Nervous, nervous, nervous, nervous, whoa-oh-oh

I am out of my funk, so to speak....having a few days to clear my head and re prioritize myself mentally and for the purpose of my existence has helped a bit.

And then I realize, Holy Carp (and I do mean the fish), it's WEDNESDAY!!

Today is my job interview!

And then the realization that I am attempting to become of the "grown-ups" workforce, the fact that I have been waiting 5 years to actually enter this phase of my life, the fact that I can't turn back, I truly am, an almost-31-year-old woman hit me like a ton of bricks.

This is my first real job interview, in nearly 7 years. And I have no fucking clue waht the hell I am getting myself into.

Yes, I have had jobs, waitressing, temp work, and I did actually apply to be a permanent hire in some places, but Emily was a baby, and I was living in Hawaii. That's a lifetime ago, to be honest. But I get this....feeling. I can't explain it. This is it. This is the job.

Perhaps I am over-excited at the prospect of making nearly 5/6ths of what my husband makes and he's been in the Navy for 14 years. Perhaps it is the prospect of not being solely a "mommy" anymore. I used to stand around the school yard with my kids and it would make me ill to think that this was going to be the basis of my identity - Emily & Kaitlyn's Mom.

Nu-uh, no way. I'll get by on my own merits, thanks. I don't need my kids (though love them as I do with all my core) to be the reason I get up in the morning. I've always known that, though for the last 7 years, it's been how I have existed. And I have a problem with that; it doesn't make me happy. Does that make me a bad mom? Probably not, it just makes me a different mom from all the others who try to live vicariously through their children's lives, basing all their decisions on their children's wants, not knowing, outside of scrapbooking, shopping and playdates, and sports games, what they want out of life because this is all they have ever known since taking their marriage vows.

I am soooo not that person.

And today, I am going to prove it. I am going to go to that interview, hide the nerves, focus on my "interview prep" that I have been reading about all morning (I'm a last minute crammer, I admit, but I always ace the test), and come out victorious with a job that even reading the want ad, made me want the job so bad I could taste it.

How odd, eh? I can already envision myself in the job.

I hope that I don't get disappointed. If I do, well, I'll just have to dust myself off and learn from my experience.

But I just get this feeling....this is it.

Of course, I ask for all your good juju for today. especially around 12:30 PM EST....

It doesn't hurt to have some back-up, right? :)

~Cissa

Sumptuous Sunday - Week 2: Chocolate Delight

Welcome to Sumptuous Sunday! My weekly recipe sharing series. What is Sumptuous Sunday, you ask?

Here's how it works: Every Sunday I will post a recipe that I enjoy. Not just anything from my cookbook, but a sumptuous kick-ass recipe that I myself have eaten over and over again. If you have a kick-ass recipe you want to share, email it to me at heartofire@tvcconnect.net. I will try a couple recipes a week. If I find yours is incredibly Sumptuous, I will post it here on the blog, giving my reaction and singing your praises. I'm working on a little icon you can post and link back to the day you were featured! :)

Week 2 brings us to a dessert. And not just any dessert, but one that I personally only make 2 times a year, because it is so Sumptuous, making it more than that would ruin the mistique and anticipation my family has for this recipe. And it's amazingly simple....

Ladies and Gentlemen, I offer you:

Chocolate Delight

3 dozen Lady Fingers
12 oz. semi-sweet choclate chips
4 T. sugar
4 T. water
4 egg yolks, lightly beaten
1/2 tsp. vanilla
4 egg whites, lightly beaten
1 c. cool whip or equivalent

Line bottom and sides of a DEEP round cake pan (small spring form or 2 qt. casserole works too)with wax paper, then lady fingers. Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or microwave. Add sugar, water and egg yolks. Cook over med-low heat until smooth, stirring constantly. Cool. Add vanilla and fold in egg whites. Pour 1/2 of mixture over lady fingers in cake pan. top with second layer of lady fingers. Add remaining mixture. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Top with cool whip before serving.

My god, this is a RICH and sumptuous dessert. Seriously, just thinking about it right now in July makes me wish it were Christmas. I am actually considering asking my mother to make this for my birthday this year, since my favorite ice cream place no longer does cakes.

Please do try this recipe and tell me what you think. But I guarantee, you will NOT be disappointed!

And remember, send me your recipe, and it could be featured here!

Until next time,
~Cissa

How low can you go?

Apparently pretty damn low without hitting rock bottom.

That's me. I'm doing the cryptic thing.

I'm really glad I had an interview yesterday, and another one next week....possibly two.

I can't bring myself to be bouncy and all happy-sounding. All the effort that I have put into trying to be upbeat and positive has drained me, and this is what left.

Numb, cryptic, tired.

I am guessing I will have more things to say once I clear my head, get my shit together and the kids are home. That happens tomorrow. Still gotta break the news to the parental units that I am not coming for the weekend. I don't need the passive aggression right now.

I'm out of cigarettes, and I can't do anything about it. I still have another week before I can get any.

Maybe it's good I am so raw with numbness, I don't have the energy to go from 0 to Bitch on the blog. I feel like I am just writing my thoughts....what's the phrase, streamlining? no...whatever....

Just saying all my thoughts as they come.

Sorry to say, I'm so low, I kinda don't care right now.

At least I recognize when I am low, and have forewarned you all.

Next week will be better. Need to concentrate on getting a job. Will worry about what to do with the kids when I actually have a job. Need to stop talking about needing a job so much. People are probably tired of hearing about it.

ok, time to go...

~Cissa

HNT: BrittCon Purchases

Welcome to HNT! This week I have a lovely view of my OTHER arm (the one opposite last weeks tan lines)...



Pictured on my arm are 4 bracelets I got in Chinatown. They are Hermatite, Tiger's Eye, and Red and Black Jade.

This morning I was awoken by the phone ringing. My caller ID crapped out, but I assumed it was Misk. Upon answering, I discovered it was the Dentist's Office who I had left my name with yesterday regarding employment. I had a brief phone interview, which I totally rocked, even if I was half-asleep, and then asked to fax in my resume so that they could review it, then call me back to set up my physical interview! WOOT!

I also have an appointment at 2:30 PM with the Temp Agency (name withheld) that I have worked for in the past. I am hoping that this will get me gainful employment, in case the Dentist's office falls through.

I also need to get my ass in gear and get the kids set up for School Age Care through the Navy base. School starts in about a month, and if I have them registered NOW, I won't have to worry about it later....

ok I am off! If you want to see other HNT photos, Stop by Os's Place!

ENOUGH Already!!

Seriously, I am about at my breaking point. My Worry Meter has now hit 11.

First I have friends with sick family members, Then other friends lose pets, then friends and family are getting sick or dying. Then family of friends die....

I HAVE HAD MY SHARE OF BAD STUFF FOR THE YEAR!!

The final straw is my good friend Nicky. She went to Wisconsin for a funeral, and ended up in the hospital, nearly dying herself.

This is seriously like then end. Angie's in the hospital for surgery today, and I'm about to flip out.

UPDATE: Nicky is now getting emergency surgery on her gall bladder. Yeah, I am slightly freaking out, but hoping it will all turn out well. As a natural worrier, who can't do a damn thing from about 1500 miles away, I am helpless and of course, worried to death.

Please send any spare juju this way for Nicky and Angie today -- thank you!

Wringing my hands, hoping for the best,
~Cissa

It's a good thing the kids are on vacation....

...because there is no way in hell I would have been able to deal with them today.

It's only Tuesday, and I feel like it's been a Millenia since I packed them up and sent them off with my parents to the Vineyard. I'm not saying I miss them terribly, which I do. it's just that time goes by so slowly when you aren't dealing with kids, or getting ready to deal with kids.

So my Monday started out like any other, did some cleaning, got the kids some appointments for physicals for cheerleading and school. Called the dentist back and scheduled for her cavity fill, then called my parents and instructed them that she is not allowed any sugar except for fruit, due to said cavity. Hung out, surfed the net, watched TV...you know, kinda like a vacation.

After a Wii Bowling tournament with Misk (in which I kicked his ass, BTW), we watched a little more TV and then back to the computers because there was nothing good on. ok, thats cool. about 9:30 pm my phone rings, and it's Angie.

"Whatcha doin'?" she asks in her cute tone that makes me think she wants me to go drinking or something.

"Nothin', just hanging out." I say in my pj's as I click another link on the 'net.

"Wanna make $70?"

"Huh?"

So she proceeds to tell me about this job at one of the casinos where we breakdown the stage and whatnot, usually for about 2 hours, and we get paid for 4. It sounded cool, and I knew she had done it before, so I agreed, hung up, got dressed, and in about 20 minutes later, was with her at the meet-up point. There were a lot of guys there and I think like 8 girls. I was slightly intimidated.

If any of you watched WWE Raw last night, you will know where I was. The pyrotechnics right at the end? Scared the hell out of me, because we were standing right behind it about 50 feet away and didn't know it was gonna happen. The first time it blew, I nearly hit the ground, combat style. The second time, I though Angie was gonna be Spider Woman. Good times...so the show is over, and it's time to get to work.

I got my little wrist band that said "PUSHER". Apparently, being a girl, all I was good for was pushing stuff to the trucks. I was cool with that! We got free drinks, and there was a lot of walking. As a pusher there wasn't much we could do until things were disassembled, except push carts to the places that things had to go on....it was organized chaos, and considering 4 of the trucks that "Mutton Chops Guy" (the head roadie) needed weren't there in time, we managed to get that stuff all taken down and on the trucks in less than 3 hours. Amazing. But, I gotta tell you, I exerted a lot of energy in rushing and pushing and lifting.

It was fun, and I made sure to give the guy who runs the local help my info so I could do it again. the best part of this all? Free "WWE CREW" t-shirt! Oh yeah, I am a bad ass! hehe.

So we didn't get out of there til 2:30 AM, and by the time I got home and into bed it was 3 AM. I fell asleep as soon as I hit the bed....and didn't wake up until 1 PM today!

As many of you know, Misk has been on Limited Duty (LIMDU) for the last 6 months for medical issues. Last week he was informed his Medical Review was today. I have been a little nervous about this, trying to come to terms with the possible outcomes - Misk back to a boat and possibly one leaving soon for deployment, Misk off of subs and onto surface, meaning we move, Misk getting discharged from the Navy and we move to wherever Misk gets a job. It's been hard to come to terms with the possibilities, because I am not a fan of change-- or moving.

Well, today I got some good news. About 20 minutes after I woke, Misk came home for Physical Therapy, and informed me, that his LIMDU has been renewed for another 6 months! Yep, we'll be in CT for another long while, and I am OK with that. I will be able to stay with my friends, and I will be able to keep my kids at the school they've known almost their whole school lives (Emily went to 1 year of Pre-K in FL, Kaity has only ever known CT schools). I am cool with knowing we don't have to move. At least for now.

So that's it. I am still in my PJ's at 2:45 in the afternoon, but guess I will get dressed. I have some laundry to fold that didn't get finished yesterday, and Misk is due home from PT shortly.

Life is pretty good for the moment....

~Cissa

I'm not as smart as I thought I was!

I'm a person who, like many in this country, thinks I have a pretty good idea about my financial issues. When I saw the BillsIQ Test, I thought, "Hey I know I'll score good" Even if I don't practice what I should, I do know a few things about what I should be doing...

click here to check your Bills IQ!

I was wrong. I seriously need to look into Debt consolidation. I was taking the quiz, and la-dee-da, answering the questions, then I get my score. 68%...a D! Wow. In my book, anything lower than a B is an EPIC fail....So after you take the quiz, they walk you through your answers, and a sidebar either phrases your answer as being the financially savvy one, or they give you advice on how to improve your BillsIQ. I saw many things that I wish I had known about earlier, and even thinking about them gives me a headache, BUT....I know I am definitely going to be getting them done.

I'm on a fixed income, but I have discovered that just because I am, does NOT mean that I can't take care of my future. This is a good thing! And now thanks to bills.com, I am aware of some of the steps I can take to ensure my financial security when I am older, and the kids are getting ready to descend to college. If you haven't taken this BillsIQ Survey yet, I highly recommend it.

Just try not to make me feel to bad about my BillsIQ, please? I'm sensitive, cause my real IQ suggests that I should have known this stuff in the first place!

~Cissa

Sumptuous Sunday - A New Series - Week 1

I decided to start something new on the Blogosphere: Sumptuous Sundays! Dawg Snacks on Sunday & does Cereal Wednesday , Snackie Snacks (albeit words, not food), and dang it, it gets me hungry for life. I love food (obviously), so I am gonna start this bad-boy of a series!

Here's how it will work: Every Sunday I will post a recipe that I enjoy. Not just anything from my cookbook, but a sumptuous kick-ass recipe that I myself have eaten over and over again. If you have a kick-ass recipe you want to share, email it to me at heartofire@tvcconnect.net. I will try a couple recipes a week. If I find yours is incredibly Sumptuous, I will post it here on the blog, giving my reaction and singing your praises. I'm working on a little icon you can post and link back to the day you were featured! :)

This week's inaugural recipe was posted in the New London Day on Wednesday, and it's a recipe from a local restaurant that I have visited quite a few times since I discovered it a few months ago. It's summer, so this is great for any parties and BBQ's you may throw in the next 6 weeks. it truly kicks ass, and believe me, people will be asking you for the recipe ALL THE TIME!

Ladies and Gentlemen, I present......

NORTH END DELI'S CREAMY PASTA SALAD

Serves 12-15

1 POUND CAVATAPPI PASTA, COOKED, RINSED AND DRAINED

1 CUP CHOPPED CELERY

1 CUP CHOPPED RED ONION

1 CUP CHOPPED FRESH BROCCOLI (STEAMED OR RAW)

1 CUP CHOPPED CARROT

1 CUP SHREDDED CARROT

1 CUP CHOPPED GREEN PEPPER

1 CUP CHOPPED RED PEPPER

1/2 CUP SLICED BLACK OLIVES

SALT AND PEPPER TO TASTE

1 CUP MAYONNAISE

1 CUP RANCH DRESSING

2 TABLESPOONS PARSLEY (FRESH OR DRIED)

Combine the vegetables with the cooked pasta, and hand toss until well mixed. Add the mayonnaise and the ranch dressing, combining thoroughly. Sprinkle with parsley, and chill before serving.

Talk about delicious! Absolutely Sumptuous, I tell you!

So that's it for the very first Sumptuous Sunday. Next week, another recipe, and maybe it will be YOURS!

~Cissa

Stop! Hammer time! (insert Rick James sample here)

The hammer on housecleaning is falling. I must have a decent looking place for tomorrow when my parents come to get the children for a week. They will only see the downstairs, so it is imperative it not look like a shithole. or I will hear about it for the next 5 years...then I will remind my father I eloped and he did not have to deal with my wedding, and all will be well.

I am going to see The Dark Knight tonight, and do not plan on doing anything to delay it. My Christian Bale obsession will be temporarily quelled.

Misk went back to work today, thank the Lord and Lady. He was getting on my nerves. 24/7 around your spouse does not work for me, unless he's been gone for 6 weeks to 6 months....

My friend, zbabygirl, had her baby yesterday. He was 3 1/2 weeks early. Her water broke, and I didn't hear anything for nearly 24 hours. I will admit, I was freaking out, fearing that she had experienced my worst fear -- that she would lose her baby, how I lost Mae 8 years ago. I am very happy to report, my fears were all for naught.

I picked up the funniest onesies for him today. I can't wait to see him tonight before the movie!

Babies are great. I can't wait til my kids have them!

GO SEE THE DARK KNIGHT!! MAKE MY HOLLYWOOD CRUSH POPULAR!

~Cissa

HNT: Tan Lines

I decided to post my lovely watch and ring tans this week for Half-Nekkid Thursday. I am extremely proud at how golden brown I get every summer. So I thought I would share it this week....enjoy!

If you would like to visit other HNT participatns, click on the icon at the top of this post, and check the comments! There's also links on the side bar of all the HNT bloggers :) I know Becky is a regualr participant, so visit her too!

~Cissa

Popular, I know about popular. It's not about aptitude, it's the way you're viewed....

After catching up on some Blog Drama today, that I was blissfully ignorant about, I'm going to target myself. I want the attention. And also? I've got nothing else to blog about.

Yep, I went to BrittCon, and I had a blast. It's a shame more people didn't come, but you know what? We still had fun. And even better? I made some awesome new friends.

Yep, I think Britt, Avitable, Jester, Hilly, Hellohahanarf, Dave2, Karl and a bunch of others are the cat's pajama's...seriously, they are frickin awesome people. Why some low-life, bored, crab-infesterd CUNT (she must be in order to be such pissy person) feels the need to pick on my friends is beyond me.

If you don't like these people, then don't fucking read their blog. Period.

I actually would love for that cunt to make a post about me. What's she gonna say? I'm a bored house-wife? Check....she'll fail to mention I am actively looking for a job on several job websites and sending out about 3 resume's a week (honestly, there's CRAP for my field in a little Navy town). But yes, I am bored...which is why I sometimes blog, and use Twitter, and whatever else.

Maybe she'll say I am a bad wife & parent because I love to go off and meet bloggers and bitch about how much my kids drive me insane. Check. Only she'll leave out the fact that I actually invited my husband to accompany me, and he declined. She'll also not write about how I virtually left the blogosphere for a week to spend on a vacation on Martha's Vineyard for some much enjoyed family time with my kids and how I have so many memories of my kids together I know I shed a tear or two in several moments watching them play and have summer fun.

Oh I know! She'll make some mention of my religious beliefs! Being a Wiccan and all, there's loads of material for her to go off about! I'm a heathen, I'm going to hell, I'm a sinner, blah blah blah...Check. And I bet she'll think I will cower in fear of her awesome Christian-ness? Because you know, having a whole blog slamming people you secretly are jealous of is one way to show what a perfect little follower of Jesus you are...In fact I think she breaks a few commandments herself...Nope, that's The Golden Rule....dang, being a Pagan and all, what the hell do I know? Oh right. I know she'll get her malicious mud-slinging back threefold.

Wait, I've got it! She'll talk about what a fat whore I am, because I am overweight and I participate in Pay Per Post! CHECK AND CHECK. Wow, how original! I'm so upset, honest...I think I might cry. Because isn't it obvious I am totally unaware of how gross I am? I mean how could my husband possibly want to fuck me without being scared of being smothered by my large and natural chest??? Everyday, almost folks...sometimes twice in one day to make up for a missed day. And as for being fat? Why not let me worry about that...since I have shed 8 lbs in the last month, I'm looking a lot better, I think, and that's just the beginning. Just ask Misk, he'll tell you....(and I apologize for the TMI about my sex life, but sometimes, you gotta give TMI for attention, you know?)

Honestly, if this cunt posted about me? It would only bring me traffic. I could use it. I also could use more comments, so maybe some of her troll-friends could stop by and leave comments? I'll even leave them up, I swear! I love it when bullies try to bother me. Really. Just ask my last FRG. I bet they could tell you how I handle bullies. Muahaha....

Anyway, to my friends who have been targeted by this unsavory person? Don't let the crabby cunt get you down! I mean really, if she got you down, she might infest you with her disease. EWWWWW!! And figuratively? She's not worth it. You do have friends, and followers, and stuff. You ARE rock stars. This cunt is just jealous she's not.

Either that or she's fucking brilliant, because she's getting all the attention now.

I wish I could do that -- minus the itchy, festering, infectious vaginal disease, of course.

I'm going to go back to my boring life. It's Washing Wednesday, after all!

I do hope I haven't offended anyone. *snicker* If I have? Oh please, feel free to comment, or make a nasty blog post about it.

~Cissa

I signed up for PPP...and it's a Murphy's Law Day

What is PPP you ask? Well some of you know, some of you don't, so if you know, thanks for reading on anyway...

PPP means Pay Per Post. I figure, I post at least 4 times a week. So, why not take the time to possibly get paid to post about things, mostly products I like or think are cool? People do it all the time. I am not trying to make a career out of it or anything, BUT...hey, if I can get enough money to possibly pay for a domain name, that would be pretty cool, don't you think?

So here I am. This is my first PPP post, and don't worry, they will be obvious, because you will see this little icon thingie on them all:



I've already spied a few things I want to post about, and probably near the end of the week, you will hear about at least one of them. I would never ever try to endorse something I don't agree with, or that I wouldn't use. So no worries, ok? I still have some morals left!

Now, onto everything else.....

Well there isn't much. Misk got his nose splints out, and then proceeded to snore like a chainsaw, in my face, all night long. We all woke up late this morning and it was a mad scramble to get the kids off to camp. Then while getting breakfast, the entire contents of my change pocket in my wallet spilled into my purse. then the McDonald's we went to DID NOT HAVE SWEET TEA!

Today is a Murphy's Law Day. I am hoping with the addition of the PPP stuff, my day will get better! but if Murphy has anything to do with it? Things will keep messing up...of course, it's been three things, so maybe my Three-fold belief will kick in and some good stuff will happen! I guess we'll see :)

This afternoon we are heading to my kid's camp to see Emily perform in "Camp Idol" She's going to be singing! Woot!

Hvae a great summer day, folks!

~Cissa

blog reviews

Heartache to heartache, we stand......

Thanks to those who inquired in comments or privately about Misk and his nose. He's doing a lot better today, having progressed a big step everyday since his Surgery. Thursdays blood was enough to make me queasy a lot of the day, but I just turned my head and did something else. he gets the silicone tubes that are keeping his nose structure in tact out tomorrow, and I am sure there will be more blood, but I am hoping no nose structure changes.

It's been a fairly relaxing weekend. Friday I hung out with my girlfriends at one of their houses, Saturday, Misk let ME sleep in, then I watched more episodes of Weeds on Netflix....We had a lovely family dinner, which just at the end was punctured by the telephone ringing. I answered it, and it was Mom in RI, who was calling again. My cousin Dino somehow got her a cell phone so she checks in every few days....because ya know, spending a whole year with her means I want to hear from her all the time now, apparently.....

"Hey Mom, how are you?"

"Listen, I got some bad news,"

My mind raced, and I felt my body go ridgid and slightly numb. Please, please, please, don't tell me that you need a place to stay, I am not giving up my clean and comfortable home again!! OMG what if someone DIED??? Oh fuck, oh fuck! So I sat down.

"Ok, what happened?"

"Aunty Shirley has breast cancer."

"......WHAT?!" I was glad I was sitting, because I felt like I was suddenly in a tunnel.

Then my mom explained that she's gonna be on radiation, because of her diabetes, she can't be on chemo, or something. It's all hit me just now, while reading some other people's blogs on my news reader, that my aunt is battling something that I have never really experienced before. I don't know how to handle this, how to help, or anything. Hell, I don't think there is much I can do to help.

Now, my aunt and I weren't always on good terms, and I am glad to say that since I became an adult, married and became a mother, things have progressed nicely. but it's still a mind fuck to believe this could happen to this woman. This woman has been through so much in the last 15 years, it seems wholly unfair that she should have to deal with it. Seriously. I could go into it in detail, but to sum it up lets just say...she lost her husband, her mother, her sister, another sister had a stroke, but is a barely functioning person now, has had to move, been through a ton of crap with a lawsuit, and most recently moved 2 sisters back home from where they were. And that's just the stuff I know about.

Then I remember life isn't fair...we all know that. But I believe that there is such a thing as threefold in return for what you get/deal with, and this woman is definitely up for some goodness coming her way. Especially now.

Please keep your thoughts and prayers for a few seconds for my Aunt Shirley when you do your worship thing in the coming months. She needs all the good juju she can get.

~Cissa

Dodio-doe, there'll be no nose job, Said dodio-doe, no nose job (smarter than that)

Today Misk is getting nose surgery. His septum is so deviated, it is completely blocked off one nostril, and he is not getting enough oxygen in his blood. he also snores like a fucking chainsaw, and I am hoping that the doctor is right and he will be a lot quieter when in bed...sleeping.....

I am hoping that his nose structure will not change, but the doctor said that it might. I mean, c'mon...look at this face....

(Misk at a BBQ on Martha's Vineyard last weekend)

How could I possibly want that hotness to change??

So, I will not be around to post day 2 of BrittCon, unfortunately, unless he ends up sleeping all day. By the time most of you all read this, he will be at the Naval Ambulatory Care Center, getting sedated in order to get cut up, and I will be in the waiting room, reading and hoping he doesn't die (although the 400K insurance policy might ease the pain -- KIDDING!)

I hope you all have a great weekend. I will be playing nurse to Misk. yay.

~Cissa

It's called BrittCon, SUCK IT! (Day 1)

OK, well maybe you haven't been waiting for it, as Britt, Karl, Becky, Robin and Dawg have all given BrittCon recaps. I know it's over a week late, and you all are tired of hearing about it. But just for posterity, and since I promised to do it...here we go....

Thursday - 6/26/08

I drove to New Haven that evening to park my car (for free) at Tink's house. We hung out, smoked cigarettes and drank the bottle of wine I brought. My friend Elizabeth, The Queen of Etiquette told me once, that Emily Post (the Empress of Etiquette) wrote something to the effect of : "A good guest ALWAYS brings a gift for the host(ess). You can't go wrong with Flowers or a good bottle of wine." So I always bring wine when I am a guest at someone's home!

So about 11 PM I crashed on the couch. The End

Friday - 6/27/08

at 5:30 AM I was woken to my LOUD ASS cell phone ringing. Bleary-eyed and half blind (glasses were on the table) I look to see it is Becky calling. She informs me that her flight as cancelled and she won't be getting in to NYC until about the time Britt and Karl are. Lunch plans with Becky are now null and void, but I get over it pretty quickly. OK, I go back to sleep for an hour and a half.

Waking back up, I dress, have coffee and a bagel at Tink's and we head out to Union Station. I took the train to NYC, happily listening to my iPod. My only issue? I am sitting in the opposite way as the train is traveling. Slight headache from motion sickness ensues, but lots of water helps me get over it. I arrive to Grand Central Station, and luckily, Lexington Avenue is one of the exits. I hoof the 5 blocks to my hotel partially uphill, and drop off luggage, call Misk to let him know I got to the City alright and haven't been mugged yet.

I decided to take a little stroll around the area to see how far away B,B, & K are from me. I get about 1/2 way there, realize I'll have to walk back to my hotel eventually to get their gifts and decide to grab food, since I haven't eaten since 7 am and it's now about 12:30PM. Still listening away to my iPod, like a Real New Yorker, I grab Micky D's, becaus eI don't want to eat a REAL New York meal without my friends! I hoof it back to the hotel, eat, and wait....and wait...and check the watch about 100 times, smoke about 5 cigarettes and FINALLY get a hold of BB&K -- they are in the taxi and on their way to the hotel.

I get myself a subway all day metro card (saves time and money, really) and head over. I get about 5 calls from BB&K trying to figure out where I am. Eventually I get to their hotel, and there they are! WOOOT!

Rich, who is from NY, meets up with us soon after, and then after checking into their hotel and stuff, we head off to be tourists. Now, this is not my first trip to NYC, and although I do take some pictures, I have to admit, that watching BB&K "ohhh" and "ahhh" and snap pictures of just about every building and sign made me laugh a lot. me and Rich thoroughly enjoyed seeing BB&K get all excited about it all.

We entered Grand Central, and more pictures were taken. We then decided to grab some food, and went down to the food court. I had Chili. it was damn good. We talked and talked, and then walked around some more, as we headed out. Rich had to leave us and head home while we were still in the food court. We stopped in the market place, which stank of fish, and was crowded as all hell. But BB&K loved it, and more pictures were taken and I think Becky bought something. Then it was on to Lexington Avenue, to my hotel where I needed to actually check-in, freshen up and change, as I had pretty much sweat to death all day, I felt nasty. We headed out once more and back through the streets taking more pictures. Britt had decided that her feet were killing her, so we went to Payless, near GST, and she found wicked cute flip flop sandals. They were hot pink and had sparklies. Very cute. It is then that the infamous phrase was uttered by (I believe) Britt:

"It's called BrittCon, not KarlCon, bitch! There will be shopping! SUCK IT!"

We then headed toward where the Bus Tour place was, back over to the west side of town, stopping at Ben & Jerry's for some delicious smoothies. We got our 48 hour tickets, and met up with Dawg. After having walked all day, my feet were killing me and I wanted to sit. So did Karl, so we crossed 8th Avenue to Starbucks, clamored for chairs, and chatted to Dawg. And of course, twittered like the Dickens about just about everything.

I am amazed at the stories Dawg told us about 9/11. It was everything I could do not to cry several times during the telling of his viewpoint of the day. It was so sad to hear about his EMT partner, who was the only one from his company not to survive. Seriously, thinking about it now? almost 2 weeks later, I still get a pit in my stomach. My phone rang and I excused myself, my girls wanted to say good night, and that they missed me. Sheesh, not even 24 hours and they were already calling! No, really, I didn't mind. They were so sweet, of course.

Back in to Starbucks for some lighter chat, and of course, more twattering. More pictures were taken, and we went outside to "make out". That's code for a Smoke Break. Finally we decided we better high-tail it to the Tour Bus Night Tour Pick-up. We said goodbye to Dawg, since he would be meeting Poppy who drove in that night from France. Then we got to the tour. Well the line, anyway. We waited for about 20 minutes and finally got on the bus, the lights of times Square lit the place so much, you can barely tell it was night. Lots more pictures were taken, and I realized my batteries were dying. I needed to remember to buy some the next morning.

At first the tour guide was alright. Then, he just got boring, and noted random facts that really, I don't think anyone cared about. I was sitting next to Becky, and the people behind us were bitching about her hair flying in their face. Whatever. She had a slight headache, i think, and that's why she didn't tie it back. They were German, and they muttered about it to each other the whole night. It kinda ruined the tour a bit, but I got over it.

I didn't realize it, but we were going to be going over the Manhattan Bridge. I am not a fan of bridges, and we were in an open top bus. I was freaking out. My fear is crippling, actually. When driving over the Gold Star bridge here in CT to get to New London, I grip my steering wheel so hard my knuckles turn white, and that's when I am in charge of the driving. I threw Becky my camera, asked her to take some pictures, and put my head down, holding the back of Karl's seat for dear life. I also silently prayed to the Goddess that I would not die. I didn't, so I guess it worked. After I calmed down we got to see some nice views of Brooklyn and stuff. more pictures. Then the damn boring ass tour guide decided to talk about CUNY - City University of New York. I dunno what the hell he was saying, but almost everything in Brooklyn has some friggin' connection to CUNY, I swear.

Back over the Manhattan Bridge, where I once again cling to the seat in front of me for dear life and put my head down. I am sure BB&K thought I was some sort of freak, but oh well. It's a fear, and that's how I handle it. I could have cried or something, but, nah, clinging in fear is more my style. We headed through Greenwich Village, and stuff, learned about the cast iron buildings, and how they helped to make NYC grow so quickly, and soon were coming up on a stop about 3 blocks from my hotel. I decided to get off the bus there, so I would have less to walk that night. It was a good idea. I said goodnight to BB&K, and got off (TWKS).

After the buss pulled away, I got out my trusty pink iPod, popped the headset in my ears, turned the volume down, in case I was being followed (hey, I do have some other fears, being mugged in NYC is one of them), and started to walk. got to the hotel, showered, listened to the iPod until 1 am, since I couldn't sleep, and finally went to sleep....sort of....

at 2:30 AM, my "roommate" who had just checked in, apparently, banged her way into the room and turned down the A/C. This did not please me, but I pretended to still be asleep, because I knew I was getting up at 7, and was in for a long day. I faked waking up after she banged back in from a trip to the restroom, semi-introduced myself, fund out the chick's name was CeeCee (heh, CeeCee and Cissa, coincidence?) and went back to sleep......sweating like a pig, because the A/C was no longer on full blast, like I like it.....and that, was Day 1!

Tomorrow? BrittCon Day 2...

~Cissa

A Bittersweet 4th of July

I know I said I would write my BrittCon recap when I returned, and I still plan on it. But I want to write about something a little more close to my heart.

This last weekend, while I was on vacation, I had a wonderful time. Misk had driven up n Thursday night, and we were having a great family vacation. It was kinda cloudy and hazy, but we still all had a fun time enjoying the warm weatehr, and being a family. We went to the parade, saw the Celtic's NBA Championship Trophy, and watched fireworks on the beach, while the waves crashed on the shore and whipped our hair around. We spent some relaxing time with our extended family and friends, and except for the traffic there and back, it was a vacation I thoroughly enjoyed. But it was not all joyous. The 4th was shadowed by a tragic event.

On July 4th, there was a fire in Vineyard Haven, the next town over.

The owners of the Cafe Moxie, that is now destroyed and no longer there, had just acquired the business in May. Everything they put into this business that depends on the Summer Season is gone. I cannot even begin to fathom the loss these folks are enduring.

The Bunch of Grapes Bookstore, which I have been going to since I was a kid, is right next door. Not even 18 hours prior, I was there right before Misk's boat pulled in to VH, making a purchase. When I heard the initial reports that Cafe Moxie was burning, my immediate though was, "Holy crap! That's right next door to Bunch of Grapes!" Yep, in fact, the two businesses shared a wall. Much of the bookstore was badly damaged by smoke and fire. All of the books now have black soot on them, some simply burned up completely since they were on the wall that was shared with the Moxie.

It's a devastating thing to see. Much like on my trip to BrtitCon, when we went to Ground Zero, I do not wish to see the damage. I don't do well with this kind of stuff. I know I don't have a great personal connection to the Bunch of Grapes, other than having been a patron for at least 20 years, and having ate at Cafe Moxie several times when it first opened 10 years ago. But to me, that's enough. I like things to stay as they are. I hate change, especially my childhood haunts. Every time I go back to the Vineyard, something is different. This time, the differnt is not just a new business where an old one stood...it's actually gone.

The good news? Bunch of Grapes has every intention of repairing and reopening. I am hoping for my birthday, when I head back for a visit, I can go and make a purchase. But who knows?

I am saddened by this, but I can find hope in the thought that I know The Vineyard Community will pull together and donate, help to rebuild, and climb from the ashes. I have no doubt that they will help to bring these two great businesses back to their former glories. That's somethign oddly unique about Martha's Vineyard. People are always doing benefits for something or another. I have no doubt, someone will step up and have a benefit for this tragedy. I only wish I could be there to help.

In the meantime, while I wait for my next trip to the Vineyard, I can keep the people who are really affected, the owners of the cafe Moxie and Bunch of Grapes, and their employees, in my prayers.

~Cissa

On Vacation, no posts....for a little while, anyway

Hey Folks,

I know I said I would be writing, but you know, I am just having such a nice vacation, I keep forgetting to blog...and to be honest, when I do remember, I don't really want to. I think I am a little burnt out (and not just my time in the sun this last week). So I think a Vacation is just what the doctor ordered. I know I feel a lot better than I have in a few weeks!

By the time I arrive home on Sunday, I am guessing that I will have lots to say...but for now? I am reveling in a Vineyard Summer.

I feel like a kid again. I am only missing some of my old friends...growing up is sometimes a bummer.

I hope you all have a great 4th of July. I will be celebrating My Country's Birthday with My Favorite Sailor and my family.

~Cissa

BrittCon is over....and I am taking a vacation!

I promised you a detailed report of BrittCon today...but I realized that in order to do that, I would delay my trip to my dad and Mum's in Martha's Vineyard! I am taking a vacation with the kids for about 5 days, and going to do as little as possible since I did so much this last weekend...

But, I bringing my laptop to The Vineyard, so tonight, after all the house is asleep, I plan on doing an update. For now, as I am lazy and short on time, I will post my Flickr Account Page, so you can stop there and peruse a few of the 180 pictures I took....it's just highlights of things, but still, about 30 pictures to get an idea of things....

(Don' rush me, I'm perusing the merchandise, Mistah Weasel!)

I had a blast at BrittCon. It was so great to meet everyone that I did and make new friends.

But man, am I tired and in pain from walking so much!

At least I lost some weight -- that is confirmed, I lost 5 lbs this weekend from walking and sweating so much! WOOT!!

According to the Bible, even God took a day off...

....and who am I to argue with the Christians? Hey, I don't want to get put on a stake!

so today, as I spend my last day in New York City at BrittCon, I am leaving today mostly without a post...

Expect a detailed report on Monday!

~Cissa

We're only happy if we shop until we drop. In search of bargains we will never stop.

Wednesday was a good day for me, I was especially proud of my self-control.

You see, I tend to be a bit of a shop-a-holic.

It all starts out innocently enough. I will make a list of things I need, and stick to that list dutifully. but somewhere in the mix, I will see something that I want, or have been wanting for a while, and if I know I have a little extra money, I grab it and put it in a cart. I will tell myself in my mind, naturally, that I am justified in what I have just put in the cart because we have the money, I've put off getting it, etc.

Most times, as I finally decide I am done at the store (or I am running late and need to leave) I will peruse my cart's contents and question whether or not I really can afford it, or need it, or deserve it. I have been known to literally empty out a whole cart except for the things that are on my list.

Wednesday, I didn't have a list. I went to the little salon where I occasionally get manicures and pedicures to wax my eyebrows. It's in a little plaza that is trumped by a Wal-Greens. As I had been in search for a backpack for a couple days for my trip to NYC for BrittCon, I decided to duck in there and see what they had...sometimes you will be surprised and find good stuff in the unlikeliest of places.

I ended up with a whole carry basket of stuff. i started to head to checkout, and sure enough, stopped and looked. it was filled with a bunch of crap I really didn't need. I forced myself to go back to where I had picked up each item, and place it back on the shelf. GO ME!

But I still needed a backpack. I headed to TJ Maxx....I didn't like the styles or prices, although I did see a bag for $7.99 that, at the time of this writing on Wednesday night, I may go back for on Thursday. But not before I perused the clothing, and seeing some stuff on sale, decided to go try a few things on....and then, I did it again. I made myself put back the 3 dresses and pj set I desperately wanted, but really did not need.

Having realized I was in compulsory mode, I quickly exited the store and headed home. I was proud that I had resisted the temptation. That day, anyway!

Oh Happy Day! Oh Happy Day!

As this post will be posted at midnight, that means it's Friday. And as it is Friday, that means it is BRITCON 2008!

I am in New Haven as you all read this. My bags are packed, and I am probably sleeping on my friend Tink's couch dreaming of all the fun I am about to have.

I actually downloaded "Carrying the Banner" from the Newsies soundtrack onto my iPod so that I can play it as we approach the city. I arrive at about 10:30 am, and will be meeting Hellohahnarf soon after, I believe, at Grand Central Station. We'll probably do lunch and do a little wandering, killing time until it's time to meet Britt and Karl. We'll be meeting Britt and Karl about 4 at the hotel, and then the adventure begins!

I hope Britt, Karl, Hellohahanarf, Poppy and Dawg are not too scared when I begin to burst into song at random points around the City.

I also will randomly spurt out movie lines. I can't help it. Sometimes I don't even realize I am doing it until I notice the funny looks. I really have seen some movies waaaay too many times....

Oh yeah, it's gonna be a GREAT weekend!

~Cissa

HNT: Naturally, there's no time to do it all...

And so, though I had planned on another HNT original, I am gonna have to dig into my files and post an old pic....


This is my scorpion tattoo, representing Misk, who is a Scorpio. I got it over my heart, because that's where Misk is - my heart (awwww, sickeningly sweet, eh?).

I leave tomorrow for NYC but am heading to New Haven tonight so I don't have to get up as early as I anticipated...

YAY!! BRITTCON IS TOMORROW!!!

I’ve got better things to do, Than my todo list anyway, Hide under the covers, And waste away the day...

Cissa's To-Do List for Wednesday

1. Shower & dress

2. Get kids dressed

3. get to 10 am free brake inspection on Misk's piece of shit truck

4. get brakes fixed (maybe)

5. lunch

6. Children's Museum w/kids

7. haircut so I don't look to scraggly for another 6 weeks

8. eyebrows waxed so I don't look like a crazy woman

9. dye hair at home so I don't look like white trash with roots

10. laundry

11. dinner

12. start to pack for BrittCon

13. listen to Jester's Radio show at 10 PM

14. slip in an episode of The Tudors somewhere because I love Jonathan Rhys-Meyers

15. somehow fit in a blog post or two for the weekend since I won't be at home and debating bringing the laptop

I hope I get it all done today! It's my first full day of summer vacation, and I am already super busy. At least I will get to go to the beach tomorrow -- I hope!

~Cissa

Edited to Add: Welll I've gotten some things accomplished, thank the Lord and Lady! As of 11:45 am, however, I am still waiting to hear back from the brake inspection, and this makes me nervous....I am thinking the worst...mega bucks to get the brakes done....*le sigh*

Yet another Edit: More accomplished today - YAY! Unfortunately the brake thing didn't work out because they wanted $525 just for the front end pads and rotors! I made some calls and have to take the truck in to another place tomorrow morning. Wish me luck.....

I'm so excited, and I just can't hide it!

Wow, well...it's been one hell of a weekend for me. Mom's gone. We got her out Friday and now she's settled in RI and hopefully at this moment, looking for a job and applying for state aid.

Saturday at 9 am, I started cleaning. Angie arrived at 11 am. And holy smokies, did we clean my downstairs! It's so clean now! I think the last time it was THIS clean, it was when we moved into the house!

I mention my friends a lot on this blog. That's because I am always doing somethign with them, and Saturday was no different. Sex toy parties are fun, but they are even more fun with all of your closest friends! I didn't buy a lot, but only because I HAVE so much already! LOL

Sunday was spent doing the Pagan thing, and again, all of my friends were there. It was awesome. I'd go into detail, but...it's just one of those things that is hard to explain how it was.

Monday, I spent planning BrittCon via emails with Britt, Hellohahanarf, Karl, & Poppy. I swear those folks are gonna make me bust a gut this weekend!

I AM SO EXCITED FOR BRITTCON!!

Today I will start packing my clothes and stuff. It is the last day of school for the girls, so it's a half day. I am thinking a trip to Dairy Queen to celebrate is in order, but I will see how much I get accomplished this morning with packing and organizing. Oh yeah, and getting a babysitter for Friday so I can get to NYC early to meet Hellohahanarf, since she flies in at like 0-dark-30 am! I totally don't care..this weekend is gonna rock!

I hope you all are having a great week so far! I'm off to read my blogroll!

~Cissa

In Memoriam of The Puppy Monster

Though I was not active in the blogosphere at this time, many of my blog buddies were.

But I can relate, in a way I wish I couldn't.

Out of respect for NYCWD, and naturally, DJ, I post this today. You are in all of our hearts and thoughts today, Dawg.

No good deed goes unpunished. No act of charity goes unresented....

Today is the day, it's finally here! 366 days ago (I forgot it was leap year this year) Misk and I loaded up my van and his truck worth of stuff and My Mom joined us in our tiny 1200 sq ft., 3 BR, gov't appointed duplex. It's been cramped in here this past year!

It's fitting that exactly one year to the day this happened, she's leaving.

I don't have time for a long post, because The Bug has a "Family Picnic" at school today for her Pre-K class. Then once school is over, it's off to pick up and load the U-haul. Then once we are done, we simply wait for Misk to get home, and we can head out to RI and unload.

I am guessing I won't be home til about 9 pm, which is just in time to send the kids to bed and for Me to do some cleaning. Oh yeah, I WILL do some cleaning tonight.

I hope you all have a great weekend. I know Tomorrow morning will be wonderful for me.

No work, no mom, just me, Misk and the kids....and Angie who has vowed to get my house clean along with me. But I am hoping she lets me sleep in til 9 am! It will be a big cleaning day in Fireheart House, and I actually cannot wait!

Enjoy your Friday!

~Cissa

HNT - First in a Looooong Time....

So a loooong time ago (i.e. like at least a year), I participated in Half-Nekkid Thursdays. Then I stopped because quite honestly, my life went crazy, I hit a depression wall, and stopped blogging....

I finally feel comfortable enough to participate again. So here is my entry for the week....

I know, I know, not nearly as sexy as you wish it could be, but I love my Sun Tattoo. I promise better stuff in the weeks to come, but for now, the fact that I am even participating again is a big step for me.

Please click on the little HNT Icon above if you wish to see others who participate!

In other news.....

The U-haul place called to confirm my pick-up of the truck this morning...YAY!! After I get The Bug from school, I am going to be packing up the linens that I saved for Mom for her bed, and yay, be almost done!

Misk has informed me he will be getting out of work early on Friday to help up with packing up the truck. I think he won't have much to do, since there is so little she actually has....but whatever.

last night I participated in Jester's radio show. it was my first time, and I had a blast. I cannot wait for BrittCon next weekend. Seriously, I wish I was going to be able to meet everyone I talked to last night!

Not much else is going on for me, so I should hush now...maybe I will get struck with inspiration later, but until then....hasta la vista, amigos!

~Cissa

A Letter to My Sister....that she might not ever see....

Dear Sis,

You have grown up to be such a wonderful woman. You are beautiful, kind, caring, unselfish, I could go on for days and sing your praises. You make me envious that I could never be like you in some ways. I know I don't have the capacity for your patience and ability to not get dramatic over every little thing.

I am happy that you have found a wonderful man to share the rest of your life with. I am so glad that I will be a part of the celebration of your union, and that I am helping you to make your day so special. I have been wanting to tell you something for a while now, and although I think about it, I don't want to you think any less of me than you might possibly already.

You see, I am not a Christian anymore. I believe in a God, but not the Christian one. I don't believe that Jesus Christ was anything more than a man who had special gifts and powers, but wasn't the son of God, specifically. I will be more specific: I am a Wiccan.

I believe in many Gods and Goddesses, all that represent an aspect of this earth and the people, plants, and animals in it. I believe that everything on earth has a source of power, and it is possible to gather that power, feed off it, and manipulate it to bring a greater good to this world. I believe in honoring the earth, relishing in the beauty and force of Mother Nature and that although She is sometimes violent (storms, earthquakes, tornadoes, etc.) it is not because humans are evil, sinful, and deserve smiting.

I believe in tolerance, and in the theory that sex, whomever one wishes to engage in it with, is not something that is dirty, or should be hidden, or believed to be evil. it is a wonderful act of pleasure and should be celebrated and understood that it is a human representation of the union of the Goddess and God in the Wheel of Life. I believe this is not the first time, nor the last time, my soul is in this world. I have too many deep connections to people, including you, to think that we have been in each other's presence only once, and will never again.

There is so much more I believe, but it would take days to explain, and even then, it's hard because I am not so great at wording things the way I want to mean.

My problem about telling you is that I don't want to ruin your wedding. I don't want another reason for the family to be up in arms about things, and I don't want your special day to be marred by the opinions of people who will think I am wrong, evil, or whatever. I love you so much, that I am willing to keep quiet about my beliefs, and masquerade Christianity if it means your Wedding Day is a day that you and your husband-to-be will never forget. Most of all, I am scared that you, the woman that I look up to even though you are younger, will find it a reason to no longer love and accept me. I am already the "bad apple" in our family, but you always stick by my side and stand by me. You have always loved me without question, and I don't ever want to lose that. I fear that you, as the so-devout Christian that you are, will turn your back on me, and even the thought of what your reaction might be scares me so bad I stay silent. You are the one thing that scares me most of all of realizing my new personal beliefs, and although most people will say I shouldn't care what anyone thinks, it's my life....losing you in it would be a blow I am not sure I would ever recover from.

I love you little sister, but this is me. I'm a Wiccan, Witch, Pagan, whatever you want to call it, it's who I am. And now you know. I hope you still love me.

Love Always,
~Cissa

A size cringier.....I should be in advertizing!

Ok, I have this random blog entry today. I will forewarn you that the topic comes from the strange Nyquil induced thoughts that wander in my mind while drifting off to sleep.

I know that a very nice blog buddy of mine is on Jenny Craig, and she's lost a good amount of weight already and is only on her 3rd week. I saw a commercial for the company that's been on the last few weeks or so, and until last night, there was something that I couldn't put my finger on about it that bothered me.

Last night about 11:30 as I tossed and turned, hacked, and tried to fall into a blissful sleep, I realized what it was. For all the success that JC has had, why on earth, when using actual clients who lost a lot of weight, don't they ever find the ones who can ACT???

I mean c'mon people, Jenny Craig makes who-knows how much a year from the diet industry? You can't foot the bill for maybe 2 or 3 acting lessons for your big-loss clients so they don't sound so damn unenthusiastic in your commercials? For example, the latest campaign goes something like this:

Valerie Bertinelli is on some rocky ocean side location and talking about how much weight she lost and how she feels so great, etc. She's a size energized!

Real Weight Loser (with a fake smile): Hey. It's. Valeri. ! (her friends don't even turn around to look) I. lost. a . bunch. of. weight. too. I. love. my. consultant.

Valerie B: I know! Mine totally rocks! and the best is --

Valerie B: THE FOOD!!
RWL: The. food. !

Valerei : Race you to the top for a lemon cake !!

RWL: Let's. go. !

Wow, man, I cringe every time I see it. Now see, me, being an overweight person watches that and thinks: That woman does not seem too enthused. Maybe Jenny Craig isn't that great. I guess I won't spend a gazillion dollars and just try my best to lose weight the old-fashioned way.

If that were ME, who has had some acting experience, this is probably how it would go....

Valerie Bertinelli is on some rocky ocean side location and talking about how much weight she lost and how she feels so great, etc. She's a size energized!

Me: Holy crap! Valerie Bertinelli! You look fucking fabulous, lady! Dude, I lost, like 60 pounds! can you fucking believe it??? I swear to god, I have the BEST consultant in ALL of Jenny Craig!

Valerie B: I know! Mine totally rocks! and the best is --

Me & Valerie : THE FOOD!!

Me: Hell yeah! This is the best diet food EVER! SERIOUSLY!! I don't know how I possibly ate in my entire life before the Jenny Craig food!!

Valerie : Race you to the top for a lemon cake !!

Me: You're on, bitch! Bring it! (pushes Valerie out of the way and zooms past her!)

See? now that would sell some people on Jenny Craig....Granted, I know I want to do a diet, and start soon, since we are about 13 months form my sister's wedding...but honestly? I don't think it will be Jenny Craig. I just don't feel the sincerity in the "real clients" testimonies on their commercials. It feels forced. And to me, if it feels wrong, I won't do it....I do hear from my blog buddy though, and I am supper happy that she is off to a fabulous start...maybe SHE will be the one who sells me on this company, because the commercials certainly aren't doing it for me...

But to my blog buddy who is on Jenny's program? I wish you the best, lots of weight loss, and I can't wait to see you at BrittCon!

A size unimpressed,
~Cissa


p.s. As it is Blog Reader Appreciation Week and all, I just want to say THANK YOU TO ALL MY READERS!! ALL 30 OF YOU MAKE ME SMILE EVERYDAY!!

Except the one in Van Nuys, CA who won't ever talk to me through Woopra....that one? Whoever you are, you drive me nuts not letting me know who you are.....and it makes me sad...cause I love visitors.....and I love to know who you all are....

~C

And a new day will dawn for those who stand long, And the forest will echo with laughter....

I am feeling a little better today, and I feel one large weight lifted off my chest.

I am done at my waitressing job! And I don't have to go back, except to pick up my last paycheck right before BrittCon. I made a decent amount of money because the girl who is supposed to replace me did not come in, and we had a good amount of tables plus a large party of 15, and they alone gave me a $35. then I remembered this was pay week, and after I was done working, I got my paycheck. combine that with the left over money from last paycheck, and I have enough to pay for train, hotel and some food in NYC! (this is assuming of course, that our stimulus check never arrives)

YAY!! I AM GOING TO BRITTCON!

So after feelign the weight of no more work lift off my shoulders, I am ready for this week and all that it holds. I am busier than I thought, as I forgot about a social function I will be attending on Wednesday night as well! It's ok though, really, I am looking forward to it. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel for me. Freedom is a mere...well whatever that little countdown timer says over there away ---------------------------->

Let's see what else can I tell you all about?.....I dunno, I've got a racing mind and am looking forward to Friday like you wouldn't beleive. I am actually contemplating getting a bottle of Champagne for Misk and I. Nothing major, just somethign for us to drink while we clean! haha

Speaking of Misk, I think he had a nice Father's Day. He got breakfast in bed, spent the day watching movies in bed and only left the house to be taken out to dinner. That's pretty good for him, I think. He knew he wasn't getting a gift since his car repairs are this week, so, the fact that the kids gave him home made cards and stuff was good enough for him. I'm still holding out on him though hehe....he doesn't know I have the money for BrittCon, because I want to make sure he understands that he messed up. Because he did. Big Time

ANYWAY, I have got to work on cleaning this office! I want as much as possible cleaned of our own stuff upstairs by Friday so that when we get home, we only have the downstairs to deal with on Saturday. The real major things to be cleaned now are the office and upstairs bath and today is office day! I already managed to get $21.35 in cans and bottles from a bag of cans in the garage and The Leaning Tower of Dr. Pepper! Yes it's ALL Misk drinks, so we had a lot of it!


Totally insane, right? Seriously. Naturally, I have been trying to convince him to just take it all to the store and turn it in, and naturally, he always says he's so tired from work and just wants to be at home. So now he has no choice, and since I did all the work and got icky, sticky hands from it, the $21.35 goes to the BrittCon Fund! hahaha

Really, I am going now. It's so awesome to feel some semblance of relaxation and happiness. It's nice to know I will not have to endure the crap I have had to for the last year for much longer. It is amazing to think my family will feel "at home" at home again in just a short time!

Is it Friday yet????

Hope Everyone is having a good Monday,
~Cissa