, and mowed the lawn.

Unbelievably, mom slept through ALL of it. With the odd few minutes of vomiting or trying to pee and not succeeding.

She passed it at some point today cuz she's looking better and no longer in pain. I told her she needs to stop eating so much ice cream (calcium = kidney stones).

Today was stupid . . . during my lunch hour the electric company decided to do work on the lines so most of the restaurants around town were closed without power and I was STARVING ggggrrrrr.

Then I came home and took care of GS loose ends and finally used the $25.00 iTunes giftcard I got for Christmas this past year. I got a SLEW of Seal songs - including the entire System album which I had never heard ANY of these songs before but I liked the previews so I bought it and I'm listening right now and I could not be MORE PLEASED.

Ask Em, my music collection is 90% anger, angst or a combination of both. I don't have many "happy" songs. Seal's songs are upbeat but still about serious subjects so ;P

I'm even rather impressed by the duet he did with Heidi Klum "Wedding Day". It makes you go "aaaaaaawwwwww" ^_~

- Sandy