Gonna teach you the art of making sense....

I apologize in advance if I make no sense. I am sleep-deprived and am battling a migraine....

Mom has her bus ticket. She leaves tomorrow at 8:30 AM for 3 glorious weeks.

I can't wait to clean the house some more. It will look and smell so good when I am done with it. And she can't mess it up cause she won't be here. And it will be maintained because I actually care, and won't have her lurking over me watching me as I clean so I will want to actually go into my downstairs more.

I can't wait 'til the kids go to The Vineyard with my Dad and Mum (not Mom, who will be in Maine, but my Step-Mother, the one who did a better job at raising me on summer vacations and every other holiday throughout my life...)

I will have time alone with Misk...Misk = Hubby.

I feel bad calling him Hubby. It's so...insincere, so impersonalized. Like his only recognition is that he's my husband and nothing else about him in this world matters. Which is totally not true; He's a person too. So, since I use my EverQuest II name for a "nome de plume", he will be called by his EQ2 name - Misk. Now he's a person in his own merit. Yay.

So anyway...Misk and Cissa Fireheart will get 7 days alone in their own house, to do whatever, wherever, whenever we want.

How bloody awesome is that???

We'll probably spend all our time playing EQ2...sad but true...

My dress for the Sub Ball came yesterday. it looks friggin' AWESOME on me! All I need is a good corset, and possibly a underskirt....possibly....for the poofy effect....anyway...

I will post pictures of course....eventually.

Tomorrow is Girls' Night Out with my friends. we are going to a great Mexican restaurant in Mystic. I can't wait. I am totally drinking margaritas in celebration of Mom being gone....

for now, it is nap time until I go get Kaity.

I have work tonight and I don't wanna. As soon as I know for sure Mom is leaving permanently for Maine, I am giving my 2 weeks notice. Then I won't have to work anymore. At least not for the summer. If Kaity gets into all day Kindergarten next year, I will get a full time job and send them both to after school care though the Navy...but I am getting WAY ahead of myself.

See how my brain works when I am tired? I really need to nap...

Tomorrow I will make more sense....maybe.

~Cissa

And I feel like I've gotta travel on....

Greetings from New Haven!

I am currently on my laptop at a Big Book Store in New Haven, CT.

I was up at 4:45 am to be picked up for 5 am so Ang could take me to the University of New Haven Dental School.

She's working on becoming a dental Hygienist, and I am her patient for the next 6 weeks. Hey, it's free dental care and helping out a friend, so i really don't mind. it just sucks that for the enxt oh 2 hours or so I will be stuck here at this place. Don't get me wrong, it could be worse. A lot worse. And these Wednesdays will give me a chance to have some time to myself and catch up on my reading.

I just hate having to pay for WiFi. I'm cheap. I fully believe that if I pay nearly $5.00 for a coffee, the friggin' internet should be free! but call me progressive, I think airwaves should be free....

So, today not a lot happened at the Dental Clinic. we reviewed my medical and dental history and she took my vitals. Then her teacher type person came and went over it again with me. Then it was time to go....yep, next week I get a head massage and learn how to brush and floss my teeth properly, I think. Then the following week I actually get the tooth cleaning started.

Ang did really well, she was very professional, and her instructor was funny. Plus, I get to hang out her and read and surf the net. I could check my email, but I am getting tired, so I am debating closing shop and just reading or perusing the shelves of Big Book Store.

I'll write tomorrow again....thanks to all who have stopped by here!

~Cissa

But I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For...

I am back into blogging. And wow, you know, since I have taken a bit of a hiatus, I have realized there are some crazy new fangled things out there.

Dr. John is putting video ON HIS SITE of his church's choir.

Mr. Fabulous is doing pod casts, which a bunch of cool people I have just discovered.

People are actually sending money or posting a link like this:

Click to help a GREAT Woman to go to TequilaCon when she can't normally afford it. How awesome is that?

(that's an entry for $50 gift card for something...I LIKE GIFT CARDS!! See Miss Brit and Avitable?? I put up a link!!)

I need to get back in the game.

OH NO...RANDOM HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL MOMENT!!

"Gotta gotta gotta gitcha head in the game..."

Holy God, that was random....

I noticed, back a while back when Ugly Betty was playing New Episodes, and the 2nd season was fresh with possibilities and great plot lines, that the episode where it's revealed Daniel doesn't need a wheelchair because he's up and playing basketball...they actually USED that song in the montage of basketball playing....I nearly spit out my tea. I had a coughing fit instead trying NOT to spit out the tea. It was rather painful....

I wonder how many other mommies realized that they were poisoned with the "I-know-my-kids-crappy-music Syndrome"

This isn't supposed to happen yet. I STILL HAVE 3 YEARS PEOPLE!!! SHE'S ONLY 7!!!

ok, back to random musings...

So, where were we? Oh yeah, Blogging. So people are doing pod casts, cleavage guessing games for prizes, um, creating Churches for Blogging (I've put in my application, if I get accepted, look for a new link heheh)

I really want to get into this podcast thing. it seems like fun. There's this thing called Internet Radio. People can create their own little radio stations to listen to on WinAmp or Media player....I used to DJ on one of those a few years back. I miss it. Maybe I will look into starting it up again once my Mother moves out....She leaves in ....3 days for 3 weeks!! Glory Hallelujah!!

Anyway, so...if anyone out there, like oh I dunno, Mr. Fab, Avitable, Hilly, Metalmom, Turnbaby....any of you folks...that happen to have a Monday or Wednesday or even Saturday early evening show, and need a guest? email me...seriously...It sounds like a fun thing to do....and I wanna do it...and believe me, I have no fear of public speaking...especially since NO ONE CAN SEE ME! haha...

anyway....

Hrm what other random stuff can I blog about? Oh I know.

Hubby went back to work yesterday, right? Wanna hear some ironic crap? He's working at Squadron Medical! HAHA!! the same guys that pulled him off The Boat, will be training him to work with other people pulled off boats...for at least 2 months...how's that for funny? He's gonna learn how to take vitals and keep records....maybe if he likes it enough,when he gets out, he can go to school to be a medical assistant! LOL yeah right....a girl can dream..

He can't use the excuse that he doesn't know how to check the girl's temperatures anymore.

I need to -- you guessed it-- clean. I actually took all of yesterday off and played EverQuest II like I said I would. then I made dinner. Homemade Fettuccine Alfredo! it was dang good. mmm.....Hubby was happy, and we had a Family Dinner...it was nice. I like my family. Mostly.

OK, back to the grind. Go visit links people! That is All....

And no one dared disturb the Sounds of Silence

Today is a good day for me. It's my favorite day of the week. It's Monday!

Now, I know a lot of you are saying to the computer screen "But Cissa, surely you must be smoking crack again! How could ANYONE possibly like MONDAY???"

Well my friends, because of the peace and quiet.

Hubby checked back in from med leave.

The kids are at school.

I am not working, cooking, or dealing with squabbling children while I attempt to relax. I can just....be Cissa for a few moments without interruption. It's bloody brilliant.

The only other person in this house is busy watching Jerry Springer downstairs at a low level...only the humming of the computers is here to lull me into a relaxed daze that I will enjoy for the next 2.5 hours.

I am a happy happy woman.

Because it is Monday!

So, before I go onto anything of real importance, I want to say thanks to those of you who either e-mailed me privately or posted a comment on the blog about yesterday's post....so, yeah, I get kinda glum. But today is another day, and I am feeling better.

Plus, it's Monday!

So over the last week, I cleaned my downstairs. I mean SPRING CLEANED...

You know those big black bags people get for yard trash or at Christmas when they know there will be a lot of trash? Yeah, my tiny, 6 X 10 closet downstairs filled TWO of them. My kitchen? one whole big bag. it was crazy. I didn't realize how bad the downstairs needed to be cleaned until I started to do it.

Plus I got new cookware. My $20 set that I bought when Hubby and I first lived in sin (before we got married 2 months later) finally crapped out on me. Took it 10 years, but the Teflon was flaking off into the food; Time to replace! I spent $40 this time, and fully expect this stuff to last me a good 15-20 years! LOL

So, I swept, got on hands and knees and ammonia scrubbed the floors, replaced the icky off-white, stained and stuff rug and got a smaller more colorful, new one. Vaccuummed furniture, dusted, moved stuff around, added the spare comp downstairs for Emily....man I cleaned all bloody week....and Finally, finally on Friday it was done....well...the downstairs was...

Today, I move upstairs. Today, I am attacking the office and bathrooms. I fully expect to fill another huge trash bag. Go Cissa. How exciting to read about, eh? Anyway...

I learned something this week. Don't have a wireless mouse and wireless keyboard from the same company on two separate computers. you will think you have a virus and wonder why your computer is typing things when you aren't even close to typing, or typing what's coming up on your screen. We figured it out, eventually...but not before getting a great deal on a Logitech G15 gaming keyboard because we thought the keyboard needed to be replaced. This is the effing coolest board, ever. I love it... Seriously, check it out ...How cool is that??

Maybe I won't clean today....I mean, really, I deserve a break after cleaning all last week and making an Easter dinner , right?

EverQuest II has been neglected...He needs love....I think I will go give him some!

Enjoy your week! I think I may get into regular posting again....I may be back before Sunday!!

~Cissa

He Is Risen...

A Happy Easter to you all.

Today is normally a joyous day for everyone. Easter Bunnies, rejoicing in Jesus' Sacrifice and Resurrection (if you are a Christian), big family dinners, etc.

I'm not such a fan.

Sure, I enjoyed having the Easter Bunny's Helper last night and giggled as Emily and I laid out eggs in the back yard. I watched with a bit of glee as he girls scrambled to find eggs, and felt pride as Emily pointed out a few for her little sister to find, and didn't hog all the eggs.

But that's about where it ends.

I know I had a link with Mae's Story on my previous layout, and I will have it back up soon. but for now, it's not up. So I will summarize.

My firstborn, Ruth Mae, was born and died on Easter. Even though it's a different date every year, the fact of the matter is, that holiday she died. So for me, this is a bittersweet holiday. I'm just a bit quieter today. I looked at the date and realized there is exactly one month until her birth/deathday. April will be here next week. I am not looking forward to it...

So if you celebrate today, please embrace it.

Enjoy your candy, singing, ham dinner, and family. I will enjoy it, if only with slightly less enthusiasm of other holidays. But I have enjoyed my children this morning, and I thank my lucky stars that I have them in my life.

See you all next week,

~Cissa

Get up, come on get down with the sickness ....

So about 8 hours after my last post, I fell ill. Quite suddenly actually, while I was at work. I felt faint and kinda spacey, very tired; I had an ache all over my body and I equated it to being hit with a Mack truck ...or maybe a Peterbilt...anyway, I somehow made it through the rest of my workday and when I got home, I took my temperature...102! So I took some Nyquil and called it a night...but not before getting the chills and then sweats in a semi-rapid succession....

Next morning is when the coughing started. I figured it was from my Nyquil-induced sleep, where I sleep lightly, but with my mouth open, or so Hubby says. No, it simply progressed worse and worse throughout the day. By Tuesday, it was so bad, and after a 2nd night of not sleeping so great, at Hubby's suggestion, I broke down and called the Med Clinic for an appt.

Some other non-significant stuff happened through the day and I continued to suffer until my appointment. The doctor diagnosed what I had suspected, having had it more times than I can count: Bronchitis. I know I have documented having Bronchitis on this blog at least once before, if not twice....I will have to look up and find out when....anyway, I was given some antibiotics and Robitussin with Codeine. I thought "Wow, I must be bad if the Doc wants to knock me out!"

I took the antibiotic and felt good enough that evening to go to an event with my ex-boat wives. It probably was a bad idea, but I felt a lot better from one dose. That night I got home, took the Robi w/ Codeine and was ready for uninterrupted blissful night of good old-fashioned healing....which did NOT happen. Apparently, my body has some sort of ironic disorder, where the effects of Codeine are opposite. Instead of sleeping all night, I was awake, fitful, tossing and turning. Add on a Bronchial Cough, and you can understand the hell I was in. The next night, I tried again, not getting to sleep until nearly 4 am, thus confirming my suspicions: Coedine wakes me up, instead of putting me to sleep like normal people.

Well it's Sunday and I feel almost 100%. I still have an occasional cough, but nothing that is so detrimental I cannot function. I even went to work yesterday and will go again in 2 hours. I must be better. Although truth be told, I took my 1st sick day in 7 months on Thursday and with great pride pointed that out to my boss yesterday morning.

So I am better. But it's been one HELL of a week. I hope you all have had a better days out there!

I am going to try and change my background now...wish me luck! See you all next week...

~Cissa

Happy Birthday Emily Jane

Today my oldest living daughter, Emily, is 7 years old. I feel particularly nostalgic on the kids' birthdays, because I have fond memories of their births and being babies.

The party was fun, but insane. It was raining torrential downpours in CT yesterday, and so EVERYONE in the greater New London area felt it was important to bring their child to Chuck E. Cheese's. So yeah, lots of kids, lots of noise...but really, not so much stress for me. My main concern was how many kids showed up, which was less than I was expecting. But Emily was happy with who showed up and so , if she's content, I needed to be, so I was.

Nessa and Dave surprised Em by coming to the party from RI, and Miss Nicky also came and the both Ladies brought SUPER NICE gifts for Em. Artsy and Hannah Montana...Emily was in heaven!

Well I must be off. I have work and as I type Emily is talking to my parents and she is closing her conversation. Hope you all have a good week.

~Cissa

p.s. Glad to have you back blogging Mimi! We missed you! :)

Life has been patiently waiting for me.....

This week has been interesting. I am adjusting to Hubby being home all the time once more, and though I am learning that I CAN leave the house and live my life, see my friends and still be a good wife, there are times I wish I could take him with me, because he needs to get out too. But I feel confident and less guilty, and so, less inclined to be a hermit like Hubby, unlike the last two times he's had surgery. It's rather liberating to know I can live how I want, and not feel guilty for my life obligations. I think Hubby can tell the difference too. We had a long talk about how he doesn't want me to feel bad, he knows I am one who likes to get out. It's nice to know he doesn't resent me wanting to get out once in a while. It makes me feel more confident about it.

Mom News: A few weeks back, I was informed of a message on Craigslist for someone looking for my mother. I contacted the person, and we began correspondence. He is an old boyfriend of hers (before she met my father), and, apparently he even met me when I was a baby and sent the pictures to prove it. IMO, he still smitten with her. It's very sweet, and he's a very endearing person. I gave Mom his email and they have been emailing each other now several times every day, and he's invited her up to stay with him in Maine for a couple weeks at the end of this month. I have convinced her to go. My step-dad would have been happy to see her move on with a man who is so dedicated to her as he was. Moreover, she may be moving up there with him. This is good for both her and I. She'll move on with her life, she'll move out, and I am hoping will be happy. And I will have my house, privacy and family happiness back. There will be no hard feelings, no grudges, and no guilt....I like that.

Emily turns 7 a week from today. Her party is on Saturday, and it's strange to think that she is already 7. Her party is a Chuck E. Cheese's, and that means little to no work for me. It'll be expensive as hell, but no more so than if I hired a clown or magician or whatever. Plus I won't have to clean up afterwards, make goody bags, cook or clean. I know the kids will enjoy it immensely, and even Hubby said "yay! I can play video games and eat pizza!" LOL

Hubby and I started cleaning this week. Spring Cleaning. We cleaned the office, or started it rather, and I am about 1/2 done. I still need to take apart the computer, set up the new desk and hutch and organize/clean out the book cases. But that's what the school week is for. My next project? The linen and "big" closets. Just in the office we had 4 trash bags full of trash. scary, eh?

I am reserving the real cleaning of the downstairs until my mother goes on her trip to Maine. I won't have her hovering over me, watching me like a television show, and I can express my frustration without upsetting her. And I can throw out that effing rug in the LR that I refuse to deep clean again because I know that it's pointless being a light beige rug in my house. I am going to ditch it until she is moved out, and her furniture is out, then get a different rug, once my furniture is all back in place.

I am sure all this "news" is terribly boring to you all, but this is what I am. This blog is my outlet. I hope you will keep reading, and maybe once my life and house is less cluttered and more clean I can get back to blogging about interesting topics. Or at least more interesting that talking about cleaning and complaining about my mother.

Have a great week. See you all next Sunday!

~Cissa Fireheart

Trying to keep a view, and I don't know if I can do it....

Well, Hubby's checked off the boat, checked into Squadron and checked out on Medical Leave.

He had his surgery on Thursday morning and is doing moderately well. The doctor told us that the nodes had indeed grown back on the ligament, and that it was probably the best decision Hubby made to keep pressing for Surgery.

Now the healing begins. And my sanity goes out the window.

In the mean time, all of my friends are going through Deployment. They don't feel like they can talk to me much, and who can blame them? My husband isn't gone like theirs is. I am sure jealousy and resentment are rampant in the Boat Wives, well those who actually know I'm "gone"...

I am passing the reins to "My Vice President" Nicky. I have complete faith that she can continue to carry out our original goals for the Boat Wives, which was to have a friendly, comfortable, welcoming atmosphere, while trying to support our sailors. I will miss the camaraderie, even if there was a little drama....

I have a lot more time on my hands, and so am beginning to work on a project I started on last deployment. I will donate it to the Boat Wives. I hope I finish it in time.

Tomorrow is "turn-over" with Nicky. Everything will go to her then. It will be bittersweet.

I am already feeling lonely. I hope the friends who said they will stay in contact with me follow through....

Numb From Shock

Hubby is getting off his boat.

He's getting his surgery.

He's off the boat.

No More Boat.....and all that it entails for me as President of the Boat Wives.

Holy Shit.

Happiness Is/Is Not....

Happiness is waking up with no pain!

Last night I slept on our new bed. it was heaven. I woke up feeling so much better than I have in ages. I can't wait to go to bed tonight!

Hubby hasn't tried out the bed yet...but I know he will love it. This is my one happiness this week....

Happiness is not living with my mother. I am not sure I will be able to work the job I have for much longer, due a number of reasons. The first being that I have given my mother a hard stop date of June 1st to be out of our house. It's cruel I know, but June will be 12 months she will have been with us. She was only supposed to stay a couple months to get back on her feet, and she has done nothing to help herself. I am kicking her out, and call me cruel, but I do not need to be in this situation anymore. My husband and children as well as myself are as unhappy as we can be in our own home. My mother knows we are miserable, but cares not for my marriage and life happiness, only her own survival -- and that is dependent on myself and my husband. I no longer wish to be her caretaker. I am done. I would rather be married for the next 45 years and be happy than be miserable taking care of a woman who barely took care of me yet feels the need to encroach me with the responsibility of being her sole source of survival instead of getting up off her lazy ass and being a woman and doing it herself.

Yesterday, I woke to discover she had broken my laptop...the one that is not even 6 months old...the one that I love and never get to use because out of the goodness of my heart I let her play her games on it....and now the bloody thing won't turn on. Needless to say, I am very angry.

Anyway, so when she gets the hell out of my house. I don't know that I will have anyone to watch my children when I work this summer. So I either need to find someone fast, or I will have to quit my job. It not like I make a ton of money, and the whole purpose of me getting a job was to help pay for food and things for the 5th person in our house who will be gone. So maybe it will all be for the best....except I don't want to quit...I like making the extra money....*sigh*

Is it sad that I have to use the internet to get all my true feelings out? That I can't say this to my mother? Probably...I used Hubby as a scapegoat for giving her the Deadline of June 1st. I said he said he wanted her out by then. I made it sound nice by telling her that we'll be moving sometime in the fall, and that he did not want her stranded like last time we took her in.

I have extreme guilt. I keep thinking life would be so much easier if she just passed away. I am a terrible person for thinking that.....but I just wish I were rid of her. You all must think I am a monster for wanting her out of my life, but honestly, she really didn't do much for me in my life....and hasn't done anything but drain me dry emotionally and financially 2 times in the last 10 years.....she doesn't want to take care of herself, she want others to take care of her. Never in her whole life has she been able to successfully do it, so she leeches onto others. Luckily I have the foresight that this is happening....so did my father and I now understand WHY he left us 30 years ago, and I actually don't harbor the anger about it I used to....how completely odd is that??

I am so unhappy all the time. I know my happiness will come back when I am free in my own home once more.

Even if everyone will think I am a bad daughter, I have to cut my ties. I hope when the time comes for Judgment, God will understand and know my mother's true nature and why I have to do this...

Drowning in Boxes ....Floating on a New Mattress!

This is the sight in my kitchen as you walk down the stairs this morning:

This is a mere 4 ft away to the left:

The bag has another box and about 10 t-shirts and 10 bags of cards and large notepad paper with written messages on it. Moving on.....

Turn the corner and walk into the kitchen and you are assaulted with this sight:

Another 10 feet reveals my laundry room is also a victim of boxes and bags:

And this isn't counting the approximately 10 boxes in the garage.....


This is what I have been doing for the last month. It is a sure sign that Deployment is on the horizon. Personally I can't wait for the day I take all this crap down to the boat and am rid of it. Talk about stressing me out. I have questioned the stupidity of humans more than once in the last 14 days. I swear, people really are idiots. And they make more out of something than nothing. All this stuff is not as hard as they have made it. really , it isn't. Common sense just has left the building that is these people's brains. I really am gobsmacked at how a simple concepts or two can be misconstrued in so many different ways.....

On a side note, Nessa, I eagerly await your package. It will be nice to get something for myself than boxes for sailors!

The tax return is coming. Hubby says we can get an actual BED and a new matress. We're going King size! woot....

The bad part? I have all Queen bedding stuff.....gonna have to buy some stuff to replace this!

Linens n' Things here we come!!

As soon as the boxes are gone that is!

New Year....Not So New Stuff

Sometimes I want to shoot people.

Not in the litteral sense, mind you, but I honestly don't understand where some of these Navy Wives put their brains.

I would love to go into more deatil, but that would mean possibly offending someone who might read this, and also, reliving it in my brain, suffering more anguish and getting all...pseudo-homicidal again. We don't want that, now do we?

Let's just say....I am frustrated as Deployment looms closer...

Speaking of frustration, I have started limiting myself to 1500 calories a day in an effort to lose 35 lbs. So far I have lost 3 lbs since the new year. This is especially encouraging, since I work at a restaurant where I can't count all the calories, so I guesstimate, like...if I had a cup of chili I say that's 400 calories, when it probably was only about 250. I managed to stay under 1500 yesterday. I was proud. it is difficult at times, because I love to eat. And the quitting smoking thing did not help with my weight. But I think I may be able to lose a large amount, simply by changing my diet. I can hardly wait until I have time to actually exercise.

Other than work, Boat Wives, and trying to lose weight, my life is pretty much the same since my last big update. Busy but not terribly exciting....

I hope you all have started off to a good New Year!

I Just Had to Post This...

Thanks to Jeopardygirl for this.....

What's in a Cissa? That which we call a rose
By any other Cissa would smell as sweet.

Which work of Shakespeare was the original quote from?

Get your own quotes:

And so it goes, and so it goes.....

Christmas is over and a New Year is almost upon us.

Here's Emily with her new haircut all styled, right before she sings into the microphone at school. I was so damn proud, I cried...a lot.....of course 2 days later she broke out in scarlet fever, 2 days before christmas, but that's not important now, is it?

Emily Looking Spiffy

I have lots to say on my Holidays. I spent last Friday at Nessa's house. We conspired to write about how we conspired with each other to blog about how her husband was telling her what to blog about. We'd had a few glasses of wine and lemoncello by then. I also promised to post pictures of our evening....so here they are....

Nessa enjoying some wine...

Emily by the fire that Nessa and I made

Dave's Big screen TV with Christmas DVD's playing

The lovely fire again...Dave couldn't believe us GIRLS knew how to do it LOL

Dave looking all suave before he goes to hang out with his buddies (too many girls in the house for him :P

I also saw my aunt in RI and had a good talk with her about my mom. I am hoping that Mom's visit with Auntie will get her motivated to get the hell otu of my house....my next option is taking her to an appointment for social services. Although I don't knwo how much help they will be. SHe doesn't want to help herself. She wasnts someone else to take care of her. I already have 2 children, I don't need a thrid...nor do I need my mother with me until I die. My whole life she taught me to be independant and not to have to rely on anyone, yet here she is, sticking to me like a fucking leech. Iroonic, isn't it? Anyway...

Christmas was a nice afair. The night that Emily went to the Urgent Care Clinic for her Scarlet fever (which is just a warm to the touch rash that pops up if strep throat isn't reated right away...it starts with headaches, then vomiting, then the rash...Em had them all), I was not feeling so hot myself with a bad headcold, and so Hubby decided to give me one of my presents (he only got me 2) I figured, what the hell, why not? Here's what I got....

1/3 ct. TW

yep they are real. Sorry about the bad pic quality.....my camera just will not cooperate..yes it made me feel just a little bit better that night....After all, Hubby swore after losing my first pair of diamonds at Nessa's during the wedding time, I wasn't going to get anymore...ever.....

Come Christmas day, I had one more gift. I waited patiently while the kids IMpatiently opened all their gifts and had a blast discovering what Santa brought them. This is what I got....

It's a Coach!!

It's small but fits all the essentials. I love it. I screamed and jumped up to call my friend Nicky. Hubby thought I was calling Nessa, which maybe I should have...but she reads this so she will be delighted....firstly that I finally updated, and second that I got this purse!!

Well that's enough from me for now...I have to go to work today. Then I am hoping to go out and do something with Hubby...but I am not holing my breath. We already went out and used a gift card we got this week for dinner. knowing him it will be all we do the rest of the time he's on leave...

I wish you all a Happy New Year....I'll blog again in January!!

It's Almost Over....Thank God

Don't get me wrong, I like Christmas. But I will be so glad when it's over. Not even because the Holidays stress me or anything really....I just....carry so much guilt this time of year. Between Hubby and I there are 4 sets of parents. We only get to see some some years and some not at all, and I always feel terrible that I am not such a good communicator.

This year I sent pictures of the girls in the Christmas cards, because, honestly, no one will see us this year. We are staying here in CT. We wanted to go to FL, but even now, we still don't know Hubby's leave schedule. The Navy does not always allow for planning trips. Then we were gonna go to The Vineyard, but all the guilt over my Mom's first Christmas after my step-dad died...and the fact that we can't make a reservations because WE DON"T KNOW when Hubby's leave is....and the guilt from my step-mom has left me in more than a couple tears a few times. I know she wants me to come home and all, but it makes it worse when she tries to play on the kids about it....even making me feel guilty because my cousin (who's 6 months younger than Em) will be soooo disappointed we aren't coming. Like I control the Navy not telling Hubby what part of the Christmas leave he's gonna get....I need a drink, I am getting upset again.....

Ahh, nice hot tea, much better.....I started to delegate more things from the Boat Wives this month. It's been less stressful. I am glad for it. I look forward to getting a new Treasurer who actually wants to do the job and isn't distracted by other things. Not that I blame the current treasurer for stepping down...but honestly, I am not sure why she did it in the first place if she didn't want to and had such an insane college schedule...

I am almost done shopping. Only 3 more things for the kids, 2 more for Hubby and stocking stuffers...it's gonna be mostly oranges and apples and candy this year for the kids....save me some pain and suffering....and money....heh...

I am gonna go watch all the Extras on the Pirates 3 DVD...Hubby's not home tonight so I am free to drool over Johnny and Orlando without disturbance!

A Meme For Jeopardygirl

My friend Jeopardygirl posted a Meme, and since I haven't done one in a while, and since I am procrastinating what I really need to do today, I will do it...and even though she didn't tag me, I think she'll appreciate it...

8 Things You May Not Know About Me

1. In order to be successful at quitting smoking, I have taken on another bad habit - eating Sunflower Seeds. The shells get everywhere, but I can't stop. I buy two 14.5 oz. bags a week and they barely last me 7 days.....but hey, I smell better!

2. I want to go back to school. Well, I want to go to Cosmetology school, really. Someday I want to own my own little salon, maybe in the back room of my house, like Dolly Parton's character in "Steel Magnolias". You know, regular clients that all become my friends, and just enough money made to really cover the expense and maybe a little more to pay a couple bills, but at least I would be doing something with my life for once....

3. I ran into a guy I went to jr and sr. high school with over the summer, and even though I have been with Hubby for 10 years, and love him very much, my crush for this guy came back instantly, and I felt like a teenager again.....complete with blushing and butterflies in the tummy.

4. I think my Step-mom is a better mother than my real mom, and I harbor a lot of guilt because there are many times I wish I was really her biological child instead of my own mother's...

5. I am so afraid of heights, I get vertigo and shaky on a 3 ft stepladder, clinging for dear life...yet I could fly in the window seat of an airplane, and feel completely at ease....

6. In the last year, I contributed to purchase an item for a person I don't like. And the other contributor mailed this item to the person we don't like from a place neither of us is from, so that the person we don't like would get an anonymous gift that was meant to prove a point about their attitude and treatment of others. I have done this for several different people over the last 15 years. Sometimes I do the mailing.

7. No matter how much I've spent, or how many stores I have been to that day, I ALWAYS stick $1 in the Salvation Army bucket outside the store I've been in at Christmastime, OR donate a toy or clothing from the Angel Tree in the store. If the girls are with me, I let them put the money in or pick out the toy/clothing. I feel my children need to learn about charity somehow, and by seeing me do those things, it will instill a sense of responsibility and compassion in them, and hopefully they will carry on the tradition of giving to charity when we have so much, and letting their children help too.

8. I very much believe that Hubby and I were together in a former life. At least once, but probably twice in the last 150 years. Don't ask why or how. I just know.



So it's my turn to tag...

Nessa, Dr. John, Mimi, Tink and Betty (Dr. John's lovely wife)

Friends....

Sometimes the friends we make last a lifetime. For instance, Ness and I , even though there was a 6 year gap where we had lost contact, have remained friends, and even now are the best of friends. Some friends you make only last a little while. As a military wife I see this a lot. You make friends in a homeport, then 2-3 years later, one of you moves to another place, and though at first the emails and phone calls continue, eventually they putter out.

I've had good friendships, and not so good ones. I've been used, blow-off, insulted, hurt, annoyed, etc. by some and some I don't know how I ever lived without because their generosity, kindness, sense of humor and even cooking have helped me stay sane.

I've been the bad friend, the good friend, the confidant, and some of my friends have been this to me as well.

There are some people who I thought were friends, only to find out later that they were friends with me to gain something -- knowledge, power, preference, whatever....some simply need a person to bitch about everyone and everything, and I seem to be a good target for these people.

But you know what? Not once, ever, have I had a friend do to me what another one of my friends had happen to her recently. I refuse to name names on this one particular incident, but all I will say is....when spouses of friends fight, a friendship doesn't need to end. Don't be a coward and use that excuse if you want to end a friendship. Grow some balls and face the person you want to walk out on. Don't use a disguise, be honest......it's less hurtful that way.

I hope my friend knows, that though I cannot be there for her, I am thinking of her during this hard time. I have lost very good friendships due to my own mistakes, or theirs, but I cannot imagine having a long standing friendship go down in flames like this under such a false pretense. My heart aches for my friend, and I wish I COULD do something for her to make her feel better....

Friend...and I know you read this...... That person does NOT deserve your friendship, your heart (platonic of course), or anymore thought after this. You are a good person. You deserve more that what that person gave you, and they & their spouse should be ashamed of their behavior. You may not be religious, but they will be judged one day....and/or Karma is going to bite them in the ass....do not allow them to run to you for a band aid when it does!

Cheer up , friend...you have ME! ;) and I am there for you in spirit and email, whenever you need me!

~Cissa

Poor Kaity Bug

Kaitlyn and I have spent the last 2 days at L&M Hospital in New London. It all started on Sunday evening about 8pm when I noticed that the little "heat rash" on her backside she had developed had become not only more red and irritated, but was speading to both cheeks and down her thigh on one leg. I took her to the urgent care, suspecting they would give e some Benedryll, some ointment and send me on my merry way. What I wasn't expecting was the docotr to be baffled, get another dsoctor for a 2nd opinion and then decide my child had an infection and needed to be hospitalized.

By the time we got to the hospital it was 1 am.

I didn't leave the hospital until 10 am today. Kaity got 24 hours worth of antibiotics, and then some. She also has a prescription for the next 10 days and a tube of A&D ointment....for her excema...which I plan on finding out exactly what that means....

The upshot to all this was....Hubby was home to help me, support me, and be there for his little girl....that hasn't happened for a long time. It was the only high point of the whole stay in the hospital.

BTW, that hospital rocked. They ordered me meals no charge, and made sure I had anything I could need (except fresh clothes, although I did get jammies)

Hope you all are well, and I will try to write again soon....

~Cissa

Bad Cissa, No Pizza!

Yep, I am the worst blogger ever. I really have no good excuse. I mean, I work...but only about 25 hours a week. I have the kids, but I am always out doing things like shopping or....walking, or....working on getting stuff for Boat Wives Club....So you'd think I would have more time to blog to you all. And the funny thing is...I intend to do it, and as soon as I sit in front of this machine, my mind glazes over and I spend an hour trying to get my (fluff)friend all maxed out racing and earning munny on pet other (fluff)friends....

If you don't know what I am talking abut, that's probably a good thing.

Vacuums suck...except when they don't which brings me to today's activities....I had to clean the house today. For a number of reasons really...I was tired of the disgusting way the house looked, my mother is a lousy house cleaner, I had the Captain's Wife coming to my house tonight for a meeting and I didn't' want her to think I was a slob.... and I spent the better part of 6 hours getting my house to FEEL like it wasn't gross and grimy.....yeah so I was having issues with the vacuum...I took it apart, cleaned the rotating brush, dumped out the hose, cleaned the filters, EVERYTHING...and still, no sucking action...so I gave up and headed to Wally World, in search of a vacuum...and I got one....here it is.....

Dirt Devil Purpose for Pets Cyclonic Upright Vacuum

Ok seriously? Let me ask you people something: if you vacuum the same spot for 3 weeks, and it never seems to get clean, wouldn't you think MAYBE there MIGHT be something wrong with the vacuum? Just checking, because that's what my mother did. She vacuumed with the vacuum that did not suck up all the dirt and gross stuff...so my house got grosser. I actually vacuumed my 5 X 7 rug only, with the new vacuum...and I swear to you on my daughter Mae's grave, I filled the doggone dirt cup to the brim; that's how dirty it was!!

yeah...this vacuum, today alone was worth every penny of the $80 I spent on it. Some people will argue that it wasn't enough. But the last vacuum I bought was only $50 so believe me, this was a step up!

So I have work tomorrow, and then I will come home and do some follow-up cleaning, and then I am going to watch movies and relax...because I am NOT WORKING ON SUNDAY!! This hasn't happened for a while. Sure, I took that trip to Florida a few weeks back, but seriously, I hadn't had a Sunday off in 6 weeks prior to that. And now, I will have one off. I am very excited. I can watch the Patriots beat the Colts in the comfort of my own home...preferably on my bed and the new sheets and quilt....but hell, I'll settle for just not working on Sunday if I can't see the game....

So my house is clean, I have only 5 hours of work until 2 days off in a row. But Monday doesn't count...because, c'mon, I still get up to get the kids ready and off to school...which reminds me....

Make sure your kids wash their hands a lot. because if they don't...they will get pink eye. I think Kaity might be getting it...the McDreamy Doctor at the Urgent Care clinic said it might not be....but her eye looked bad tonight, trust me...and a lot of it is from contact with someone else who has it in her class....so I've been making her wash her hands more often...so I urge you to do that.....

Oh yes, one last thing. before you turn your clock back tomorrow night (Yay! An extra hour of sleep on my day off!!) PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE change the batteries in your smoke detectors!

Have a great weekend!

~Cissa

A Confession & Anniversary

Okay, well I lied to you all....I didn't exactly just take a trip on a whim. But....I was legally obligated not to mention WHY I really went to Flroida until after I got back....

See, the thing is, Port Calls don't happen everyday near Hubby's hometown...so We took advantage of it. We had a great time. It was AWESOME to be with Hubby at home...We went to Sea World for free, thanks to the folks at Anheuser-Busch. So really, I couldn't say no....especially since really, it was a hell of a lot cheaper than it could have been as far as vacations go....

So here's some pictures.....


Hubby a mere 100 ft away...he stood there for a while ignoring me as I paced on the pier

So I zoomed in on him, cause I was antsy

Us at a sitting spot at Sea World....we're so adorable!

One of the dolphins at Dolphion Cove. He was smart, he saw the camera and proceeded to angle himself for optimal picture taking! I have several awesome shots of him like this.

Angie and Mike on the paddle boats. We had a water fight and all got soaked. It was hilarious.

So today is my 9th Anniversary of Marriage to Hubby. We reasoned that this trip was our Anniversary present. Makes perfect sense to me! I do miss Hubby a lot today, but I know that soon enough he will be home again! I hope you all liked the pictures! Have a great weekend!

~Cissa

Taking a Little Trip

So Myself, Ang, and Nicky (two fellow Navy Wives), are taking a trip to Florida this week. We're going to see my In-laws right outside of Orlando, and there will be no children. I'm burnt out and ready for a change of scenery, and Ang found me an awesome deal I could not pass up.....I am very very excited.

So Thursday morning , like 3 am, Ang and I leave for TF Green. . Nicky will be meeting us on Friday Morning. We all plan to take a drive to see Nicky's in-laws that morning in Cocoa Beach, and maybe work on our waning tans. I will make sure to take pictures of the beautiful Florida.....rain....

Yeah, it's supposed to rain. I am rather pissed about it, but oh well...it'll still be relaxing....no kids....sleep whenever I want, maybe I'll even go to Disney World one day for the hell of it...or a mall that's bigger than a postage stamp...yeah, that'll be nice....

So I hope you all have a lovely Columbus Day Weekend. I definitely will!

~Cissa

Happy Birthday Kaity-bug

Today is Kaitlyn's 4th birthday!

She's had a great day so far. I brought cupcakes to her Pre-K class for snack. Then after school we went to the "all" (she can't say Mall), and got her ears pierced. Tonight is her party. Bowling, pizza and cake for all! I hope some kids show up. She will be happy no matter who shows up, but I know I will be disappointed if not a lot of kids show for her...Anyway, here's the Birthday Girl: looking pretty with her Birthday Ribbon and beautiful pierced ears!

Happy 4TH Birthday Kaitlyn!!

September Updates and Tributes

School started for the kids a week ago today. It seems unreal that both my kids are gone in the morning, and then only one is here for a few hours before the other arrives home. It's been so lovely to enjoy getting things accomplished without both of them on my back. Heres are some pictures of the girls on their first day...

Kaity and Emily all dressed and ready to go!

Emily in line for 1st grade!

Kaitlyn looking absolutely adorable for Pre-K!

Yes, mom is still here, and NO she HAS NOT gotten a job so she can get back on her feet on her own. She has turned into a leech, and quite honestly, it's starting to grate my nerves immensely. She may help with laundry and dishes, but that's it. She's not bringing any money onto this house, and in the meantime eats all our food (which we have to buy more of with 5 people now), not to mention the fact that I have no privacy and can't relax in my own home because I feel like she hovers over me all the time. I am sure I sound like a whining heartless bitch, but she's done this to me before. It took us moving half way around the world for her to get off her ass and get a job because she had no were to go and Hubby refused to take her with us. She's 50 years old and more than capable of taking care of herself, but she won't because she knows I will. The guilt I carry because she's my mother and she just lost my step-fatehr has made her take advantage of me, and while I realize it now, it still weighs me down and will not allow me to actually kick her out like needs to be done....

With all the financial strain of her now living wiht us, and not being willing to get up off her ass and get a job, I've had to get a job. I am waitressing part-time at a place that I frequent. It's not a lot of work, and I don't make crazy money, but in the first 2 weeks, I definitely have seen myself make some good tip money and a regular paycheck...not too shabby! I am enjoying being able to do things and not depend on Hubby's moeny to sustain us. I think Hubby will be happy too. He's been gone for a while, and willl still be gone for a while...but what's new about that?

The last thing that is an update around here is the fact that today I will be elected Family Readiness Group President. What this means is...as far as the "Boat Wives Club" goes, I am president. I had no one running against me, and hey, that's a sight better than running against someone and finding out later the election was rigged so you definitely would not win...even though you actually had.....I could go into a long list of why the last "regime" was horrid for myself and a few others, but I won't....but I will say, I've written a little speech once it's official, and I am sure some people won't like it. But I don't give a damn. I'm not here for a popularity contest, I'm here to support my husband, the crew and the rest of the families of this command. and I won't let some petty, rank-wearing, politician bitches try and derail that for their own personal glory and power trips.

But now let's change the subject....and pay tribute.....




.....Today is Patriot Day here in the US. Everyone knows what September 11th is for the USA. We lost a lot of good people this day, heroes, helpers, mothers, fathers, children......military and civilian. I know I can vividly recall that day, try as I might to forget at times. It helps me to remember why I do what I do to support my husband. I hope you will remember those who lost their lives this day. I hope that you will remember why we are at war. terror will not prevail. I hope you all will honor the lives lost with living each day as though it might be your last and enjoy it.

May America be blessed with perseverance and healing. May our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines come home safe. May we remember those who have served and sacrificed their lives for this country. May we remember and honor those who are families of service members, and realize that we too give our lives, our hearts, to help keep it free....

The Big 3-0!

Well it's here...I am now Officially 30 years old. I thought it would feel different, but it doesn't...yet....

I got pancakes for breakfast from Mom, and a hug and kiss from Emily. Tonight Nessa and I head to Bingo at Foxwoods before heading to a great local bar to meet a couple friends....all in all not a bad day at all....and it's only 9:30 am!

Now if only that million dollar check would show up, and Hubby pulled into a port, then it would be a great birthday.....

Have a great and Safe Labor Day Weekend to my US friends!

~Cissa

Super Summer Update

I am totally turning 30 again next year. 30 has been a stellar Birthday, and it's not even here yet. I still have 12 days to go!

New York City was.....in a word...AMAZING! I had such a great time. I should have written about it, but I didn't. RENT was...phenomenal. I cried so hard, I screamed so much, I was hoarse for 2 days after. Anthony Rapp was a mere 15 feet from me at one point, and I got his autograph...twice....His performance was so moving, I still have giddy dancing flashbacks thinking about it.

I could totally see Myself living in NYC. I wish I could go back with the hubby. He would have had a fun time...except for the karaoke and Broadway...and shopping....hehe. seriously, Shell and I are already talking about going back next spring or summer. But first, I promised a trip to Boston. I think I will go in October sometime.....

Well I came back and Hubby went out to sea for a short trip. I got to go see Keith Urban, and it was SO AWESOME!! At one point He and his band came down to an island in the middle...probably about 100 feet away....so cool...he's a great performer! My god, even sweating he's gorgeous!! Yeah so that fabulous seat? Free! A gift from Angie for my birthday....can't complain!!

I read The Secret for the FRG (Boat Wives) Book Club. Kind of a disappointment. Don't waste the money, send me an email and I will tell you The Secret....

The kids spent a week at Dad and Mum's on the Vineyard. Kaity got a spider bite, but thank the lord it's all better now. Both kids had a blast, and My Mum said that my kids were very well-behaved and I should be proud at raising them so well.....I was a bit floored by that statement, but it made me feel good to know my kids were good, and knew better than to act bad away from home. Maybe I am doing this mommy thing right.....

I'd love to post some more pictures, but I haven't the patience to resize them all for Blogger right now....so, go to http://www.myspace.com/cissafireheart and then click on My Pics under the picture there on the top left.....the NYC pictures are in there somewhere!

I've got to go make dinner, but I hope you all are having a lovely end of summer! I'll update again soon!

~Cissa

Post-Hallows Update

I know I said 7 days, and I am keeping to it....I am sure some of you wondered about me, if I've had a stroke or something, over all the Harry Potter Hype of the last week or so.... no, no, I am fine.....but I do have a few things to explain without giving away any plot points or spoilers til Saturday...

- I was about 75th in line to get my book. That means I got it about 12:15 am....I was so happy...

- I started reading about 12:45 am, and read straight through until I apparently passed out, sometime after 7:30 am, so I am guessing about 7:35 LOL, by then, I had read about 2/3 of the book....a good 400 pages or so. Hubby says when he came home from duty, I was sprawled on our bed, lights still on, my arm draped over the book, and somehow I had managed to get a bookmark in there! HAHA

- At 11 am, I woke, and picked up where I left off, finishing the book about 2:30 pm....the math, as best as I can figure, is minus the naps, approximately 10 hours from start to finish

And now, my thoughts, minus spoilers...

OH MY GOD -- BEST BOOK EVER!

I laughed, I cried, I flipped out.....it was an emotional journey from start to finish for so many reasons...it's the last book, AND it was quite an adventure. There's a sense of closure, but it's bitter sweet. Some of the deaths.....were so painful to read through...one character in particular, and only because that character's death affected Harry in a way that was unexpected.

It was a great great read, and I look forward to letting you all know my thoughts about plot points come Saturday.....

Hope You all enjoy reading and finish your copies soon!

~Cissa Fireheart

Where for art thou, Harry?

I am on edge....

The waiting is absolutely killing me.....

I thought seeing the 5th movie twice would complace me for a few days, but I was wrong... I wanted it more....

I cannot contain my excitement for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

I even re-read Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince to try and fill the hunger...but it was useless, I still am hungry for it...

I cannot wait much longer...I am going mad.....

I think I may combust soon if Friday night doesn't roll around fast enough....

I will not be around for nearly 3 days after it is released...I refuse to go on the internet until I have finished it and either mourned or celebrated...or both....

But I want to know....I am aching to know.....

Just a few things really...and this is only the beginning of My list.....

Did My beloved Professor Snape kill Dumbledore out of Malice? or Did he do it because he had to under Dumbledore's orders to carry through with the Unbreakable Vow with Narcissa Malfoy?

Will Snape die?

Will Harry live? Will Voldemort, once and for all be destroyed?

Who is going to die? Will the Golden Trio prevail intact?

Will History repeat itself and Harry will end up with Ginny, just like James ended up with Lily?

For that matter, will the "dance" between Hermione and Ron end and they will finally admit thier true feelings for each other?

Wow....this sounds like a friggin' soap opera...

a REALY REALLY GOOD one....the kind you think about for the whole day until the next episode....except this wait has been over 2 years.....

I won't talk about it on here for 7 days....after that, I cannot make any promises....but for now I am impatiently waiting and counting down...

as of this writing, only 3 days 14 hours and 42 minutes left.....HURRY UP HARRY!!!

Until next time...

~Cissa Fireheart

An Interview by Jeopardygirl

So on Jeopardygirl's blog, she had some questions asked of her, and in turn, offered to ask some questions if people wanted to be interviewed. It's 5 questions, but I am going to be in-depth...

I'd like to add that if you liked reading my interview and would like to be asked 5 questions by ME, leave me a comment and let me know!

oh yes, and one more thing...I am candidly ...uhm, upfront about a couple things, so you might want to make sure the kids are out of the room if you don't want them to accidentally read a profane word or two....I am going to try and sound intellectual, but it probably won't come off like that HAHA...

1) You have been involved in community theatre in the past. What made you want to get involved, and what productions you have participated in have been your favourites?

Well You see, honestly, I met Hubby when I was still in college -- as a drama major. I was the drama queen of my first high-school, and even managed lead role in my graduating one. It's in my blood. I love it -- being on the stage. It's better than any drug, and is a close second to sex that ends in a mind blowing orgasm (there is a difference, you know LOL)....but being married and popping out babies didn't exactly leave a whole lot of room for completing my degree. I missed it so much, so when I see that the local theatre companies are having open call, I go. Sometimes I get cast. Sometimes not, but maybe once every 2 years I will do a production. It's been that long, just about, since my last...and I miss it terribly....

My favorite production? Hands down, Smoke on the Mountain in Panama City. It was a musical, and I love to sing. Plus the character I played was using "sign language"...well she certainly tried, anyway. It was zany and funny, and I LOVED the fact that it was an ensemble piece. Everyone got either a little monologue and a song, or a BIG monologue....it was pretty nice. And the cast? Good Lord, they were the nicest people on earth! And fun, and hilarious, and the talent some of these men and women had -- wow, I left like I had never set foot on stage before sometimes after watching a rehearsed act I wasn't "active" in. Plus, and this is NOT why I do theatre, I got PAID....and not like $50...it was an actual percentage of ticket sales, maybe like 1%, but it was almost $300 for like, maybe 9 shows....it was awesome. The best experience ever, all around. Professional theatre. Damn, there are days when I think about it now, and I almost regret having met Hubby....I'll never be where I wanted to be 10 years ago....but I have accepted it, and still try to have a little theatre in my life once in a while.

2) What do you miss the most about the Baleheads?

Maybe first I should say that Baleheads are fans of Christian Bale. Ok, that being said, what I miss most is the Chats...Harrison Cheung, who was at the time CB's publicist, used to run them, and at the beginning he asked pertinent questions about the characters of movies CB was in. Plus he would always update us on a few personal tidbits...Plus, I KNOW, Christian came into those chats a few times...once as himself, and a few other times, under names of Characters from his movies. You could always tell he was there, cause he didn't say much, but when he did, he would go into the how's and why's....As an actress myself, there is no way a man would go that deep into a character analysis without actually having to think about it for a reason. And the fact that it was always the same style, no matter the name, gave it away...

Not to mention that we met some great people through the Baleheads Chats. I really miss some of those people...Kristi, Elph, Roq, Sonja, just to name a few...great gals, and I think of them fondly....

3) Would you rather go shopping for clothes or make-up?

Clothes. And that is because, make-up is a no brainer. I love Mary Kay make-up. I found my brand, my colors, etc. I hate trying to find new colors...except for lipstick. Yeah that's the only make-up I like to buy....but clothes? It's fun to find new stuff, try it on, hopefully it will look good on you, and then YAY -- NEW OUTFIT! Plus, I love when I have an occasion I have to dress for. It gives me an excuse to shop for new clothes. Plus when new fashions come out, if I like it enough, I do try to find a few things that are trendy. Makes me feel cooler than a almost-30 mom with 2 kids and a minivan. Yes, clothes - hands down. I say that phrase a lot don't I?

4) What was your first car, and did you name it? If so, what was the name?

My first car was a 1979 Chevrolet Malibu station wagon. It was Maroon with a yellowy-tan interior, bench seats, and I loved that damn car. I could fit 12 people in it, I swear. it was massive, and perhaps that's part of the reason why some asshole slammed into it when I was trying to come out of my driveway 3 days before I left for college. The front end was about the size of a full-size bed, honestly....I had to edge it out past these bushes that blocked my view to see if anyone was coming. well, one day, someone was, and he seemed to miss the HUGE maroon hood protruding from them.

Yes I named her. Her name was FREEDOM. And that's exactly what she was, My Freedom from my Father's house. I was 17, stuck on an island that, short of athletics - which I did participate in, had NOTHING for a teenager to do...except drive around with my friends and go to parties....and anything else I could find to do to rid myself of the constant boredom that we endured.

5) You're going to NYC soon. What are the sights and/or activities (besides the theatre) you are most looking forward to experiencing?

Well, the first thing I can't wait to do is actually SEE the theater - The Nederlander. I am also looking forward to the free film in Bryant Park that HBO presents every monday night. It's "All the King's Men". I read some info about the movie, to get an idea of what it's about, and it looks good. Post-WWII filmmakers, and this is pre-McCarthyism, did a lot of political based films that didn't feel like it at the time. They weren't like the political films today - in your face about what's wrong with america and who's to blame, etc., really, they were more subtle. It's funny, but after reading a synopsis of the film, it's clear to seee the message of the film I am going to see still holds true today. Isn't that scary? Now, don't get me wrong, I am not gonna get into politics in particular, but the general theme of corruption of politicians is something that never goes away. And the great thing abotu this film is you get to see the eveolution of how it happens, how this man turns into the exact type of person he first wanted to conquer when he first ran for office. I am looking forward to it. Plus, picnic in the middle of NYC at sunset? that's frickin' cool.

Another thing I am goign to attempt to do, is go to the Today Show. Growing up at my Father's, spending summer there, every morning while we had breakfast, and I still do this at his house when I go to the Vineyard, we watched the Today Show. I always wanted to be one of those people. And my sister, man, she LOVES Al Roker. I don't get why, but she's convinced she's going to cry if she gets to shake his hand. C'mon! How fun is that gonna be?? All around my sister and I are going to try to have as much FREE fun as humanly possible in a span of 3 1/2 days. Part of the fun of this trip is the finding of the free or low cost things to do around town. I never new about Bryant Park's free movies. It's like a secret that only New Yorkers know about...well, and those of you who read this now know.

ok, ok, last thing, I promise....I am looking forward to going to central park. whether it's walking around, or reading under a tree or something....just hanging out there is going to be nice. I don't get to read, or relax really, outside without kids much. I even might just go to Greeley Square and sit at a bistro table and read while I drink an iced coffee. It's going to be nice.....

Bad Friend/Good Friend

So this weekend marked two birthdays for two good friends of Mine...I might have mentioned them a couple times....

JEOPARDYGIRL and NESSA

See, the Bad Friend part of the post is NOT leaving a message for Jeopardygirl on either MY blog or HER Blog on Friday. The truth of the matter is, I plain old forgot. I was distracted by family, moving my mom in, and the fact that it was my step-mum's birthday. I had a lengthy phone convo with Mum to wish her a great one....and even felt bad because I didn't get around to calling her til nearly 7 in the evening....

So when I realized that I forgot to wish Jeopardygirl a Happy Birthday...it was already Nessa's birthday on Saturday, and I was in the car, driving to her house, for her surprise party.

Yes, I was a good friend. So good, I LIED. OK, well, it was more like ACTING like the drama queen I used to be in high school to Nessa. I had her convinced that her special milestone birthday was going to be spent here in CT for dinner and gambling at one of the casino's with our Hubby's.....I almost feel bad about it....until she cried with joy for having a party....cause her husband told her up, down, and sideways he was NOT gonna have a party for her, since they just moved into their house like, a month ago, and it "wasn't ready for people" yet.

Oh boy, was she surprised. And I was so glad I could be there for her Big 3-0....

Hey Nessa ... there are now 60 days to get me back.....or just do something really nice for me! hehehe

So this is for BOTH my good friends.....albeit late on the blog, the sentiment is still the same.....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JEOPARDYGIRL AND NESSA!!
I AM SO LUCKY TO BE FRIENDS WITH YOU BOTH!!